Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
Visitors have seen Baldpate Mountain – the highest point in Mercer County, and the site of the Mercer County park that bears its name – during the daytime, but no one gets to experience it at night.
That will change, however, when the Mercer County Park Commission holds its “Come Out and Play” camp-out overnight Aug. 11-12 – weather permitting, of course.
Families will be able to camp out and spend the night on the 1,165-foot-high Baldpate Mountain at the “Come Out and Play” event, which will provide a unique summer experience for those who sign up for the event by June 30, according to Mercer County officials.
The cost is $20 per person for Mercer County residents and $30 per person for out-of-county residents. The deadline to register is June 30.
Baldpate Mountain was once known as Kuser Mountain. It belonged to the Kuser family of Trenton, and is part of the Sourland Mountain Ridge.
The Kuser family sold Baldpate Mountain to Trap Rock Industries in 1986, which planned to expand its quarry operations nearby. Mercer County bought the property in 1998.
But back to “Come Out and Play.”
Families must provide their own tents, although there will be help for those who need it in setting up the tent Friday night. While families have to bring their own ready-to-eat dinner, hot dogs and s’mores will be provided to roast over a campfire.
Campers can take a guided night hike or participate in a scavenger hunt. But perhaps the highlight is the Perseid meteor showers. Campers may see some shooting starts, compliments of the annual meteor shower.
A light breakfast will be served on the patio of the Strawberry Hill Mansion. The program also includes a morning yoga session at the summit.
Families that register by June 30 will be placed in a lottery for selection because of the popularity of the event. The drawing, which is limited to 25 tents or 100 people, will be held July 3. Those who were not chosen in the lottery will be placed on a waiting list.
For more information, visit https://mercercountyparks.org/#!/about/come-out-and-play-campout/ or call 609-888-3218.
