Thunderstorm wind is the standout hazard at New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve, with 39 recorded events driving nearly all of the area's weather risk. These sudden gusts move fast through the flat, densely wooded Pine Barrens, where falling limbs and snapped pitch pines can threaten tents and vehicles with little warning. Two flash flood events on record add a secondary concern along low-lying trails and creek crossings.
Before pitching your tent, scan for dead or leaning trees overhead — the Pinelands' sandy soil means shallow root systems give way quickly in high winds. Pack a NOAA weather radio or download the NWS app so you catch storm alerts before they arrive, and choose a campsite in a clearing rather than under a pine canopy. If a storm rolls in, move to your vehicle and stay clear of streambeds until skies fully clear.
Top recorded hazards in Burlington County
County dataFrom NOAA Storm Events (2024). Counts of recorded incidents — not all occurred at this park.
- Thunderstorm Wind 39
- Flash Flood 2
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About New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve
This is truly a special place. It's classified as a United States Biosphere Reserve and in 1978 was established by Congress as the country’s first National Reserve. It includes portions of seven southern New Jersey counties, and encompasses over one-million acres of farms, forests and wetlands. It contains 56 communities, from hamlets to suburbs, with over 700,000 permanent residents.
Weather
Spring: 50-70F, sunny with some rain Summer: 70-90F, mostly sunny with some rain Winter: 0-35F, snow is common Fall: 50-70F