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.
Nearby
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.