Tucked into the pine-and-oak lowlands of Cape May County, Belleplain State Forest spans over 21,000 acres of coastal plain wilderness just minutes from the Jersey Shore. Established in 1928, Belleplain was one of New Jersey’s earliest conservation efforts, created to reforest land stripped bare by logging and wildfire. Nearly a century later, it’s grown into one of South Jersey’s most rewarding outdoor destinations.

Lake Nummy, the forest’s centerpiece, anchors much of the activity here. The 26-acre lake offers swimming from a sandy beach in summer, along with fishing for bass, pickerel, and sunfish. Canoe and kayak rentals make it easy to get on the water without hauling your own gear. Beyond the lake, over 40 miles of marked trails wind through pitch pine lowlands and Atlantic white cedar swamps — ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Birders should bring binoculars: Belleplain sits along the Atlantic Flyway and hosts warblers, hawks, and the occasional bald eagle.

Camping options range from tent and RV sites with electric hookups to lean-to shelters and group sites, making Belleplain a solid basecamp for exploring nearby Cape May and the Delaware Bay beaches. Facilities are well-maintained, and the campground fills up on summer weekends, so reserve early.

The best window is late May through October, when the swimming area is open and the forest canopy is full. Spring migration season — April through early June — is particularly spectacular for birding.

Explore Nearby

• Ludlam’s Beach Light — Lighthouse in New Jersey
• East Point (Maurice River) Light — Lighthouse in New Jersey
• Scarborough Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in South Carolina
• Wooddale Bridge — Covered Bridge in South Carolina
• Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Delaware