Wharton State Forest
State park
4.7 (2102)
31 Batsto Rd, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Sprawling park with ponds, rivers & lakes, plus hiking trails, campsites & miles of unpaved roads.
Barbecue grillCycling lanesPicnic tablesPublic restroom
This location may be clothing-optional or adjacent to adult content. We do not display adult imagery and recommend discretion. Families should verify suitability.
Regional Forest Record With Named Managed-Beach AlternativeNJ
Wharton State Forest Mullica River Swimming Spots
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Separate Wharton’s Mullica River recreation from Atsion’s staffed swimming beach. Check named access areas, seasonal fees, facilities and current rules.
Swimming restriction
State Park Service swimming only in designated areas with lifeguards on duty. Atsion recreational flotation toys prohibited; Coast Guard-approved life jackets allowed.
Water type
Regional Forest Record With Named Managed-Beach Alternative
Access
Designated area only
Fee
Atsion publishes seasonal gate charges by residency, day and vehicle, plus walk-in/bicycle charges; river launch and camping fees are separate.
Best season
Check the named destination, current notices and weather before choosing a date
Nearby towns
Shamong, Batsto Region
Water body
Mullica River Historical Scope; Atsion Lake Is A Separate Designated Beach
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Shamong, Batsto Region
Access location not verified
Batsto region, NJ
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check with the land manager before entering the water.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Choose a named Wharton destination
Wharton State Forest includes distinct river, historic and recreation areas. This legacy Mullica River record does not provide three usable entrance descriptions: its archived directions only refer to missing site information. Do not turn a broad forest location into three verified bathing sites.
Mullica River recreation is activity-specific
The NJ manager describes boating and paddling on the Mullica and other forest rivers. Launch access and camping arrangements have their own rules. A canoe route or boat ramp does not authorize swimming at every bank, nor does a Batsto visitor address identify a river swim entry.
Atsion is the designated swimming choice
At Atsion Recreation Area, the manager supports summer swimming only in the designated area when lifeguards are on duty. Use the current swimming schedule and call about staffing and capacity before travel. This is a separate lake-beach plan, not a blanket permission for Mullica River bathing.
Plan the actual beach visit
Atsion’s listed entrance is 744 US 206, Shamong. The beach complex includes changing areas, restrooms, showers and first aid. The manager also describes beach mats for mobility-device shore access; that does not mean every forest water entry is accessible.
Charges and water rules
Atsion publishes seasonal vehicle and walk-in charges, with different resident and nonresident vehicle rates. Recheck the schedule for your date. Recreational flotation toys are not allowed in the swim area; only Coast Guard-approved life jackets are permitted. An open recreation gate outside summer does not authorize an unstaffed swim.
Check the right manager page
Read Atsion’s current rules and swimming schedule for a beach trip and the Wharton information for separately planned river recreation.
Getting There
Choose a named Wharton river access for its permitted activity. For designated swimming, use Atsion Recreation Area at 744 US 206, Shamong, and verify the current staffed swimming schedule. The archive does not establish three current Mullica bathing approaches.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Atsion swimming requires lifeguards on duty; forest or gate access alone is not bathing permission.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
State Park Service swimming only in designated areas with lifeguards on duty. Atsion recreational flotation toys prohibited; Coast Guard-approved life jackets allowed. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Mullica River Campground
Campground
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Egg Harbor City Lake and Campground
Campground
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Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
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National forest
4.5 (1600)
762 Stage Rd, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
Longtime outdoor recreation destination with a lake & activities such as fishing, hiking & camping.
Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroomRestroom
FAA Visitor Center
Government office
4.8 (4)
Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
Restroom
Restrooms
Public bathroom
Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
Ocean City's Coastal Escape RV Park
Campground
4.6 (123)
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Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve
Park
4.8 (603)
317 Zion Rd, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
220-acre nature preserve offering an educational center, a fishing lake & wooded hiking trails.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wharton State Forest Mullica River Swimming Spots
Where should I go for designated swimming in Wharton?
The manager identifies Atsion Recreation Area’s designated swimming area, only when lifeguards are on duty during the summer swimming season.
Is Atsion permission the same as permission to swim the Mullica River?
No. The designated lake-beach rules do not authorize every riverbank or launch area.
What is Atsion’s official entrance?
The manager lists 744 US 206, Shamong. Use its current map and notices for the beach trip.
What services does the Atsion beach complex provide?
The manager lists changing areas, restrooms, showers and first aid. Confirm current service availability and do not apply those facilities to unnamed Mullica banks.
Is Atsion always free?
No. The manager publishes seasonal vehicle and walk-in charges. Residency, vehicle type and day affect the schedule.
Can I swim when the gate is open but lifeguards are absent?
No. The manager allows swimming only in the designated area with lifeguards on duty. Check the current swimming schedule, not just gate hours.
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Swim only in the staffed designated area and follow closures and flotation rules
- Lifeguards do not replace close child supervision
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Respect protected sites and local rules; no invented cultural associations.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Photograph only from permitted viewpoints and respect visitors' privacy. Scenery is not a current water-condition report.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Respect property boundaries, use authorized routes and carry out waste.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check the named destination, current notices and weather before choosing a date.
Difficulty Level
No verified accessible descent or surveyed route to an informal water entry.
Fee
Atsion publishes seasonal gate charges by residency, day and vehicle, plus walk-in/bicycle charges; river launch and camping fees are separate.
Facilities
These are Atsion services, not facilities at every Wharton or Mullica River location.
Activities
Managed Atsion beach swimming when staffed; separately authorized Wharton river paddling, boating, hiking and camping.
Phone
609-268-0444
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Reserve an authorized Wharton campground separately; do not assume a beach admission or riverbank grants overnight access.
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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