New Jersey’s Pet Friendly Camping Program Expands to Nine State Parks

(16/P106) TRENTON – The New Jersey State Park Service has expanded its Pet Friendly Camping program to include nine state parks, including locations in the central and northern parts of the state, DEP Commissioner Bob Martin announced.

The program, which began in 2009 in the southern parks region, allows outdoor enthusiasts to share the campgrounds with their pets.

“This program is very popular with many of our visitors and shows that the outdoors is for everyone who loves and cares for them,” said Mark Texel, director of the State Division of Parks and Forestry. “Our staff works well with responsible pet owners to make the experience and great one for all visitors.”

The nine locations, listed below, are available during the fall season and into the winter.  Visitors are permitted to bring no more than two pets per camping permit, and caged pets (birds, reptiles or amphibians) are permitted within the confines of a camping recreational vehicle (trailer or motor home). 

Additionally, pets must be kept on a leash six feet or less in length and under physical control of its handler at all times. Pets shall not be left unattended on the campsite, except when the permittee is using a restroom or visiting a park building for a brief period of time. When doing so, the pet must be kept in a camping unit or vehicle, weather conditions permitting.  Owners are responsible for immediate disposal of pet waste and food cannot be left outside because it will attract local wildlife.

All pets must be current on vaccinations and visitors will have to fill out a Pet Registration and Certification form during the check-in process which will be retained in the area files. There is an additional charge of $5 per night to utilize a pet friendly campsite.

Below, please find Designated Pet-Friendly State Parks by region and the locations of the available Camp Sites within those parks:

North:
Stephens State Park:                      Family Campsites #31-40
Stokes State Forest:                        Family Campsites #121-137

Central:
Allaire State Park:                           Family Campsites #1-8
Bass River State Forest:                  Sites #1-85
Brendan T Byrne State Forest:       Family Campsites #14-82
Cheesequake State Park:                Family Campsites #23-27 & #37-40

South:
Belleplain State Forest:                   All tent sites in the Meisle Field and CCC Camping Areas
Parvin State Park:                           Family Campsites #45-50
Wharton State Forest:                     Atsion Family campsites #26-34, Godfrey Bridge, Goshen Pond,                                                           Buttonwood Hill, Lower Forge Camp & Batona Camp

For more information on the DEP’s Pet Friendly Parks Program and how to take advantage of this great opportunity, please visit: http://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/pet_friendly_camping.html

To make an online camping reservation in New Jersey, visit: www.reserveamerica.com.

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