Camp Eureka, Tuxedo, NY

For many residents of New York City, finding a safe, structured, and genuinely rustic summer retreat for youth is a top priority, often challenged by logistical and cost barriers. Camp Eureka, located in the beautiful, wooded expanse of Southfields, NY, provides a unique and historically significant solution to this need. Established in 1964 by the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the Masonic Order, Camp Eureka was purposefully created to serve as a summer residential camp for inner-city youth from New York City, as well as upstate communities like Rochester, Albany, and Buffalo. Its enduring mission, managed by the Prince Hall Temple Associates (PHTA), is centered on youth development, environmental conservation, and the preservation of its extraordinary natural surroundings.

Camp Eureka is not just a typical summer camp; it is a retreat built on a foundation of community service and historic preservation. The property is famously associated with the nearby Dundas Castle, a striking but never-completed historic mansion. In 2005, the Masons and the Open Space Institute announced a cooperative agreement to protect 929 acres of the Camp Eureka and Dundas Castle property. This landmark conservation easement was created to limit future development, protect the historic structures, and, most importantly, ensure that "generations of inner-city youth would continue to enjoy Catskill summers and learn about the environment."

For local New Yorkers, supporting and utilizing a camp like Eureka is to invest in a legacy of opportunity for underserved communities, providing a transformative escape from the daily pressures of city life to a place where children can grow physically, intellectually, and socially. This commitment to an environmental and educational mission, coupled with its long history, makes Camp Eureka a valuable, if not often publicly detailed, resource for the New York region.

The physical location of Camp Eureka places it squarely in the heart of one of New York's most accessible natural escapes, offering a world away from the urban environment.

The general location provided is:

Southfields, NY 10975, USA

While a precise street address for the camp’s entrance is not always broadly publicized in public listings, its well-documented proximity to the historic Dundas Castle and its expansive acreage suggests it sits within or adjacent to the vast nature preserves of Harriman State Park. The surrounding area is characterized by dense woods, lakes, and rolling hills, providing the perfect natural classroom for environmental education and outdoor adventure.

For New York City locals, accessibility to this rural setting is a critical factor. Historically, the purpose of Camp Eureka was to serve inner-city youth, which necessitates providing essential transportation services. Though the specific details of a busing program are not as universally published as for a commercial camp, the camp's ongoing operations—serving youth from the five boroughs and upstate—confirm that a system is in place to bridge the distance between the city and this rustic retreat. Its location in Southfields places it within a manageable distance of NYC, typically an hour to an hour-and-a-half drive depending on traffic, allowing for the deep woods experience while remaining relatively close to home. This strategic positioning in the Southfields/Harriman State Park area makes the escape to nature feasible and effective for its target audience.

Camp Eureka, as a summer residential youth camp, focuses on providing a full range of enriching experiences in a natural setting. The primary services offered are directly tied to its founding mission of youth development and environmental education for inner-city youth.

Services Offered:

Residential Youth Camping: Provides an overnight, multi-week summer camp experience, allowing children to fully immerse themselves in a camp community away from the city.
Youth Development Programs: The core offering is a structured program designed to build character, self-esteem, social skills, and leadership qualities in campers.
Environmental Education: A major component of the camp, leveraging the over 900 acres of protected land for teaching children about nature, conservation, and the environment.
Multi-Use Recreational Facilities: Development and maintenance of facilities for a variety of sports and recreational activities suitable for a traditional summer camp.
Community and Historic Preservation: A long-term commitment to the responsible conservation of the natural beauty of the property and the preservation of historic structures like Dundas Castle.
Infrastructural Support: Maintenance of essential camp infrastructure, including a swimming pool, dining pavilion, and cabins, established by the Masons since the 1960s.

The unique appeal of Camp Eureka lies not only in its programs but also in its magnificent setting and historical context. The camp leverages its vast property to offer a complete outdoor experience.

Features / Highlights:

Historic Dundas Castle Property: The camp is situated on the 929-acre historic estate that includes the notable, partially-built Dundas Castle, offering a unique and memorable backdrop for the camp experience.
Vast Protected Acreage: Over 900 acres of open space are protected by a conservation easement, ensuring the camp environment remains rugged, natural, and free from future development, ideal for hiking and nature study.
Traditional Camp Facilities: Features include a swimming pool, a dining pavilion, and cabins, all built by the Masons over the years to create a dedicated camp community.
Affiliation with Prince Hall Grand Lodge: The camp is run by the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the Masonic Order, providing a strong, values-driven institutional backing for its mission.
Focus on Inner-City Youth: The program’s dedicated focus on serving youth from urban centers throughout New York State, and particularly New York City, makes it a unique and impactful resource.
Outdoor Recreation: The location in the Harriman State Park area provides immediate access to quintessential outdoor activities like hiking, nature exploration, and traditional camp sports.

Contact Information:

Address:

Southfields, NY 10975, USA

Phone:

Specific contact numbers for camp registration and daily operations are often managed internally by the affiliated Masonic body or PHTA. It is recommended that interested local New Yorkers seek out the most current contact details directly through the Prince Hall Temple Associates or the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York for program inquiries.

Why this place is suitable for locals:

For New York locals, Camp Eureka represents an unparalleled resource that blends social responsibility with authentic outdoor adventure. Its suitability stems directly from its historical mission: to provide high-quality, long-term residential camping for inner-city youth who might otherwise never experience the tranquility of nature. By operating within the protected landscape of Harriman State Park, the camp guarantees a genuine escape—a place for children to learn about nature, gain independence, and build self-esteem far from the pressures of city life. The camp's strong institutional backing and commitment to conservation ensure its longevity and stability. For local parents, Camp Eureka offers a chance for their children to become part of a profound legacy, participating in a summer program that is designed not only to entertain but to empower and educate. It is a vital and impactful piece of the New York community, providing an enriching, character-building summer that directly addresses the needs of urban youth. Supporting or participating in Camp Eureka is a choice to engage with a New York institution that truly changes lives.