Belleplain State Forest has 169 Tent/Trailer Sites (of which 85 are pet friendly!), 14 Lean-tos, 2 Group Tent Camping Sites, 5 Shelters, 1 Group Cabin, and 2 Picnic Pavilions. The Forest has 50 miles of Hiking and Biking Trails, Canoe Rentals, and Interpretive Center open seasonally. Hot Showers, flush toilets, fresh water, and coin operated laundry machines are within walking distance to all facilities at the Forest. Camping is offered year round at Belleplain. North Shore Camping area closes November 1- March 31st. The only shower/restroom facilities open are located in Meisle Campground during this time. Note: Only the Sites in CCC (sites numbered in the 100s) have Electric/Water Hook-ups. Water is shut off for the season at all CCC sites and will be turned back on April 1, 2025. Please ask where water is available on arrival. Reservations can be made up to 11 months ahead of time! There is 2 night minimum for Reservations for all facilities except the group tent camping site- Reservation fees will apply. We accept same day walk-in camping registrations. They do not require a 2 night stay. You may rent by the night, but please note walk-in fees apply to each night. Lake Nummy and Ballfield Pavilion: The park has 2 picnic pavilions that can be reserved through the park office only. Please call the office for seasonal rates and information.
Location: Belleplain is one of five State Forests that comprise the NJ Pinelands. The forested acres of Belleplain include stands of young pine, oak and atlantic white cedar, reflecting better soil conditions and less damage by fire then found in the rest of the Pine Barrens. Belleplain State Forest was established by the State of NJ for recreation, wildlife management, timber production, and water conservation in 1928. In 1933, three camps were set up by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Reforestation Relief Act, supplying labor to the forest for over an 8 year period. The CCC converted the Meisle Cranberry Bog into Lake Nummy, a popular swimming, boating, and fishing area used by many people today. They also constructed the original forest headquarters (which is now the Nature Center), maintenance building, a road system still used today, bridges, and dams.
Located in Cape May and Cumberland Counties, Belleplain State Forest is centrally located to accommodate everyone"s needs. Beach/Boardwalk lovers? Just a short 10-15 mile drive and you can be in Ocean City or Sea Isle City and Wildwood is only 20 miles away. Beach tags required on some beaches. Cape May Point State Park and Lighthouse is about 30 min drive away. Fees apply to Lighthouse. Cape May County Park and Zoo. Free Entrance. Donation is optional. http://www.capemaycountyzoo.org/ Cape May-Lewes Ferry http://www.capemaylewesferry.com/ Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center http://www.wheatonarts.org Mouse Trap Bowling Alley http://mousetrapbowlingalley.com/ Somers Mansion Historic Site Atlantic City Aquarium http://www.acaquarium.com/ Wetlands Institute http://www.wetlandsinstitute.org Belleplain has over 50 miles of hiking, horseback riding, and biking trails. Visitors may stop at the office and pick up a map to explore the natural habitat including the Atlantic white cedar swamps, hardwood and pine forests, lakes and streams. The Forest is a great stop for birders during the spring and fall migrations. Hikes are set up by the Cape May Bird Observatory and the schedule and fees can be found on their website. http://www.cmbo.org From Memorial Day to Labor Day the park offers a swimming beach staffed with lifeguards. Restrooms, showers, changing rooms, a first aid station, and concession stand offering refreshments, novelties, and canoe rentals are available to the public during this time. If you are not camping here, day use fees apply. Please be aware that if the safety of our swimmers is compromised, due to lack of Lifeguard coverage or water quality issues, swimming will be prohibited and therefore cannot be a guaranteed activity. Belleplain Nature Center is open seasonally. Located south of the swimming area, please stop in and see what the Naturalist has in her tanks! Weekend nature crafts are scheduled. Interpretive fees may apply. Pets are permitted at the park. They must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. They are allowed on most hiking/biking trails. They are not permitted on the beach or in the swimming area. They are permitted in the picnic area.
The Forest Office can be reached via the Garden State Parkway by taking exit 17 southbound to route 9 and 550 or exit 13 northbound. Highway signs are provided to guide the motorist to the forest office. If you are using a GPS or internet mapping use the physical address 1 Henkinsifkin Road Woodbine, NJ 08270 or coordinates 39° 14' 56.62" N 74° 50' 28.29" W.
- WHEN YOU ARRIVE - You must sign for your own site. You will be required to show Photo ID/Drivers License. You will be required to give vehicle information (make/model/license plate) for all vehicles at your site. - QUIET HOURS - From 10pm-6am and are strictly enforced. Violators of this policy may be evicted. - GENERATORS - May be used except during quiet hours. If the use of a generator is deemed unreasonable loud, by the facility staff then individual use of generator may be prohibited/limited. -FIRES- Must be built in fire rings provided. Only dead and down wood may be used for fuel. No chainsaws are allowed in campgrounds, and cutting down trees, alive or dead is prohibited. - PETS IN OVERNIGHT FACILITIES - Pets are only allowed in Pet Friendly campsites in the camping area. There is a $5/per night fee to be paid upon arrival and vaccination paperwork is required. Pets are not permitted in the Lean-tos, Shelters, Group Camping, and Group Cabin Area. Pertinent Rules and Regulations: Alcohol is prohibited Must be 18 years of age to reserve sites Pets, except for service animals, are prohibited from swimming areas & camping areas unless pet friendly sites.Pets must be on a maximum 6 foot leash where permitted. Swimming is restricted to supervised beaches. Diving prohibited. Where permitted, metal detectors require a permit. No posting of signs. No person shall damage, move or remove any plant, animal, equipment or structure. Possession of firearms is prohibited. Coast Guard approved life jackets must be worn while boating No Floatation devices allowed in Lake (including but not limited to "swimmies", inner tubes, and rafts). Motor vehicles must be licensed, insured and registered. Motor vehicles are restricted to established roads & parking areas All terrain vehicles (ATV), motorized trail bikes, and off-road vehicles are prohibited Do not block traffic on roadways, paths or trails. Boats requiring gas or oil are not permitted on lakes. Camping: Maximum 6 people per tent/trailer site. Maximum 3 tents per tent/trailer site. Maximum 2 licensed vehicles on site. Extra vehicle fee applies. Campsite visitors allowed from 8am-8pm (day use fee applies). Maximum 14 night stay initially. Must vacate for 1 week, and may return for up to 1 week at a time until 40 night total is reached within calendar year. Reservation cancellation fees apply. No refunds to evicted persons. Underage campers must have 1 adult supervisor to every 9 campers under the age of 18. Adult supervisors must have transportation available for emergencies. Woodfires in campsites are permitted only in fire rings and fireplaces unless fire restriction is in effect Fire regulations are dependent on weather conditions and do change daily.
Phone: (609) 861-2404
Address: BELLEPLAIN STATE FOREST, PO Box 450, Woodbine, New Jersey 08270
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