Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco

4.7(454)google

Varies(This is an active Boy Scout camp and private property, closed to the general public. Access is exclusively granted via pre-ticketed special tour events; prices vary per event)

CampingOutdoorEerie & HauntedQuirkyForestLakeFilm

Overview

Tucked away beautifully within the rugged, mountainous terrain of Hardwick, Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco is a historic Boy Scout sanctuary that holds an incredibly legendary status in American pop culture. Operating continuously since 1927, this pristine lakeside property is world-famous among film buffs as the primary, real-world filming location for the original 1980 horror masterpiece 'Friday the 13th'. While remaining an active educational youth camp, it occasionally opens its historic cabins, dense pine forests, and eerie shorelines for highly exclusive tours that captivate pop-culture enthusiasts.

Practical Info

11 Sand Pond Rd, Hardwick Township, NJ 07825, USA

Every dayOpen 24 hours

Suggested Duration2-4 hours

Best TimePerfect strictly for horror cinematography purists during their highly exclusive, pre-booked public tourist opening dates. Serving as the authentic physical filming location for 'Camp Crystal Lake' in the original 1980 movie 'Friday the 13th', note that this is an active private Boy Scout camp tightly closed to the public 365 days a year; trespassers are immediately prosecuted. You must monitor Crystal Lake Tours online to buy specific event tickets.

Getting ThereHidden deep within the rugged Appalachian mountain interior at 11 Sand Pond Rd, Hardwick. Personal vehicles are strictly barred from approaching the property lines unless holding an official pre-printed tour event pass. Driven access via coordinates requires taking I-80 West to Exit 12, heading north onto Route 94 to Blairstown, and navigating steep winding single-lane forestry gravel roads directly to the monitored main gate check-point.

(908) 362-6088

nobebosco.org/

Travel Tips

This active Boy Scouts camp is private property; unannounced fans tracking the 'Friday the 13th' filming site face immediate arrest for trespassing as local law enforcement strictly patrols the boundaries.
The sole avenue for legal access to the iconic Crystal Lake shorelines is purchasing a timed ticket for specific fan-day events hosted by Crystal Lake Tours, which utilize high-demand online lottery systems.

Photo Tips

Photo Rules

Ticketed tour participants must stay with assigned escorts; independent wandering, operating remote UAVs, and bringing commercial-grade video stability rigs or heavy telephoto lenses are legally barred.

Reviews

Positive

As the real-world filming location for Crystal Lake in the classic horror 'Friday the 13th', it is a holy grail for horror fans worldwide.
During restricted 'Crystal Lake Tours', you can see the movie's original cabins and docks, and buy exclusive official licensed souvenirs.
Nestled deep in beautiful dense forests, the lakeside scenery is gorgeous, preserving the pure, pristine calm of an active Boy Scout camp.
The tour organization is highly structured; guides and roleplaying staff are enthusiastic, creating immersive interactivity with tight safety.

Heads up

Operating as an active private Boy Scout camp, trespassing or casual walk-ins are strictly banned; public entry is limited to rare tour days.
With massive global demand and scarce slots, tour tickets are very expensive and sell out in seconds, making booking immensely difficult.
The campgrounds feature raw mountain paths and dirt terrain lacking ADA walkways; long walks demand good shoes and stamina, with limited restrooms.
The location is hidden and remote along narrow winding hills with zero streetlights; reaching it requires driving, and cell service is dead.