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.

Through the Carry-In/Carry-Out Program you can help us keep the forest clean and beautiful by carrying out the trash you carry in. Bags are provided throughout the site. Thank you for your cooperation and remember to recycle.

Open daily sunrise to sunset
Office Hours: Open daily 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Camping: Open year round

Online reservations can be made 7 days per week/24 hours a day at ReserveAmerica. To make a reservation through the call center, please contact ReserveAmerica at 1-855-607-3075 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday from April 1st through October 31st. Beginning November 1st through March 31st, hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Transaction fees apply. Same day walk-in reservations are accepted, a transaction fee of $5 will be charged.

For forms and information on booking a campsite visit our: reservations page

Alcohol is prohibited. Pets are prohibited in overnight facilities with the exception of Pet Friendly Campsites.

Pet Friendly Campsites

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. Open year round. Fees: NJ Residents: $20 per night; Non Residents: $25 per night.

Group campsites: Two group campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, water, and chemical toilets. Each site accommodates up to 50 people. Open year round. No trailers at group sites. No pets allowed. Fee: NJ Resident $100 per night; Non Resident $200 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. Lean-tos are completely empty on the inside. No pets allowed. No additional tents/trailers are permitted at the lean-to sites. ADA Accessible. Open year round. Fees: NJ Residents: $40 per night; Non Residents: $45 per night.

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. No additional tents/trailers are permitted at the group cabin. No pets allowed. Fee: NJ Resident $175 per night; Two-night minimum; Non Resident $185 per night; Two-night minimum

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. Heat is provided November 1- March 31st. No additional tents/trailers are permitted at the yurt sites. No pets allowed. Accessible to persons with disabilities. Fee: NJ Resident $35 per night; Non Resident $40 per night.

Campground Map (Low resolution for viewing purposes)
Campground Map (High resolution for printing purposes) File
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Special Use Permit Application Package

A Special Use Permit is utilized to accommodate a specific activity or event being conducted over a short duration. There are two types of special use permits: Non-Commercial and Commercial and fees are based on NJ residency and Non-residents.  A completed application must be submitted to the park/forest area where the activity or event is being held at least 90 days prior to the event. If the special use or event is extremely large or complex, at least one-year’s prior notice is recommended. 

Belleplain offers 2 Group Picnic Areas for larger groups. Both holds a capacity of 100 people, provides shelter, playfields and playground equipment. Either may be reserved for a fee:

The Park staff offer a variety of historical and natural interpretive programs throughout the year. Contact the park office for a schedule of programs and to register. Program fees may apply.

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.

State Park Service areas open to hunting

Parts of Belleplain State Forest are open for hunting. For information about hunting, refer to the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Digest or contact the park office.

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