Paradise Lake/Camp Jam

johnnyb

Explorer
Feb 22, 2013
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Yesterday Ro and I were driving on US 206 and saw new signs at the Paradise Lake road, so we drove in. Close to the camp entrance there was a lot of grading, tree removal. We drove into the camp, at the little guard house there was a sign "Camp Jam". Much grading, etc., but no new buildings evident, obviously it's back in business. Isn't this state land? If so, it must operate on a lease basis.
 

manumuskin

Piney
Jul 20, 2003
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millville nj
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Johnny Paradise Lakes is a Private exception in the Wharton Property unless Wharton has bought it recently.Guy would probably be current on that more then I am but I do remember finding some of the stones that surround the property along with their accompanying state monuments.
 

46er

Piney
Mar 24, 2004
8,837
2,144
Coastal NJ
Yesterday Ro and I were driving on US 206 and saw new signs at the Paradise Lake road, so we drove in. Close to the camp entrance there was a lot of grading, tree removal. We drove into the camp, at the little guard house there was a sign "Camp Jam". Much grading, etc., but no new buildings evident, obviously it's back in business. Isn't this state land? If so, it must operate on a lease basis.

It was a spring and fall music event that took place there last weekend. Has been held the past few years.

http://www.campjam.org/

Looks interesting

http://goo.gl/ecaM5j

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuAQNnN2S4_o17ml7c4UCB8bs1irYaXRO
 
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Teegate

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Sep 17, 2002
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The state does not own it. It was recently purchased and has a new owner. However, a few years back when I went to the entrance ... and using the survey info I have the gate was on state land. I could be wrong but I doubt it. In any event, in the back some or one of the previous owners have cut down quite a few trees on state land and they use it for their business. I have not been there recently and maybe the new owners don't.
 

SuperChooch

Explorer
Aug 26, 2011
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I was looking to do some paddling on the Nescochague at some point this summer. Does anyone know if you will get any problems if you put in at the dam? In my book Paddling the Jersey Pine Barrens, it recommends asking permission, but that was written when the camp was in operation. I haven't been down there since I was a kid so I don't remember the layout. Is there a way to put in that avoids the private property and/or just stays out of trouble?
 

manumuskin

Piney
Jul 20, 2003
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millville nj
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The one time I paddled the nescohague I put in at 206.My word of advice is don't go that route.The first half mile took me over an hour.I would try this spot http://maps.njpinebarrens.com/#lat=39.69073673000028&lng=-74.73242539566041&z=17&type=nj2007&gpx=
or maybe along here http://maps.njpinebarrens.com/#lat=39.68777280920066&lng=-74.72702879112245&z=17&type=nj2007&gpx= or I would drag down to here http://maps.njpinebarrens.com/#lat=39.68586559511179&lng=-74.72632068794252&z=17&type=nj2007&gpx=
I know you can drive this far http://maps.njpinebarrens.com/#lat=39.6876985031444&lng=-74.72598809402467&z=17&type=nj2007&gpx= coming in off the main road from the se.You might want to scout these areas before taking the boats up.Been awhile since I roamed around here.Word of warning the Nesco is covered with poison ivy hanging on all the trees for about two thirds of the way down to pleasant Mills.The swamp became more piney/cedar as you got further south.The bottom is sand though and the stream itself is gorgeous,just watch what you put your hands on.
 
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Teegate

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Sep 17, 2002
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That dam is private property. I would suggest you not go there without permission.
 
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Teegate

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If you are interested I can tell you how to get in without crossing private property.
 
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SuperChooch

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Aug 26, 2011
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Thanks for the info, all. Sounds like I'm in for quite a challenge. I'll save this one for when I'm bored and need something challenging to do. :)
 

ecampbell

Piney
Jan 2, 2003
2,895
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I first found the abandoned campground in 2003 while paddling the Nescochague and some of us here made 2 more paddles to it.
http://maps.njpinebarrens.com/#lat=39.656598529303395&lng=-74.67957514923097&z=16&type=terrain&gpx=
Unfortunately the links to my pictures are broken.
https://forums.njpinebarrens.com/threads/ace-campground-nescochague-paddle-or.322/
It was bought by the state and demolished. but there is still stuff to see.
You may have noticed a concrete wall as you passed by, that's what tipped me off.
100_0033s.jpg

IMG_0003s.jpg

100_0016s.jpg


IMG_0033s.jpg
 

Teegate

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Sep 17, 2002
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Ed,

To review from years ago ......the campground property was purchased by Charles M. and Pearl Myers on January 16. 1969 from Lillian Alice Walker & Frank Walker and Philip Jr. , & Ruth Wescoat. They named the lake "Lake Myers." And the campground was named Ace to have it first on the list in the telephone book. Some of the younger generation may not know what that is :)
 
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