Chambers Camp and Retreat Center

- 114 Campground Rd, Beaver Dams, NY 14812

Introduction / Overview

For New York residents seeking a peaceful, family-focused getaway that perfectly balances natural beauty with engaging activities, look no further than the Chambers Camp and Retreat Center in Beaver Dams, NY. This facility, owned by the Penn York District of the Wesleyan Church, has been hosting camps and retreats since 1920, and it has evolved into a versatile destination that appeals to everyone from the cost-conscious RVer to the family looking for a full week of structured fun.

The center’s mission is centered around providing a faith-based, nurturing environment, but it welcomes all guests and offers flexible lodging options to suit every preference and budget. As one satisfied RVer noted, it is a "wonderful campground for an RV'r that needs or is cost conscious," highlighting the friendly hosts, quiet atmosphere, and sense of safety. Another guest enthusiastically described it as having "No place like it!", praising its family-focused programs that run throughout the summer, catering to all ages, from toddlers to retirees.

Whether you choose the simplicity of primitive tent camping or the near-hotel comfort of a modern retreat room, Chambers Camp provides an excellent base to unplug, reconnect, and explore the wonders of the Finger Lakes region. It's a place where rest, recreation, and renewal converge, making it a highly recommended spot for a tranquil Upstate escape.

Location and Accessibility

Chambers Camp and Retreat Center boasts a superb location in Beaver Dams, New York, placing it squarely in the beautiful Finger Lakes region and close to several of the state's most iconic destinations.

The center's address is:

114 Campground Rd, Beaver Dams, NY 14812, USA

Accessibility is one of its major advantages for New York locals:

• Close to Watkins Glen: The campground is just a short, scenic drive from the village of Watkins Glen, home to the world-famous Watkins Glen State Park Gorge and the Watkins Glen International Race Way. You can easily spend a day hiking the 19 waterfalls or enjoying a high-speed event.
• Finger Lakes Exploration: Situated conveniently in Chemung County, the camp is an excellent launch point for exploring the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, which features over 100 wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Fine dining and casual restaurants are available within a 15-minute drive.
• Cultural Hub Access: On a rainy day, or for a change of pace, world-class museums like the Corning Museum of Glass, the Rockwell Museum, the National Soaring Museum, and the Glen Curtis Museum are all within a 45-minute drive or less.
• Travel Note for Campers: The camp's location requires traversing a set of railroad tracks, and previous visitors advise going "slow over railroad tracks" to ensure a smooth arrival.

Services Offered

Chambers Camp and Retreat Center is designed to be self-sufficient and highly versatile, catering to groups, families, and solo travelers with a comprehensive list of services:

• Diverse Lodging Options: The center offers a wide range of accommodation types, including primitive tent sites, RV sites with 2-point (electric/water) and 3-point (electric/water/sewer) hookups, rustic cabins, and modern dormitory-style rooms (like the New Dorm with A/C and private bathrooms) and motel units.
• Food Service: A Dining Hall provides buffet-style meals, including a breakfast bar and various entrees. Meals can be purchased individually or by the day via a ticket system at the camp office.
• Snack Shack: A Snack Shack is typically open multiple times a day during camp sessions, offering grill items and treats (often cash-only).
• Camp Office/Registration: This central point handles reservations, meal ticket purchases, and provides information about daily activities and amenities.
• Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and showers are available, even for those utilizing primitive tent sites.
• Meeting and Retreat Spaces: Multiple meeting areas, a conference center, and a dedicated Retreat Center building are available to host events, seminars, and weddings year-round.
• Limited Wi-Fi Access: While Wi-Fi is available, customer reviews note it is not always the best, particularly when the camp is busy. This encourages a genuine opportunity to unplug, though some basic connectivity is present.

Features / Highlights

The blend of recreational amenities and spiritual programming makes Chambers Camp a distinct and highly engaging destination:

• Extensive Recreational Amenities: The grounds are packed with activities for all ages, ensuring no one is left idle. These include a swimming pool, a water slide (The Hippo), a basketball court, a sand volleyball court, tetherball, and two separate playgrounds—one for toddlers and one for older children.
• Unique Camp Sports: The facility features popular camp activities like a gaga ball pit, an archery range, and courts for four-square.
• Family-Focused Programming: The camp season kicks off with a Christian Family Camp and continues with tailored camps for children, teens (Discipleship Camp), and senior adults (Best Years Fellowship), often including worship services, Bible studies, concerts, and organized afterglow activities.
• A Variety of Retreats: Beyond summer camps, the center hosts various specialized retreats, such as Quilter's Retreats and the Wesleyan Ladies Retreat, providing spiritual renewal and fellowship.
• Multiple Lodging Levels: Guests can choose accommodations from "primitive tent camping" to rooms just "a few steps down from a hotel" in buildings like the Canadagua Cottage and the Missions Retreat building (though daily maid service is not provided).

Contact Information

To inquire about reservations, specific camp sessions, or available lodging, please use the contact details below:

Address: 114 Campground Rd, Beaver Dams, NY 14812, USA

Phone: (607) 542-0992

Mobile Phone: +1 607-542-0992

Conclusion: Why this Place is Suitable for Locals

For New Yorkers, Chambers Camp and Retreat Center offers a unique combination that is often hard to find: cost-conscious camping and high-value family entertainment, all within a comfortable driving distance. The Finger Lakes region is an essential Upstate destination, and this camp allows you to enjoy world-class attractions—from the natural wonder of Watkins Glen Gorge to the history of the Corning museums—without the premium price tag of a typical resort.

The fact that it is a safe, quiet, and Christian-based environment provides an added level of assurance for families seeking a wholesome and structured vacation. The extensive on-site amenities, from the pool and waterslide to the sports courts, mean you don't have to leave the grounds every day to find things to do. For those who want to truly unplug, the limited Wi-Fi is an asset, encouraging genuine connection with family, friends, and nature. Chambers Camp is more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it’s a long-standing institution offering a retreat for the soul and a joyful escape for the entire family. It is an ideal sanctuary for New Yorkers looking to escape the relentless pace of city life and find both rest and adventure.

Chambers Camp and Retreat Center

114 Campground Rd, Beaver Dams, NY 14812, USA