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New Jersey State Parks

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USA Parks
New Jersey
Southern Shore Region
Belleplain State Forest
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Belleplain State Forest © Gary Rockwell
Belleplain State Forest © Gary Rockwell
Belleplain State Forest © David J. Wood
Belleplain State Forest © Gary Rockwell
Belleplain State Forest © David J. Wood
Belleplain State Forest © David J. Wood
Belleplain State Forest © David J. Wood
Belleplain State Forest © David J. Wood
Belleplain State Forest Lake Nummy © Jeffrey Berkes
Lake Nummy www.jeffberkesphotography.com
Belleplain State Forest Pines of Belleplain © Jeffrey Berkes
Tall Pines are commonly found in the park, there are many trails to hike and plenty of things to do and see. Maybee take a quick swin,canoe ride or kayak trip around Lake Nummy. And its open ALL YEAR LONG
Belleplain State Forest Welcome © Jeffrey Berkes
Welcome to Belleplain State Forest
Belleplain State Forest © David J. Wood
Belleplain State Forest Lake Nummy © Jeffrey Berkes
There is nothing like waking up in the morning and taking a nice relaxing ride on the calm waters of Lake Nummy.
Belleplain State Forest © matthew ross
Belleplain State Forest Lake Nummy © William Bannan
Lake Nummy in Belleplain State Forest
Belleplain State Forest Snow Camping © Jeffrey Berkes
I love Belleplain because it supports serious outdoors men ,hikers and photographers. It opens up opportunities to be in nature during anytime of the year. I am a outdoor, extreme weather and nature freelance photographer, so when weather goes bad I got out to catch it. In this case an Alberta Clipper was sliding to the south of my location so I got in the car and headed to Belleplain. I know a lot about weather and knew Belleplain would be ground zero for the early season snow event. This is where I spent the night with 5inches of fresh snow and temperatures hovering around 10 above. more Photos at www.jeffberkesphotography.com Best Wishes, Jeffrey Berkes Prep yourself before venturing outdoors in winter. It is a deadly time of year. You can see some survival gear I use on my website.
Belleplain State Forest © David J. Wood
Belleplain State Forest © matthew ross
Belleplain State Forest © matthew ross
Belleplain State Forest © matthew ross
Belleplain State Forest © matthew ross
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BELLEPLAIN STATE FOREST
BELLEPLAIN STATE FOREST
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.
History of the Area
Belleplain State Forest is a 21,320-acre forest located in southern New Jersey, United States. The history of Belleplain State Forest dates back to the 1930s when the forest was created as a result of the Great Depression-era initiatives like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), which aimed to provide employment and natural resource conservation during that time.

The CCC was responsible for the initial development of Belleplain State Forest. CCC Camp S-55, located near the current Forest Office, was established in 1933 to provide job opportunities for young unemployed men. The CCC workers cleared land, constructed roads, and built facilities within the forest, leaving a lasting impact on the landscape.

During World War II, the forest served as a training ground for soldiers deployed to Europe, including the establishment of a firing range. The forest went on to serve as a training area for the United States Army until the 1970s.
Cabins
Group Cabin: East Creek Cabin - furnished living room with fireplace, full kitchen, two bunkrooms with double bunks, bathrooms, showers, outdoor campfire rings. Accommodates up to 30 people. Located on a lake and accessible to East Creek Trail. Picnic grove, boat dock, ballfield. ADA Accessible. Open year round. $155 per night.

Yurts: Five yurts. Circular tents built on a wood frame, featuring wood floors, a deck and plexiglass skylight. Each yurt has a lockable wood door, window screens and flaps, and two double-deck bunks, which sleep up to four people. Accessible to persons with disabilities. $30 per night.
Camping
Campsites: 169 tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities are within walking distance. Trailer dumping station is open March 1 through November 30. Campsites open all year. $20 per night.

Group campsites: Two group campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, water, and chemical toilets. Each site accommodates up to 75 people. Open all year. $75 per night.

Lean-tos: Fourteen lean-tos with propane heaters. Each accommodates up to six people. Outdoor picnic table, fire ring and grill. Flush toilets, showers and laundry facilities are within walking distance. ADA Accessible. Open all year. $30 per night.
Nearby Vacation Rentals
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Swimming
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 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.


Location
Belleplain State Forest is located near Absecon, Cape May Court House and Egg Harbor Township

Picnicking
Belleplain offers a Group Picnic Area 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 Day50 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.
Trails
1. East Creek Trail: This is a 6-mile loop trail that offers scenic views of the forest and lake, with moderate difficulty level suitable for all skill levels.

2. Belleplain State Forest Loop: A moderately challenging route spanning approximately 7 miles, this trail features beautiful wildflowers during springtime and provides opportunities to spot wildlife like deer or birds.

3. Lake Nummy Trail: An easy-to-navigate path circling around Lake Nummy; it's about 3 miles long making it perfect for beginners or families with children who enjoy nature walks by water bodies.

4. Meisle Field Campground Trails: These trails offer short hikes through dense woods starting from different campgrounds within the park area providing an immersive experience in wilderness camping along with hiking activities.

5. CCC Museum Spur Pathway: It's a historical hike leading towards Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) museum showcasing artifacts related to forestry management practices implemented during Great Depression era.

6. Mt Pleasant-Belleplain Road Hiking Route: Approximately two-miles-long linear pathway connecting Mount Pleasant road entrance point till main section of state forest offering glimpses into diverse ecosystems present within Belleplain region including wetlands, pine barrens etc. , .

7. Meade Avenue Bike/Hike Lane: Primarily designed as bike lane but also open for hikers stretching over three mile distance between campground areas passing alongside picturesque landscapes featuring meadows filled with seasonal flowers blooming under clear blue skies creating visually appealing panorama throughout journey, .

8. East Greenbush Road Walking Track: Another shorter walking track extending little more than one mile ideal choice if looking out quick stroll amidst serene natural surroundings without venturing too deep inside thickly wooded parts, .

9. Sunset Bridge Nature Walk: Short half-a-mile walk across Sunset bridge overlooking tranquil waters reflecting hues sunset sky adding magical touch overall ambiance attracting photographers especially evening hours capturing mesmerizing vistas unfolding front eyes, .

10. Birding Trail: A special trail for birdwatchers, this path offers the chance to spot a variety of local and migratory birds in their natural habitat. It's not uncommon to see species like warblers, woodpeckers or even bald eagles on this route.

11. Horseback Riding Trails: Belleplain State Forest also has several trails designated specifically for horse riding activities offering unique way exploring vast expanse forest area while enjoying thrilling ride atop horses, .

12. Cross-Country Ski Routes: During winter months when snow covers ground transforming entire landscape into white wonderland these routes become popular among cross-country skiing enthusiasts seeking adventurous outdoor activity amidst chilling weather conditions.

13. Multiple Use Pathway: This is an all-purpose pathway that accommodates hikers, bikers as well as equestrians making it one of most versatile options available within state park premises allowing different types recreational pursuits simultaneously without any conflict interests between users belonging diverse categories.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
July 10 by Tom_R
park review stars; one to five
August 3 The best park to visit by Kristene
park review stars; one to five The CCC campground area is the best part of the Belleplain State Forest Very clean park and very friendly atmosphere Workers keep the park looking great considering its in the woods.
June 23 love the lake! by Sue
park review stars; one to five Visited a couple years back for a party and enjoyed the picnic area and loved the beach and lake...the lake temperature was wonderful and such an enjoyable swim...plan to return.
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Directions
Belleplain State 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.

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