Daytrips in Atlantic County- The Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge

The Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, where more than 43,000 acres of southern New Jersey coastal habitats are actively protected and managed for migratory birds. Forsythe is one of more than 500 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The National Wildlife Refuge System is a network of lands and waters managed specifically for the protection of wildlife and wildlife habitat and represents the most comprehensive wildlife resource management program in the world. Units of the system stretch across the United States from northern Alaska to the Florida Keys, and include small islands in the Caribbean and South Pacific. The character of the Refuges is as diverse as the nation itself.

Locations of interest using the Garden State Parkway Exit 90 north-bound or Exit 88 south-bound

Reedy Creek Unit/ deCamp Wildlife Trail

From the north, take Exit 88 to Route 70 east.  Turn right on Cedar Bridge Avenue (Route 528).  This road will turn into Mantoloking Road.  Trail is located at Mantoloking and Adamston Roads. 

Location of interest using the Garden State Parkway Exit 74 East (Lacey Road)

Eno’s Pond

Follow Lacey Road east to Eno’s Pond County Park.  Accessible, self-guided nature trail and wildlife observation area is located adjacent to the County Park.

Locations of interest using the Garden State Parkway Exit 63 East (Route 72)

THE REFUGE OFFICE (Barnegat Division)

Follow Route 72 to Route 9 north. Take Route 9 north to Lower Shore Road.  Turn left.  At second fork, turn right (Collinstown Road).  Continue on road.  Office is on the right side.  Call before visiting the refuge office.

Barnegat Observation Platform

Follow Route 72 to Route 9 north. Take Route 9 north to Bay Shore Drive.  Turn left.  Platform is located between Ridgeway and Edison Avenues.

Bridge to Nowhere Fishing Area

Follow Route 72 to Route 9 north.  Take Rt. 9 north to Stafford Avenue.  Turn right.  Fishing area is at the end of the road.

Cedar Run Fishing Area

Follow Route 72 to Route 9 south.  Take Route 9 south to Dock Road in Cedar Run.  Turn left.  Fishing area is located   

Locations of interest using the Garden State Parkway Exit 58 East (Route 539)

Parker Run Fishing Area

Follow Route 539 to Route 9 north.  Take Rt. 9 north to Dock Road in Parkertown.  Turn right.  Fishing area is located on right side.

Graveling Point Fishing and Observation Area

Follow Route 539 to Route 9 south. Take Rt. 9 South to Great Bay Blvd.  Turn left at monument.  Turn right onto Radio Road. Fishing and observation area is located at the end of the road.

Hours of Operation

The refuge's headquarters is located at its Brigantine Division on the mainland, at Oceanville, New Jersey. From Route 9 in Oceanville, visitors may enter the refuge via Great Creek Road, which ends at our entry gate. Map. Headquarters is open weekdays, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The Wildlife Drive and trails are open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset.  At various times during the year we must close the Wildlife Drive and trails to the public to carry out wildlife management plans, so it is best to check our web site or call prior to visiting. Organized groups are requested to contact the refuge to register their visits in advance.

We hope you enjoy your tour of the refuge .

The headquarters office is located at

Great Creek Road
Oceanville, NJ 08231
Phone: (609) 652-1665
Fax:  (609) 652-1474

E-mail:  forsythe@fws.gov

 

Mailing Address

Box 72, Great Creek Road

Oceanville, NJ 08231

 

Volunteer Office (Sandy Perchetti, Volunteer Coordinator)

Lily Lake Road

Oceanville, NJ 08231

Phone:  (609) 748-1535

Fax:  (609)748-2731

Courtesy of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service