A guide to boat rentals and tours for Pine Barrens Canoeing and Kayaking

Top Canoeing and Kayaking Trips in the New Jersey Pine Barrens

Paddling the NJ Pine Barrens feels different the moment you push off, because the water stays quiet and the woods close in around you.

If you're planning for a Pine Barrens NJ canoeing trip or looking for New Jersey kayaking routes, you need trips that match your skill level, time, and the kind of water you want.

Pine Barrens canoeing and kayaking works best for paddlers who want quiet water, tea-colored rivers, and a wooded setting.
Good beginner-friendly launch points in this guide include Crowley's Landing, Batsto Lake, and the lower Wading River access at Beaver Branch.
Guided trips and rentals are available through outfitters in Hammonton, Shamong, Newfield, and Chatsworth.
Wading Pines Camping Resort and Wharton State Forest are the main camping options listed for paddlers who want to stay near the water.
Trip choice should match your skill level, available time, access point, and whether you need shuttle service.

These trips are listed by route length, access points, and what to expect on the water, so you can pick a run that fits your day.

Best Guided Canoe and Kayak Trips in the Pine Barrens

Jersey Devil Adventures

847 S White Horse Pike
Hammonton, NJ
An outdoor outfitter providing kayak rentals, canoe rentals, Jersey Devil Adventures offers a fun, family friendly way to explore the Pine Barrens with guided off road tours that blend local folklore, outdoor discovery, and a touch of mystery. The experience takes guests deep into the woods where the legend of the Jersey Devil was born, pairing storytelling with scenic trails, wildlife sightings, and an approachable introduction to this uniquely New Jersey landscape.

Pine lands Adventures

1005 Atsion Road
Shamong, NJ
Pinelands Adventures offers an immersive gateway into the heart of the Pine Barrens, blending outdoor exploration with rich ecological storytelling. From guided paddling trips along the quiet, tea colored waters of the Mullica and Batsto Rivers to interpretive hikes that uncover the region's unique wildlife and history, the experience is equal parts adventure and education.

Its peaceful setting makes it an easy launch point for families, beginners, and nature lovers looking to slow down, get outside, and discover the magic of New Jersey's most iconic wilderness.

Top Pine Barrens Canoe and Kayak Launch Sites

Mullica River (at Crowley's Landing)

Route 542
Crowleytown, NJ
Mullica River at Crowley's Landing is a favorite launch spot because it offers that perfect mix of calm, scenic water and easy access that paddlers love.

Set deep in Wharton State Forest, it gives canoeists and kayakers a smooth, sheltered entry point into one of South Jersey's most beautiful Pinelands waterways, with winding cedar stained currents, wildlife sightings, and miles of peaceful exploration ahead.

With convenient parking, a well maintained ramp, and a quiet, woodsy atmosphere, it's an ideal starting point for both beginners and seasoned paddlers looking for a serene day on the water.

Batsto Lake

Batsto River Rd,
Hammonton, NJ
Batsto Lake in Hammonton stands out as one of New Jersey's top canoe and kayak launch sites thanks to its calm, tea colored Pinelands water, wide open paddling lanes, and easy shoreline access right off Batsto River Road.

Surrounded by quiet forest and rich wildlife, it offers a peaceful, beginner friendly launch point that quickly leads into the scenic Batsto River—one of the most beloved routes in the Pine Barrens.

It's an ideal spot for paddlers who want a relaxed, nature immersed experience without crowds or complicated logistics.

Wading River - Lower (at Beaver Branch)

Off County Route 679
New Gretna , NJ
Wading River – Lower at Beaver Branch in New Gretna is a favorite launch spot because it drops paddlers right into one of the most peaceful, wildlife rich stretches of the Pinelands.

The access point off County Route 679 is easy to reach yet feels tucked away, offering calm, tea colored water, shaded banks, and a gentle current perfect for both beginners and relaxed day trippers.
From here, canoeists and kayakers can enjoy a quiet, scenic run with plenty of birdlife, winding bends, and that classic Pine Barrens serenity that makes the Wading River such a standout.

Wading River - Hawkins Bridge Put-in

Off Hawkins Bridge Road
Wading River – Hawkins Bridge Put in is a favorite launch spot because it drops paddlers straight into one of the Pine Barrens' most peaceful, scenic stretches of water.

Tucked off Hawkins Bridge Road, the access point is easy to reach yet feels completely removed from the world, with cool, shaded cedar forests, gentle currents, and clear, tea colored water that's perfect for both beginners and relaxed explorers. Its quiet, natural setting and smooth entry make it an ideal starting point for a classic South Jersey canoe or kayak trip.

Directions:

Garden State Parkway North to 50 exits to Rt 9 drive to stop light in New Gretna
Make a left on Maple Ave turns into rt 679 follow total of about 6.5 miles to Bodine field entrance another two miles to merge with Rt 563,\
Left turn for evans bridge, right/straight about 3/4 mile to godfrey bridge campground entrance.
From 206 east on rt 30 to rt 542, about 11 miles to rt 563 about 4.5 miles to Evan Bridge parking just over bridge on right.
Access to launch area requires a drive down a dirt road about 2.5 miles

Wading River - Pull outs

Godfrey Bridge
(3 miles from Hawkins)
Evan Bridge
6 miles from Hawkins
Bodine Field
9 1/2 miles from Hawkins)
Beaver Branch
10 miles from Hawkins
Best Pine Barrens Canoe & Kayak Rental Outfitters

Al & Sam's Canoe and Boat Rentals

2626 West Weymouth Road
Newfield, NJ
Al & Sam's Canoe and Boat Rentals in Newfield offers easy, laid back access to the scenic Maurice River as it winds through Parvin State Park's quiet forests and wetlands.

Paddlers can rent canoes or kayaks for peaceful floats shaded by towering pines, with plenty of chances to spot turtles, birds, and other wildlife along the way.

It's a great choice for beginners, families, and anyone looking for a calm, nature rich outing on one of South Jersey's most beautiful waterways.

Micks Pine Barrens Canoe & Kayak Rentals

3107 Route 563
Chatsworth, NJ
Micks Pine Barrens Canoe & Kayak Rentals offers an easy, laid back way to explore the quiet beauty of the Wading and Oswego Rivers. Paddlers can drift through classic Pine Barrens scenery—tea colored water, tall pines, and peaceful, winding bends—on trips suited for beginners and seasoned explorers alike.

With convenient rentals, shuttle service, and routes that highlight the region’s untouched wilderness, it’s a relaxed, nature first adventure right in the heart of the Pinelands.

Pine lands Adventures - Pine Barrens Canoeing and Kayaking

1005 Atsion Rd.
Shamong, NJ
Pinelands Adventures offers easy, well organized canoe and kayak rentals that let you slip straight into the quiet beauty of the Pine Barrens. Launching from Atsion, you can paddle the winding Mullica or Batsto Rivers, drifting past cedar forests, sandy banks, and the region’s signature tea colored water.

Their team handles the logistics—boats, gear, and shuttle service—so you can focus on a relaxed, nature rich outing that works just as well for first timers as it does for seasoned paddlers.

Staying at a nearby campsite and want a canoe or kayak brought right to you? You can rent a canoe or kayak for use at Atsion Lake Cabins, Atsion Lake Family Campsites, or Goshen Pond Campsites
Where to Camp in the Pine Barrens: Sites and Reservations

Wading Pines Camping Resort

85 Godfrey Bridge Road
Chatsworth, NJ
Wading Pines Camping Resort offers a classic Pine Barrens getaway with a relaxed, woodsy feel and plenty of family friendly charm.

Set along the Wading River, it features shaded campsites, cozy cabins, a pool, sports courts, and easy access to canoeing and kayaking through the region's quiet, tea colored waterways. With its tall pines, peaceful trails, and a full lineup of activities, it's a welcoming base for unplugged weekends in the heart of the Pinelands.

Wharton State Forest Camping

Nestled in the heart of the Pinelands National Reserve, Wharton State Forest offers a true Pine Barrens experience—quiet, sandy trails, towering pines, and that unmistakable feeling of being deep in New Jersey's wild side.

Campers can settle into peaceful wooded sites near Atsion or Batsto, paddle the tea colored rivers, spot wildlife at dusk, and explore miles of historic, scenic terrain. It's a rustic, back to nature escape where the nights are dark, the stars are bright, and the forest feels wonderfully endless.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Pine Barrens Canoeing and Kayaking Trips

Where are the main launch spots in this guide?

Crowley's Landing on the Mullica River, Batsto Lake, and the Wading River access points are the main launches listed here. They give paddlers a range of trip styles, from calm, sheltered water to longer, more remote runs. The best choice depends on how much time you have and what kind of day on the water you want.

Which Pine Barrens spots are best for beginners?

Batsto Lake, Crowley's Landing, and Wading River Lower at Beaver Branch are the most beginner-friendly options in the article. They have calmer water, easy access, and a setting that works well for relaxed paddling. First-time paddlers also benefit from booking with an outfitter that handles gear and shuttle service.

Do I need a rental outfitter for a Pine Barrens trip?

You don't need one, but an outfitter makes the trip easier if you need a canoe, kayak, or shuttle. The guide lists Al & Sam's, Micks Pine Barrens, and Pinelands Adventures for rentals and trip support. That helps if you want a simple point-to-point paddle without managing transport on your own.

Where can I camp near Pine Barrens canoeing routes?

Wading Pines Camping Resort and Wharton State Forest are the camping options in this guide. Both keep you close to water and wooded trails, so they work well for a weekend paddle. If you want a more rustic stay, Wharton State Forest is the closer fit.