Practice your camping and paddling skills in the Pine Barrens. A short paddle Saturday morning to the Wharton State Forest campsite. Facilities include pit toilets and onsite water pump. Club tradition is to carve pumpkins around the campfire. Paddle out Sunday through fall foliage to takeout in the afternoon. All gear carried in boats. Camping and/or backpacking experience required. Desired skills include drinking water filtration, staying warm in a tent on colder nights, and campfire cooking. You are encouraged to bring a first aid kit, extra clothes and grow your outdoor skills. Temperatures in late October can dip near freezing overnight. Warm clothes are a must, especially a hat for sleeping.
COST: To be determined. Our group site, #5, can hold a maximum of 12 people (or six tents) and cost $65 to be reserved. Final cost to be divided by number of participants.
AMENITIES: Primitive campsites on banks of Mullica River. Pit Toilets. Potable water from a pump (which was broken during our last trip - and repaired by participants! This is why water filtration skills are desired). Campground accessible to boats or backpackers only. Campsite equipped with fire ring, but no picnic tables. Camp chairs are useful to bring.
VIBE: This is a group activity where teamwork is needed! Be prepared to pitch in loading boats, shuttling and looking for opportunities to be helpful, share in campfire cooking and enjoy this fun, social activity. We look forward to making forever memories with you. See a campground map here. Additional campsites may be available, if required.
SCHEDULE: We will meet at the put-in at 8 a.m. near Batsto, NJ. We will stop for lunch on the way. More detailed emails to event registrants will be shared in advance of the event. For example, we may decide to share cook stoves and create a potluck menu for Saturday evening.
THE FINE PRINT: Participants are strongly encouraged to be American Canoe Association (ACA) members and complete an ACA online waiver. ACA membership provides liability insurance for club events. Uncertain if you have a waiver? Log into the ACA Website, click “My Profile” and “Date Annual Waiver Expires”. If it is expired or has never been done click here to complete a waiver. Non-ACA members are encouraged to join and complete an annual waiver before the trip. The $40 membership provides insurance for Club events for the next year. The day of the trip ACA members without an annual waiver (bring your ACA membership number) and non-ACA members can complete a paper waiver. Non-ACA members must pay $10 in cash for a one-day event membership.
NOTE: This is a family-friendly trip . Wharton State Forest rules state no drugs, alcohol or pets are permitted. Paddling-literate children are welcome, ages 12 and up. Contact the trip coordinator with any questions or concerns.
For additional information/to go on this trip please contact the Trip Coordinator: Jere Downs, Jere.Downs@gmail.com or 506-376-2352
TRIP PARTICIPANTS RESPONSIBILITIES.pdf