Did you know that parts of “Friday the 13th” were filmed in Alabama?

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jason in lake 1 Did you know that parts of "Friday the 13th" were filmed in Alabama?
You don’t want to run into this guy at camp! Photos via FridayThe13thFranchise.com

When Friday the 13th rolls around it just feels right to pay homage to one of the most iconic slasher franchises to ever exist—Friday the 13th. The long line of Jason movies may or may not be your cup of tea, but did you know Alabama once served as the backdrop? Let’s see if you recognize some of these scenes.

Alabama as the backdrop for Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood

Before we get into the details, it’s only fair to give you a chance to watch the trailer. Enjoy!

Byrnes Lake

jason movie shot Did you know that parts of "Friday the 13th" were filmed in Alabama?
Camp Crystal Lake in Bay Minette, AL then and now. Photo via ThenNowMovieLocations.com

In 1987, Hollywood came to Baldwin County, but no one had a clue. Directors wanted to keep filming a secret and they did a pretty good job at it. The Baldwin County boat launch became the infamous “Camp Crystal Lake” where one of the most iconic villains wreaks havoc.

Only a few people knew about it and according to IMDb, residents thought the film was “Birthday Bash”. I bet they were surprised to see their quiet, woodsy lake as the main setting for a cult classic.

The crew even hired Leslie Buzbee, a local “gator man” to be the on-set alligator wrangler. The creatures were no stranger to the area, but luckily filming took place in October and November when the gators weren’t even active. So basically Buzbee got paid to sit and watch the lake. Sounds like the life to me!

Mobile, Alabama

Byrnes Lake wasn’t the only Alabama spot to get some screen time. Some of the water scenes were also filmed in Malibu Canyon Creek closer to Mobile.

Stockton, Alabama

Surprise, surprise. The crew of The New Blood stayed in the southern Alabama swamps and marshes, but this time they made their way to Stockton. If you watch the movie closely, you’ll catch a glimpse of a vintage Stockton fire truck that the fire department had possession of until 2003. Now it’s privately owned by the owner of Stockton Propane Gas, but if you ask the owner nicely, maybe you can visit it.

Friday the 13th Part VII debuted at #1 during opening week. I guess people loved to keep up with what Jason was doing.

It doesn’t stop at Friday the 13th. Have you seen these other movies filmed in Alabama?

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Some of the props and production equipment for The Devil All the Time lining the street on the Forest Park neighborhood. Photo by Bham Now

Yep, Alabama isn’t a stranger to big Hollywood films. Maybe you were lucky enough to catch Robert Pattinson enjoying some time at Urban Standard in downtown Birmingham. Or were you able to catch a glimpse of John Travolta in a Walmart parking lot in Hoover? My dad did! Let’s not forget when one of our Bham Now producer’s husband saw Dolph Lundgren in the flesh at Trader Joes. Or maybe you were even lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Tom Holland (the best Spiderman in my opinion) in Anniston.

Here’s a lineup of movies filmed right here in the Yellowhammer State to check out.

Did you recognize any of these scenes? Let us know on Instagram @BhamNow + Twitter @now_bham

Chaise Sanders
Chaise Sanders
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