Trip, Batsto River, Quaker Bridge to Lower Forge Campground to Batsto Lake, Moving Water

PCC first trip.  A beautiful remote run down the heart of the Wharton State Forest.  Start at Quaker Bridge and paddle 2 miles against the gentle current to Lower Forge Campground.  Turn around and paddle 8 miles to Batsto Lake.  Stamina and basic boat control skills are needed to paddle this longer trip through the twists and turns in the river and some obstructions (dead and live trees) in or near the water, The back mile of the lake is a fun challenge to find the deep-water channels.  The time on the water for this 10 mile paddle is approximately 5 hours.

Meet at the takeout at 10:00 AM: Basto Lake Canoe Launch, Basto Lake Road, Hammonton, NJ, just off Route 542 Hammonton Road: Coordinates 39.646784949354995, -74.65330174825571.  Click here for a street view of the turn off at Route 542.  We will consolidate boats on top of vehicles and drive together to Quaker Bridge on 4 miles of good state forest sand road.  All vehicles are able to drive at slow speeds on the sand roads to Quaker Bridge.  Click here to view the Quaker Bridge sand road.  At the end of the trip, we will use the vehicles left at Basto and drive again on the sand roads to take drivers back to Quaker Bridge to get their vehicles and get everybody and their boats back together.

Put In Quaker Bridge Canoe Access Quaker Bridge Road, Wharton State Forest

To Go On This Trip: Click "REGISTER" and complete the registration Information.  Participants must have completed an American Canoe Association (ACA) Waiver.  ACA members complete an online waiver when joining or renewing their membership.  Individuals who are not ACA members may either complete a 1 day event membership paper waiver and pay $10 cash the morning of the trip or join the ACA for $40 which provides insurance for trips for the next year.

Requirements: 

• Transportation of your boat and gear to the trip location.

• Wear a PFD while on the water and you should have a whistle.
• Wear quick drying clothes suitable for getting wet.  If the weather is cool dress in layers and have a set of dry clothes with you in the boat.
• Protect your toes, wear water or close-toed shoes.

Suggestions (for your comfort):

• Bring water to drink and lunch.
• Bring a dry bag or waterproof container for your personal belongings/extra clothes.
  Have a secure place to carry your car keys.
• Have a set of dry clothes in your car if you want to change for the ride home.

Trip Updates: Will be sent via email up to the day before the trip. 

Questions: Contact Tom Moiani at tbmoiani@gmail.com

Rain, inclement weather, or high or low water levels can cancel or reschedule the trip or change the trip location.

TRIP PARTICIPANTS RESPONSIBILITIES.pdf