Parvin State Park Closed Indefinitely; Cleanup Efforts Continue

Parvin State Park will remain closed indefinitely as cleanup crews work to clear the devastation that occurred following Saturday's fatal storms in Salem County, according to NJ Department of Environmental Protection, (NJDEP). 

The state park is a popular hiking, camping destination for families with 56 tent campsites, group campsites and cabins. The DEP says that the park is usually fully booked this time of year.

Strong 80 mph winds brought down hundreds of trees throughout the park, blocking roads, pulling down power lines and leaving a wake of destruction affecting cabins and park structures.  Two campers were killed. The park remains without power or working phones today, but the park's office will be staffed.

According the DEP:

The state park system is trying to accommodate displaced campers at other parks but advises that many campsites already are fully booked for the holiday week. Campers with current or upcoming reservations have been notified of their options for refunds or alternate state park camping locations. Any questions on reservations can be directed to the State Park Services’ Southern Regional Office at (609) 965-5220 starting on Thursday, July 5.

“Safety is our top priority,’’ said Rich Boornazian, DEP Assistant Commissioner for Natural and Historic Resources. “We are working hard to get this park opened as soon as possible. We know a lot of people had plans to camp, hike, picnic and swim at the park for the Fourth of July holiday. But we cannot reopen at Parvin until we are sure of the safety of our visitors.’’

NJ Forest Fire Service crews have joined park maintenance employees, along with private contractors to clear the debris and to restore roads and hiking trails.

Atlantic City Electric crew is at the park working to get power lines repaired to restore service.