Former Camp Algonquin, Argyle, NY

For many New Yorkers, the mention of "summer camp" evokes a sense of nostalgia, rustic charm, and unforgettable memories made in the forested retreats of Upstate New York. The Argyle area, nestled in Washington County, is home to one such storied location: the Former Camp Algonquin. While this site, situated on the scenic shores of Summit Lake, no longer operates as a public campground or summer retreat, its rich history and cultural significance—particularly its role as a local landmark—make it a fascinating piece of New York's regional heritage worth exploring.

This is not a traditional business or operational facility in the sense of a modern commercial campground. Instead, the property at 285 Lohret Rd represents a chapter in local history, having served as a vibrant summer camp for decades before its closure and subsequent conversion to private ownership. It's a place where generations of New Yorkers likely spent formative summers, and its grounds remain instantly recognizable to film enthusiasts. Understanding its past helps local residents connect with the cultural and recreational evolution of the Argyle region. It stands as a testament to the area's long-standing tradition as a recreational getaway.

Introduction / Overview

The location now identified as the Former Camp Algonquin in Argyle, NY, was once a thriving residential summer camp that welcomed countless children from New York and beyond. Originally established around 1927 and first known as Camp Argyle, it later transitioned to the name Camp Algonquin. For over five decades, it was a hub of activity on the northeast shores of Summit Lake, with the sounds of bugle calls and activities defining the summer season until its operational closure sometime in the mid-1980s. Following the end of its run as a summer camp, the land was eventually sold, leading to its current status as private property.

Today, the property at 285 Lohret Rd is no longer a public access facility, meaning it is not an active campground and does not offer sites or services to the general public. However, its memory is kept alive by local residents, historians, and its notable legacy in pop culture. It is strongly emphasized that the current property is private, and unauthorized visitation is strictly prohibited, underscoring the shift in its role from a public gathering place to a private residence or complex. The surrounding area of Argyle, however, remains a beautiful, rural section of Upstate New York with a variety of other public recreational opportunities.

Location and Accessibility

The location of the Former Camp Algonquin is specifically tied to its address and geographical features in Washington County.

Address: 285 Lohret Rd, Argyle, NY 12809, USA

The site is situated directly on Summit Lake, a scenic water body in the Argyle region, which itself is known for its quiet, rural landscape. Argyle is located northeast of Saratoga Springs and is part of the greater Capital Region of New York State, making it a manageable drive for many local New York residents seeking to explore the history of the area.

It is crucial for locals to understand that while the surrounding road network provides accessibility to the vicinity of the former camp, the property itself is now private. There is no public access for camping, swimming, or exploration at this address. For those interested in viewing the lake and the general location from a distance, driving to the area via local roads like Lohret Road or potentially Miller Road may offer views, as the area around Summit Lake is a recognizable landmark, though extreme care should be taken to respect all private property boundaries.

Services Offered

It must be stated clearly that the property at 285 Lohret Rd, Argyle, NY, does not offer any public services as a campground, resort, or attraction. The following list pertains to the services and amenities that existed when it was an operational summer camp in the mid-20th century, which helps illustrate its historical significance:

Summer Camp Facilities (Historically): Included numerous cabins, a dining hall, and other essential buildings necessary for a full-scale residential youth camp. These buildings, however, have largely been torn down following the camp's closure.
Recreational Courts (Historically/Remnants): The site historically featured athletic areas, such as basketball and tennis courts. Some remnants of these may still be visible, serving as a reminder of the camp's active past.
Waterfront Access (Historically): The camp utilized the northeast shore of Summit Lake for swimming, boating, and other traditional waterfront activities. The beach area remains a recognizable natural feature of the location.
Structured Youth Programs (Historically): The core service was a structured, multi-week sleepaway camp experience, offering activities, education, and social development for children during the summer months.

Features / Highlights

The primary features of the Former Camp Algonquin today are historical and cultural, not operational or recreational.

Significant Local History: Established in 1927, the site was part of a major trend of New York summer camps, providing a rustic, traditional experience to thousands of young people for over half a century.
Summit Lake Frontage: The property boasts a scenic location directly on Summit Lake, offering beautiful views of the water and the surrounding forested hills, characteristic of the Argyle region's natural beauty.
Cult Film Location: The former camp achieved cult status after serving as the primary filming location for the 1983 slasher film, Sleepaway Camp, where it was fictionalized as 'Camp Arawak.' This connection draws significant interest from film enthusiasts and adds a unique, albeit eerie, layer to its history.
Preserved Natural Elements: Although the camp structures are mostly gone, the natural landscape, including the lake's beach area, trees, and general layout, retains the recognizable atmosphere captured both during its operational years and its life as a filming location.
A Local Landmark: The name "Camp Algonquin" (and "Camp Argyle") is ingrained in the local community's memory, representing a bygone era of regional recreational life.

Contact Information

Since the Former Camp Algonquin is private property and not a commercial enterprise or public facility, there is no public-facing phone number or contact information for site visits or bookings.

Address: 285 Lohret Rd, Argyle, NY 12809, USA

General Inquiries: Contacting the Summit Lake Association or local historical groups in Argyle, NY, is recommended for those seeking historical information or details about the Argyle area's general recreational opportunities.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

The Former Camp Algonquin is not suitable for New York locals seeking a place to camp or visit today due to its private status and lack of public access. However, its significance lies in its powerful connection to the regional identity of Upstate New York. For New Yorkers, the site represents a nostalgic landmark—a reminder of the state’s heritage of traditional summer camps and the beautiful, rural retreats found just a short drive from the Capital District and other metro areas.

Locals interested in the history of summer camps, or those curious about the locations used in famous, locally-shot films, will find the area conceptually engaging. The historical importance of the site highlights Argyle's role in providing recreational escape, and for those who respect private property, a drive near Summit Lake can be a contemplative journey into a cherished, preserved piece of New York's past. The true suitability of this location for locals is as an anchor point for local history and culture, prompting exploration of the Argyle region and its other available public parks and recreational facilities.