It’s starting to feel like spring! Consider visiting Wharton State Forest to learn about American eels, see what’s in bloom on our trails or spend an evening exploring the Atsion Mansion!  

April 5: The Mysterious American Eel Talk

Join Wharton State Forest’s naturalist for a 20-minute talk about American eels! We’ll begin behind the Batsto Visitor Center before taking a short, easy walk to the fish ladder in Batsto Village. We’ll talk about the natural history of the American eel, its life cycle and the journey the eels took before crossing the Batsto Dam.

Talks will be held at 10 AM and 12 PM. This event is free and registration is not required. The event is canceled if there are storms nearby or it’s raining.

For more information, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Batsto Village Historic Site is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037

April 5, 12, 19 & 26: "April at Atsion" Evening Mansion Tours

Spend an evening exploring Atsion Mansion this April!  

Atsion Mansion will be open each Saturday evening in April for guided tours. Led by one of Wharton State Forest’s historic interpreters, visitors are invited to experience the 1826 home as it stood nearly two centuries ago. Guests are encouraged to bring their own flashlights and jackets are recommended.   

Tours are approximately 75-90 minutes and promptly begin outside the Atsion Mansion at 6 PM. Tickets can be purchased over the phone or at the Atsion Office and are $5 per person. Space is limited and visitors are encouraged to call ahead to reserve their spot.  

For more information about evening tours of Atsion Mansion, please call the Atsion Office at 609-268-0444.  

Atsion Mansion and Office are located at 744 US 206, Shamong, NJ 08088. 

April 6, 13, 20 & 27: Spring Inside/Outside Tours of Batsto Village

Start your spring at Wharton State Forest with a tour of Batsto Village and its impressive Italianate mansion!    

Tours meet in the Batsto Visitor Center and begin with a walk through the village, stopping at notable buildings and locations along the way. They then move

inside the mansion, where visitors are invited to explore the nineteenth century home. Both first-time visitors to Batsto and returning guests will find plenty to

enjoy and learn about Pine Barrens history! 

Tours are approximately two hours and are available each Sunday in April. Tours begin at 10 AM and 2 PM inside the Batsto Visitor Center and are $5 per

person. Visitors are strongly encouraged to dress in layers and with comfortable footwear for the outside portion of the tour. Tours may be cancelled due to inclement weather.  

For more information, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.   

Batsto Village Historic Site is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037. 

April 26: Public Star Watch at Atsion

You’re invited to a Free Public Star Watch at Atsion, organized by the West Jersey Astronomical Society (WAS). Members of the Society will have telescopes

available for the public to view objects in the night sky. The event is weather permitting, and visitors are encouraged to check the WAS website

(https://www.wasociety.us) after 1 PM the day of the event to confirm it is still happening should there be cloudy skies.

The Star Watch begins in the Atsion Field at 8:00 PM.  

For this month’s star watch, the Zodiacal constellations found along the ecliptic from east to west are Libra, Virgo, Leo, Cancer, Gemini and Taurus. Mars can

be found in Cancer and Jupiter in Taurus. You can also enjoy a view of the Beehive Cluster just east of Mars. Also known as M44, this Open Cluster of stars

can be seen as a fuzzy patch of light with the unaided eye in dark sky locations such as the Atsion Field in Wharton State Forest. 

For more information about the Public Star Watch, please call the Atsion Office at 609-268-0444.   

Atsion Mansion and Office are located at 744 US 206, Shamong, NJ 08088. 

Atsion Mansion Tours

Have you ever wanted to see inside the Atsion Mansion? Guided tours are available each weekend in April! Come see one of the most significant examples of

Greek Revival architecture in South Jersey. Never “modernized” with plumbing or electricity, the house stands largely as it did when it was constructed in1826. 

Tours of Atsion Mansion are offered on Saturdays and Sundays, beginning at 1 and 2 PM. Each tour is approximately 45-55 minutes long and begin outside,

between the mansion and office.    

Tour tickets can be purchased at the Atsion Office and are $3 for visitors over the age of 12, $1 for visitors ages 5-11 and free for visitors under 5-years-old.   

Atsion Mansion is located at 744 US 206, Shamong, NJ 08088.   

For more information or to confirm Atsion Mansion Tour availability, please call the Atsion Office at 609-268-0444. 

Batsto Mansion Tours

Enjoy the cool spring breeze this April on Batsto’s Mansion’s porch and then step inside for a guided tour! Originally built in the eighteenth century as a small ironmaster’s house, the mansion now stands as it appeared after Joseph Wharton renovated the home in 1878. Serving as a vacation home for his family, the Batsto Mansion is an excellent example of the Italianate and Eastlake styles, both popular with the Victorian upper class.

Tours of Batsto Mansion are offered at the following times throughout April:

• Wednesday through Friday: 11 AM, 1 and 2 PM

• Saturday and Sunday: 10 and 11 AM; 1, 2 and 3 PM

Tours are approximately 45-55 minutes long and begin on the mansion porch. Scheduled events and public programming may impact Batsto Mansion’s tour schedule, so visitors are encouraged to call ahead on the day of their visit to confirm tour times and availability.

Tickets can be purchased at the Batsto Visitor Center and are $3 for visitors over the age of 12, $1 for visitors ages 5-11 and free for visitors under 5-years-old.

Batsto Mansion is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037 in Historic Batsto Village.

For more information or to confirm Batsto Mansion Tour availability, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024

Shopping at Wharton State Forest

April Feature: Pollinator Plant Seed Packets

April Feature: Pollinator Plant Seed Packets The Batsto Museum Gift Shop is excited to feature Pollinator Plant Seed Packets! Spring is in the air and it’s the perfect time to help nurture the buzzing, fluttering creatures that keep our world blooming! These carefully selected seeds are perfect for attracting bees, butterflies, and other important pollinators to your garden or outdoor space. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting to grow, these seed packets offer a wonderful way to support the local ecosystem while enjoying the beauty of nature. What’s inside? Each packet contains a mix of flowers that are not only beautiful but also beneficial to our pollinators. Planting them is an easy way to contribute to environmental sustainability right in your own backyard. Why Pollinators Matter: Pollinators help plants reproduce by transferring pollen. Without pollinators, many of the fruits, vegetables, and flowers we love would not thrive. By planting these seeds, you’ll be giving back to nature in a meaningful way.

Batsto Museum Shop is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037 in Historic Batsto Village.

The Atsion General Store is located at 744 US 206, Shamong, NJ 08088.

For more information or to confirm inventory availability, please call the Atsion General Store at 609-268-0444 or the Batsto Museum Shop at 609-561-0024.

Camping & Cabins

Camping in Wharton State Forest is available year-round. Spring camping in the New Jersey Pine Barrens is filled with fascinating evening sounds.

Camping is permitted in developed campgrounds with a permit at Atsion Family, Batona, Bodine Field, Buttonwood Hill, Godfreys Bridge, Goshen Pond, Hawkins Bridge, Lower Forge and Mullica River.

Atsion Cabins are now closed for the season and will reopen in May 2025. It’s now time to plan a 2025 trip and reserve your cabin! Availability is limited.

Make your camping or cabin reservations here.

A Nature Note: Signs of Spring

It’s April in Wharton State Forest and the signs of spring are all around you. In Batsto Village, you might see our eastern blue birds starting to nest in one of the 13 blue

bird boxes throughout the village. They’re not the only ones doing some house hunting! Tree swallows often try to nest in our blue bird boxes, so you might see their

blue-green bodies and white bellies diving and catching insects, their food of choice, over Batsto lake. Another one of our swallow species, the purple martins, will also

start nesting in the gourd rack houses across from Batsto Mansion. Their streamlined dark purple, almost black bodies are not hard to miss! Look for them diving for

insects in the fields around Batsto Village. If you’re hiking on a trail and pass through some wetlands, look for the white, bell shaped flowers of leatherleaf (Cassandra)

hanging in a long row. Leatherleaf typically takes over the habitat it’s growing in, so if you see one, look around for more! Leatherleaf is a tough shrub that grows about

one to two feet tall. Their leaves are covered in small, round, rusty scales. Can you see the rusty scales in the photo above?

A History Highlight: A Pocket Door on the Mansion Porch? 

Before it opened to the public as a house museum, Batsto Mansion was once a vacation home for one of the most powerful families in the

United States. Much like visitors to Wharton State Forest today, the Wharton Family came to South Jersey in the spring and fall to enjoy

fresh air, clean water, and the peaceful tranquility of a former Pine Barrens industrial town. Many of Batsto Mansion’s most notable features

served multiple functions when they were added to the home: providing comfort to the Wharton family, fulfilling the practical needs of

nineteenth- century architecture and acting as impressive displays of wealth for guests and visitors. Today, it is common to find guests

enjoying cool, spring breezes on the mansion porch, just as the Whartons did over a century ago.  

Did you know, though, that the porch is also home to a “hidden” entrance to the mansion? Made to look like an ordinary window, the dining

room and porch are connected by a pocket door that slides up into the ceiling above! This pocket door and section of the porch do not

appear in Sloan and Balderston’s 1878 drawings of the home’s first floor instead, it seems to be a custom request made by the Wharton

family during renovations. When opened, the dining room pocket door allows the Whartons to quickly step outside after meals to enjoy the fresh Pine Barrens air helps to cool the room

and serves to remind Victorian guests that they are visiting a cutting-edge home! 

March means the start of spring in Wharton State Forest!

March 1: Maple Sugaring Day at Batsto Village

It’s still maple syrup season at Batsto Village Historic Site! Start your March enjoying the warm fire, views of picturesque maple trees, and the delicious scent of fresh maple syrup.

Join us as Wharton State Forest partners with Stockton University to produce genuine Pine Barrens maple syrup right here at Batsto! Watch as the sap collected throughout the village gets turned into maple syrup, with samples available throughout the day and bottles available for purchase in the Visitor Center.

Maple Sugaring Day is open to all ages, and registration is not required. The event is held rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

March 15: Spring Open Tower Day at Apple Pie Hill

The Apple Pie Hill Fire Tower will be open 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. for visitors to climb and take a spectacular view of New Jersey’s Pine Barrens!

• Fire tower maximum capacity by order of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service is six (6) persons. If you are coming in a group of more than six people, only six will be allowed on the fire tower at a time.
• To access the top of the Apple Pie Hill Fire Tower, you will need to independently ascend and descend 9 flights of steps (60 vertical feet each way) with see-through metal grate landings and stair treads and see through waist-high metal railings and banisters (see picture above).
• The tower climb is subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather, safety concerns, or other determinations made by Wharton State Forest staff. The climb will be cancelled if there are thunderstorms in the area or if rain/snow is falling.

When planning for your visit for the Tower Climb, please allow an hour or more for your time at Apple Pie Hill.

Apple Pie Hill is located within Wharton State Forest at the following coordinates: 39.807222, -74.589444

For more information, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024, or the Atsion Office at 609-268-0444. 

March 22: Star Watch & Batsto Village Evening Walking Tours

Star Watch

You’re invited to a Free Public Star Watch at Batsto, organized by the West Jersey Astronomical Society (WAS). Members of the Society will have telescopes available for the public to view objects in the night sky. The event is weather permitting, and visitors are encouraged to check the WAS website (https://www.wasociety.us) after 1 p.m. the day of the event to confirm it is still happening should there be cloudy skies.

The Star Watch Begins at 7:30 p.m. At 7:45 p.m. in the Batsto Visitor Center Auditorium there will be a Comet Demonstration and at 8:45 p.m. there will be a Laser-Guided Constellation Tour in the telescope observation field.

For this month’s star watch, Jupiter, Mars and Uranus will be visible. Even though the vernal equinox was March 20 the Winter Hexagon asterism connected by the stars Procyon, Pollux, Castor, Capella, Aldebaran, Rigel and Sirius can be seen in the southwest portion of the sky. The related constellations include Canis Major, Gemini, Auriga, Taurus, Orion, and Canis Major. The Orion Nebula also known as M42 is a jewel of the sky that can be observed tonight. Galaxies abound in Virgo and Leo.

Batsto Village Evening Walking Tours

Historic Interpreters will also be on hand to lead evening walking tours through the village. Tours are open to all ages and are free of charge. Visitors interested in walking the village should meet behind the Visitor Center (near the Ore Boat). Tours are 45-55 minutes and are offered at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.

For more information on both these events, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Batsto Village Historic Site is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037

Batsto Post Office Open Each Wednesday

Did you know that the Batsto Post Office can send mail? First opened by Jesse Richards in 1852, the Batsto Post Office is one of the four oldest post offices currently operating in the United States!

The Batsto Post Office will be open each Wednesday afternoon (12 to 3 p.m.) in March. Bring your pre-stamped postcards and letters to the village to receive a unique Batsto postal cancellation. Stamped postcards are also available for purchase. While you are in the Post Office, be sure to stop in the recently opened Glass Museum! Containing examples of nineteenth and twentieth-century glass, as well as historic artifacts found throughout Batsto, the Glass Museum is the perfect complement to a mansion tour and stroll through the village.

For more information, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Batsto Village Historic Site is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037

Batsto Mansion Tours

Whether it’s your first visit or you are a frequent guest, March is the perfect time to step inside the Batsto Mansion! Originally built in the eighteenth century as a small ironmaster’s house, the mansion now stands as it appeared after Joseph Wharton renovated the home in 1878. Serving as a vacation home for his family, the Batsto Mansion is an excellent example of the Italianate and Eastlake styles, both popular with the Victorian upper-class.

Tours are approximately 45-60 minutes and are available throughout March, Wednesday through Friday at 1 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m., 1 and 2 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at the Batsto Visitor Center and are $3 for visitors over the age of 12, $1 for visitors ages 5-11 and free for visitors under 5-years-old.

For more information or to confirm Batsto Mansion Tour availability, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Batsto Mansion is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037 in Historic Batsto Village.

Shopping at Wharton State Forest

Stop by the Batsto Museum Shop during the month of March and vote for your favorite Jersey Devil shirt design! If you think you know what the Jersey Devil looks like, you can also submit your own design for voting. When the month is over, we will pick the most popular design and use it on a new Jersey Devil shirt to sell this summer in the Batsto Museum Shop!

In addition to new merchandise, we have restocked our State Shirts and our recently added Saw Mill shirts. These are popular designs that go fast. If you can not get into the shop right away, give us a call (609) 561-0024 and we can put your size on hold. We just ask that you pick your shirt up within two weeks.

We will continue to develop new merchandise that reflects the history of Batsto Village and natural history of Wharton State Forest. In the meantime, we have plenty of your regular favorites including shirts, hats, stickers, patches, and many locally sourced products!

The Atsion General Store is located at 744 US 206, Shamong, NJ 08088.

Batsto Museum Shop is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037 in Historic Batsto Village.

For more information or to confirm inventory availability, please call the Atsion General Store at 609-268-0444 or the Batsto Museum Shop at 609-561-0024.

Camping & Cabins

Camping in Wharton State Forest is available year-round. Winter in the New Jersey Pine Barrens offers a unique experience for new and seasoned campers alike!

Camping is permitted in developed campgrounds with a permit at Atsion Family, Batona, Bodine Field, Buttonwood Hill, Godfreys Bridge, Goshen Pond, Hawkins Bridge, Lower Forge and Mullica River.

Atsion Cabins are now closed for the season and will reopen in May 2025. It’s now time to plan a 2025 trip and reserve your cabin! Availability is limited.

Make your camping or cabin reservations here.

Feb 5, 12, 19, 26: Batsto Post Office Open

Did you know that the Batsto Post Office can still send mail? First opened by Jesse Richards in 1852, the Batsto Post Office is one of the four oldest post offices currently operating in the United States!

The Batsto Post Office will be open each Wednesday afternoon (12 to 3 p.m.) in February. Bring your pre-stamped postcards and letters to the village to receive a unique Batsto postal cancellation. Stamped postcards are also available for purchase. While you are in the Post Office, be sure to stop in the recently opened Glass Museum! Containing examples of nineteenth and twentieth-century glass, as well as historic artifacts found throughout Batsto, the Glass Museum is the perfect complement to a mansion tour and stroll through the village.

For more information, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Batsto Village Historic Site is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037

Feb. 7, 14, 21 & 28: Combined Tours of Batsto Village and Mansion

Enjoy all that winter has to offer at Wharton State Forest with a tour of Batsto Village and its Italianate mansion! Tours meet in the Batsto Visitor Center and begin with a walk through the village, stopping at notable buildings and locations along the way. Tours then move inside the mansion, where visitors are invited to explore the nineteenth century home (with twenty-first century heating!).

Tours are approximately two hours and are available each Friday in February. Tours begin at 2 p.m. inside the Batsto Visitor Center and are $5 per person. Visitors are strongly encouraged to dress warmly and with comfortable footwear for the outside portion of the tour. Tours may be cancelled due to inclement weather.

Batsto Mansion is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037 in Historic Batsto Village.

For more information or to confirm Inside/Outside tour availability, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Feb. 15: Maple Sugaring Day at Batsto Village

It’s maple syrup season again at Batsto Village Historic Site! Spend your Valentine’s Day weekend enjoying the warm fire, views of picturesque red maples, and the delicious scent of fresh maple syrup.

Join us as Wharton State Forest partners with Stockton University to produce genuine Pine Barrens maple syrup right here at Batsto! Watch as the sap collected throughout the village gets turned into maple syrup, with samples available throughout the day and bottles available for purchase in the Visitor Center.

Maple Sugaring Day is open to all ages, and registration is not required. The event is held rain or shine.

For more information, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Batsto Village Historic Site is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037

Wharton State Forest Visiting Vehicle Use Map

In case you missed it, Wharton State Forest has a newly released Visiting Vehicle Use Map (PDF) that clearly delineates legal roads for driving vehicles in New Jersey’s largest state forest.

This map enhances the visitor experience and serves to ensure the protection of wildlife habitat and rare plant species found within the forest. It’s a must-see for all who drive in and around Wharton State Forest.

Digital copies of the Wharton Visiting Vehicle Use Map, FAQ, and more are available here: https://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/wharton/. Print copies are available at Atsion and Batsto Offices.

As always, ATVs, side-by-sides, and other non-street-legal motorized vehicles are illegal to operate on all state-owned lands. Park visitors who encounter ATVs or other non-street-legal vehicles on or off established park roads or see suspicious or illegal activities on DEP-managed public lands may call 1-877-WARNDEP (1-877-927-6337).

Batsto Mansion Tours in February

Stay warm this February inside the Batsto Mansion! Originally built in the eighteenth century as a small ironmaster’s house, the mansion now stands as it appeared after Joseph Wharton renovated the home in 1878. Serving as a vacation home for his family, the Batsto Mansion is an excellent example of the Italianate and Eastlake styles, both popular with the Victorian upper-class.

Tours are approximately 45-60 minutes and are available throughout February, Wednesday through Friday at 1 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m., 1 & 2 p.m.

For more information, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Batsto Village Historic Site is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037 in Historic Batsto Village.

Wharton State Forest Career Opportunities

Looking for a part-time or summer job?

Wharton State Forest is now hiring seasonal lifeguards, maintenance, office, and visitor service assistant positions.  Apply here...

https://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/jobs.html and check the drop-down box for Wharton State Forest or Atsion Recreation Area.

Celebrate History with Our Batsto Sawmill T-Shirts!

Sold out and now back in stock!

The Batsto Museum Shop, is thrilled to announce the arrival of our brand-new t-shirts! These dark green Gildan heavy cotton shirts feature a striking mustard yellow design that celebrates the historic Batsto Sawmill—a true treasure of our community.

2025 marks a special milestone: the historic sawmill has been repaired and is fully functional once again! Watch for announcements of when you can come see it in full operation. To commemorate this achievement, we've designed these unique t-shirts as a tribute to the sawmill’s rich history and its vital role in Batsto Village.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a fan of Batsto Village, or simply looking for a high-quality and meaningful keepsake, these t-shirts are a perfect way to show your support and pride.

Available now at the Batsto Museum Shop. Don’t miss out—grab yours while supplies last and wear a piece of Batsto’s history!

Batsto Museum Shop is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037 in Historic Batsto Village.

For more information or to confirm inventory availability, please call the Batsto Museum Shop at 609-561-0024.

Batsto's Very Own Maple Syrup!

Stop in the Batsto Museum Shop after the sugaring event on February 15 to pick-up a bottle of Wharton State Forest's own maple syrup made with sap collected from trees in Batsto Village! Quantities are limited so be sure to stop in early.

While in the shop, checkout the selection of maple cutting boards made from locally sourced and sustainably harvested wood. There are many styles and sizes to choose from. We also have a variety of merchandise available to support the maple sugaring project.

Atsion General Store is located at 744 US 206, Shamong, NJ 08088. For more information or to confirm inventory, please call the Atsion General Store at 609-268-0444. The store is open Wednesday through Sunday all winter from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Batsto Museum Shop is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037 in Historic Batsto Village. For more information or to confirm inventory availability, please call the Batsto Museum Shop at 609-561-0024. The shop is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

A cold morning after an evening snowfall.

Winter In the Pines - December 8th

You’re invited to Batsto Village on December 8 for an all-ages afternoon of winter fun! Activities include a meeting with Santa, wagon rides through the historic village, and live music. Warm refreshments will be available on the first floor of the Batsto General Store.

While you’re in the village, stop by Batsto Mansion from 12 - 3 p.m. for free self-guided entry to the first and second floors of the impressive Victorian home. The Batsto Post Office will also be open from 12 - 3 p.m., and staff will be on hand to help you send your holiday mail! Bring in your stamped postcards and letters to be hand-cancelled with the unique Batsto cancellation (no ZIP code!) in the 1852 post office.

Visitors are also welcome to take their holiday photos in the village! Commercial photographers should obtain the necessary permit before taking pictures.

Horse-drawn wagon rides through the village are approximately 20 minutes; $10 per adult, $5 per child.

Batsto Village Historic Site is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037.

For more information, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Winter Inside / Outside Tours of Batsto 

Enjoy all that winter has to offer at Wharton State Forest with a tour of historic Batsto Village and its Victorian mansion! Tours meet at the Batsto Visitor Center and begin with a walk through the village, stopping at notable buildings and locations along the way. Tours then move inside the mansion, where visitors are invited to explore the nineteenth century home (with twenty-first century heating!). 

Tours begin promptly at 2 p.m. in the Batsto Visitor Center and are approximately 90-120 minutes. Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes and warm layers for the outdoor portion of the tour! 

Inside/Outside Tours are $5 per person. In the event of inclement weather, the outside portion of the tour may be subject to change. 

Batsto Village Historic Site is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037. 

For more information or to make Inside/Outside Tour reservations, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at (609) 561-0024. 

Holiday Evening Tours of Batsto Mansion - December 18 - 22

The Batsto Mansion will again be open for evening tours this December! See the historic house decorated for nineteenth-century Christmas and learn about various holiday traditions of the past. The tour includes a guided walk through the home, a few peeks into rarely seen areas, and stories from the Richards and Wharton eras.

Tours are approximately 60-75 minutes and promptly begin on the Batsto Mansion porch at 6:30 and 8 p.m., Wednesday, December 18th through Sunday, December 22nd.

Tickets can be purchased at the Batsto Visitor Center or over the phone and are $10 per visitor. Space is limited, and visitors are encouraged to call ahead to reserve their spot.

Batsto Village is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037.

For more information or to confirm Holiday Evening Tour availability, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Send Your Holiday Mail from the Batsto Post Office 

Did you know that you can still send real mail from the Batsto Post Office? First opened by Jesse Richards in 1852, the Batsto Post Office is one of the four oldest post offices currently operating in the United States!

The Batsto Post Office will be open 12 - 3 p.m. on the following dates in December:

• Saturday, December 7
• Sunday, December 8
• Wednesday, December 11
• Saturday, December 14
• Wednesday, December 18
• Thursday, December 19
• Friday, December 20
• Saturday, December 21
• Sunday, December 22

Bring your postcards and letters to the village to receive a unique Batsto postal cancellation. Add a piece of local history to your holiday cards this year!

Batsto Post Office is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037.

For more information or to confirm that the Post Office is open before you visit, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Batsto Mansion Tours 

Experience winter in the village from inside historic Batsto Mansion! Originally built in the eighteenth century as a small ironmaster’s house, the mansion now stands as it appeared after Joseph Wharton renovated the home in 1878. Serving as a vacation home for his family, the Batsto Mansion is an excellent example of the Italianate and Eastlake styles, both popular with the Victorian upper class.

Tours are approximately 45-60 minutes and are available throughout December, Wednesday through Friday at 1 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m., 1 & 2 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at the Batsto Visitor Center and are $3 for visitors over the age of 12, $1 for visitors ages 5-11 and free for visitors under 5-years-old.

Batsto Mansion is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037 in Historic Batsto Village.

For more information or to confirm Batsto Mansion Tour availability, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Book Signing 

On December 8, the Batsto Museum Shop will also host a book signing of Colonial Taverns of New Jersey with author Michael Gabriele from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Atsion General Store 

The Atsion General Store will be open Wednesday through Sunday all winter, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. There are new items arriving weekly.

Camping & Cabins 

Camping is available at Wharton State Forest year around. Spend your fall camping in the unique environment of the New Jersey Pine Barrens!

Camping is permitted in developed campgrounds with a permit at Atsion Family, Batona, Bodine Field, Buttonwood Hill, Godfreys Bridge, Goshen Pond, Hawkins Bridge, Lower Forge and Mullica River.

Atsion Cabins are now closed for the season and will reopen in May 2025. It’s now time to plan a 2025 trip and reserve your cabin!  Availability is limited.

Make your camping or cabin reservations here.

About Wharton State Forest 

Located in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey, Wharton State Forest is New Jersey's largest state forest. It encompasses approximately 125,000 acres covering parts of Atlantic, Burlington and Camden counties providing a variety of

recreational activities including hiking, biking, swimming and horseback riding. It is home to historic Batsto Village, Batsto and Atsion Mansions, and the Atsion Recreation Area. You can find more information about Wharton State

Forest and other New Jersey state parks on our website at https://dep.nj.gov/wharton.

Come join us for a relaxing afternoon of picture taking and some refreshment...

...for the body and the soul!

Spend some quality time at Batsto and get into the holiday spirit in a festive atmosphere!

Some recent pictures of our favorite place under the northern lights.

Beautiful in any light!

Courtesy of Sean Mathews

Oct. 5: Atsion Day Flea Market & Mansion Open House

Start out fall antique season at the Atsion Day Flea Market, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Atsion Recreation Area. While you’re there take a hike, bring your kayak for a paddle in Atsion Lake, or play with your family on our accessible playground.

Afterwards, drive across the street for an open house experience in Atsion Mansion from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The lively Libby Prison Minstrels will perform an acoustic selection of historical music from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Never modernized with plumbing, electricity, or heating; evening hours in the Atsion Mansion will be lit by lantern light.

Atsion Recreation Area is located at 715 US 206, Shamong, NJ 08088.

Atsion Mansion is located at 744 US 206, Shamong, NJ 08088.

For more information, please call the Atsion Office at 609-268-0444. 

Oct. 20: Country Living Fair at Batsto Village

You’ll find something for everyone at this year’s Country Living Fair at Batsto! Spend the day exploring the historic village, take a fall hike through the Pine Barrens, and browse the vendor booths and exhibitions throughout the site. Featuring locally-made crafts, historical exhibits, live music, old-time engines and cars, food, antiques, pony rides, farm equipment, and more; the Country Living Fair is a celebration of all things South Jersey!

The Country Living Fair takes place, rain or shine, on October 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Traffic Note: The Country Living Fair is Wharton State Forest’s biggest event of the year. Expect traffic delays as you approach Batsto. Please consider car-pooling!

Batsto Village is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037.

For more information please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Oct. 25, 26, 27, 30 & 31: Folklore Lantern Tours at Batsto

Lantern Tours of Batsto Village are back this spooky season! Join Wharton State Forest’s historic interpreters on an evening walk through the village by lantern light. The tour includes stops at points of interest throughout the village, accompanied by stories about Batsto’s unique history, as well as the legends and folklore of the Pine Barrens. Warm clothes and comfortable walking shoes are recommended! Lanterns will be provided.

Tours are approximately 60-75 minutes and promptly begin on the Batsto Mansion porch at 6:30 and 8 p.m. Lantern Tour tickets can be purchased over the phone or at the Batsto Visitor Center and are $10 per person. Space is limited and fills quickly! Visitors are highly encouraged to call ahead to reserve their spot.

Batsto Village is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037.

For more information or to confirm Lantern Tour availability, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Oct. 25, 26, 30 & 31: Evening Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides at Batsto

Evening Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides will coincide with Folklore Lantern Tours. If you’re planning on attending both, be sure to schedule your wagon ride before or after your Lantern Tour. Wagon Rides are weather-permitting and tickets are non-refundable.

Wagon Rides are approximately 20 minutes and promptly begin behind the Visitor Center each half-hour, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wagon Ride tickets can be purchased over the phone or at the Batsto Visitor Center and are $25 per person. Space is limited and fills quickly! Visitors are highly encouraged to call ahead to reserve their spot.

Batsto Village is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037.

For more information or to confirm Wagon Ride availability, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Oct. 26: Public Star Watch at Batsto

You’re invited to a Free Public Star Watch at Batsto, organized by the West Jersey Astronomical Society (WAS). Members of the Society will have telescopes available for the public to view objects in the night sky.  The event is weather permitting, and visitors are encouraged to check the WAS website (https://www.wasociety.us) after 1 p.m. the day of the event to confirm it is still happening should there be cloudy skies. The Star Watch Begins at 6:30 p.m.

We'll have a couple of special happenings at October's Star Watch that you won't want to miss:

• 6:45 p.m. in the Batsto Visitor Center Auditorium there will be a demonstration of how a comet works complete with dry ice and a comet tail.
• 7:45 p.m. in the star watch field there will a laser guided constellation tour. You'll learn how to find the Big and Little Dippers, Polaris the North Star and where to find the planets in the night sky — among many other objects — when we're through.

Batsto Village is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037.

For more information please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Oct. 27: Haunting in the Pines

The Batsto Citizens Committee, Inc. invites you to this year’s Haunting in the Pines at Batsto Village on Sunday, October 27 from 12 to 3 p.m.! There will be plenty for the whole family to enjoy including Halloween treats, games, and pony rides. This event is free and intended for families and children under 12. Guests are encouraged to wear their costumes while attending!

Batsto Village is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037.

For more information please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Batsto General Store Snack Shop Open Again

Over forty-four years ago, the Batsto General Store Snack Shop closed its doors, but we’re thrilled to announce its grand reopening!

Stop by to grab a cold drink or a souvenir T-shirt and take a step back in time. Our knowledgeable Historical Staff will be on hand to answer any questions about the General Store and the fascinating history of Batsto Village. Join us and experience the charm of the Snack Stand as it was in 1982!

The General Store Snack Shop will be open throughout October on Saturdays and Sundays from 12-3 p.m., weather permitting, and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. during the Country Living Fair on October 20.

Batsto Mansion Tours

Experience autumn in the village from inside historic Batsto Mansion! Originally built in the eighteenth century as a small ironmaster’s house, the mansion now stands as it appeared after Joseph Wharton renovated the home in 1878. Serving as a vacation home for his family, the Batsto Mansion is an excellent example of the Italianate and Eastlake styles, both popular with the Victorian upper class.

Tours are Wednesdays through Sunday at 11 a.m., 1 and 2 p.m., 45-55 minutes long and begin on the mansion porch. Additional tours at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. may be added each Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets can be purchased at the Batsto Visitor Center and are $3 for visitors over the age of 12, $1 for visitors ages 5-11 and free for visitors under 5-years-old.

Batsto Mansion is located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037 in Historic Batsto Village.

For more information or to confirm Batsto Mansion Tour availability, please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Atsion Mansion Tours

Mansion tours continue into the fall at Atsion! Come see one of the most significant examples of Greek Revival architecture in South Jersey. Never “modernized” with plumbing or electricity, the house stands largely as it did when it was constructed in 1826.

Tours are Saturdays and Sundays at 1 and 2 p.m., 45-55 minutes long and begin outside between the mansion and office.

Tour tickets can be purchased at the Atsion Office and are $3 for visitors over the age of 12, $1 for visitors ages 5-11 and free for visitors under 5-years-old.

Atsion Mansion is located at 744 US 206, Shamong, NJ 08088.

For more information or to confirm Atsion Mansion Tour availability, please call the Atsion Office at 609-268-0444.

Shopping at Wharton State Forest

We’re excited to share that new merchandise is arriving weekly in the Museum Shop! Bring the kids to check out our new line of children’s books and adorable stuffed forest animals. This year, we’ve also added a collection of stickers reflecting the nature of the forest and surrounding area.

Join us during the Country Living Fair for a special tasting of Batsto Village Specialty Coffee, sourced from a local roaster. We’ll also be sampling Jim’s Jam of New Gretna, so come see what everyone is talking about!

We can’t wait to see you there!

Both the Snack Shop and Store are located at 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037.

For more information please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024.

Camping and Cabins

Camping is available at Wharton State Forest year around. Spend your fall camping in the unique environment of the New Jersey Pine Barrens!

Camping is permitted in developed campgrounds with a permit at Atsion Family, Batona, Bodine Field, Buttonwood Hill, Godfreys Bridge, Goshen Pond, Hawkins Bridge, Lower Forge and Mullica River.

Atsion Cabins Atsion Cabins close for the 2024 season on October 31. It’s now time to plan a 2025 trip and reserve your cabin today! Availability is limited.

Make your camping or cabin reservations here.