A find, as in find, if there ever was one.

What was supposed to be a rapid in-and-out for a soda and a package of processed whatever on the way for some probes in the area creeks and lakes for pickerel, and maybe a Mullica River white perch or two transformed into a half hour of “Wows” and “Can’t Believe Its”.

And a mootz-oozing meatball parm hoagie that was knock your socks of luscious.

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In between, a pair of hunters came in for a lunch order and were soon gone down the road.

Welcome to The Camp Store (609-0879-3490) at the scissored intersection of Leektown Road (Rte. 563) and Chatsworth Road (Rte. 679). The formal address is 163 Leektown Road, Egg Harbor City, and it’s strategically located within minutes of numerous campgrounds and a short drive to the likes of Bass River State Forest and the Batsto section of Wharton State Forest.

I’d been past the establishment many times before, always in a hurry and never sparing a few minutes to stop in. This particular early winter afternoon was more of a relaxed pace, but the hunger pangs were starting to annoy. Going through the door was, well (see above).

Reminiscent of the long gone but loved Port Store in Port Republic, The Camp Store, albeit significantly smaller at 700 square feet and sans a deli counter, was nonetheless packed, top to bottom and side to side, with just about everything and anything one, or a family, needs for camping, be it in a tent, camper or RV, staying for a night, weekend, week or season.

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Much too much to list, but even the unexpected such as rafts, tubes, pumps, and a solid selection of fishing tackle that serves the area angling opportunities. In the spring and summer, live bait is available. There’s even crabbing supplies on the roster, as prime blueclaw venues are close by.

“Our goal is to be the one stop shop for the area campgrounds and also anyone who wants to enjoy the outdoors in this beautiful area,” enthuses owner Phil Finocchiaro, adding with new daddy pride, “and our small kitchen puts out hoagies, subs and sandwiches that can’t be beat. Hey, I’ll put our meatball parm hoagie up against anyone’s!”

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Available in 12 and 24-inch sizes, said hoagies and subs are loaded to busting. (The 24-inch Bigfoot is campground legendary). Ditto the specialty made-to-order sandwiches, and breakfast sandwiches. Oh, and the meaty thumb-thick hot dog and spicy hot dog are served on delightfully doughy Liscio buns.

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A pair of small chest freezers are packed, one with all kinds of ice cream, the other with the likes of veggies pizza, pot pies and other assorted goodies. Opening the upright cooler, I was greeted with an ice-cold selection of Kutztown sodas. Nice touch, this.

Feeling lucky? Buy your lottery tickets here. Fishing, hunting, clamming and crab pot licenses, and the various stamps, permits, et al, can be purchased on site.

Intrigued with the meatball parm opinion, the order was put in, with another for the famed specialty Third Strike. Put together by the charming Margaret Moran, bot proved two mealers and worth the proprietor’s praise.

Supplies for a short, long or day stay, and chow that will have you coming back.

At the landmark The Camp Store.

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