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.)
Tentant won't remove property from yard?
Anonymous
I own a 2 family home which I live in 1 of the units. The tenant has left property in the yard and I want it removed. I have asked that he remove it on several occasions and he ignores my requests. There are several empty buckets and milk crates and they make the yard look disgusting. Can I legally remove these items. The lease states that the yard must be keep clean.
Answer
I own a triplex in Alaska and I must say, do NOT use a property manager just to manage one unit for you, 10% of the rent they collect can really cut into your own earnings and the most obvious reason not to hire one is YOU LIVE THERE. You have to put up with the person that they would end up renting to. I am currently asking tenants to move who have for the most part been "great tenants" they keep their place immaculate but they are childish. I've asked them to remove their camping gear and tent off the front deck bc they hang them out to dry for days (along with their cooler) and they argue with me about their stuff. They are not allowed to have pets, the guy saw me with my new puppy and said, "Why do you get to have pets, does this mean that I get to have a dog?" I've asked them time and time again to keep their vehicles parked far enough from the building so that I can bring the lawnmower up and have clearance to get it around the building to mow. They complain that they can't park right up to the building, (having their vehicle 2 inches from their door as if it would help them get in faster after work). I've updated all my units to include the doors and trim flooring and kitchen cabinets. EVERYTHING is nice in my units and I get the top rents for them, the exterior is always manicured and I take care of everything but these two idiots, are NEVER satisfied. Just this month I gave them a late fee bc I didn't get their rent until the 5th. Rents are due on the 1st it's late on the 2nd and you get a late fee on the 3rd. They were out of town and called me when they received their late fee to complain that "Wells Fargo took our money out on the 29th of last month you saw that our money was drafted, so why did you give us a late fee?" I explained to them that I don't know how Wells Fargo does their payments and I can't tell you how your rent check got here on the 5th bc I don't deliver the mail. You need to call Wells Fargo and find out what their process is but you are still being charged the late fee. They are NEVER satisfied. The other two units I have are being rented out in the same complex as these losers and I NEVER hear from them, they pay their rents two days before they are due and they mind their own business and keep their places looking great.
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