Camp Bullowa Field A: Premier Camping and Outdoor Adventure Near NYC

Introduction / Overview

For New York residents—from Rockland County locals to city dwellers seeking an accessible escape—Camp Bullowa offers a cherished and expansive outdoor sanctuary. Nestled within the scenic northern corner of Rockland County, this sprawling 300+ acre property provides a rich, year-round environment for camping, recreation, and skill-building in the natural world. Specifically, Field A at Camp Bullowa stands out as a prime destination for groups, families, and organizations looking for a dedicated, open-field camping experience. Field A is a well-regarded, level tenting area that combines the rustic appeal of traditional camping with immediate access to crucial amenities, making it a highly desirable reservation for weekend trips and local gatherings.

While Camp Bullowa is historically operated by the Greater Hudson Valley Council of Scouting America, its expansive facilities and beautiful grounds are welcoming to a wide range of external groups, clubs, and non-Scout organizations. The camp’s mission of fostering outdoor skills, character, and leadership translates into a well-maintained, organized, and safe environment for all visitors. Field A is often lauded by customers for being an excellent base camp, providing a large, open space suitable for multiple tents and group activities. Its proximity to key activity centers, particularly the covered pavilion and the camp’s archery range, elevates the experience beyond a typical tent site. This unique combination of open space, essential facilities, and access to 300 acres of woodland and trails on Lake Boyce solidifies Camp Bullowa Field A as a top-tier choice for any New York local planning an outdoor event, whether it’s a simple overnight stay or a larger organized function. The dedication to maintaining a quality outdoor experience for local youth and community groups is evident in the upkeep and professional management of the entire property.

Location and Accessibility

Camp Bullowa enjoys a highly convenient location in the lower Hudson Valley, making it easily reachable from New York City and surrounding suburban areas. The campground is officially situated in Stony Point, though the provided address places Field A specifically in the Tomkins Cove section of Rockland County. This placement offers the perfect balance: it is close enough to major population centers for a short drive, yet far enough into the wilderness to provide a genuine, immersive outdoor experience.

The core address for the facility is:

45 Franck Rd, Tomkins Cove, NY 10986, USA

The camp is readily accessible via major routes, including Route 9W and Route 202, connecting it efficiently to the Palisades Interstate Parkway and the New York State Thruway (I-87). This means the drive from many points in Westchester, Long Island, and NYC is often under an hour, or slightly more depending on traffic, making it an ideal destination for quick weekend trips. Furthermore, the camp is nestled close to the iconic Bear Mountain State Park and Harriman State Park, placing visitors within a region dense with historical sites and vast public parkland. The historical 1777 and 1779 Revolutionary Trails are even accessible nearby, providing unique opportunities for local history buffs and hikers. The ease of access ensures that locals can maximize their time enjoying the fresh air and minimize the stress of long-distance travel. The site’s location near the Hudson River also places it in a beautiful ecological zone, enhancing the scenic value of any camping trip.

Services Offered

Field A, as part of the broader Camp Bullowa facility, benefits from an extensive array of services and amenities that elevate the camping experience. These services are key to accommodating large groups and ensuring a comfortable stay for all visitors.

Key services for Field A campers include:

LI Reserved Campsite Rental: Field A is a premier, designated open field for tent camping, available for reservation by both Scout units and outside groups.

LI Covered Pavilion Access: The campsite is located directly adjacent to a covered pavilion, which is invaluable for group meals, activities, and shelter during inclement weather.

LI Latrine and Restroom Facilities: Essential latrines and porta-potties are available near Field A, providing necessary sanitary facilities for campers.

LI Shower House Access: Full shower house facilities are available elsewhere on the main camp property for general camper use.

LI Water Access: While field camping is rustic, general water access points are available on the camp property.

LI Cabin and Lean-to Rentals: For groups needing more substantial shelter, the overall camp property offers a variety of rustic cabins and lean-tos for separate rental.

LI Dining Hall Rental: A large dining hall with a kitchen, capable of seating up to 100 people, is available for rental for very large events or catered functions.

LI Year-Round Availability: The facilities, including Field A, are available for rental and use throughout the entire year, catering to all four seasons of outdoor activity.

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Features / Highlights

The features and highlights of Camp Bullowa Field A are deeply rooted in the 300 acres of natural and program space it belongs to. These attractions ensure a rich, activity-filled experience for all who visit.

The most notable features and highlights include:

LI Proximity to Archery Range: As noted by local users, Field A is situated right next to the camp’s dedicated archery range, allowing for easy access to one of the camp’s most popular programs (requires certified supervision).

LI Shooting Sports Area: Beyond archery, the camp also features a rifle shooting range, which is available for use by appropriate groups under the supervision of NRA-certified instructors.

LI Lake Boyce Waterfront Access: The camp surrounds Lake Boyce, offering opportunities for fishing, boating (rowboats and kayaks available for rent with proper training), and swimming during the designated summer day camp season. Anglers can expect to find bass, bluegill, and carp.

LI Extensive Trail System: Visitors have access to two blazed hiking trails: a short 1-mile loop around Lake Boyce, and a more extensive 5-mile red trail that winds around the entire camp property.

LI Historical Nearby Attractions: The location offers easy access to the Doodletown Revolutionary War trails and Stony Point State Park, providing excellent educational and historical day-trip opportunities.

LI Dedicated Program Areas: The wider camp grounds feature specialized areas like a 32-foot climbing tower (Jungle Zone), a dedicated Nature Program area, and a STEAM Cabin for educational activities.

LI Hudson Valley Scouting Museum: The camp property is home to the local Council's Scouting Museum, offering a unique resource for visitors interested in the history of the movement in the region.

LI Ideal Group Space: Field A itself is a large, flat, open space, perfect for large group camping, field games, unit formations, and other large-scale outdoor activities. Note that vehicles are not permitted to park on Field A or B.

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Contact Information

Reservations and general inquiries for Camp Bullowa Field A are managed through the central Council Service Center, ensuring a streamlined booking process for all local groups, both Scouting and non-Scouting. Please do not contact the camp ranger directly for reservations.

Address (Camp Entrance/Main Site):

15 Franck Road

Stony Point, NY 10980

The specific location for Field A is near 45 Franck Rd, Tomkins Cove, NY 10986, USA

Phone (Greater Hudson Valley Council Service Center for Reservations and General Inquiries):

(845) 566-7300

Reservations for Field A and other facilities can typically be made online through the Council's facility reservation system, which is the most efficient way to secure your desired weekend date. It is recommended to book well in advance, especially for prime season dates.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Camp Bullowa Field A is an exceptional choice for New York locals—from youth groups and educational organizations to family clusters seeking a quality weekend getaway. Its primary suitability stems from its hyper-local accessibility; being nestled in Rockland County means a quick, non-arduous drive from NYC, Westchester, and surrounding areas. This location minimizes travel time and maximizes precious weekend hours spent outdoors. Critically, the structure of the facility, particularly Field A, is perfectly suited for organized group camping. The combination of a large, flat tenting field, a covered pavilion for communal activities, and nearby restroom facilities makes logistics simple and comfortable for group leaders.

For the local user, Camp Bullowa offers an unmatched blend of supervised activity and open exploration. The access to Lake Boyce for water activities, the dedicated shooting ranges (with necessary certified instruction), and the extensive hiking trail system provide a vast menu of activities that cater to diverse interests and age groups. Whether your local New York group is focused on teambuilding, merit badge work, historical exploration, or simply having a safe place to pitch a tent and enjoy a Saturday bonfire, Camp Bullowa Field A delivers. It’s a well-preserved piece of the Hudson Valley wilderness that has been serving the local community for generations, and its year-round availability means the beautiful fall foliage and quiet winter landscape are just as accessible as the bustling summer camp season. Reserve Field A today to secure a memorable, convenient, and activity-rich outdoor adventure just a short drive from home.