BELLEPLAIN STATE FOREST
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.
Belleplain State Forest is a 21,320-acre forest located in southern New Jersey, United States. The history of Belleplain State Forest dates back to the 1930s when the forest was created as a result of the Great Depression-era initiatives like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), which aimed to provide employment and natural resource conservation during that time.
The CCC was responsible for the initial development of Belleplain State Forest. CCC Camp S-55, located near the current Forest Office, was established in 1933 to provide job opportunities for young unemployed men. The CCC workers cleared land, constructed roads, and built facilities within the forest, leaving a lasting impact on the landscape.
During World War II, the forest served as a training ground for soldiers deployed to Europe, including the establishment of a firing range. The forest went on to serve as a training area for the United States Army until the 1970s.
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. $155 per night.
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. Accessible to persons with disabilities. $30 per night.
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. Campsites open all year. $20 per night.
Group campsites: Two group campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, water, and chemical toilets. Each site accommodates up to 75 people. Open all year. $75 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. ADA Accessible. Open all year. $30 per night.