Trailhead information
Bass River State Forest
Primary- No restrooms
- No water
Booked one camp per night, in order
Batona Trail Permit
Wharton State Forest (NJ) · New Jersey
The Batona Trail runs 53.5 miles through the New Jersey Pine Barrens across Bass River, Wharton, and Brendan T. Byrne State Forests. All four trail campgrounds book through NJ DEP's reservation system at Wharton State Forest; this page sells a cancellation alert on that booking.
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70% of the openings our scanner caught on Batona Trail were gone within 5 minutes.
Batona Trail reservation dates
- route distance, point to point
- 53.5mi
Batona Trail elevation profile
Bass River State Forest (southern trailhead) to Ong's Hat (northern trailhead)
Trailhead
Bass River State Forest (southern trailhead)
The Batona Trail's southern end inside Bass River State Forest.
Mile 0 of 52.7
0 Bass River State Forest (southern trailhead)52.7 Ong's Hat (northern trailhead)
- Mile
- 0
- Elevation
- ≈98 ft
Batona Trail landmarks
How to get a Batona Trail permit
As of September 2026, Batona Trail in Wharton State Forest (NJ), New Jersey requires a permit issued via reservation. Batona Trail rates 5/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Batona Trail permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens. The Batona Trail route covers 53.5 miles, rated easy.
- Type
- Backpacking
- Location
- New Jersey Pine Barrens, NJ
Step 1: Create a New Jersey State Parks account
Sign up at New Jersey State Parks if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
Step 2: Know the release schedule
Permits release on a rolling basis. Check the release time for your dates.
Step 3: Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
Step 4: Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
Learn more:
Batona Trail pro tips
- All four Batona Trail camps (Godfrey Bridge, Buttonwood Hill, Batona, and Lower Forge) book under Wharton State Forest's reservation page.
More on Batona Trail: Live availability activityWhen Batona Trail permits open upBatona Trail permit itinerary
How much a Batona Trail permit costs
Batona Trail permit fee: Nightly campsite fee through NJ DEP (confirm current rate at booking).
The Batona Trail hike
- Distance
- 53.5 miles
- Route Type
- Point to Point
- Duration
- 3-4 days
- Difficulty
- Easy
53.5 miles through the New Jersey Pine Barrens, from Bass River State Forest to Ong's Hat.
About this permit
The Batona Trail crosses three New Jersey state forests, Bass River, Wharton, and Brendan T. Byrne, past four primitive campgrounds along the Pine Barrens' sandy trails and rivers. All four campgrounds book through Wharton State Forest's reservation system.
The route
From Bass River State Forest, the trail crosses into Wharton State Forest past Batsto Village, Godfrey Bridge, Batona, and Lower Forge Campgrounds (mile 27.1), then continues through Brendan T. Byrne State Forest past Buttonwood Hill Campground to Ong's Hat at mile 52.7.
The feeling
The trail runs flat and sandy through pine and oak forest, passing four primitive campgrounds and the historic ironworks village of Batsto along the way.
How hard the Batona Trail hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required5/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills1/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity1/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route3/5
Best for: Experienced hikers with excellent fitness and relevant technical skills.
Recommended experience: Should have completed 10+ mile day hikes with significant elevation gain.
Trailhead information
Ong's Hat
- No restrooms
- No water
When to hike Batona Trail
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
⚠️
Backcountry Tips
- Today: Wind gusts to 46mph. Secure tent, avoid exposed ridges.
- Today: 100% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
Today
🌧️
65°
57°
100%
Mon
🌧️
63°
55°
54%
Tue
☁️
75°
57°
Wed
☁️
79°
59°
Thu
☁️
84°
61°
Fri
☁️
84°
64°
Sat
☁️
64°
51°
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
Batona Trail photography guide
Classic Shots
- Batsto Village
- The Mullica River at Lower Forge Campground
Batona Trail rules, gear and safety
Rules & regulations
- 01Camping only at the four designated trail campgrounds
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Batona Trail.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Batona Trail · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Batona Trail FAQ
Do I need a permit for the Batona Trail?
Day hiking needs nothing. Overnight camping needs a reservation at one of the primitive campgrounds inside the state forests the trail crosses.
How long is the Batona Trail?
53.5 miles, marked with half-mile posts from mile 0 to mile 52.7 at Ong's Hat.
Where do I book a campsite on the Batona Trail?
Through Wharton State Forest's reservation system at njportal.com, or by calling the Batsto office directly.
How many days does it take to thru-hike the Batona Trail?
Most backpackers take about 3 to 4 days.
Which state forests does the Batona Trail cross?
Bass River State Forest, Wharton State Forest, and Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, all in New Jersey's Pine Barrens.
Which campgrounds sit directly on the Batona Trail?
Godfrey Bridge, Batona, Lower Forge, and Buttonwood Hill campgrounds, all inside Wharton State Forest.
Batona Trail trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
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Questions
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