Parvin State Park facts for kids

Parvin State Park, located in southwestern New Jersey, is a special place with a rich history and amazing wildlife. It sits right next to the Pine Barrens, offering both tall pine forests and swampy hardwood areas. You can find this park near Pittsgrove Township in Salem County. The New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry takes care of this beautiful park.

A Look Back in Time

Parvin State Park has a fascinating past. From 1933 to 1941, it was home to the Civilian Conservation Corps. This group helped young men find jobs during tough economic times, building many of the park's features.

Later, in 1943, the park became a summer camp for children whose Japanese American families had to move from their homes during World War II. In 1944, it served as a camp for German prisoners of war.

In 1952, the park offered temporary homes to Kalmyk Americans. These families had to leave their homes in the Soviet Union and found a safe place here. Long before all this, ancient Native American groups also camped in this area.

Camping Adventures

Want to stay overnight? Parvin State Park has great options for camping!

Campsites

There are 56 spots for tents and trailers. Each spot has a fire ring, picnic table, and hooks for lanterns. You can have up to six people and two vehicles per site. Clean restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities are nearby. Some facilities are also available for people with disabilities. There is a special station for trailers to empty their waste. These sites are on the south shore of Parvin Lake and are open all year.

Group Campsites

The park has four group sites, each able to hold up to 25 people. In total, 100 people can stay in these sites. They have restrooms, water, fire rings, picnic tables, and one shelter. These sites are also on the south shore of Parvin Lake. They are open from April 1st through October 31st.

Cabins

Parvin State Park has 16 cozy cabins. Each cabin has a living room with a fireplace or wood stove. There are two rooms with either two or three bunk beds in each. The kitchen has running water, an electric stove, and a refrigerator. The bathroom includes a sink, toilet, and shower. All cabins have electricity and a brick patio with a table and grill.

Most cabins can fit four people. Two larger cabins with six bunk beds are available for people with disabilities. A playground is also nearby. These cabins are on the north shore of Thundergust Lake. They are open from April 1st through October 31st.

Parvin Natural Area

This 465-acre (1.88 km²) natural preserve is located right on the edge of the New Jersey Pine Barrens. This special area brings together many types of plants and animals from both the southern states and the Pine Barrens.

Parvin State Park is home to the state-threatened barred owl. It also protects the endangered swamp pink, a rare flower. The park is also a very popular spot for birdwatching, with 180 different kinds of birds seen here!

Swimming Fun

You can go swimming at Parvin Grove, which has a beach on Parvin Lake. Lifeguards are on duty to keep everyone safe. Swimming is available from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day.

Picnic Spots

The park offers several picnic areas with grills and tables. These are perfect for a family meal outdoors. If you have a very large group, you might need to pay a small fee to reserve a picnic area.

Images for kids

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  Muddy Run flowing through Parvin State Park