Pinelands Adventures
Pinelands Adventures
5
Eco Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals • Kayaking & Canoeing
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Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Pinelands Adventures is the premier canoe and kayak livery service in New Jersey's Pine Barrens. Adventures staff makes it easy for you to get deep into the woods and paddle some of the most beautiful streams you’ll ever see, with 2, 4, 5 & 8-hour self-guided paddling trips daily from April through October. Naturalist-guided paddling trips, hikes and small group bus tours featuring Pine Barrens ecology, culture and history are scheduled throughout the year for families, individuals, schools and community service organizations. Pinelands Adventures is a not-for-profit initiative of Pinelands Preservation Alliance, so you are supporting conservation whenever you use Adventures services.
Shamong, New Jersey
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2022
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(160 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
1,188 reviews
Excellent
1,111
Very good
65
Average
9
Poor
1
Terrible
2
MardiNJ
57 contributions
May 2021
My friend and I rented kayaks from Pinelands Adventures as part of a group trip with friends who were camping and had their own kayaks.. The Pinelands staff were top notch, efficient, on time, and knowledgeable about the Pine Barrens and the rivers we were kayaking. Our knowledgeable driver gave us a wonderful narrative of local history and nature. I'm sorry I do not rember her name. The rental boats were sturdy but not nimble. Ok since we don't have our own kayaks.
Written May 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SonofBen
Philadelphia, PA93 contributions
Jun 2022
Last year we could only come with 16 due to Covid (see last year's review). This year I organized a Meetup group of 32! We did the same Batso River trip. Allsion was great again giving me a web link so that everyone could pay themselves and made sure everyone signed their waivers and was flexible with replacements of a couple of people who dropped out last minute. Two kayakers had difficulty with the current and the multiple bends and the debris in the river but eventually figured it out. We stopped at the beach for lunch and even though the weather was not as good as last year we had an unforgettable experience. One of us had a drone and took some great pictures, some of which I will add.
Written June 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
It was great hosting your group again this year and glad we were able to accommodate a larger group this year! Our rivers do have some natural challenges but all are achievable with some practice and persistence! We strive to be sure you and your group can be as organized as possible before arrival so your check in is worry free. Happy everyone had a good time and can't wait to have you back again next time!
Written July 3, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SonofBen
Philadelphia, PA93 contributions
Jun 2021
Booked a trip for 16 people. Most took kayaks but 2 went in a canoe. Allison was great in helping out with setting up a weblink everyone could use to pay for their own boat and how to split up the groups and getting everyone to sign the waivers. She should have told us to bring some money to tip the drivers: they were great talking about the vegetation and what to expect. We went on the 4hr trip to Basto Village. Think it took us a bit longer since we spend a long time at the beach and had to wait often for the canoe which was a lot slower than the kayaks. We saw beautiful vegetation, flowers, water lilies, turtles and so much more. Was an epic day everyone of us enjoyed.
Written June 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Emily B
Hightstown, NJ1 contribution
Aug 2022 • Family
Yesterday my mom and I did the 4 hour Batsto River kayaking trip. On the website they have the option of bringing your own kayak for a discount which was just what we were looking for. They provide kayaks, canoes and tandem kayaks there also. All of their prices are reasonable for what you will be getting. We had the driver, Jeff, he was very nice and we loved how on the ride to launch site he was giving us history of Wharton and the plants/wildlife we may see. The trip down the river was beautiful even with the water being low right now it was easy to navigate. We have nothing but good things to say about this company. All the staff was nice and helpful with great smiles and positive attitudes.
I liked how they have changing areas and bathrooms there at the check in area. When you check in they have you text their number so if you have any issues during the trip you can contact them.
We also liked how they have more than one trip to take and we will definitely be coming back when we are in the area.
This place is great!
I liked how they have changing areas and bathrooms there at the check in area. When you check in they have you text their number so if you have any issues during the trip you can contact them.
We also liked how they have more than one trip to take and we will definitely be coming back when we are in the area.
This place is great!
Written August 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks for coming to visit! We do offer the Bring Your Own Boat pricing for anyone that wishes to utilize the livery transport with our exceptional briefings our knowledgeable guides provide. We share all the details to make this trip a breeze and try to meet all anticipated needs with our facilities and equipment. As much as guests are looking to leave the phones behind, we do utilize the texting service to communicate with you on the river for scheduling your pick up when you are almost done with your trip but also for any questions or emergencies along the way such as notifying any bad weather approaching, evacuations, and to be sure you are accounted for at the end of the day! This process was especially imperative with situations like the Wharton Wildfire that we experienced at the beginning of the season to quickly locate and evacuate guests out in the wilderness.
Glad you enjoyed your time with us and hope you visit again!
Written August 28, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ericbar2020
Beverly, NJ1 contribution
Sep 2020 • Family
We had a great kayak trip through Pinelands Adventures. They handled social distancing well and the staff were courteous and gave tips when dropping off new paddlers, and even gave some history of the Pine Barrens on the ride over. They had a store with supplies that many people would forget to bring and I can't imagine they make much money at all with the prices they charge--no price gouging! A good company doing good work.
Written September 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We are here to help give people a greater appreciation of the Pine Barrens and are so glad you had a good experience!
Written September 19, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PamJorgensen
Trenton, NJ14 contributions
Sep 2021
I cannot say enough wonderful things about Pinelands Adventures! I booked myself a kayak for the 4 hour trip from Quaker Bridge to Batsto Lake, the perfect amount of time (IMO) for an intermediate paddler. Every staff member was knowledgeable, friendly and eager to please. In particular, our driver Monica, who took us to our starting location, gave an incredibly informative and interesting tour of the Pine Barrens eco system as we rode along in the bus. All of the equipment was clean and very well maintained. Additionally, they run things so efficiently and with great ease. Overall, a top notch experience and I am hoping to make it back one more time this season to take in the foliage! Thanks!
Written September 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
alankrome
Delanco, NJ1 contribution
Sep 2021
This past Sunday, my adult son and I kayaked from Quaker Bridge to the pickup point in Batsto Lake. Because Ida had dumped a ton of water a couple of days before, the river was fairly high and the current deceptively fast. The challenge for the first couple of miles was to avoid being run into low-hanging branches and tipped over. This did happen once early on, and we discovered that the water was only about 3 feet deep, so we weren't terribly concerned after that, but we spent most of our effort steering rather than paddling. The river is beautiful and fascinating the whole way, and I suspect each of us will come back again, perhaps to try out the Mullica, as well as to learn more about the history of the area.
We found all the people, from those we made the reservation with to those at the Pinelands Adventures office to those who drove us there and back helpful and informative. The woman who drove us to the put-in spot spent the 20-minute drive telling us a tremendous amount about the history and the natural history of the place, including what kinds of wildlife to watch for. The guy who picked us up at Batsto Lake told us mostly about the history of the cultivation of the blueberry, which happened about a century ago there. Everyone was knowledgeable and helpful.
We found all the people, from those we made the reservation with to those at the Pinelands Adventures office to those who drove us there and back helpful and informative. The woman who drove us to the put-in spot spent the 20-minute drive telling us a tremendous amount about the history and the natural history of the place, including what kinds of wildlife to watch for. The guy who picked us up at Batsto Lake told us mostly about the history of the cultivation of the blueberry, which happened about a century ago there. Everyone was knowledgeable and helpful.
Written September 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Roam542407
1 contribution
Oct 2021
We travel an hour once or twice a year to come here and paddle Batso Creek Lake. The drivers are always fantastic and provide a different piece of the rich history of the area on every single trip and the beauty of the lake is always stunning. I highly recommend this trip!
Written October 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
94tcf
Wrightstown, NJ1 contribution
Oct 2021 • Family
My family used Pinelands Adventures this past weekend (kids ages 10 and 12). We had a great time.
I love that they take care of all the logistics for you - they had a route already figured out, they transported us and the kayaks to the start point, they provided life jackets, they helped us get into our kayaks, they gave us a map of where we were going and instructions, they picked us up at the end, and they drove us back.
We did the Shorty trip. Bus departed the store around 11:30 and we were back to the store by 1:30 ish, so probably about 1.5 hours of kayaking and a little travel time. It was a good length for our kids. The route wound through the pinelands; it was interesting. It was not super challenging (calm water, one obvious path); but because the route was not straight, we bumped into the banks a bit, which was fun and made us laugh.
We chose to get 2 tandem kayaks for our family of 4 - 1 adult and 1 kid in each kayak (mostly because it was cheaper than getting 4 single kayaks), and that worked out fine for us. I do think my kids (10 and 12) could have handled their own single kayaks, but they probably would have gotten tired. And they might have needed help when they bumped into shrubs etc.
I love that they take care of all the logistics for you - they had a route already figured out, they transported us and the kayaks to the start point, they provided life jackets, they helped us get into our kayaks, they gave us a map of where we were going and instructions, they picked us up at the end, and they drove us back.
We did the Shorty trip. Bus departed the store around 11:30 and we were back to the store by 1:30 ish, so probably about 1.5 hours of kayaking and a little travel time. It was a good length for our kids. The route wound through the pinelands; it was interesting. It was not super challenging (calm water, one obvious path); but because the route was not straight, we bumped into the banks a bit, which was fun and made us laugh.
We chose to get 2 tandem kayaks for our family of 4 - 1 adult and 1 kid in each kayak (mostly because it was cheaper than getting 4 single kayaks), and that worked out fine for us. I do think my kids (10 and 12) could have handled their own single kayaks, but they probably would have gotten tired. And they might have needed help when they bumped into shrubs etc.
Written October 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Annalee
1 contribution
Sep 2020
We did the Self Guided Quaker Bridge to Batsto Lake -- this is the four hour self guided option. We had a great time! Got a beautiful day in September - the weather was a bit on the cooler side in the 60's, but it turns out that's wonderful weather for this trip. We saw a few turtles, pretty flowers, dragonflys, and lots of beautiful pine forrest. The river is deep into the woods with no roaddragonflysnoise and paddlers were nicely spaced out so we had the rive to ourselves for most of the trip. We set out in the bus at 12:00 and were riding back to our car in the bus by 4:30. The people who run this buisness are great at what they do, were perfectly on time to pick us up, and were very helpful with paddling tips and interesting facts about the area on the ride to the river. Couldn't recommend this trip more! Covid protocols were also followed and seemed like a very low risk activity. I want to do the 5 hour trip next!
Written September 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We're so happy you had such a good experience and look forward to taking you out for that 5-hour trip soon!
Written September 26, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jasmin N
4 contributions
Is it ok to jump in the water to cool off while kayaking? And when would you say is the best months and times to go? I don’t want it to be busy, would like that serine experience with comfortable temperatures.
PinelandsAdventures
Shamong, NJ
Hi Jasmin,
Technically, you are not supposed to swim anywhere in the state forest without a lifeguard present but people o all of the time. Usually, we are open for paddling every day between April 1 and October 31 and each month brings a different experience. The fall can be lovely, with warmer water temperatures even if it's a little cooler outside. It can get more crowded on weekends in June, July and August but our rivers are narrow and winding and even when there are other people out there you can often feel like you are by yourself. Hope to see you when we re-open!
pdrumjr
Montvale, NJ3 contributions
Is it very hot in the summer?
PinelandsAdventures
Shamong, NJ
Hi Patty,
As Judith said it certainly can get hot. However, the water is cool and trees shade most of the river which reduces the temperature a bit. The weather certainly varies dramatically from day to day and week to week. You can follow the forecast for our area using the zip code 08088 to plan a temperate time to visit. Please let us know if you have any other question or if we can assist you with your reservation.
Thanks!
Rob from Pinelands Adventures
Sewjudy1
Hedgesville, WV1 contribution
my family is planning to paddle the Batsto and Mullica rivers soon. are they clear of debris? We have come before and had to fight storm debris for hours and would like to avoid that. Any advice you can give us would be great.
PinelandsAdventures
Shamong, NJ
The Batsto River from Quaker Bridge to Batsto Lake is currently (9-16-16) the best bet. It's our most dependable stretch of river even when water levels are low elsewhere. The Mullica is low and there are a number of places where you'll have to get out to go over previously submerged trees and shallow spots.
Can you rent a conoe if you are at atsion lake for the day and would like to paddle the lake
PinelandsAdventures
Shamong, NJ
The canoe rentals during the summer at Atsion Recreation Area are available from another vendor. Pinelands Adventures can offer daily rentals at the lake before Memorial Day and after Labor Day.
For those staying at Atsion Cabins, Atsion Family Campground or Goshen Pond Campground, Pinelands Adventures can deliver a canoe or kayak to your campsite or cabin for the day or week.