Many in the town of Highland have their eyes back on Camp Fimfo, which was brought back into the spotlight after the project’s Draft Environmental Statement, or DEIS, was accepted by the Town’s Planning Board. The proposed project looks to revitalize the former 235-acre Kittatinny Canoe Campgrounds with a multi-million dollar infrastructure upgrade. 

While the DEIS takes a certified and robust look at a number of the environmental concerns, and has since deemed them as not an issue, many who are weary of the project’s potential adverse effects noted that the DEIS does not completely address a number of concerns presented. A few of these included the unknown variable of how RV’s would operate as “mobile” camping sites, the added stress put on to already overexerted fire and EMS volunteers, among other concerns.

However, after covering these meetings for nearly a year and a half, we feel this project deserves approval.

The investment that Northgate Resorts and Sun Communities is making in the former Kittatinny Campgrounds and Canoes in Barryville is remarkable. 

From updating campsite to include 194 RV campsites to building a new Welcome Center to increasing employment, we see this project as a very positive thing for the community, and Sullivan County at large.

We remember well the stringent guidelines and hurdles which the Eldred Preserve, also in the Town of Highland, had to go through. Today, the Eldred Preserve is a fantastic employer in the town, a well-run business which attracts visitors from near and far, and helps to generate sales tax to the benefit of all Sullivan County residents.

Camp Fimfo has been more than patient with their request and the Town Planning Board and other agencies involved have been more than thorough in their review and approvals. 

And like the Eldred Preserve, Camp Fimfo will be creating more jobs than what the previous owner had and investing millions of dollars to make sure every detail is done right.

This property, which was owned by the Jones family since 1941, was a pioneer in the canoe rental business and very successful as a campground. Northgate Resorts and Sun Communities has a similar history of success with their 75 Jellystone Campgrounds across the nation and Canada.

Now is the time to move forward, grant Camp Fimfo the necessary approvals to proceed, and build on 83 years of success for the town and county.