Die-hard fans of horror film franchise “Friday the 13th” should recognize Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco. Those who don’t know that name may recognize it as Camp Crystal Lake, setting for the 1980 slasher sensation.
On THIS Friday the 13th a rare and coveted opportunity awaits the brave of heart (and fortunate few who score tickets). The private New Jersey Boy Scout camp occasionally allows a limited number of visitors to experience a private tour of the filming locations at the secluded campground, and now VIP guests can stay the night!
It’s only the fifth time this exclusive private pilgrimage for fright fans has been offered. Events in 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017 filled their body count quickly. Crystal Lake Tours is the only officially sanctioned tour permitted on the otherwise very off-limits/Boy Scouts only campground.
“Our guided tours will take you to all of the major filming locations in the camp that have been made famous on television and film. Each small group of fans will be led by a member of our tour staff that knows the camp very well. Most tours are approximately 3 hours long and some include a meal in our historic dining hall.” – Crystal Lake Tours website
In addition to touring these horror-hallowed grounds, Camp Crystal Lake’s sole survivor, Alice (Adrienne King), will be returning to the grounds to meet and greet guests.
For the ultimate Friday the 13th experience, consider bidding on a VIP package. Even Jason might put down his machete for these perks! In addition to the evening tour (see below), favored fans will also have the opportunity for a first time experience at the event – an overnight stay in one of the camp’s log cabins (cot provided, bring your own sleeping bag). The eerie and exciting exclusive event also includes a special (unannounced) morning activity with celebrity guest Adrienne King.
As there is very limited space, tickets for the VIP package will go to the highest bidders. Bids must be received by 11:59 PM EST on Tuesday, February 27 (discover the details here).
Regarding event rules and general tour tickets, camp counselors (website rules) have advised that all ticket sales and any other related communication for this freaky Friday (and Saturday) visit must be done online via their website.
In the interest of sanity and not making any more mothers murderous, ticket sales are selected by a lottery of those who have registered by 11:59 PM EST on March 4. Find details and register here.
“A limited number of tickets are available for these tours and they sell out quickly. In order to relieve the stress of the ticketing process, we will be moving to a lottery for the next tours. To have a chance at tickets, please enter your information in the form below. Names will be randomly chosen and ticket offers will be sent via email. Please be sure to submit an email address that you check often as you will have a limited amount of time to purchase a ticket before the offer expires and goes to the next random name. No purchase is required to enter the ticket lottery.” – Crystal Lake Tours website
Would be victims, um, guests must be at least 15 years of age for the general tour and at least 21 years of age for the VIP experience. All attendees are required to stay with the tour group. Wandering the campground alone is prohibited, as is removing anything from the location.
Tours are offered two times on Friday, April 13:
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM morning tour ($135); 3:00 PM -10:00 PM evening tour ($175, dinner included)
On Saturday, April 14, there is only the evening tour from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM ($175 including dinner).
The VIP overnight event starts at 3:00 PM and ends at 11:00 AM the next morning on both Friday the 13th and Saturday the 14th. VIP tickets are via auction, and they include dinner and breakfast.
Additional details, as well as the option to sign up for the event newsletter (strongly encouraged), are also found on the Camp Crystal Lake Tours website.
Can’t make the tour, or want a spooky souvenir to remember your experience? Photos are permitted (no professional equipment), but there’s also some killer swag to snag:
“Angry Mother Lake Tour” T-shirts from 2017 are available for $13 each
“Angry Mother Bottling Co.” (4.5” glass bottle) can be purchased for $15 each
Check out the full assortment of fiendishly fun merchandise, including pieces of the camp dock, at the Camp Crystal Lake Tours shop.
Source and images: Friday the 13th Wiki, Camp Crystal Lake Tours website