ACA Entrance Camp, Suffern, NY

Introduction / Overview: Your Exclusive Waterfront Gateway to Harriman State Park

For New York locals seeking a truly tranquil and specialized outdoor experience, the

ACA Entrance Camp, officially known as

ACA Camp Sebago, offers a unique alternative to traditional public campgrounds. This facility is a decades-old private retreat located on the pristine shores of Lake Sebago within the vast expanse of Harriman State Park. It is managed by the Atlantic Division of the American Canoe Association (ACA) and is specifically designed to promote paddling, camping, and outdoor recreation, primarily for its members.

Unlike the heavily trafficked public areas of Harriman, Camp Sebago is a secluded, family-oriented camp. Its location on a 315-acre, powerboat-free lake makes it a unique haven for those who cherish kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding in a quiet wilderness setting. The camp is not generally open to the public for overnight stays; instead, access is a key benefit of ACA membership. This setup ensures a less crowded environment, making it a highly valued resource for local New Yorkers who are dedicated to paddle sports and environmental preservation. The serene setting, with its beautiful lake and surrounding trails, makes it an absolutely amazing place for visiting with family or friends, as attested by consistent positive feedback from visitors.

Location and Accessibility: Seclusion Minutes from the City

ACA Camp Sebago is strategically located off New York State Reference Route 987E, near Suffern, NY 10901, positioning it conveniently close to the New York City metropolitan area while maintaining the deep seclusion of the Harriman wilderness. The camp is approximately 32 to 45 miles north of the George Washington Bridge, making it one of the most accessible true wilderness experiences for residents of Rockland, Westchester, and the five boroughs.

By Road: The main entrance is accessible from Seven Lakes Drive, a scenic route branching off Route 17 near the Sloatsburg/Suffern exit (Exit 15A) of the New York State Thruway (I-87). However, accessibility is carefully managed:

Exclusive Access: The camp entrance is secured by a locked cable-chain, requiring a code or key for vehicle entry. This restriction reinforces its private, member-only status and helps preserve the tranquility of the area. Visitors must contact the camp director or relevant club registrar to obtain the gate code before arrival.

Proximity to Lake Sebago: The camp is nestled on 15 acres surrounded by the water of Lake Sebago on three sides, providing immediate, direct waterfront access for paddling and swimming activities.

Trail Access: Being inside Harriman State Park, the camp offers direct access to a vast network of hundreds of miles of hiking trails, making it a perfect base for outdoor exploration by foot.

Services Offered (Paddling and Overnight Lodging)

The services at ACA Camp Sebago are tailored to support an immersive, watersports-focused camping experience, with both rustic overnight options and essential amenities.

Short-Term Cabin Rentals: The camp offers several rustic cabins available for short-term rental by ACA members, providing a more comfortable overnight option, often including basic cooking facilities and sleeping bunks.

Tent Platforms and Campsites: A limited number of dedicated tent platforms and a primary campsite are available for nightly rent, offering a traditional, close-to-nature camping experience.

Paddling Instruction: The camp serves as a training ground, frequently hosting canoe and kayak instruction, flatwater sprint training, and other paddle sport programs offered by various affiliated clubs.

Swimming Area: A designated swimming dock and area are maintained, often overseen by lifeguards during the peak summer season (generally late June to late August), complete with a shallow area safe for younger children.

Essential Facilities: A central bathhouse with toilets and showers is provided, along with a Lodge for games and reading, and an outdoor Pavilion for gathering, ping pong, and enjoying sunset views.

Club Boat Access: Affiliated local clubs (like the Sebago Canoe Club or Yonkers Paddling & Rowing Club) often maintain fleets of canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards at the camp for use by their respective members during day trips and overnight stays.

Features / Highlights (A Paddler's Paradise)

ACA Camp Sebago is distinguished by several unique features that make it a highly desirable location for local New Yorkers who are active outdoors enthusiasts.

Powerboat-Free Lake: The 315-acre Lake Sebago is closed to powerboats, ensuring calm, clean waters that are perfect for quiet paddling, fishing, and swimming, making it an ideal environment for beginners and families.

Membership Exclusivity: Access to the camp is available 24/7, seven days a week, from May 1st through October 15th, but only for active ACA members. This managed access keeps the area significantly less crowded than public park facilities, enhancing the sense of peace and community.

Rich Paddling History: With over seven decades of operation, the camp has a deep history as a "magnet for paddling in the New York vicinity," hosting numerous competitive and recreational events throughout the season.

Scenic Natural Beauty: The camp’s location on a peninsula provides stunning, picturesque views across the lake and into the wooded hills of Harriman, a true wilderness escape just outside the city. The surrounding area is beautiful, as noted by happy customers.

Community Focus: The camp is actively used by numerous local paddling and outdoor clubs, fostering a strong, supportive community atmosphere centered around responsible outdoor recreation and shared passion for the environment.

Contact Information

Since ACA Camp Sebago is a member-based facility, all inquiries regarding membership, access, and reservations are directed to the ACA Atlantic Division’s dedicated contacts.

P Address: New York State Reference Route 987E, Suffern, NY 10901, USA (This is the entrance road location within Harriman State Park)

General Camp Information and Entrance Fee Questions:

Email: campdirector@aca-atlanticdivision.com

Overnight Cabin and Campsite Registration:

Email: cabinregistrar@aca-atlanticdivision.com

Membership Requirement: To gain access, individuals must be current members of the American Canoe Association (ACA). Membership details and registration links are available on the ACA’s official website. Daily or season passes for ACA members are paid on-site or via arrangement with the camp director.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

ACA Camp Sebago is an incredibly suitable and valuable destination for active New York locals, especially those residing in the downstate region. It serves a distinct need by offering a

secluded, specialized waterfront experience within a short drive of the most densely populated area of the country.

For the thousands of New Yorkers who paddle, hike, and seek quiet reflection in nature, the camp provides consistent, guaranteed access to a pristine, powerboat-free lake environment—a true rarity. Membership in the ACA not only grants access to this natural gem but also connects local residents to a vibrant community of fellow outdoor enthusiasts through local paddling and rowing clubs that utilize the facilities. The ability to rent a rustic cabin or tent platform for a quiet weekend getaway, with immediate access to Lake Sebago and the extensive Harriman trail system, makes Camp Sebago a priceless, easily repeatable escape from the urban environment. It's a place where locals can truly relax, recharge, and reconnect with nature on their own terms, year after year.