Belleplain State Forest is the largest and most diverse state forest in Cape May County — 21,320 acres straddling Cape May and Cumberland Counties within the Pinelands National Reserve and designated UN International Biosphere Reserve. It holds more habitat variety than any other single location in New Jersey: saltwater marsh, Atlantic white cedar swamp, mixed hardwood swamp, oak-hickory forest, young pine, grasslands, and freshwater lakes — all within a forest that shares the southern Pine Barrens ecosystem with the landscape of North Jersey’s Pinelands but with richer soil, taller trees, and a warmer, more coastal character.
The forest’s social center is Lake Nummy — a 26-acre lake created in 1933 when the Civilian Conservation Corps converted the Meisle Cranberry Bog into a swimming and recreation lake. The CCC’s work here was transformative: they built the headquarters, road system, bridges, dams, and campground infrastructure that gives Belleplain its character today. Lake Nummy’s beach offers lifeguarded swimming in summer, a full concession building, boat rentals, and fishing access. River otters have been spotted in the lake — one of the less expected wildlife highlights in a forest that also supports deer, beaver, foxes, coyotes, red squirrels, and wild turkey.
Beyond the lake, 50+ miles of trails wind through 24 named routes suited for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding — including the Seashore Line Trail, which follows the abandoned right-of-way of the Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Line Railroad that once connected Cape May to the mainland. Belleplain is also a recognized Important Bird Area, particularly known for reliable Prothonotary Warbler and Worm-eating Warbler sightings during spring migration.
🏗️ Civilian Conservation Corps Legacy — 1933
In 1933, three CCC camps were established at Belleplain under the New Deal Reforestation Relief Act. Over eight years, CCC workers converted Meisle Cranberry Bog into Lake Nummy, built the original forest headquarters, constructed the maintenance building, laid out the road system, and built the bridges and dams that still define the forest’s infrastructure today. Belleplain is a living legacy of Depression-era public works — one of the most tangible examples of CCC work remaining in South Jersey.
🏊 Lake Nummy — Swimming, Boating & Fishing
The forest’s most popular destination — a 26-acre freshwater lake with a full beach complex: lifeguarded swimming in season, changing rooms, restrooms, showers, first-aid station, playground, and a concession building offering food, drinks, novelties, and beach supplies. Boating is available and the lake produces good fishing (bass, panfish). River otters have been spotted here — an unexpected and exciting sighting for visitors who catch them.
Rules: No inner tubes, rafts, or flotation devices in the swim area — only USCG-approved life jackets/PFDs permitted. No pets on the beach. Swimming only when lifeguards are on duty (summer months). Day use fee for the beach complex.
Activities at Belleplain
🥾
Hiking — 50+ Miles, 24 Trails
From sub-mile loops to the multi-mile East Creek Loop (most popular on AllTrails, 4.2★) and Lake Nummy Loop (4.6★). Natural surfaces of sand, dirt, and pine needles. Flat terrain typical of coastal Pine Barrens. Download map at HQ before going — some areas not well marked.
🚵
Mountain Biking
9-mile dedicated Mountain Bike Trail designed for varied rider levels. 12 of 24 trails also permit vehicle + bike use on wide sand and gravel roads. Flat, Pine Barrens-style terrain ideal for casual riders. No rentals on-site — bring your own.
🐴
Horseback Riding
Multiple equestrian trails through Atlantic white cedar, oak, hardwood swamp, grassy meadows, and tidal wetlands. 12 trails permit horses. Varied wildlife sightings — ensure your horse is comfortable around deer and turkey.
🎣
Fishing
Lake Nummy, East Creek Lake, and East Creek Pond. Bass, panfish, and other freshwater species. NJ freshwater fishing license required. Ice fishing in winter when conditions permit.
🌙
Stargazing
Deep Pine Barrens location with minimal light pollution — one of the darker sky areas in Cape May County. No cell service means no device distraction. An exceptional clear-night activity for campers and day visitors.
🦅
Birding — Important Bird Area
Reliable Prothonotary Warbler and Worm-eating Warbler in spring. Two self-guided interpretive trails for birding. Well-known spring migration hotspot. Bald eagle, waterfowl, woodcock, wild turkey throughout year.
Notable Trails
⭐ East Creek Loop — Most Popular · Follows East Creek · Scenic bridges · Herons & waterfowl
⭐ Lake Nummy Loop — 4.6★ AllTrails · Hugs the lake · Best views of water
Meisle Trail — South shore of Lake Nummy · Named for original cranberry bog
Seashore Line Trail — Follows abandoned PA-Reading Seashore Line RR right-of-way
Mountain Bike Trail — 9-mile dedicated MTB course
Eagle Fitness Trail — 8 exercise stations circuit
Cedar Swamp Trail — Atlantic white cedar habitat
East Creek Trail — Longest trail in the forest
📍 World Cup Context: Belleplain is ~50 minutes from Atlantic City — close enough for a full day trip or an overnight camping base for the Cape May area. For World Cup visitors wanting a genuine Pine Barrens forest day, it’s the most complete and accessible option in the southern part of the guide. Lake Nummy swimming is a summer highlight (lifeguards in season). The East Creek Loop trail follows the creek through alternating cedar swamp and open forest with excellent birding. Bring water, food, a downloaded offline map, and a book — cell service is effectively zero throughout the forest.
🏊 Lake Nummy Swimming & Boating
50+ Miles of Trails
⛺ Year-Round Camping
🦅 Important Bird Area
🦦 River Otters
🏗️ CCC Legacy — 1933
🌙 Dark Sky Stargazing
📍 Woodbine, Cape May County
Your request has been submitted successfully.
Own or work here?