Discover New Jersey’s pine barrens, a hidden world of cranberry bogs, ghost towns, stargazing spots, and real-deal wilderness few tourists ever see.

The Pine Barrens, also known as the Pinelands, is located in southeastern New Jersey. It's a sprawling ecosystem covering about 1.1 million to 1.4 million acres (445,000 to 567,000 hectares).

A fast-moving wildfire engulfing part of New Jersey's Pine Barrens has not resulted in any injuries, officials said, though it's expected to grow before forecast rain later this week.

Though parts of the Pine Barrens are uninhabited, New Jersey is the nation’s most densely populated state and officials have warned the fire could threaten developments nearby.

A forest technician with the state DEC cuts down a beetle-infested pine tree at the Rocky Point State Pine Barrens Preserve. Credit: Newsday/Steve Pfost. By The Editorial BoardMay 1, 2025.

Forecasters warn of fire risk amid low humidity, wind gusts as Pine Barrens fire burns Apr 25, 2025, 5:39 AM | Updated: 12:26 pm Smoke fills the air from a wildfire in Ocean County, N.J. on ...