Bass River Township & New Gretna
A Pine Barrens township centered on New Gretna, the Bass River, Route 9, marine businesses, campgrounds, and the outdoor recreation of Bass River State Forest.
At a Glance
Community
New Gretna is the principal village and mailing community within Bass River Township.
Established
Bass River Township was incorporated in 1864 from portions of Little Egg Harbor and Washington townships.
Outdoor Anchor
Bass River State Forest, New Jersey's first state forest, surrounds Lake Absegami and offers camping, trails, swimming, fishing and wildlife viewing.
Local Identity
The township combines Pinelands forest, waterways, Route 9 businesses, yacht and marina activity, and seasonal camping.
Township Government
Bass River Township Municipal Building
3 North Maple Avenue
New Gretna, NJ 08224
609-296-3337
Public Safety & Services
Emergency: 911
New Jersey State Police, Tuckerton Barracks: 609-296-3132
New Gretna Volunteer Fire Company: 609-296-4999
Education
Bass River Township School District is a non-operating district. Students attend school through sending relationships outside the township.
PreK–6
Bass River students attend Little Egg Harbor School District schools.
Grades 7–12
Students attend Pinelands Regional School District in Little Egg Harbor Township.
Library Access
Residents can use Burlington County Library System resources, including countywide digital services and branch access.
Bass River State Forest & Recreation
Bass River State Forest
762 Stage Road
Bass River Township, NJ 08224
609-296-1114
Lake Absegami, marked trails, the southern end of the BATONA Trail, camping, cabins, shelters, fishing, wildlife viewing, picnicking and seasonal guarded swimming.
Outdoor Character
Much of Bass River is defined by the Pinelands landscape. The township is well suited to camping, hiking, boating, fishing, birding, paddling and quiet outdoor weekends.
History, Churches & Cemeteries
Local History
The Bass River Historical Community Center and local history resources document New Gretna, the Wading River area, old industries, transportation and family history.
Places of Worship
First Presbyterian Church of New Gretna
19 N Maple Ave, New Gretna
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
5630 Route 9, New Gretna
Historic Cemeteries
Miller Cemetery, Hillside Cemetery, Cramer Cemetery, French Cemetery and Adams-Leek-McKeen Cemetery are documented township burial grounds.
Explore the Bass River Guide
Business & Shopping
Marine businesses, home services, auto services, campgrounds, local retail and community institutions.
Food & Drink
Seafood, casual dining, waterfront food, breakfast, ice cream and local food markets.
Visiting & Lodging
Bass River State Forest and a strong cluster of private campgrounds make this one of Burlington County's camping-centered destinations.