Lake Nummy, Woodbine, NJ

For many New Jersey residents, finding a peaceful, authentic outdoor experience that is still close enough for a quick weekend escape can be a challenge. That is precisely why the Lake Nummy area of Belleplain State Forest remains a treasured local gem. Located in Woodbine, NJ, this section of the state forest centers around the beautiful 26-acre Lake Nummy, which was historically a cranberry bog converted by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. Today, it serves as the recreational hub of the entire forest, offering a diverse array of activities and accommodations that cater to both seasoned campers and first-time visitors from across the Garden State.

The atmosphere here is intentionally tranquil, inviting visitors to slow down and immerse themselves in the unique environment of pine, oak, and Atlantic white cedar forest that borders the Pinelands National Reserve. This campground is not just about pitching a tent; it’s about accessing a vast, managed ecosystem that provides swimming, boating, fishing, and miles of trails right outside your site. While the amenities are essential and serviceable—as attested by locals—the real draw is the opportunity to reconnect with nature in a clean, state-maintained environment. It is a place where you can step away from the Jersey Shore crowds and find a secluded spot without driving to a different time zone.

Location and Accessibility

The Lake Nummy recreational and camping area is centrally located within Belleplain State Forest, providing easy access to all the park’s primary facilities. Its Woodbine, NJ address makes it a highly accessible destination for residents throughout Southern New Jersey and the Philadelphia metro area.

Address: 210 Meisle Rd, Woodbine, NJ 08270, USA

The site is conveniently situated just a short drive from major arteries, including the Garden State Parkway. Upon entering the State Forest, the road leads directly to the core recreational area, which includes Lake Nummy, the adjacent campgrounds (like North Shore and Meisle), the Nature Center, and the day-use complex. This consolidated layout ensures that all facilities, from your campsite to the sandy beach, are within a comfortable walking or biking distance. Visitors can easily find ample parking near the Lake Nummy Day Use Area. The surrounding forest roads, a legacy of the CCC, provide further accessibility to the over 40 miles of trails available for exploration by foot, bike, or horse.

Services Offered

The Lake Nummy campground complex offers a range of lodging and essential services designed to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay in the New Jersey woods, from basic tent sites to partially-furnished shelters.

Campsites: 169 total tent and trailer sites are available across the forest's campgrounds, all featuring fire rings and picnic tables.
Lean-to Cabins: Rustic, wooden lean-to shelters are available for rent, providing a step up from tent camping, complete with propane heaters (Note for winter use: Reviews indicate the heating can be insufficient in freezing temperatures, so extra bedding is highly recommended).
Bathhouse and Restroom Facilities: Flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities are available and maintained within walking distance of most campsites.
Canoe and Kayak Rental: Available at the lake concession stand during the summer season, typically for a nominal hourly fee (e.g., $10 per hour).
Concession Stand: Located at the beach complex, offering snacks, drinks, beach supplies, and sometimes basic fishing gear during the in-season months (Memorial Day to Labor Day).
Nature Center: An Interpretive Center near the lake offers educational displays, programs, nature crafts, and guided activities for families, particularly on summer weekends.
Day-Use Amenities: Picnic tables with charcoal grills, horseshoe pits, and a playground are provided near the lakeside for daily visitors and campers alike.

Features / Highlights

Lake Nummy itself is the star attraction, providing a beautiful backdrop and a central point for a variety of outdoor pursuits unique to this part of the Jersey landscape.

Designated Swimming Beach: A sandy beach on the north side of Lake Nummy is open for swimming from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with lifeguards on duty during set hours.
Paddlesports Opportunities: The lake is perfect for non-motorized boating, including canoeing and kayaking. Small powered boats are restricted to electric motors only, ensuring a quiet, peaceful experience on the water.
Accessible Freshwater Fishing: Fishing is a popular activity, with the lake stocked with species like largemouth bass, pickerel, perch, catfish, and sunfish. Visitors should be aware that shoreline fishing can be challenging due to aquatic growth, but a boat or rented canoe provides access to deeper, more productive waters in front of the swimming area. A valid NJ Fishing License is required.
Extensive Hiking and Biking Trails: The park boasts over 40 miles of trails, including the seven-mile East Creek Trail and the dedicated nine-mile Mountain Bike Trail, offering scenic routes through the forest's diverse habitats.
Cabin Camping Option: The lean-tos provide a rainproof, floor-raised camping experience, especially attractive for those who prefer more structure than a tent, though extra insulation is a must in colder weather, as noted by visitors.
Family Recreation Complex: The lakeside includes a complex with restrooms, changing areas, a first-aid station, and a playground, making it a perfect spot for families with small children.
Wildlife Diversity: The forest's location on the edge of the Pinelands provides an excellent opportunity for bird watching and spotting diverse wildlife, making it a superb natural classroom for children and nature enthusiasts.

Contact Information

To ensure a smooth trip, it is recommended that campers and visitors contact the Belleplain State Forest office directly for current hours, reservation policies, and detailed information about lean-to and campsite availability.

Lake Nummy Day Use Area Address: 210 Meisle Rd, Woodbine, NJ 08270, USA

Belleplain State Forest Main Office Address: 1 Henkinsifkin Road, Woodbine, NJ 08270

Main Forest Office Phone: (609) 861-2404

Conclusion: Why Lake Nummy is Suitable for Local New Jersey Residents

For anyone living in New Jersey, Lake Nummy and the surrounding Belleplain State Forest offer an unmatched local value for an authentic outdoor vacation. The proximity to South Jersey's population centers and the short distance from major roadways mean you spend less time driving and more time enjoying the fresh air—a major benefit for weekend travelers.

The variety of activities centered around the lake—swimming in the guarded beach area, paddling a rented canoe, or casting a line—provides a ready-made itinerary for families. For those who want more than a typical tent experience, the availability of rustic lean-to cabins provides an alternative camping option that adds comfort and shelter, especially useful for shoulder-season trips, provided you remember to pack for the colder temperatures.

Furthermore, as a state-managed facility, you benefit from a well-kept infrastructure, including the Nature Center and miles of accessible trails. Lake Nummy is a true escape from the summer heat and the urban hustle, a place that embodies the natural beauty of the Garden State's southern reaches. It serves as an affordable, accessible, and high-quality destination that is a point of local pride and tradition for generations of New Jersey campers.