Camp Feetcheeks, Upper Saint Regis, NY

Introduction / Overview

Camp Feetcheeks is not a conventional, public DEC campground but rather an exclusive-feeling destination located in one of the most prestigious and historically significant areas of the Adirondack Park: the Upper St. Regis Lake region. The term 'camp' in this area often refers to the grand, rustic family compounds known as 'Great Camps,' built by America’s elite in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While public details about a specific business named 'Camp Feetcheeks' are extremely limited—suggesting it is a private residence, vacation rental, or a very small, niche operation—its location places it at the heart of the region's most sought-after wilderness experiences.

The location on Upper St. Regis Lake means this camp is nestled in a landscape defined by towering white pines, historic architecture, and the crystal-clear waters of the St. Regis Chain of Lakes. This area is a true haven for paddlers, sailors, and those seeking a profound sense of tranquility, far removed from the accessibility and crowds of larger public campgrounds. For New Yorkers, the appeal of a camp in this region lies in the promise of experiencing the Adirondacks as the earliest visitors did—with an emphasis on secluded, refined connection with nature.

Location and Accessibility

The geographical coordinates provided point directly to the shores of Upper St. Regis Lake, near the community of Paul Smiths, NY, which is central to the northern Adirondacks.

The specific address information is:

9PW8+M5, Upper St Regis, NY 12945, USA

. This is a Plus Code, which is a modern geo-location marker, placing the camp in a highly exclusive, lakefront area.

Access to this area is remote, which is part of its allure. While nearby towns like Saranac Lake (approx. 25 minutes) and Lake Placid (approx. 35 minutes) offer amenities, the camp itself is situated in an area known for its privacy. Many properties on Upper St. Regis Lake are water-access only, or reached via quiet, private roads, which contributes to the timeless, unspoiled ambiance. For locals traveling from New York City, it is a significant but worthwhile six-hour drive, serving as a deep dive into the true wilderness. The closest commercial airport, Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK) in Saranac Lake, is only about 15 minutes away, offering a convenient, if smaller, entry point for those choosing to fly.

Services Offered

Given the location's association with high-end, exclusive Adirondack properties, the services offered are often personalized and tailored, falling more in the realm of a private vacation rental or a specialized retreat rather than a public, amenity-rich campground. While the specific offerings of 'Camp Feetcheeks' are not publicly detailed, one can infer certain standard amenities based on the setting and surrounding properties:

Accommodations: Likely involves cabins or cottages in the historic Great Camp style, with a rustic yet refined aesthetic.
Waterfront Amenities: A boathouse, large dock, and/or a private sandy beach are highly probable, as the entire lifestyle in this region revolves around the water.
Boating Equipment: Canoes, kayaks, and/or stand-up paddleboards are typically provided or readily available to explore the lake and the nearby Canoe Area.
Cooking Facilities: Access to a full, private kitchen or a dedicated dining cabin for meal preparation is standard for properties in this league.
Utilities: Unlike public DEC campgrounds, these types of private camps are generally equipped with modern utilities, including well-maintained indoor plumbing and heat for year-round comfort.
Recreation Facilities: Depending on the specific camp, the grounds may include private courts for tennis or pickleball, a tea house, or other unique gathering spaces.

Features / Highlights

The key features of this location are inherently linked to its setting within the Upper St. Regis Lake community—a place steeped in natural beauty, history, and exclusive tranquility.

Access to St. Regis Canoe Area: The camp provides direct, low-impact access to the St. Regis Canoe Area, New York's only designated Canoe Wilderness. This is a vast network of pristine ponds and lakes connected by canoe carries, offering world-class paddling and fishing.
Historic Great Camp Views: The area is famous for its collection of 'Great Camps,' including Camp Topridge and other historic estates. Paddlers can take guided or self-guided tours to view the stunning, intricate boathouses and unique architecture from the water.
Sailing Tradition: Upper St. Regis Lake is the original home of the Idem-class racing sailboats, and the historic St. Regis Yacht Club continues to host regattas, offering a unique local cultural spectacle during the summer months.
Seven Carries Canoe Route: The location is a key point along the original 'Seven Carries' canoe route, a historic and popular all-day paddling trip that connects several lakes and ponds, providing an immersive Adirondack challenge.
Ultimate Seclusion: Unlike busy public campsites, the camp’s private location guarantees quiet enjoyment of the wilderness, with little light pollution for excellent stargazing and a true sense of having escaped the noise of urban life.
Nearby Trail Systems: While water activities dominate, the area offers excellent hiking opportunities, with trailheads leading to mountains like St. Regis and Long Pond Mountain, which are accessible by a paddle-in approach.

Contact Information

Given that 'Camp Feetcheeks' is a non-public entity (likely a private home or rental), specific public contact information is generally not available. Those interested in properties or rentals in this exclusive region are typically advised to contact local Adirondack real estate agencies specializing in 'Great Camp' rentals.

Address:

9PW8+M5, Upper St Regis, NY 12945, USA

Phone:

Public contact information is not available; please consult Adirondack luxury rental services.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

The Upper St. Regis Lake area, home to Camp Feetcheeks, is an ideal retreat for New Yorkers seeking the ultimate secluded and high-quality wilderness experience. This is not budget camping; this is an investment in unparalleled tranquility and access to one of the most historically and environmentally significant lakes in the state. For the local user, it offers a dramatic change of pace—a step into a timeless landscape of 'Great Camps' and canoe-only wilderness.

The camp's proximity to the St. Regis Canoe Area makes it the perfect base for New York paddlers who want to explore a vast, protected network of waterways, a feature unique to the Adirondacks. It allows for a profound, unplugged immersion in nature, with the added comfort and elegance of a private, historic setting. Ultimately, a stay at a camp in this region allows New Yorkers to connect with the state's storied past, relax in refined seclusion, and embrace the low-impact, high-reward activities that define the Adirondack wilderness lifestyle.