GO TO CAMP CRYSTAL LAKE.

Uncle TNUC has been fascinated with summer camp basically since he was in ALF underpants. Everyone reading this already knows this given the four camp mixtapes, merchandise, a music video and the nonstop dedication from day one around this place. It’s all thanks to movies — and the mightiest of the mighty is FRIDAY THE 13th from 1980. It needs no explanation because you’ve probably heard of the film? Jason Voorhees, teenagers, skinny joints, throat-ripping, neck-slashing, summer fun in the woods? That’s the one.

“Camp TNUC” wouldn’t have been possible without the obsession of Friday the 13th’s Camp Crystal Lake and everything that went with it. From deformed weirdos in the woods to panty raids, we cherish every single thing there is to do with summer camp.

In a small corner of Northwestern New Jersey lies the town of Hardwick, where the fine folks at Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco did a remarkable thing by opening their creaky gates some years ago to let Friday the 13th fans on guided tours of the original filming location! The real cabins. The real lake. It’s all here.

For years rabid fans would try and get close, or trespass onto the property to see what actually still existed, if anything. This woodsy wilderness has been operating as a boy scout’s camp since 1927 and continued through the 1980’s until today. It remains private property but Crystal Lake Tours offers tickets to fans for daytime, nighttime and even overnight tours. Plus celebrity events and even canoe excursions!

This is BIG. Uncle T had the privilege of visiting last weekend and needless to say, I had the time of my life. Have a look at our “1980 and now” findings below which also includes the neighboring town of Blairstown, NJ where other scenes from the movie were shot.

Bridge Street in Blairstown, NJ

*Annie gets dropped off by the local graveyard (1980)*

*Aside from more bodies, the local graveyard almost unchanged in 2026.*

*Blairstown Diner where Steve Christy stopped for a bite to eat (1980).*

*Blairstown Diner where Uncle T had french fries in 2026.*

*Someone creeping from the woods across the lake (1980).*

*A certain counselor doing the same in 2026.*

*“You’re all doomed”…Crazy Ralph shuffles out of one of the cabins (1980).*

*The Main Cabin in 2026. Notice the actual totem pole still surviving!*

Steve Christy’s Jeep? The “Strip Monopoly” game setup? The attention to detail throughout the tour was impeccable. Even small details like a rope hanging from a rafter that only the nerdiest diehard would ever notice. Or the coffee cans with correct labels. For the hardcores who know everything there is to know about Friday the 13th, this place is extremely impressive.

I’m always drawn to horror locations that have nature setting. Whether it be Creepshow, Pet Semetery, The Fog or Friday the 13th – there’s something about the steadiness and purity of an old cemetery or forbidden stretch of woods that refuses to change over time. It’s my comfort zone.

These photos are a good indication of what Crystal Lake Tours has to offer but they really don’t do it justice. Around every corner of this camp is something to marvel at if you’re a fan of Jason Voorhees and summer camp in general. For instance not shown here is the archery range or the canoe setup where little dead Jason popped out of the water! Also the merchandise in the gift shop. My God is that a work of art. You name it, they have everything imaginable. T-shirts, hats, pennants, flags, canteens, camping lights, paddles, Crystal Lake water, items made of wood from the original cabins, ponchos, blankets and so much more!

My advice is to book a tour and GO TO CAMP CRYSTAL LAKE.