Belleplain State Forest, State forest and protected area in Cape May and Cumberland Counties, New Jersey
Belleplain State Forest is a protected woodland in southern New Jersey covering a large area with pine, oak, and Atlantic white cedar forests mixed throughout. The landscape includes open clearings, swamps, and the man-made Lake Nummy, which serves as a focal point for water-based activities.
The forest took its current shape in the 1930s when the Civilian Conservation Corps drained and shaped the Meisle Cranberry Bog into Lake Nummy as a recreation project. This transformation marked the beginning of the area's development as a public forest preserve.
The forest is a working landscape where local conservation groups actively monitor wildlife and plant species, helping visitors understand the natural cycles of the Pinelands region. These efforts shape how people experience and value the area today.
The forest has campgrounds with tent and trailer sites equipped with basic amenities, and visitors should plan for outdoor activities that vary by season and weather conditions. Facilities are distributed throughout the property to serve different areas and activities.
Lake Nummy started as a cranberry bog used for commercial harvesting before being transformed into a swimming lake with a beach. This conversion shows how recreation and resource use have evolved together in the same location.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
