The forested acres of Belleplain include stands of young pine, oak and Atlantic white cedar, reflecting better soil conditions and less damage by fire than found in the Pine Barrens just north of the forest. Belleplain State Forest was established in 1928 by the State of New Jersey for recreation, wildlife management, timber production, and water conservation. In 1933, three camps were set up by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Reforestation Relief Act, supplying labor to the forest for over an eight-year period.
The CCC converted Meisle Cranberry Bog into Lake Nummy, a popular swimming, boating, and fishing area. They also constructed the original forest headquarters, maintenance building, a road system, bridges, and dams.
Camping in the Forest
There are 169 tent and trailer sites found within the Belleplain State Forest. Each site contains a fire ring and picnic table. Flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities are within walking distance. A trailer dumping station is open from March 1 through November 30. The campsites are open all year and rent for $20 per night. The forest offers two group campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, water, and chemical toilets. Each site accommodates up to 75 people are open all year and rent for $75 per night per campsite.
Additionally there are fourteen lean-tos that are ADA accessible. Each can accommodate up to six individuals, have a propane heater, an outdoor picnic table, fire ring and grill. Flush toilets, showers and laundry facilities are within walking distance. The lean-tos are open all year and rent for $30 per night.
The forest has one cabin available. East Creek Cabin has a furnished living room with a fireplace, full kitchen, two bunkrooms with double bunks, bathrooms, showers and an outdoor campfire ring. The cabin can accommodate up to 30 people and is located on a lake. It is within easy access to East Creek Trail, picnic grove, a boat dock and ball field. This site is ADA Accessible, open throughout the year and rents for $155 per night. Belleplain State Forest has five yurts available. A yurt is a circular tent built on a wood frame which features a wood floor, a deck and a plexiglass skylight. Each yurt has a lockable wood door, window screens and flaps, and two double-deck bunks, which sleep up to four people. They are accessible to individuals with disabilities and rent for $30 per night.
Alcohol and pets prohibited in overnight facilities.
Highlights of Belleplain State Forest
“Homeowner Firewood Program” is a program designed to help you keep warm this winter by cutting your own firewood in designated areas of the forest. The program is available at seven state parks and forests for $20 a cord through mid March or while supplies last. Homeowners are responsible for cutting and removing their own firewood. Advance reservations are required and can be made for two consecutive days: Tuesday & Wednesday, Friday & Saturday or Sunday & Monday. Call the office to make a reservation today.
Fishing is available in Lake Nummy, East Creek Pond, Holly Lake and Cedar Lake. Typical freshwater species include pickerel, perch, catfish, largemouth bass and sunfish. Fishing is subject to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations.
Hunting is open in portions of Belleplain State Forest. Deer, beaver, wild turkey, waterfowl, woodcock and small game, including rabbit, squirrel and fox may be harvested during approved seasons. For information about hunting, refer to the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Digest or contact the park office.
Picnicking is available in a Group Picnic Area developed for larger groups. It holds a capacity of 100 people, provides shelter, playfields and playground equipment. It may be reserved for a fee:
$55 per day, plus applicable parking fees
Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day
$80 per day
Day After Labor Day to Friday Before Memorial Day
50 percent of Fee
Group Picnic Cancellation Fee
• Groups of 20 or more people shall reserve picnic facilities at least five days in advance. Such group use is not permitted on Holidays except as authorized by the Superintendent. Reservations for picnic areas are handled by the individual park area offices.
Boating is available for Small boats or canoes. They may be launched near a floating dock on Lake Nummy and from a boat launch ramp at East Creek Pond. Powered boats are limited to electric motors only. In the summer a canoe concession is operated at Lake Nummy. Coast Guard approved life preservers are required for each occupant, including children in any watercraft. New Jersey Boating Rules & Regulations are to be followed at all times.
Swimming is permitted on the north side of Lake Nummy from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day while lifeguards are on duty. Visitors will find a beach complex containing a changing area, restrooms, a first-aid station and a concession offering refreshments, novelties and beach supplies. Inner tubes, rafts and other flotation devices are not permitted in the swimming area. Only Coast Guard approved life jackets are permitted. Pets are prohibited on the beach.
Trails wind throughout Belleplain forest and there are more than 40 miles of marked, designated trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing when conditions permit. Many of these trails are bisected by gravel and hard surface roads, making the trails system quite accessible.
The 7.16-mile East Creek Trail connects Lake Nummy to East Creek Pond, and two self-guided interpretive trails, totaling almost one mile. These trails show a cross section of the forest's natural attractions. Trail 1, marked in white, forms a loop and is connected to Trail 2, which is marked in yellow by a wooden arch bridge. The trail experience begins in the picnic area and is completely accessible to persons with disabilities. A trail guide with audio can be obtained at the Forest Office.
The Eagle Fitness Trail is located between Meisle Field and the CCC Camping Areas. Get fit with 10 physically challenging stations, spaced along a mile-long oval on a gravel surface running track. A children's playground and parking lot are conveniently located within a short distance of the trail.
Location:
Cape May and Cumberland Counties
Mailing Address:
County Route 550
P.O. Box 450
Woodbine, NJ 08270
(609) 861-2404 (609) 861-2404
GPS Coordinates
DMS 39° 14’ 36.85” N 74° 50' 58.29" W
Size: 21,320 acres
Fees: Entrance fees are charged per vehicle from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
Directions:
The forest can be reached via the Garden State Parkway by taking exit 17 southbound (exit 17) to Routes 9 and 550 or exit 13 northbound. Highway signs are provided to guide the motorist to the forest.
Information in this article was adapted from the Department of Environmental Protection-Division of Parks and Forestry website.http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/belle.html
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