Belleplain State Forest spans over 21,000 acres of mixed pine and oak woodlands in southern New Jersey, offering wooded camping options about 20 miles from Port Norris. The forest features a diverse ecosystem of pine barrens, cedar swamps, and hardwood forests with mostly flat terrain at approximately 40 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with high humidity while spring and fall offer milder conditions with temperatures between 50-70°F.
What to do
Explore historical sites: The region around Port Norris contains several preserved historical structures accessible from nearby campgrounds. Cape Henlopen State Park Campground offers access to WWII observation towers and underground bunkers. "The historic aspect of the Cape amazed me. It was a site for WWII soldiers to watch for enemy invaders. The towers are still there," notes Jennifer S. in her review.
Rent watercraft: Several campgrounds provide boat rentals for exploring local waterways. At Ocean View Resort Campground, families can enjoy water recreation without bringing their own equipment. "They have an arcade, laundromat, lakes with beach space, pools, a tugboat, golf carts, hay rides, bonfires, a playground, activities, etc. Went with two young children and we had a blast," says Victoria K.
Take advantage of bike trails: The region features several dedicated cycling paths connecting campgrounds to beaches and nature areas. Holly Shores Camping Resort visitors mention convenient biking options. "There is an 11 mile rail trail across the street as well," notes Joel A., highlighting accessibility for cyclists of various skill levels.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds in the Port Norris area feature larger-than-average camping spots. At Belleplain State Forest, campers appreciate the room to spread out. "Our site was HUGE!!!! It was also super private with trees and a lot of privacy from the road and our neighbors. We had friends stay in the lean-tos nearby and others visit. We had room to park several cars," shares Anne H.
Lake swimming options: Natural swimming areas provide alternatives to ocean beaches. Parvin State Park Campground features a lake with designated swimming areas. "I love that it offers a little bit of everything; fishing, trails, hiking, nature walks, playgrounds, swimming, and more," explains Amber F., highlighting the diversity of water recreation available.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region's varied ecosystems support diverse animal populations observable from campgrounds. Spacious Skies Country Oaks provides a peaceful environment for nature observation. "Even in the colder months, this campground remains a quiet and relaxing escape. The grounds are clean and well-kept, with easy access to nearby nature spots for peaceful walks and exploration," notes Cristina R.
What you should know
Seasonal bathroom limitations: Some campgrounds have inconsistent bathroom availability depending on the time of year. At Parvin State Park Campground, visitors should check facilities before arrival. "Bathrooms were clean but most of the faucets on the sinks were broken. The water has a very high iron content. I couldn't even use it for tooth brushing. Most of the showers were out of order," reports Frank J.
Leaf management challenges: Fall camping requires preparation for significant leaf accumulation at wooded sites. Sun Retreats Seashore Campsites & RV Resort experiences seasonal maintenance issues. "The sites were wooded and there were so many leaves all you could hear was leaf blowers throughout the day. Campers were blowing piles and piles of leaves along the road," observed Cynthia D.
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds in heavily wooded areas have poor connectivity. Belleplain State Forest experiences significant signal challenges. "Virtually NO cell service with AT&T, TMobile or Verizon. AT&T was the better of the 3. Our Winegard/Gateway give us no internet which we normally get. There'd be way too many trees for Starlink," warns Anne H.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation variety: Dog friendly campgrounds near Port Norris offer multiple water activity options for families. Sun Outdoors Cape May features diverse aquatic amenities. "We've stayed here 2 years in a row. We returned due to all the activities the campground offers for the kids. A nice lake with a giant inflatable slide, floating trampoline, kayak and paddle board rentals. A decent pool that tends to get a bit crowded, but does the trick," shares Dave R.
Arcade availability: Several campgrounds maintain game rooms for entertainment during inclement weather. Beachcomber Camping Resort provides indoor options beyond outdoor activities. "The entire family had fun. Kids were super happy about all the activities this campground has to offer. Staff is great as well," reports Stephanie G.
Campground transportation: Consider renting golf carts at larger facilities to help families navigate extensive grounds. Holly Shores Camping Resort offers this convenient option. "We had a blast with a golf cart rental. The campground is rather large, so it felt like a necessity to having a secondary way of getting around easily as a family. Plus it made checking out the entire campground manageable," explains Dave R.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: When camping with larger rigs, carefully research specific site dimensions before booking. Cape Henlopen State Park Campground requires attention to site specifications. "If you have a trailer, make sure that you input your trailer length to find a site that fits as they vary," advises Stu T.
Dump station planning: Some pet-friendly campgrounds near Port Norris have limited waste disposal facilities requiring strategic planning. Belleplain State Forest presents challenges in this area. "The worst was the dump station. It is just a little hole on the side of the road and the ONLY dump station for the 3 campgrounds! It was very unlevel and not easy to fully dump our tanks," cautions Anne H.
Leveling requirements: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain requiring appropriate equipment. Cape Henlopen State Park Campground presents specific challenges. "None of the sites are level. Sites are mostly small and close together. The closer you are to the camp store, the louder and busier it is," notes Adam and Suzanne B.
Legend
