Belleplain State Forest

Belleplain State Forest

Belleplain State Forest is a 21,320 acre (86 km²) New Jersey State Forest in northern Cape May County and western Cumberland County. 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. The forest includes recreational facilities for picnicking, boating, camping, hunting and fishing, swimming, and over 40 miles of walking trails. Seasonal interpretive programs are conducted by the staff. A fee is charged for camping and picnicking.