Group Campsites

For large families, scout troops, and community organizations in New Jersey, finding a space that accommodates a significant number of people while maintaining a true connection to nature can be a challenge. The Group Campsites at Belleplain State Forest, located in Woodbine, offer a perfect solution. Tucked away on Deans Branch Road, these specialized sites are designed to provide the space and facilities necessary for large-scale gatherings. As part of one of New Jersey's most diverse state forests, these group areas allow visitors to enjoy the unique ecology of the Pinelands while benefiting from the logistical ease of a dedicated group-only zone. For New Jersey residents, it is a quintessential spot for building community bonds under the shade of a dense oak and pine canopy.

The appeal of these group sites lies in their intentional seclusion. Unlike the main family campgrounds which can get quite busy during the peak summer months, the group areas are strategically positioned to offer a sense of privacy. This makes them ideal for educational retreats, church outings, or multi-family reunions where a shared central area is required for group meals and activities. Being located within Belleplain State Forest means that while your group has its own private home base, you are still within easy reach of the forest's primary recreational hub, Lake Nummy. This balance ensures that groups can enjoy focused time together without missing out on the swimming, boating, and hiking opportunities that make the Woodbine area a local favorite.

Location and accessibility are major advantages for those organizing group events in Southern New Jersey. The Group Campsites are located at 165-143 Deans Branch Road in Woodbine, NJ. This location is easily accessible from the Garden State Parkway (Exits 13 or 17) and Route 55, making it a convenient meeting point for attendees traveling from across the state or even from the Philadelphia and Wilmington regions. Once inside the forest, the roads are well-maintained and navigable even for larger vehicles or trailers, though the group sites themselves are primarily designed for tent camping and large-scale gatherings on the forest floor.

Accessibility for all members of a group is an important consideration. Belleplain State Forest has made strides in ensuring that its core facilities are inclusive. The group areas feature on-site parking specifically designated for the site users, reducing the need for long hauls of gear. While the group campsites offer a more "rustic" experience than the cabins or lean-tos found elsewhere in the park, they are designed with a level of functionality that supports large groups. For those with specific mobility needs, it is always recommended to coordinate with the forest office in advance to ensure the specific site allocated on Deans Branch Road meets the requirements of all attendees.

The services offered at the Belleplain group sites are focused on providing the essential infrastructure for a successful large-scale camping trip. Unlike individual family sites, these areas are built to handle high occupancy while minimizing the impact on the surrounding environment. The focus here is on "group-style" amenities that encourage shared experiences around the campfire and the picnic table.

• Two large group campsites, each capable of accommodating up to 50 or 75 people depending on the specific site designation.
• Dedicated chemical toilets located on-site or in the immediate vicinity of the group area for convenience.
• Access to potable running water nearby to support group cooking and hydration needs.
• Large, heavy-duty fire rings designed for significant group campfires and evening gatherings.
• Multiple oversized picnic tables arranged to facilitate communal dining and group meetings.
• On-site parking area specifically for the group to ensure vehicles are kept off the sensitive forest floor.
• Access to the broader state forest services, including the main shower facilities and laundry located a short drive or moderate walk away in the main campground loops.

The features and highlights of the group camping area at Belleplain go beyond just the site itself. Residents of New Jersey choose this location because of the immediate access to the forest's vast trail network and the serene waters of Lake Nummy. The group sites act as a gateway to over 50 miles of multi-use trails, allowing groups to organize guided nature hikes, birdwatching expeditions, or mountain bike excursions directly from their campsites. The historical context of the area, having been developed in part by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), adds an educational layer to any group visit.

• Proximity to Lake Nummy, offering seasonal swimming with lifeguards, as well as canoe and kayak rentals.
• Access to over 50 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding through Atlantic white cedar swamps and oak-hickory forests.
• The Belleplain Nature Center, which often hosts interpretive programs and activities that are excellent for visiting youth groups and schools.
• Quiet, wooded surroundings that offer a high degree of privacy compared to standard public campgrounds.
• A central location in Cape May County, just minutes away from shore destinations like Sea Isle City, Avalon, and the Cape May County Zoo.
• Year-round availability, allowing groups to experience the unique beauty of the Pinelands in every season, from spring blooms to crisp autumn foliage.
• A "carry-in, carry-out" trash policy that encourages environmental stewardship and leaves the sites pristine for the next group.

For organizations looking to book a group stay, it is important to note that these sites are highly sought after, especially for weekend dates in the spring and fall. Reservations can be made through the New Jersey State Park Service's online portal or by contacting the forest office directly. Please keep in mind that group leaders are responsible for ensuring that the number of attendees stays within the site's legal capacity and that all state park rules—such as the prohibition of alcohol—are strictly followed.

Group Campsites at Belleplain State Forest
Address: 165-143 Deans Branch Rd, Woodbine, NJ 08270, USA
Phone: (609) 861-2404 (Belleplain Forest Office)

What is worth choosing when it comes to the Group Campsites at Belleplain? The true value is found in the ability to host a massive gathering in a high-quality natural environment for a very reasonable fee. In an era where large-scale events can be prohibitively expensive, the state park system provides an affordable way for non-profits, families, and scout troops to enjoy a multi-day retreat. Choosing these sites means opting for an experience where the "amenities" are the tall trees, the dark night skies perfect for stargazing, and the shared memories created around a large communal fire.

Furthermore, the location in Woodbine is hard to beat for a New Jersey local. It provides that essential "away from it all" feeling without requiring a grueling drive. You are close enough to the coast to feel the salt air on a breezy day, yet deep enough in the woods to feel completely disconnected from the stressors of modern life. For a group looking to unplug, reset, and focus on team building or family connection, Belleplain’s group sites offer the space and the setting to do exactly that. It remains one of the premier destinations for group outdoor recreation in the Garden State.

Would you like me to help you find the specific group reservation fees for the 2026 season, or perhaps provide a list of local New Jersey organizations that frequently utilize these sites for their retreats?