Why travel far and wide for a getaway when there is a mini-vacation waiting for you at Atsion Lake Recreational Area. Located in the middle of Wharton State Forest – which just happens to be the largest undeveloped tract of land east of the Mississippi – the Atsion Lake Recreational Area has so much to do that you just might have to spend the night to do it all. Fortunately, you can.

More than 50 campsites with fire rings and picnic tables surround the lake and shower facilities, potable water and flush toilets are just a few steps away. Book your camping reservation on-line and then just pitch your tent or your trailer for great times in the great outdoors. (If you are one of those folks who needs a little more creature comfort than a tent or trailer has to offer, ask about cabin camping at Atsion.)

The centerpiece of the Atsion Lake Recreational Area is . . . the lake, of course. Feel free to dive in when the lifeguards are on duty which is between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Or just spread out a beach towel on the small sandy beach and catch a few rays. The bath house has changing rooms including some handicap accessible facilities.

After you dry off, gather round at the shaded picnic tables scattered around the lake area. It is first-come, first-served and the area is very popular on weekends so get there early.

If you forgot to pack your picnic lunch, not to worry. There is a snack bar which serves all the usual snack bar suspects – burgers, hot dogs, chips and non-alcoholic beverages.

After you’ve stoked up on lunch, you can burn off a few calories with a walk along the nature trail that winds around the lake area. The trail is only about a mile and it is a pretty easy hike, but it takes you through a lovely Pinelands setting with towering trees and lots of plant and wildlife.