Campgrounds In Nj

Bound Brook man who died after tree fell on tent in Hunterdon County loved ...

STOCKTON — For William Arias, camping was a regular way of bonding with a family he held so dear.

But the serenity and tranquility of an early sunrise on the Delaware River gave way to an unthinkable tragedy early Tuesday morning.

A sycamore tree weighing several thousand pounds fell for no apparent reason, authorities said, crashing onto the tent the Arias family was sleeping in at a campground at the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park in the Hunterdon County borough of Stockton.

William Arias, 46, of Bound Brook, was killed instantly. His wife, Elcetia, suffered multiple broken bones and needed to be extricated from beneath the fallen tree. She was airlifted to Capital Health System, Fuld Campus in Trenton, where she remains in guarded condition, authorities said.

The couple's 12-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son and a 9-year-old nephew were unharmed, but the family will remain forever scarred by how such a calamitous event could happen so randomly while Arias was doing something he loved.

Julieth Arias, William’s niece, said the Arias family would go camping at least three times per summer. There are numerous photos on William Arias’ Facebook page, showing him enjoying camping with his family.

"We can’t believe it," said Arias, of Bridgewater. "He was always happy. He was a great person."

After she underwent surgery, Elcetia Arias asked her family members to "take care of the little kids," Julieth Arias said.

Other campers at the Bull’s Island campground were horrified by the sound of a splintering tree around 6 a.m. and the scene that unfolded afterward.

Susan Holland, of Toms River, said the sound of a "loud crack" woke her up.

"It sounded like a gunshot or firecrackers," she said.

Holland said she raced to the scene and found that the tree, which authorities estimated to be 75 feet tall, had fallen squarely on the Arias’ tent. About 10 other campers also rushed to the scene. Several said the three children were to the side of the tree, without a scratch. The mother could be seen under the tree, they said.

Five men tried to lift the tree, but to no avail.

"At first we didn’t know what was going on," Holland said. "We couldn’t tell if he (Williams Arias) was there.

"I tried to get through the branches, but I couldn’t," said Holland, who fractured bones in her foot while wading through the thick branches on the ground with her flip flops.

Questions and Answers About Camping in New Jersey

We're searching for a campground in NJ (around the Spring Lake area) that has received good reviews from previous visitors -- we are planning on staying a full week, so clean bathrooms and hot showers are most important -- either state run OR private is fine -- any suggestions are much appreciated -- thanks!

Reply:
Hi Jeanmarie;

The closest and best run campgrounds closest to Spring lake are:
Allaire State Park
4265 Atlantic Ave.
Farmingdale
(732) 938-2371
Website
Note: This is the closest campground to Spring Lake.
45 tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets and shower facilities are within walking distance. Trailer sanitary station open April 15 through October 31. Campsites open all year.

Pine Cone Resort
340 Georgia Rd.
Freehold, NJ 07728
732) 462-2230
Website
Cabins Rentals include:
Air Conditioning, Cable TV, Refrigerator, Microwave, Bathroom w/shower, Queen-size Futon, Full-size Bunk bed w/twin top, Picnic Table,
Grille, Fire Ring.

Happy camping,
Frank Dalotto State Park Overnight Stay and Kids Nature Activities

by Mark Blair
(Lindenwold)