Friday the 13th is just days away. While the eerie occasion is usually filled with corny superstition, it holds a special significance for one Georgia town. Hard Labor Creek state park in Rutledge is the iconic film location for Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives, one of the most enjoyed installments in the legendary slasher series.
While the Friday the 13th horror movie series is set at the fictitious Camp Crystal Lake, Hard Labor Creek’s Camp Daniel Morgan was the real-life setting for Jason Voorhees’ sixth installment. Normally a large draw for golfers, fans of the iconic horror series often flock to Camp Daniel Morgan or kayak across Lake Brantley and Lake Rutledge on Friday the 13th.
In past years, the park has offered guided kayak tours. But this year, Hard Labor Creek will be offering a family-friendly night hike and scorpion hunt.
“We’re heading into the night to learn about the things that we can’t normally see,” the park said. “We’ll look for scorpions, millipedes and centipedes by using provided UV lights. Meet at the park office to walk along an easy/moderate 1 mile trail. Kids ages 6 and older. Bring a flashlight, bug repellent, and wear sturdy shoes.”
Those wishing to visit Camp Daniel Morgan this weekend need to call the state park’s office at 706-557-3001 to check for availability. The facility will be open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. if not reserved by other guests, the park said.
July 1-3 and July 3-5, Myers House NC’s On Set Cinema will be hosting an event at Camp Daniel Morgan, the fictitious Camp Crystal Lake, in honor of Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives. Thom Mathews, who played Tommy Jarvis in the film, will be in attendance to sign autographs and take photos with fans.
“Fans will enjoy an entire weekend of summer camp - shared cabin camping with bunk beds, games (egg toss, corn hole, badminton, tug-of-war, board games, video games and more!), camp fires with friends, roasting marshmallows and making s’mores, watching VHS horror movies on tube TVs, swimming and canoeing in Crystal Lake and of course an outdoor screening of JASON LIVES by the lake - you’ll be able to watch the movie while on the pier or in the water!” the organizers said.
Tickets to the event can be purchased at myershousenc.thundertix.com.
