An hour east of Philadelphia and about half an hour from the Jersey Shore sits one of New Jersey's most underrated outdoor escapes. Brendan T. Byrne State Forest covers more than 38,000 acres of the Pine Barrens, making it the second-largest state forest in the state, and it's free to enter, open year-round from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Pine Barrens have a reputation all their own — ghost towns, the fabled Jersey Devil, and an unusual mix of pine woods and white cedar wetlands. Byrne's patch of it carries real history too. The land includes what was the first farm to commercially grow and sell blueberries, and it honours Dr. James Still at New Jersey's first African American historic site. Until 2002 the forest was called Lebanon State Forest; it was renamed for a former governor.
Water is a big part of the draw, though swimming isn't allowed. Anglers fish the lakes and streams for perch, sunfish, and chain pickerel, and hunting is permitted in designated areas and seasons for deer, grouse, rabbits, and squirrels — anyone taking part needs to follow New Jersey Fish and Wildlife rules and check the park's hunting map. Birders have plenty to keep them busy as well, with close to 200 species logged in eBird for the forest.
Camping runs year-round. There are 82 sites for tents and trailers, each with a picnic table and fire ring, plus showers and flush toilets, and most sites welcome dogs and cats if they're registered and vaccinated. Three group sites handle bigger parties, and three furnished cabins offer a softer landing. Reservations can be made online ahead of time.
More than 25 miles of trails wind through the swamps and pines. The shortest is an easy 0.7-mile loop with birdwatching and wild blueberries and huckleberries in season. The 9.7-mile Mount Misery Trail is a local favourite — flat despite the name, with views over Pakim Pond and the cranberry bogs. The 13.6-mile Pakim Pond Loop has fishing and picnic spots along the way, while the 6.2-mile Cranberry Trail passes through the scenic Cedar Swamp Natural Area for the full wetland experience. Bring bug spray regardless of the trail.
For something different, the 4.3-mile Whitesbog Driving Tour loop is open to hikers, bikers, and off-roaders and traces the grounds of a cranberry farm founded in 1857. Leashed pets are allowed throughout the park, and if you want to tack on more, the Woodford Cedar Run wildlife refuge is only about half an hour away.
For travellers based in Philadelphia or heading down the Shore who want a cheap, quiet outdoor break, this is an easy add-on: no entry fee, year-round access, and a genuinely distinctive landscape. Fly-in visitors can use either Atlantic City International or Philadelphia International, both roughly an hour from the forest.