Camp Gorton

- 4241 Co Rd 25, Dundee, NY 14837

For New York families and youth organizations seeking an unparalleled outdoor experience, Camp Gorton stands as a cherished and historic institution in the Finger Lakes region. Celebrating a monumental 100-year milestone in 2024, this property—owned and operated by the Five Rivers Council of Scouting America (formerly BSA)—is far more than a simple campground. It is a dedicated hub for youth development, renowned for its resident summer camp programs for Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA. Located outside of Dundee, NY, on the beautiful shores of Waneta Lake, Camp Gorton offers an experience that is consistently hailed by attendees as one of the best summer camps in New York.

The core mission of Camp Gorton is to provide a transformative experience that aids in training, advancement, and the creation of lifelong memories and friendships. While its summer months are focused on youth resident camps, the off-season opens its doors for facility rentals to both Scouting and non-Scouting groups alike. Visitors, whether they are Scouts or adult leaders, rave about the entire experience. The staff are frequently described as "fantastic," "funny," and dedicated, and the food served in the dining hall is often praised as "great" and well-prepared family-style meals. This dedication to excellence in both program and service is what makes Camp Gorton a unique and highly regarded destination.

Camp Gorton is ideally situated at 4241 Co Rd 25, Dundee, NY 14837, USA. This address places it directly on the scenic Waneta Lake, one of the smaller, tranquil bodies of water within the iconic Finger Lakes chain. The camp occupies over 340 acres of land, providing a generous and diverse landscape for its extensive programming.

Despite its secluded, natural setting, the camp is accessible from various points across New York, with detailed driving directions available from major areas like Bath, Corning, Elmira, and the NYS Thruway (I-90). Its location in the Finger Lakes region means it is surrounded by opportunities for exploration. Nearby attractions include the famous Watkins Glen State Park, the Corning Museum of Glass, and the Glenn Curtis Museum, allowing groups who rent the facility to easily supplement their camp experience with local cultural and natural excursions. The lakeside setting is central to the camp's identity, though guests using the waterfront should be aware that Waneta Lake, like other regional waters, contains natural elements such as zebra mussels.

During the non-summer months, Camp Gorton’s facilities are available for short-term or weekend rentals by various groups, offering a secluded and structured environment for retreats, team-building, and organizational gatherings.

• Year-Round Facility Rental: The camp facilities, including cabins and tent campsites, are available for rent by both Scouting units and external non-Scouting groups during the off-season.

• Cabins and Tent Sites: Available accommodations include both rustic cabins for a comfortable stay and traditional tent sites for a true outdoor experience.

• Dining Hall: A full-service dining hall is available to support large groups, with food services frequently highlighted by guests for its quality and diversity.

• Specialized Program Areas: Groups renting the facility can utilize established program areas such as handicraft centers, nature facilities, Scoutcraft areas, and shooting sports ranges.

• Merit Badge Programs: During the summer resident camp, the camp offers an extensive program featuring over 50 merit badges, including core Eagle-required badges, facilitated by knowledgeable staff who are dedicated to making learning enjoyable.

• Accessibility: The facility is noted for having a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking lot, demonstrating a commitment to accommodating diverse needs.

Camp Gorton's distinguishing features are rooted in its century-long commitment to comprehensive youth programming and its spectacular location on Waneta Lake.

• Extensive Waterfront Program: The large waterfront is a major highlight, offering a variety of water activities, including swimming, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and motorboating. The camp has historically made water-skiing accessible to all interested campers daily.

• High-Quality Staff: Consistently rated as a top feature, the staff are praised for being knowledgeable, dedicated mentors, and for maintaining a fun and engaging atmosphere.

• Shooting Sports: The camp has dedicated program areas for shooting sports, including archery, rifle, and shotgun ranges, with safe, well-supervised instruction.

• Hiking and Trail Awards: The camp's vast acreage features a wonderful network of trails. A unique feature is the Gorton Trail Hiker Award program, which challenges Scouts to hike five miles of trails, keep a journal, and complete a service project.

• First Year Resident Experience (FYRE): A specialized, well-organized program is offered for new and first-year Scouts, allowing them to acclimate to camp life and begin work on initial merit badges.

• Community and Tradition: The camp hosts vibrant camp-wide activities, campfires, and flag ceremonies (Morning and Evening Colors), fostering a strong sense of community and tradition that has endured for generations.

For inquiries regarding summer camp registration, off-season facility rentals, or general information, please use the contact details provided below. Note that the phone number is primarily operational during the summer camp season.

Address: 4241 Co Rd 25, Dundee, NY 14837, USA

Phone: (607) 292-3220 (Seasonal)

For New Yorkers, Camp Gorton represents a historic, high-quality, and valuable resource for personal and group development right in their backyard. While its summer programs are geared toward youth in Scouting, the opportunity for other non-Scouting groups to utilize the facilities during the off-season makes it a superb option for local organizations, schools, or family gatherings seeking a robust, nature-focused retreat. It offers a structured environment complete with high-quality catering options, diverse activity areas, and a picturesque setting on Waneta Lake. Local users can rely on the camp’s century-old legacy of excellence—backed by strong, up-to-date reviews—to provide a memorable experience. Its location provides both the tranquility of a lakeside wilderness retreat and convenient access to the unique attractions of the Finger Lakes, ensuring a rewarding and highly recommended experience for any group looking to disconnect, learn, and grow.

Camp Gorton

4241 Co Rd 25, Dundee, NY 14837, USA