I was going to suggest the Pine Barrens as well. For the most densely populated part of the Nation, -this huge central area is among the least densely populated areas of our Nation. Certainly as our Northeast goes, anyway.

I understand that this vast, flat, sandy area nevertheless has it's substantial Drawbacks, though, -some of which you mention.

Fresh Water, however, -needn't be among them. Barrels and other water containers set about, -should be able to capture ample rainwater.

Pond construction too, -could be both a Boon, -or a source of Difficulty, -in such porous soils. Plastic or other lining would be a Must.

I had the Pleasure of passing thru your Pine Barrens back in the mid to late 80s, -while on a group tour to Atlantic City. (The First Time this lifelong, 400 mile Inlander, -ever got to See and Feel the Ocean! Both this and your Barrens were something I had Longed for! And here they had finally come to Fruition! Brought a jar of Atlantic Ocean Water back with me!) I passed thru essentially on it's southern edge, -on the Expressway to and from Philly, -but seeing all those rather short, scrubby Pines as I did, -I definitely knew myself to be there!

Speaking of which, -you'd have no shortage of Firewood or Cooking Wood, -even if Pine is a good ways from being among the best of Woods.

And Oh Yeah!, -watch Out for that Famous, Legendary, New Jersey Devil there! <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

As to Routes Westward out of the area, -I understand our common (I'm a Pennsylvanian) Delaware River to be Shallow, -if also Wide and Rocky. This can create some good oppurtunities and locales for Wadeing and Fording, -particularly at lower water times. And/Or some sort of Raft or Boat.

Places such as Lake Hopatcong, to your North, -though far closer to NYC, -are also similarly wilder and more sparsely populated. [color:"black"] [/color] [email]amper[/email]