Mr.Chipotl
Ok, so me and a few friends want to go camping to celebrate our first year of college completed and I'm in charge of arranging everything. Personally, I've never been camping but wanted to since I was a kid. Ideally, I'd like to find a nice camping area in New Jersey that isn't "family-oriented," in other words, secluded but environmentally beautiful. Somewhere where we can build a small camp fire for barbecuing, preferably near a lake where we can swim and/or fish. Are there any sites like this in New Jersey? (Out of state sites are fine too; We're willing to make the trip) Where and what do I have to do to arrange this? Do I have to call and reserve a spot? Also, how much money do we need in order to make this trip as comfortable as possible? (We have 4 people going, including myself). If we go, it'll probably be for a weekend or so (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). Please, help me make this trip memorable! College sucks...
Answer
I live and frequently camp in NJ, and it's sad to say that there are few opportunities for this type of camping in our state.
If you are looking for secluded, scenic and near water, your best bet will be the primitive campsites in Wharton State Forest in the Pinelands (Atsion, NJ). Bodine Field, Hawkins Bridge, Batona, Mullica River and Goshen Pond have hand pumps for water and pit toilets. Buttonwood Hill and Lower Forge sites have no water. Mullica River and Lower Forge can only be accessed by hiking, canoeing or horseback; motor vehicles are not permitted. All other areas are accessible by motor vehicles. Most campsites are on or a few yards from a river, creek or pond. Some of these sites require traveling a distance over unimproved sand roads, where loose sand and water holes as deep as 12" may require a high-clearance 4WD vehicle, but most can be safely accessed by an AWD SUV, CUV or Pick-Up truck.
Note that it is illegal to possess or consume alcohol in NJ parks and forests. My experience is that if you are otherwise behaving in a mature and responsible manner and being discreet, most rangers will not bother you, though there are no guarantees. But if you are noisy, have a bonfire large enough to land aircraft by, or have cans/bottles of beer or alcohol in plain view, expect to get a ticket ($75). It is also illegal to swim in any water not supervised by a lifeguard, but "wading" is permitted and, to be frank, I've never seen this enforced except when attempting to swim in an unprotected area visible from a protected one.
Reservations are accepted in-person at the ranger station or via mail using the application form listed below. Cost is $2 per person per night for primitive campgrounds. Aside from the camping fees, you'll need gear, firewood, stove fuel and food/drinks. How much this all costs you depends on how extravagant your needs. You can get by on $5 worth of food and fuel a day eating Ramen Noodles, Hot Dogs and Beans, or over $35 dining on Roast Beef Subs, King Crab Legs and Filet Mignon.
There are many other state forests and parks with camping on or nearby water; check the list on the Camping Reservations page listed below. Note that these are family-oriented campgrounds, usually with full bathrooms including hot showers, one or more playgrounds, and are frequented by families in camping trailers. But some do offer reasonable amounts of privacy and great views of rivers, lakes and mountains. Some noteworthy areas are Stokes State Forest, Highpoint State Park, Worthington State Forest (right on the Delaware River). Camping in these locations is a bit more expensive at $20/night per site, max 6 people and 2 tents. Unfortunately, Byrne (aka Lebanon) and Allaire are not on or near any water features.
Round Valley Reservoir has a unique camping area that has full facilities but is not accessible by car. You need to backpack (3 to 6 miles, depending on the site) or access the camp by water (small boat, canoe or kayak). While still a "family" campsite, there won't be any RV's and few if any small children.
Finally, if you are up for a hike, you can section-hike the Appalachian Trail and camp overnight (one night per location) for free. You would need to be completely self-sufficient including water and toilet facilities, pack out all your trash and solid waste, and move to a new location each day. In return you get to test your endurance and self-reliance while enjoying breathtaking views of the mountains, valleys and Delaware River.
Expanding out from NJ there are many great places in PA and upstate NY for remote camping. Perhaps someone local to those areas can suggest some spots that are legally open to the general public.
(P.S., Possibly hard to believe now, but you'll look back at college as one of the best times of your life.)
(P.P.S., No state parks/forests have hookups, electrical or otherwise. The State University of NJ is Rutgers, centered in New Brunswick NJ, not Madison, WI. The State College of NJ is in Ewing, NJ, formerly Trenton State College. Drew University is located in Madison, NJ and is a state institution, but has never been referred to as "the state university." All total there are 12 state colleges and universities and 19 accredited community colleges in NJ.)
Camping out a Store?
Bertram
A restaurant is opening up on the OSU campus and they are offering free food for a year to the first 250 customers. Some friends and I pl,an on camping out the restaurant 24 hours in advance and I wanted to know if anyone has any tips on making this a successful and safe journey?
Its on the north part of campus, a relatively safe area.
Answer
I knew I read about this recently:
"How to Camp out Overnight in Line
Today it has become increasingly difficult to obtain hot commodity items, such as the X-Box 360, Nintendo's Wii, the Sony Playstation 3 and Tickle Me Elmo. With the holidays coming up, it is very possible that you will have to camp out in a line overnight if you want these items.
Steps [edit]
1. Assess the item you want to purchase first and foremost. Make sure you call the store beforehand and find out how many of the items they have, what time the store opens, and if they will be handing our preorder tickets (many places do now, to avoid possible madness). If there are only six PS3 stations and you are the seventh person, it's not worth your time to stay out all night.
2. Get ready! Start preparations as soon as you know what you're getting and what day the pre-order/shipment is. Make sure do not have commitments for the night of the purchase and the day after. No school, work, parties etc. You'll be too tired for any of this after the event!
3. Gather together supplies. This varies on where you live and what time of year it is, but keeping in mind it will usually be around the hoildays, and most likely cold, you will need to think ahead. See the "Things You'll Need" list for supplies.
4. Bring a buddy. If at all possible, bring a friend, husband, wife, girl/boyfriend, sibling, co worker - anyone! There is safety in numbers and you will have someone to hold your place in line during a food run or much needed bathroom break. If you can't do that, try to seek out a friend in line. Although there can be unsavory people, the chances that hardcore shoppers will stick together and keeping away stragglers cannot be discounted.
5. Check it out beforehand. If at all possible, drive to the location the day before. Seek out possible bathrooms, coffee shops and 24 hour locations. If nothing else you will want someplace to warm up. If there are no 24/7 grocery stores, look for convenience stores.
6. Dress well. When you are ready for the big day, start early and dress warmly! Three layers on top plus a coat (sweater and turtle necks), two layers on bottom (jogging pants/flannel pants and jeans), a hoodie and hat, gloves, scarf, wool or double layers of socks and warm shoes. Bring blankets as well, three at least per person, and sleeping bags if you have them. And get to the location as fast as you can - some hardcore shoppers will camp out starting at 5 PM -before the store even closes for the night!
7. Set up your spot on arrival. When you arrive chances are you won't be the first person there. Set up camp, say hello to everyone, and ask what they are there for. Find out your place in the line. Remain kind and respectful to your fellow shoppers - you'll go through a lot together that night!
8. Try to sleep if you can, as hard as that sounds. Walk around to stay warm. If you're with a partner, take car breaks/bathroom breaks, do a snack or food run and keep an eye on the time.
9. Wake early and stay alert. As you near 5AM, stay awake and do not leave the line! The manager may be out to hand pre-sale tickets out, and you do not want to miss this - you have been camping out all night for these!
Tips [edit]
* Do not give up hope!
* You need to dress warmly, this cannot be overstated! You may find a fellow shopper who is happy to help you and lend a blanket or buy you a coffee, but you will be in for the coldest night of your life if you don't plan ahead!
* Bring chairs! Do not sit on the ground, you will chill faster. Wrap blankets tightly around you to trap in heat.
* If you plan to camp out alone, there is a chance you will not find a person in line that will save you place. Assuming you have brought enough food and entertainment supplies, the only unmet need will be bathroom-related. The solution is to bring a "texas catheter" which fits over your private parts like a condom, but it has a tube attached that lead to a bag. Unfortunately, this solution does not address excretory needs. In order to deal with these issues, you must adjust your pre-camping diet for the 24-36 hours before you start camping. This technique varies by person, but the simple answer is to minimize your intake of greasy foods and other food that encourages sit-down bathroom visits. A more extreme solution is to take over the counter medicines that inhibit the need to sit down on the potty. This approach may seem extreme, but it will make for a good story to tell your friends while you play with your new game console.
Warnings [edit]
* Do not start fights or arguments with people who drive by. Some may drive by, say they are the manager and that you are too late. Just ignore them.
* Don't carry cash on your person. Use a debit or credit card, or pay by check. Leave your purse at home.
* Carry a cell phone for time, safety and in case you need to call a relative or the hospital.
Things You'll Need [edit]
* Backpack to hold supplies
* Energy drinks, soda, or coffee/cocoa in a thermos
* Magazine or book for possible reading material
* Foldable lawn chairs
* Blankets, comforters and a pillow
* Space heater (if temperature dips below zero)
* Snacks - chips, gum, possibly candy
* Cell phone
* Ipod, portable DVD player, or handheld game system or laptop to relieve boredom"
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