Bass River State Forest is New Jersey's first state forest, established in 1905 for public recreation, water conservation, wildlife and timber management. In 1933, a Civilian Conservation Corps camp planted trees and built camping structures, picnic pavilions and roads that are still in use. It lies in the Pinelands National Reserve. The day-use area has the Lake Absegami beach, a picnic area and trails, open dawn to dusk, and camping is available.