Tent camping?

[freerider]

Bottom line is there are enough laws that we are all committing some crime each day.

Fine's are another method taxes !

Speaking of fines. Watch yourself driving in Pemberton Boro. I have never seen so many people ticketed for having items on their dashboard suposedly blocking their view, and the left turn signals which once in the intersection turn to red and there you are getting caught !!!!!

I refuse to go near the place, I spend no money there anymore.

 

[GermanG]

If you hunt or fish it seems like you need to bring a lawyer in tow as well. The laws have gotten so complex that if you meet a hard case out there he/she can always find something you are in violation of if they really want to. That’s why I try to be as polite as possible with any law enforcement people as I can be, even if they are not. You may feel you have right on your side, but you will never win with that attitude alone. They have the gun, badge, ticket book, and attitude to spare.

As for the specific camping issue, I’ve discreetly camped where I wasn’t supposed to back when I was younger, even being requested to leave once when discovered by a federal ranger while canoe camping in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The few times I did that I practiced low impact camping and left no trace that I’d been there. But any of us who venture into the woods know far too many others do not have the same respect for the woods. Ask anyone on this forum who’s participated or helped run a cleanup (right, Bob?) In far larger states that have a much lower density of people, unregulated camping is less of a problem. But if NJ allowed that on its public lands I shudder to think what the woods would look like.

 

[woodjin]

If you hunt or fish it seems like you need to bring a lawyer in tow as well. The laws have gotten so complex that if you meet a hard case out there he/she can always find something you are in violation of if they really want to. That’s why I try to be as polite as possible with any law enforcement people as I can be, even if they are not. You may feel you have right on your side, but you will never win with that attitude alone. They have the gun, badge, ticket book, and attitude to spare.

As for the specific camping issue, I’ve discreetly camped where I wasn’t supposed to back when I was younger, even being requested to leave once when discovered by a federal ranger while canoe camping in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The few times I did that I practiced low impact camping and left no trace that I’d been there. But any of us who venture into the woods know far too many others do not have the same respect for the woods. Ask anyone on this forum who’s participated or helped run a cleanup (right, Bob?) In far larger states that have a much lower density of people, unregulated camping is less of a problem. But if NJ allowed that on its public lands I shudder to think what the woods would look like.

I agree it is a good law, I just never felt it should apply to me personally because I am a low impact camper. But the law itself seems justified. It is the a shame the law can't discriminate.

Jeff

 

[bobpbx]

But any of us who venture into the woods know far too many others do not have the same respect for the woods. Ask anyone on this forum who’s participated or helped run a cleanup (right, Bob?)

Jeez! Don't get me started German. Somebody with a truck has recently been dumping multiple sections of that nasty looking stockade fencing up and down Dover Road in Greenwood Forest. It takes 2 men and a boy to lift one section when we pick it up. Plus, it takes multiple trips to get rid of it and it clutters up the dumpster, taking up all the room.

 

[Ben Ruset]

Jeez! Don't get me started German. Somebody with a truck has recently been dumping multiple sections of that nasty looking stockade fencing up and down Dover Road in Greenwood Forest. It takes 2 men and a boy to lift one section when we pick it up. Plus, it takes multiple trips to get rid of it and it clutters up the dumpster, taking up all the room.

Bring along a battery powered circular saw and it would make short work of that. You could also cut it up into firewood.

 

[freerider]

I know a large 30 + foot truck was dumping old furniture near Dover road many years ago.

Someone Photographed it, and followed the truck while calling 911. Truck was pulled over, police made them go back an clean it, then impounded the truck and company lost the truck due to fines etc, etc.

 

[6 feet over]

How about hammock camping?

I actually joined this forum to learn places near the Philadelphia area to hammock/canoe camp.

Hammocks certainly leave less impact on a wilderness camp site than a tent, and with lumpy, wet, or even flat ground not being at issue, it opens up site possibilities where no tent can go. I am VERY interested in 'wilderness' (non-campground) camping to test some gear for an upcoming trip to Colorado. Secluded campgrounds with no pop-up/trailer access are also places I'd be interested in visiting.

Odds as it sounds, I'll be looking to hammock camp during cold and wet weather to put this gear to the test. PM's welcome for any ideas forum members may have.

 

[Teegate]

if you are having a fire it is best you use the wilderness campgrounds with a permit. If you are not having a fire I would just walk into the woods somewhere and find a nice spot and set up. Make sure you are away from roads and well traveled area's. There are so many interesting places that are perfect for camping. You can look for them on Google or right here using Ben's maps at the link below the banner that says NJPB Live Maps.

Guy

 

[6 feet over]

I figure if i'm far enough off trail no-one will know i'm there anyway.

Thanks for the idea TeeGate. I figure someone will know I'm there when they see a truck parked and left overnight.

I don't know how much of a stir this would create. Without having been there, I get the idea the rangers like to know where everyone is.

 

[bobpbx]

Thanks for the idea TeeGate. I figure someone will know I'm there when they see a truck parked and left overnight.

I don't know how much of a stir this would create. Without having been there, I get the idea the rangers like to know where everyone is.

You do have a point there my man. I would never leave my truck parked in a State Forest close to a well traveled road, but you can get away with it on a little-used road.