Atsion Lake in Wharton State Park
Desperate to cool off but can’t make it to the New Jersey shore? Don’t sweat it… just take your family and friends for a dip in New
Jersey’s Atsion Lake in Wharton State Park.Located just under 45 miles from Philadelphia, this picturesque cedar lake is situated on Route 206, 7.5 miles north of Route 30 in Shamong Township.
The 100-acre lake features an array of amenities, including three comfort stations with showers and rest room facilities. The lake officially opens with limited hours on Memorial Day, but exact hours have not yet been determined for summer 2004. (Call the park for specific hours.) Lifeguards are on duty during designated summer swimming times and visitor service professionals are available to assist guests.
Also take advantage of Atsion Lake’s picnic areas, barbecue grills, playgrounds, ball fields, nature crafts (for kids) and concession stands. In addition, two newly blazed nature trails are now open for hiking. They are well marked and wheelchair accessible.
The entrance fee to Atsion Lake is $5 per car during the week and $10 per car on weekends. On most summer weekends, it’s important to arrive early. Often the park fills to capacity and is closed by 10 a.m. Atsion Lake is a carry-in, carry-out facility with no trash receptacles, which means that visitors are responsible for cleaning up their own areas.
Atsion Recreation Area, Wharton State Park, Route 206, Shamong, N.J., 609-268-0444
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/wharton.html