When it comes to fun, Belleplain State Forest is a one-stop 21,300 acre outdoor playground. There’s oodles of camping – 169 campites just for tents and trailers. That’s not counting the two group campsites that can accommodate up to 75 people, 14 lean-tos, a group cabin for folks who like their outdoors a little easy, and five yurts, those funny-looking circular tents that come with wooden floors, locking screen doors, double-decker bunks and a plexiglass roof so you can count the stars instead of counting sheep.

Even if you don’t camp, Belleplain has lots to keep you out in the fresh air. To cool off on a hot summer day, take a dunk in Lake Nummy which has a bath house equipped with handicapped accessible facilities. If you weren’t in the mood to pack a picnic basket, you can chow down on food at the concession stand.

The Lake is also a popular spot for boating. As long as those boats get around by paddle power. No motors on the lake, but even if you don’t own a canoe, you can rent one at the concession stand.

After you claim your picnic bench – and it gets crowded during summer weekends and holidays so get there early – check out the trails that wind through the Forest. Whether you go by foot, mountain bike, or by horse, you’ll see lots of wildlife as you make your way.

Even when the weather turns cold, Belleplain is a great place to escape cabin fever. When the lake freezes over, die-hard anglers set up their little stools and go ice-fishing while others rev up the snowmobiles or hop into their cross-country skies.