Parvin State Park
Parvin State Park, located in the southwestern part of New Jersey is a park whose history is as varied as its wildlife. Situated on the edge of the Pine Barrens, the park not only has pine forests, but also a swamp hardwood forest. The park is located near Pittsgrove Township in Salem County. The park is operated and maintained by the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry.
| Parvin State Park | |
|---|---|
 October sunset over the lake. | |
  Parvin State Park Location in New Jersey  Parvin State Park Location in United States | |
| Location | Pittsgrove Township |
| Coordinates | 39°30′39.07″N 75°7′57.51″W[1] |
| Area | 465-acre (1.88 km2) |
| Opened | 1931 |
| Operated by | New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry |
| Website | Official website  |
History
Parvin State Park served as home for the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1933 to 1941, a summer camp for the children of displaced Japanese Americans in 1943, a Prisoner of war camp for German prisoners in 1944 and temporary housing for the Kalmyk Americans who fled their homelands in the USSR in 1952. From the park's early history, there are remains of ancient Native American encampments.
Camping
- Campsites: 56 tent and trailer sites with fire rings, picnic tables, lantern hooks and a playground available. Six people and two vehicles per site. Flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities are within walking distance. Facilities available for people with disabilities. Trailer sanitary station. Located on the south shore of Parvin Lake. Open year-round. $20 per night.
- Group campsites: Four group sites; 25 people per site; total capacity: 100. Flush toilets, water, fire rings, picnic tables, one shelter. Located on south shore of Parvin Lake. Open April 1 through October 31. $3 per person per night, based on site capacity.
- Cabins: 16 cabins each with furnished living room with fireplace or woodburning stove; two rooms with either two or three bunks in each; kitchen with running water, electric stove, refrigerator; bathroom with sink, toilet, and shower; electricity; brick patio with table and grill. Each accommodates 4 people. Two additional 6-bunk cabin are accessible for people with disabilities. Playground available. Cabins are on the north shore of Thundergust Lake. Open April 1 through October 31.
Four-bunk cabins:$55 per night, $385 per week. Six-bunk cabins: $75 per night, $525 per week.
Parvin Natural Area
This 465-acre (1.88 km2) natural preserve is on the boundary of the New Jersey Pine Barrens. The area combines many species from the south as well as from the Pine Barrens. Parvin is home to the state-threatened barred owl and the endangered swamp pink.
Parvin State Park is also a well known birding hotspot. 180 species of birds have been recorded in the park.[2]
Swimming
A lifeguard staffed swimming beach is provided at Parvin Grove, which is located on Parvin Lake. Swimming is available from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Picnicking
There are several picnic areas with grills and tables. For large groups, a reservation fee is applied.
