What amenities does Lake Rickabear offer for camping and outdoor activities. How can troops and groups reserve Lake Rickabear for events. What are the certification requirements for camping at GSNNJ properties. Where is Lake Rickabear located and what natural features does it have.
Exploring Lake Rickabear: A Hidden Gem in Northern New Jersey
Lake Rickabear, nestled in the heart of Northern New Jersey, is a 332-acre oasis offering a wealth of outdoor experiences for Girl Scouts, families, and community groups. This expansive property, owned and operated by the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey (GSNNJ), boasts a stunning 40-acre spring-fed lake as its centerpiece, surrounded by lush forests and diverse ecosystems.
The lake’s crystal-clear waters provide an ideal setting for various aquatic activities, including swimming, pedal-boating, and rowboating. A long stretch of soft, sandy beach lines the designated swimming area, offering a perfect spot for sunbathing and beach games.
Accommodation Options at Lake Rickabear
Lake Rickabear caters to a wide range of camping preferences with its diverse accommodation options. These include:
- All-season lodges
- Yurts
- Platform tents
- Pitch-your-own-tent campsites
This variety ensures that visitors can choose the level of comfort and immersion in nature that best suits their needs and camping experience.
Recreational Facilities and Activities
Beyond its natural beauty, Lake Rickabear offers an impressive array of recreational facilities designed to keep campers of all ages engaged and entertained. These include:
- A spacious pavilion
- Campfire amphitheater
- Lakeside picnic grove
- Archery range
- Challenge course
- Mini golf course
- Duckpin bowling alley
- Volleyball court
Can visitors participate in water activities at Lake Rickabear? Absolutely! The 40-acre spring-fed lake is perfect for pedal-boating and rowboating, providing a serene environment for water enthusiasts to explore the lake’s expanse and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.
Reserving Lake Rickabear for Events and Camping
Lake Rickabear welcomes a variety of groups for day use and overnight stays. Girl Scout troops, service units, schools, community organizations, and even families can reserve the camp for their events. Here’s what you need to know about making a reservation:
- Visit the GSNNJ website and navigate to the camp reservation page.
- Select Lake Rickabear as your desired location.
- Choose your preferred dates and accommodation type.
- Complete the reservation form with your group details and event information.
- Submit your reservation request for approval.
Is it possible for non-Girl Scout groups to rent Lake Rickabear? Yes, the camp is available for rental by various organizations on Saturdays and Sundays, offering a unique venue for family gatherings, corporate retreats, or community events.
Certification Requirements for Camping at GSNNJ Properties
To ensure the safety and well-being of all campers, GSNNJ has established specific certification requirements for adults leading camping trips. These requirements include:
- Overnight Orientation Training: At least one adult must complete this training when reserving time at any GSNNJ campsite.
- Troop Camper Training: Required if camping outside of a building, engaging in outdoor cooking, or having a campfire.
- First Aid/CPR Training: One adult must have current certification in these life-saving skills.
How can adults obtain the necessary certifications for camping at Lake Rickabear? GSNNJ offers regular training sessions throughout the year. Interested individuals can find more information about these trainings on the GSNNJ website’s Volunteer Training page.
Summer Day Camp at Lake Rickabear
During the summer months, Lake Rickabear transforms into a vibrant day camp, offering girls a chance to experience the joys of outdoor adventure in a structured and safe environment. The summer day camp program typically includes:
- Swimming and boating activities
- Nature exploration and environmental education
- Arts and crafts
- Team-building exercises
- Archery lessons
- Special themed weeks and events
Parents and guardians interested in enrolling their children in the Lake Rickabear Summer Day Camp can find detailed information, including dates, fees, and registration procedures, on the GSNNJ website.
Comparing Lake Rickabear to Other GSNNJ Camp Properties
While Lake Rickabear offers a unique camping experience, GSNNJ also maintains two other camp properties: Camp Glen Spey and Jockey Hollow. Each camp has its own distinct features and advantages:
Camp Glen Spey
Located at the base of the Catskill Mountains, Camp Glen Spey is a 600-acre property featuring:
- A 70-acre heart-shaped lake
- Tent units on raised platforms
- Cabins with bunks
- Three lodges
- A central meeting and dining room (Ferdon Hall)
- Four covered pavilions for cooking and dining
- A spacious sports field
Jockey Hollow
Spanning 212 acres, Jockey Hollow offers a range of modern amenities, including:
- A large “L”-shaped swimming pool
- Low Ropes Challenge Course and Zip Line
- Equestrian center
- Archery range
- Playing field
- Hiking trails
- Six luxurious cabins with kitchens and bathrooms
- A large troop house and spacious pavilion
How do the three GSNNJ camp properties differ in terms of capacity? Camp Glen Spey can accommodate up to 300 campers, while Jockey Hollow and Lake Rickabear have capacities ranging from 150 to 300, making them suitable for various group sizes and events.
Leveraging Social Media for Camp Updates and Information
To stay informed about the latest happenings at Lake Rickabear, interested individuals can follow the camp’s official social media accounts:
- Facebook: Regular updates on summer camp photos, program information, and year-round activities
- Instagram: Visual highlights of camp life, special events, and scenic views of the property
These social media platforms provide a window into the Lake Rickabear experience, helping potential visitors and campers get a feel for the camp’s atmosphere and offerings.
Planning Your Visit to Lake Rickabear
When preparing for a trip to Lake Rickabear, consider the following tips to enhance your experience:
- Check the weather forecast and pack appropriate clothing and gear.
- Review the camp map to familiarize yourself with the layout and facilities.
- Bring insect repellent and sunscreen for outdoor activities.
- Pack reusable water bottles to stay hydrated during your visit.
- If camping overnight, bring sleeping bags, pillows, and personal toiletries.
- Consider bringing binoculars for bird watching and nature observation.
- Pack a first aid kit for minor injuries or ailments.
Are there any specific items prohibited at Lake Rickabear? While the camp strives to provide a natural experience, certain items are not allowed on the premises, such as alcohol, illegal drugs, firearms, and fireworks. It’s best to check the GSNNJ website or contact the camp directly for a complete list of prohibited items before your visit.
Lake Rickabear stands as a testament to the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey’s commitment to outdoor education and environmental stewardship. Whether you’re a Girl Scout troop leader planning a weekend camping trip, a family looking for a unique outdoor experience, or an organization seeking a picturesque venue for a special event, Lake Rickabear offers a diverse range of activities and accommodations to suit your needs. By providing a safe and engaging environment for visitors to connect with nature, Lake Rickabear continues to inspire and educate generations of outdoor enthusiasts in Northern New Jersey.
Camp | Camp | Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey
For your next troop or service unit encampment, school or community
group event, or family camping overnight, enjoy the beautiful
surroundings of one of our three camp properties. Our serene
settings are available for rental by the day or longer with
overnight accommodations, and are equipped with many conveniences.
Camp Glen Spey is a gorgeous 600-acre property at the base of the
Catskill Mountains. The camp offers a variety of plants and wildlife,
a large playfield, and a 70-acre heart-shaped lake.Camp Glen Spey is home to campsites with tent units on raised
platforms, cabins with bunks, three lodges, and a central meeting and
dining room (Ferdon Hall). Four covered pavilions are available for
cooking and dining use. The sports field is spacious and is the site
of sport activities, archery, basketball, and volleyball. At the
lakefront, you can enjoy swimming and boating.
Note: When reserving time at our campsites, at least one adult
must undergo Overnight Orientation Training. If you are not
camping in a building, and are doing outdoor cooking or having a
campfire, you must also take Troop Camper Training. One adult
must have current First Aid/CPR training. More information
about trainings can be found on our website.RESERVE
WEEKEND CAMPING AT GLEN SPEY
PROGRAM
ACTIVITIES AT OUR CAMPS
Download a copy of the Camp
Glen Spey MapAt Jockey Hollow, there are 212 pristine acres to explore and enjoy.
With a large “L”-shaped swimming pool, Low Ropes Challenge
Course and Zip Line, beautiful equestrian center, archery range,
playing field, and adventurous hiking trails, the fun is endless!Six luxurious cabins and activity shelters, plus a large troop house
and spacious pavilion, allow the fun to continue no matter the
weather! Plus, all the cabins have kitchens and bathrooms for
overnight experiences.Note: When reserving time at our campsites, at least one adult
must undergo Overnight Orientation Training. If you are not
camping in a building, and are doing outdoor cooking or having a
campfire, you must also take Troop Camper Training. One adult
must have current First Aid/CPR training. More information
about trainings can be found on our website.RESERVE
WEEKEND CAMPING & ACTIVITIES AT JOCKEY HOLLOWFor more outdoor adventures held at our camps, view:
PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
AT OUR CAMPS
SUMMER DAY CAMP AT
JOCKEY HOLLOW
Download a copy of the Jockey
Hollow Camp MapFollow Jockey Hollow Day Camp on
Facebook and
Instagram
for summer camp photos, program updates, and camp activities year round.At Lake Rickabear, our 332 acres include a beautiful 40-acre,
spring-fed lake, perfect for pedal-boating and rowboating. A long
stretch of soft, sandy beach lines our swimming area.Lake Rickabear’s camping facilities include all-season lodges,
yurts, platform tents, and pitch-your-own-tent campsites. A spacious
pavilion, campfire amphitheater, and lakeside picnic grove provide
lots of opportunity for outdoor fun. And, an archery range, challenge
course, mini golf course, duckpin bowling alley, and volleyball court
are also available.Note: When reserving time at our campsites, at least one adult
must undergo Overnight Orientation Training. If you are not
camping in a building, and are doing outdoor cooking or having a
campfire, you must also take Troop Camper Training. One adult
must have current First Aid/CPR training. More information
about trainings can be found on our website.RESERVE
WEEKEND CAMPING & ACTIVITIES AT LAKE RICKABEARFor more outdoor adventures held at our camps, view:
PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
AT OUR CAMPS
SUMMER
DAY CAMP AT LAKE RICKABEAR
Download a copy of the Lake
Rickabear Camp MapFollow Lake Rickabear Day Camp on
Facebook
and
Instagram
for summer camp photos, program updates, and camp activities year round.
A long
Spend a night or weekend with your troop at Jockey Hollow or Lake
Rickabear, or two nights at Camp Glen Spey. Each camp has something
unique to offer. This is a great way for girls to learn about the
outdoors and bond with their sister Girl Scouts.
Service Unit encampments can be held at all three of GSNNJ’s camp
facilities (capacities range from 150 to 300). Food service is
available for groups of 50 or more.RESERVE
CAMP GLEN SPEYRESERVE
JOCKEY HOLLOW CAMP
RESERVE
LAKE RICKABEAR CAMPNote: Certification requirements for camping with Girl Scouts can
be found on our Volunteer
Training web page.Groups from organizations such as families, houses of worship, and
corporations are welcome to rent Lake Rickabear on Saturdays and
Sundays during July and August. A spacious picnic area with charcoal
grills can accommodate large groups. The swimming area, sandy beach,
and boating dock can be made available with lifeguards. Plus, enjoy
outdoor bowling, mini golf, scooters, volleyball, and other sports
during your stay.Lake Rickabear is also available to rent per day, Mondays through
Thursdays during June, and facilities are available from 10 a.m. to 2
p.m. Spend a fun day with your school group, while taking advantage of
everything our camps have to offer.
INFORMATION
& PRICING FOR SCHOOLS/COMMUNITY GROUPS
SCHOOL
RENTAL REQUEST FORM
COMMUNITY
RENTAL REQUEST FORMBring your family to Lake Rickabear Camp for our Family Fun Days
and Family Camping and have an outdoor adventure with us during
Memorial Day and Labor Day Weekends!Family Swim & Picnic at Lake Rickabear
(No advance
reservation required to visit for the day. )Memorial Day Weekend: May 27, 28 & 29, 2023
Labor
Day Weekend: Sept. 2, 3 & 4, 2023Daily from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- $10 per person, per day for Girl Scout families.
- $13
per person, per day for non-Girl Scout families.
Lake Rickabear is a 40-acre, spring-fed lake with a 700-foot sandy
beach. Swimming and boating are permitted when a lifeguard is present
at no additional cost. Charcoal grills and picnic tables are
available, first come, first served.Identification bands are issued when you check-in. All participants
3 years of age and older are required to wear their ID bands at all
times. Replacement bands cost $13.Check-in is at the picnic area. You must check in upon your arrival
at Lake Rickabear.Lake Rickabear may close due to inclement weather at the discretion
of the site manager on duty. There are no refunds. If there is no
lifeguard on duty, waterfront activities will be shortened or cancelled.
Family Camping at Lake Rickabear
(Online reservations must be made in advance. Registration
opens: Jan. 2, 2023, at 12:00 a.m.)Memorial Day Weekend: May 27, 28 & 29, 2023
Labor
Day Weekend: Sept. 2, 3 & 4, 2023
RESERVE
FAMILY CAMPING NOWEnjoy the natural beauty and recreational facilities available at
Lake Rickabear with your entire family. Each campsite offers an
outdoor cooking grill and picnic table. Flush toilets and hot showers
are provided nearby. There are no electric or water hook-ups
available. Tent and cabin sites may be shared unless your group rents
the entire site. (You will not have to share your tent or cabin.)Accommodations available at Lake Rickabear Camp
(Minimum 3
Nights, based on a Family of 4)- Platform tents (3 or 4 tents per site): $25 per tent per
night - Pitch your own & pop-up campers: $25 per tent per
night - 3 small cabins (w/ electricity): (Tumbling
Bear Cabins) $55 per cabin per night - 2 medium cabins (w/
electricity): ( Maple Glen Cabins) $65 per cabin per night - 1 large cabin (w/ electricity, refrigerator, microwave): (Ranch
House) $80 per night - 1 small lodge (w/ electricity,
refrigerator, stove, microwave): (Patio Lodge) $105 per night - 3 yurts $80 per yurt per night
- Additional person is $9
per night. - Daytime visitor fee is $13/$10 per day.
The swimming area, sandy beach,
)
Questions? Contact [email protected] for
more information about our camp properties, facilities, and
services. All camping and rental reservations must be made online.
See links above for availability.
Lake Rickabear – Places To Go Guide
InformationBooking & Property DetailProgram DetailsMap ViewStreet View
Listing Type :
Girl Scout Camps
Location :
New Jersey
Good For: : Girl Scouts
Website Address : https://www.gsnnj.org/en/camp/lake-rickabear.html
Summer Camp Program : Yes
Specific Group Programs : Girl Scouts
Lake Rickabear, a 332 acre camp, owned and operated by the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey. During the summer the council runs a day camp and resident camp program. Outside of summer camp the camp is available for scout units and families to rent.
Program activities include Archery, Mini Golf Course, Duckpin Bowling Alley, Volleyball, Lakefront, Pedal-Boating, Rowboating, Zip Line, Swimming and more…
Booking is done through Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersy
https://www.
gsnnj.org/en/camp/lake-rickabear.html
Facilities on camp property include:
- Beach Lodge
- 40 Person Capacity
- Common Room
- Kitchen
- Bathroom
- Heated
- Mattresses
- Campfire Pit
- Deer Park Yurt
- 25 Person Capacity
- Mattresses
- Campfire Pit
- Adjacent Bath House
- Friendship Lodge
- 32 Person Capacity
- Kitchen
- Bathroom
- Showers
- Heated
- Mattresses
- Fireplace
- Maple Glen Cabins
- 14 Person Capacity
- Cots with Mattresses
- Electricity
- Campfire Pit
- Adjacent Bath House
- Oak Knoll Yurt
- 25 Person Capacity
- Mattresses
- Campfire Pit
- Adjacent Bath House
- Patio Lodge
- 14 Person Capacity
- Kitchen
- Bathroom
- Mattresses
- Adjacent Bath House
- Ranch House
- 10 Person Capacity
- Kitchenette
- Mattresses
- Heated
- Campfire Pit
- Adjacent Bath House
- Trailside Yurt
- 25 Person Capacity
- Mattresses
- Campfire Pit
- Adjacent Bath House
- Tumbling Bear Cabins
- 3 Cabins
- 14 Person Capacity Total
- Cots with Mattresses
- Electricity
- Campfire Pit
- Adjacent Bath House
- Deer Park 1 Tent Site
- 15 Person Capacity
- Campfire Pit
- Adjacent Bath House
- Deer Park 2 Tent Site
- 15 Person Capacity
- Campfire Pit
- Adjacent Bath House
- Deer Run Tent Site
- 20 Person Capacity
- Campfire Pit
- Adjacent Bath House
- Hillside Tent Site
- 15 Person Capacity
- Campfire Pit
- Adjacent Bath House
- Lakeside A Tent Site
- 15 Person Capacity
- Campfire Pit
- Charcoal Grill
- Adjacent Bath House
- Lakeside B Tent Site
- 15 Person Capacity
- Campfire Pit
- Charcoal Grill
- Adjacent Bath House
- Oak Knoll Tent Site
- 15 Person Capacity
- Campfire Pit
- Adjacent Bath House
During the summer the council runs a day camp and resident camp program.
Program activities include:
- Archery
- Mini Golf Course
- Duckpin Bowling Alley
- Volleyball
- Lakefront
- Pedal-Boating
- Rowboating
- Zip Line
- Swimming
DrivingWalkingBicyclingTransit
Get Direction
Map Direction
Features
Bathrooms
Cabins
Camping
Concession Stand
Conference Rooms
Dining Hall
Electric Available
Fishing
Free Programs
Gift Shop
Group Programs
Boy Scout Programs
Cub Scout Programs
Girl Scout Programs
Heated Facilities
Hiking Trails
Lake Front
Latrines
Lean-To Sites
Merit Badges
Mountain Biking Trails
Off Season Camping
Orienteering Course
Overnight Programs
Pavilions
Primitive Camping
Restaurant
RV Hook-ups
Shooting Sports
Showers
Swimming Hole
Swimming Pool
Tent Sites
Trading Post
Water Available
Water Sports
WiFi
Places To Go Guide
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