Cohansey Wildlife Management Area wilderness guide
Wildlife Management Area · NJ

Cohansey Wildlife Management Area

Cohansey Wildlife Management Area offers a diverse habitat of wetlands, forests, and tidal marshes in southern New Jersey, making it a prime location for wildlife observation, hunting, and fishing.

Wildlife Management Area8,2734+ Trails

Designation

Wildlife Management Area

Total Wilderness Area

8,273

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Cohansey Wildlife Management Area

Cohansey Wildlife Management Area offers a diverse habitat of wetlands, forests, and tidal marshes in southern New Jersey, making it a prime location for wildlife observation, hunting, and fishing.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located in Cumberland County, New Jersey, Cohansey Wildlife Management Area encompasses over 8,000 acres of wetlands, woodlands, tidal marshes, and upland habitats along the Cohansey River and proximity to Delaware Bay. The area features a combination of freshwater and saltwater environments that support a wide variety of plants and animals, including migratory birds, white-tailed deer, and waterfowl. Historically, this land was shaped by both natural forces and human activity, including oyster harvesting and small-scale agriculture. Today, it is managed by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife to provide public hunting opportunities, habitat conservation, and recreational activities. Anglers are drawn here for excellent freshwater fishing, while bird watchers come to see seasonal upswings of waterfowl and shorebirds. The WMA's mix of open water, forest patches, and salt marshes create varied terrain for hiking, wildlife photography, and environmental education. The area is less developed than many other southern New Jersey lands, offering visitors a tranquil, relatively remote outdoor experience with well-marked access points and boardwalks over sensitive habitats. Its proximity to the Cohansey River adds scenic value and supports boating and paddling activities, particularly in spring and fall seasons. Cohansey WMA is an important part of the region's network of protected lands that sustain biodiversity while maintaining traditional hunting and fishing cultures.

Field Guide · Wildlife Management Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Cohansey Wildlife Management Area

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Expansive tidal marshes along the Cohansey River✦ Abundant waterfowl and migratory bird habitats✦ Excellent freshwater fishing for species like largemouth bass✦ Boardwalk trails providing access to sensitive wetland areas
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Cohansey Wildlife Management Area

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Cohansey Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Cohansey Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Hunting

Available in Cohansey Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Cohansey Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Birdwatching

Available in Cohansey Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Cohansey Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Cohansey Wildlife Management Area
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Cohansey Wildlife Management Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free public access, but hunting permits required during regulated hunting seasons.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Cohansey Wildlife Management Area

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Bridgeton, New Jersey
⌖ 3.16 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Bridgeton, New Jersey

Bridgeton, New Jersey offers calm river paddling, gentle hiking, and good bird watching in a peaceful small-town setting. Explore local parks and nature areas along the scenic Cohansey River for a relaxed outdoor trip.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Millville, New Jersey
⌖ 8.02 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Millville, New Jersey

Millville, NJ offers outdoor lovers paddling on the Maurice River, peaceful hiking and biking trails in the Pine Barrens, and fishing spots in nearby lakes. Its quiet natural areas and local charm make it a rewarding destination for adventure off the usual paths.

Spring to Fall
Explore Town
Cohansey, New Jersey
⌖ 8.12 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cohansey, New Jersey

Cohansey, New Jersey offers a peaceful outdoor escape centered on paddling, bird watching, and fishing along the scenic Cohansey River and Delaware Bay. Quiet trails and abundant wildlife make it a great spot for nature lovers seeking calm away from city crowds.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Vineland, New Jersey
⌖ 8.97 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Vineland, New Jersey

Vineland offers peaceful adventures with scenic hiking, biking, and paddling in New Jersey’s Pine Barrens. Explore lakes, forests, and rivers while enjoying excellent bird watching and fishing opportunities year-round.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Greenwich, New Jersey
⌖ 9.29 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Greenwich, New Jersey

Greenwich, New Jersey, offers quiet outdoor adventures like river paddling, hiking, and fishing alongside charming historic sites. Ideal for travelers looking to explore serene trails and the Delaware River’s scenic beauty in a small-town setting.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Downe Township, New Jersey
⌖ 10.08 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Downe Township, New Jersey

Downe Township offers peaceful outdoor adventures featuring scenic marsh trails, abundant bird life, and calm waterways perfect for kayaking and fishing. Ideal for travelers seeking quiet nature exploration on the New Jersey coast.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Cohansey Wildlife Management Area

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Golden-hour on Rails: The Open‑Air Gondola of The Sunset Limited
ADVEXPEDITION
Woodstown, New Jersey
TrainADV Bookable

Golden-hour on Rails: The Open‑Air Gondola of The Sunset Limited

An 18‑mile evening roundtrip aboard Woodstown Central Railroad’s restored 1930s train with open‑air gondola seating — a concise guide to what to expect from the gondola experience and the early‑evening scenery.

TrainPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Wind-in-Your-Hair Views: Woodstown’s Open-Air Fall Fest Gondola
ADVEXPEDITION
Woodstown, New Jersey
Sightseeing TourADV Bookable

Wind-in-Your-Hair Views: Woodstown’s Open-Air Fall Fest Gondola

A 75-minute, open-air scenic excursion from Downtown Woodstown that pairs unobstructed South Jersey landscape views with local Fall Fest community stops—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.

Sightseeing TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip