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where did they film friday the 13th

Filming Locations for Friday the 13th (1980)
The original Friday the 13th movie, released in 1980, was primarily shot in New Jersey, transforming rural campsites and small towns into the eerie Camp Crystal Lake. Director Sean S. Cunningham selected these spots for their authentic, isolated summer camp vibe, close to Pennsylvania's border.

Primary Camp Site

Camp NoBeBoSco in Hardwick Township, NJ, served as the iconic Camp Crystal Lake.

  • Key scenes filmed here include the counselors' cabins (like the Van Dusen cabin with its fireplace), archery range, generator room, watchtower by Sand Pond, and gravel paths.
  • The "Welcome to Camp Crystal Lake" sign stood near the real camp entrance; many structures remain, though it's an active Boy Scout camp—visitors need permission.

This location captured the film's tense swimming and stalking sequences, with the lake (Sand Pond) central to Jason's lore.

Town Scenes in Blairstown

Blairstown, NJ, provided the small-town backdrop for early arrivals.

  • Annie's walk across the Blairstown Bridge and under the Old Mill archways on Main Street.
  • The store where she asks directions is now Cork's Candle, Bath & Body at 26 Main St (interior shot elsewhere).
  • Blairstown Diner (186 State Route 94) hosted Steve Christy's evening scenes and welcomes fans today.

Other Nearby Spots

Additional Hope, NJ, areas filled out the route.

  • Moravian Cemetery near Hope for the hitchhiking drop-off.
  • Millbrook Road in Hardwick for Ned's truck intro, with camp buildings peeking through trees.
  • Gas station in Hope for transitional shots.

Fan Visits and Legacy

Fans still pilgrimage here, with sites like Blairstown Diner and exteriors largely unchanged as of 2025 photos. Recent YouTube tours (2023) confirm the Hope/Blairstown area's draw for horror enthusiasts, over 40 years later.

TL;DR: Mostly Camp NoBeBoSco (Hardwick, NJ) for camp, Blairstown for town—perfect slasher isolation.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.