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Camp 52

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Historical site
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Camp 52 (Suriname)

Weather…

Camp 52 is a historically significant site in western Suriname, closely linked to the ambitious West Suriname Plan of the 1970s. Originally built as a logistics center and base for the construction of a railway line through the pristine rainforest, it was intended to enable the exploitation of bauxite deposits in the Bakhuis Mountains. The name is derived from the kilometer marking along the planned route that was once supposed to connect the coast with the country's interior. Despite massive investments and the actual construction of tracks, the project was halted after Suriname's independence due to economic and political instability. Today, Camp 52 is a symbol of unfinished dreams of industrial development, where rails sinking into the jungle and abandoned buildings create an almost surreal atmosphere. The surrounding area is characterized by extraordinary biodiversity and often serves as a starting point for scientific expeditions or nature conservation projects. The site remains a reminder of the immense challenges involved in developing infrastructure within a dense tropical rainforest.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Sep, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262626262625252627282826
Rain mm1591381322133132612381507876111183

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Camp 52 is a historic stopover along the former Lawa railway in the jungle. The remains of the camp are freely accessible, but there is no visitor infrastructure.
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Typical hours
As this is open terrain, there are no opening hours. Visiting is possible during daylight; night visits are not advised due to wilderness.
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Photography
Photography of the decayed structures and surrounding nature is allowed. Watch out for wildlife and avoid loud noises.
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Time needed
A visit to the small camp takes about 20 to 30 minutes. If you wish to explore the surrounding area further, allow one hour.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with a hike along the former railway embankment. The nearby Maroon villages are also culturally interesting.
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Getting there
Camp 52 is only accessible with an off-road vehicle or as part of a guided tour. The approach is on unpaved jungle roads from Paramaribo.
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Insider tip
Take an experienced guide, as the area is remote and navigation can be difficult. Ample water supplies and a machete are useful.

Geography

Coordinates
5.15000, -55.45000

Facts

  • Was part of the West Suriname Plan to access bauxite deposits.
  • The name refers to kilometer 52 of the planned railway line.
  • Features an abandoned railway track in the middle of the rainforest.
  • The infrastructure project was halted in the late 1970s.
  • Currently serves as a starting point for deep jungle expeditions.
  • The undeveloped Bakhuis Mountains are located nearby.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Rosebel Gold MineRosebel Gold Mine25 km · NExplore →
Cola CreekCola Creek31 km · NEExplore →
Brownsberg Nature ReserveBrownsberg Nature Reserve33 km · NWExplore →
BrownswegBrownsweg33 km · NExplore →
Lawa Railway RemainsLawa Railway Remains36 km · NEExplore →
Kofidjompo MonumentKofidjompo Monument41 km · NEExplore →
BergendalBergendal42 km · NExplore →
AtjoniAtjoni43 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is 'Kamp 52'?
Kamp 52 is a historically significant site, often associated with the labor and settlement history of Suriname.
Is the site accessible to tourists?
Access is often restricted or requires a local guide as it is not an officially developed tourist site.
What should I keep in mind when visiting?
Respect privacy and the terrain, carry enough water with you, and avoid unprotected sun exposure.
Is a car needed for the trip?
Yes, due to the remote location, a private vehicle or arranged transport is almost essential.
How long does a visit take?
A visit typically lasts one to two hours, as the site is manageable.
Camp 52: where is it located?
Camp 52 is located in Suriname.
Camp 52: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Sep, Oct.
Camp 52: why is it worth visiting?
Camp 52 is a historically significant site in western Suriname, closely linked to the ambitious West Suriname Plan of the 1970s.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Cola Creek — Camp 52 (Suriname)
Cola Creek
A popular recreational swimming spot with dark, cola-colored water, surrounded by shaded forests.
Brownsweg — Camp 52 (Suriname)
Brownsweg
A significant settlement of the Maroon community and the central starting point for tours to the Brokopondo Lake and Brownsberg.
Paramaribo — Camp 52 (Suriname)
Paramaribo
The vibrant capital of Suriname is situated on the banks of the river of the same name.
Danpaati — Camp 52 (Suriname)
Danpaati
An idyllic village on an island in the Suriname River, famous for its vibrant Maroon culture.

History & landmarks

Bergendal — Camp 52 (Suriname)
Bergendal
A luxury eco-resort and historic site on the Suriname River, blending adventure with colonial history.
Atjoni — Camp 52 (Suriname)
Atjoni
The bustling end of the road and the jumping-off point for all boat trips into the Upper Suriname region.
Arya Dewaker Temple — Camp 52 (Suriname)
Arya Dewaker Temple
A magnificent Hindu temple in Paramaribo with unique octagonal architecture.
Commewijne plantations — Camp 52 (Suriname)
Commewijne plantations
Historic plantations along the Commewijne River, famous for colonial history and dolphin spotting tours.

More places

Lawa Railway Remains — Camp 52 (Suriname)
Lawa Railway Remains
The historical remains of an old railway line built during the Surinamese gold rush.
Kofidjompo Monument — Camp 52 (Suriname)
Kofidjompo Monument
A historical monument commemorating the Maroon freedom fighter Kofi, after whom the place was originally named.
Port of Paranam — Camp 52 (Suriname)
Port of Paranam
A historically important industrial port on the Suriname River.
Paranam — Camp 52 (Suriname)
Paranam
A historic mining settlement that gained great importance through bauxite mining in the 20th century.
Jodensavanne — Camp 52 (Suriname)
Jodensavanne
Former agricultural settlement of Sephardic Jews in the 17th century on the Suriname River.
Rosebel Gold Mine — Camp 52 (Suriname)
Rosebel Gold Mine
One of the largest gold mines in South America, located in the Brokopondo district.
Brownsberg Nature Reserve — Camp 52 (Suriname)
Brownsberg Nature Reserve
A mountain plateau with a view of the Brokopondo Reservoir, rich in waterfalls and rainforest flora.
🗺️
Tambaredjo Oil Field
One of Staatsolie's oldest and most productive oil fields in the Saramacca district.