Welcome to the Pine Tree Center!
We are a scenic paradise spanning 162 acres of lush upland and wetland forests! Here, you’ll find everything from classrooms and gathering spaces to cozy overnight accommodations and inviting campsites. Nestled right next to the expansive 122,000-acre Wharton State Forest, our Center is linked to a vast network of preserved lands, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
Located in the heart of the Pinelands National Reserve—a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve—this treasure boasts the nation’s most robust conservation and growth management program. The Reserve stretches an impressive 1.1 million acres, from tranquil inland forests and charming towns to the stunning estuaries, barrier islands, and beaches along the Jersey Shore.
In addition to our rental facilities, the Pine Tree Center features a delightful recreation area, scenic hiking trails, and even a serene small lake. The diverse ecosystem on our grounds is a nature lover’s dream, with everything from towering pitch pines to stately oak trees, a beautiful cedar preserve, and even areas where nature is reclaiming its territory from human impact.
You’ll likely spot some of the common wildlife here, including white-tailed deer, turkeys, raccoons, and the majestic red-tailed hawk soaring through the sky. If you’re extra quiet and patient, you might even catch a glimpse of woodpeckers, various snakes, or the elusive Pine Barrens tree frog! Plus, the Center sits atop the incredible Kirkwood-Cohansey Aquifer, which holds around 17.7 trillion gallons of fresh water providing clean, natural resources for about a million people. With all these wonderful features, the Pine Tree Center is well-protected by state regulations and supported by dedicated organizations like Pinelands Adventures.
Nearby attractions are plentiful! Discover the historic charm of Batsto Village, paddle along the sparkling Mullica and Batsto Rivers, or take in the beauty of the many hiking and biking trails in Wharton State Forest. Pinelands Adventures is ready to assist you in setting up a hiking, kayaking, canoeing, or educational experience to truly immerse yourself in the wonders of the Wharton State Forest.
With programming and activities at the Pine Tree Center, the Pinelands Alliance’s Pinelands Adventures outfitter connects people from all backgrounds with the Pine Barrens’ forests, land, and water. These connections are essential to building an engaged public that enjoys and cares for this region’s exceptional natural resources. Join us in building a community that loves and cherishes this region’s spectacular natural resources!
About Pinelands Alliance & Pinelands Adventures
Pinelands Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the Pine Barrens ecosystem, engaging the public, and advancing acquisition of land and development rights for conservation. The Alliance connects people with nature by promoting universal and equitable enjoyment of the benefits of our natural resources. With Pinelands Adventures and The Pinelands Is for Everyone, we help people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities explore nature through health-giving recreation – and so develop a genuine devotion to environmental protection. Through Rancocas Creek Farm, our regenerative vegetable farm, we are developing an array of projects and partnerships to increase sustainable farming and bring healthy food from local farmers to all South Jersey families.
The Alliance believes that outdoor activities and education are essential to the formation of effective policies and practices that protect natural resources, promote human welfare and foster successful communities within the diverse habitats of the Pinelands