Belle Plain State Park Camp grounds

Belle Plain State Park Campgrounds, located within the expansive Belleplain State Forest, offers New Jersey residents and visitors a premier outdoor destination in the southern reaches of the state. Established in 1928, the forest spans over 21,000 acres across Cape May and Cumberland Counties, representing one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the Garden State. The campground serves as a gateway to a unique landscape where young pine, oak, and Atlantic white cedar trees thrive. For local New Jerseyans looking to escape the suburban sprawl, Belle Plain provides a rustic, "back-to-nature" atmosphere that is rich in both history and biodiversity.

The park is perhaps most famous for its connection to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). During the 1930s, the CCC was instrumental in shaping the park’s infrastructure, including the conversion of the Meisle Cranberry Bog into the popular Lake Nummy. Today, this 26-acre lake is the centerpiece of the park’s recreational activities, offering a scenic backdrop for campers. Whether you are visiting for a weekend of quiet reflection or a week-long family adventure, the campgrounds at Belle Plain provide a well-rounded experience that highlights the natural beauty of the Jersey Pinelands. It is a place where history is etched into the very trails and bridges you cross, making every stay a walk through New Jersey's conservation legacy.

Situated at 249 Meisle Road in Woodbine, NJ, Belle Plain State Park is conveniently located for those traveling from across the state. For residents in South Jersey, it is a short trip via Route 550 or the Garden State Parkway. Those coming from the Philadelphia or Camden areas will find it easily accessible via Route 55 South. The park entrance is clearly marked, and the main office is situated right at the front to assist with check-ins and trail maps. Its geographic position makes it an excellent home base for day trips to nearby coastal attractions like Ocean City and Wildwood, which are only about 30 minutes away, allowing campers to enjoy the serenity of the woods by night and the excitement of the Jersey Shore by day.

Accessibility is a key feature of the park's design. The campground includes a wheelchair-accessible parking lot and several ADA-compliant facilities to ensure that all visitors can enjoy the outdoors. The road system within the forest is a mix of paved and well-maintained gravel paths, originally laid out by the CCC, making most areas accessible to standard vehicles. For those with limited mobility, the lake area and several picnic pavilions are designed to be easily reached, ensuring that the beauty of Lake Nummy is inclusive for everyone in the community.

• Over 160 tent and trailer sites equipped with fire rings and picnic tables for a classic camping experience.
• Dedicated water and electric hookups available at the CCC campground loop for RV enthusiasts.
• Seasonal swimming at Lake Nummy with lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
• Boat launch facilities for electric-powered boats, canoes, and kayaks at Lake Nummy and East Creek Pond.
• Canoe and kayak rentals available during the summer months for exploring the water.
• Group cabin and lean-to rentals for those seeking more substantial shelter than a tent.
• On-site laundry facilities and hot showers available within walking distance of the major camping loops.
• Firewood sales at the park office to help keep your campfires bright and warm.

• Over 40 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding through diverse habitats.
• Lake Nummy Beach, featuring a concession stand, changing rooms, and a playground for children.
• A haven for birdwatchers, especially during spring migration when the forest is alive with warblers and other species.
• Family-friendly picnic groves with charcoal grills, ideal for day trips and community gatherings.
• The Nature Center, providing educational displays and weekend programs for kids to learn about local wildlife.
• Pet-friendly camping options in designated areas, allowing you to bring your leashed dogs along.
• Stargazing opportunities in a region known for its relatively low light pollution compared to North Jersey.
• A peaceful, remote feel that makes it one of the quietest state park experiences in the region.

For more information or to make a reservation for your next camping trip, you can reach out to the park office directly. While the forest is open 24 hours for certain activities, camping check-ins and office services follow specific seasonal hours. It is highly recommended to use the New Jersey State Park Service's online reservation system to secure your spot, especially during the busy summer and fall foliage seasons.

• Address: 249 Meisle Rd, Woodbine, NJ 08270, USA
• Phone: (609) 861-2404
• Official Website: camping.nj.gov

What makes Belle Plain State Park Campgrounds truly worth choosing is the sheer variety of habitats and activities available in one location. For the price of a state park permit, you gain access to saltwater marshes, cedar swamps, and oak-hickory forests that feel like a world apart from the rest of the state. It is worth choosing for families because of its "kid-friendly" reputation—the playground, the gentle lake waters, and the nature center programs provide endless entertainment for younger campers. Reviews from local users frequently mention the joy of seeing their children make new friends in the wide-open spaces of the Meisle or North Shore loops.

Furthermore, the park is worth choosing for those who value privacy and space. Many of the sites are notably large and secluded by thick foliage, offering a level of intimacy that commercial campgrounds often lack. For the avid hiker or cyclist, the 40 miles of trails offer everything from short nature walks to more challenging treks through the Pinelands. Even with its rustic charm, the presence of hot showers and a well-stocked concession stand means you don't have to sacrifice all your comforts. Whether you are there to see the stunning fall colors or to cool off in the lake during a Jersey summer, Belle Plain offers a high-value, authentic outdoor experience that keeps New Jersey locals coming back generation after generation.