Great Camp Sagamore

- 1105 Sagamore Rd, Raquette Lake, NY 13436

For New York residents looking to step back in time and completely unplug from the demands of modern life, Great Camp Sagamore in Raquette Lake, NY, offers a truly unique and deeply immersive experience. Far from a traditional campground, Sagamore is a prestigious, 27-building National Historic Landmark—an authentic example of the Adirondack Great Camps of the Gilded Age. Once the exclusive wilderness retreat of the wealthy Vanderbilt family, this meticulously preserved compound is now open to the public, inviting you to live, learn, and relax in a setting of rustic, turn-of-the-century luxury.

The experience at Great Camp Sagamore is centered around history, education, and nature, all set against the pristine backdrop of Sagamore Lake. Visitors, whether on a two-hour history tour or an all-inclusive multi-day program, consistently praise the quality and depth of the experience. As one visitor noted, the guided history tour is "entertaining and informative," with staff being "patient with the group’s various questions as well as the stories offered." Another shared that their visit was a highly recommended, "wonderful and unique experience," highlighted by an "absolutely delicious lunch in the dining room overlooking the beautiful and serene lake."

Great Camp Sagamore is operated by a non-profit organization dedicated to its preservation and interpretation. The mission is to share this piece of American history, offering guests a chance to immerse themselves in the rich history of the Adirondack Mountains and the legacy of figures like William West Durant and Alfred Vanderbilt. Staying here is not like checking into a hotel; it is an opportunity to be a temporary resident in a living museum, embracing the spirit of community, learning, and tranquil wilderness enjoyed by the camp’s original inhabitants.

Great Camp Sagamore is nestled in the heart of the Adirondack Park, offering a remote and secluded retreat that is part of its authentic charm. The location on the shore of Sagamore Lake, surrounded by the vast Adirondack Forest Preserve, is what defines its unique atmosphere.

The physical address is 1105 Sagamore Rd, Raquette Lake, NY 13436, USA.

P Accessibility by Road: Situated near the hamlet of Raquette Lake in Hamilton County—the third largest but least populous county in New York State—Sagamore is truly a destination getaway. The camp is reached via a long, remote road, which serves as a natural barrier to the outside world, creating a profound sense of stepping back in time. While the camp feels remote, it is accessible via major Adirondack routes. For those driving from downstate New York or other distant areas, the remoteness is a crucial feature, guaranteeing an opportunity to unplug.

P Proximity to Raquette Lake: The camp is close to the community of Raquette Lake, which offers additional attractions like historic boat tours on the largest natural lake in the Adirondack Park.

P Digital Disconnection: A key feature of the location is the near-total lack of cellular service, a deliberate aspect of the Sagamore experience. Guests are encouraged to wrap up their work before arriving and fully embrace the tranquil wilderness environment. WiFi is available in the main lodge, but its capacity is limited, reinforcing the mandate to relax and disconnect.

Great Camp Sagamore provides an "all-inclusive" experience for overnight guests, moving beyond simple lodging to encompass history, education, and recreation. It is open to the public for tours and overnight accommodations typically from Memorial Day through mid-October.

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LI All-Inclusive Stays: Multi-day programs, often called "Simply Sagamore" or themed educational retreats, include lodging, all meals, and access to programming and recreational equipment.

LI Full Board Dining: All overnight guests receive three delicious buffet-style meals per day, served in the historic Dining Hall overlooking Sagamore Lake. The communal, family-style seating is designed to foster a sense of community among guests.

LI Authentic Lodging: Accommodation is offered in private rooms within the Main Lodge and other historic buildings, including the Wigwam and various cottages. Rooms are furnished in classic Adirondack-style, often with original log bed frames and traditional twin beds, reflecting the camp’s history. Most rooms utilize shared hall bathrooms, many featuring unique footed tubs.

LI Historical Interpretation: An award-winning, two-hour guided History Tour of the 27 buildings and grounds is included with most stays, offering an in-depth look at the Vanderbilt family’s life and the intricacies of the two complexes: the guest camp and the workers’ village.

LI Educational Programs: A wide array of multi-day educational programs and workshops are available, focusing on history (like the Durant's Gilded Age Camps tour), traditional Adirondack arts (such as pack-basket making), outdoor recreation, and family options (including the nationally recognized Grandparent-Grandchild Camp).

LI Special Packages: A popular option is the Tour and Lunch package, which allows day visitors to enjoy a meal in the historic Dining Hall before taking the guided tour.

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The camp’s features embody the “rustic refinement” ethos of the Great Camps, blending an intimate connection with nature with surprising amenities.

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LI Historic Open-Air Bowling Alley: A truly unique highlight is Alfred Vanderbilt's 1914 open-air bowling alley, still available for guest use.

LI Water Recreation: Guests have complimentary use of canoes, kayaks, and rowboats at the historic boathouse, perfect for paddling on the pristine, quiet waters of Sagamore Lake.

LI Extensive Hiking Trails: Sagamore boasts 12 miles of on-site hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to more challenging routes, which provide opportunities for birding and nature exploration.

LI Lawn Games and Relaxation: The grounds feature areas for croquet and other lawn games, complemented by numerous porches and scenic lookouts furnished with the camp's distinctive red Adirondack chairs—the perfect spot for reading or loon-watching.

LI Fireplace and Campfires: Evening activities often include campfires and s’mores at the historic lean-to, and the grand dining hall features three cozy fireplaces.

LI The Playhouse: A historic building used for guest activities, lectures, and social gatherings, featuring its own tennis court nearby.

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To book a history tour, an overnight stay, or to inquire about educational programs, please use the following contact details.

Address: 1105 Sagamore Rd, Raquette Lake, NY 13436, USA

Phone: (315) 354-5311

Mobile Phone: +1 315-354-5311

Great Camp Sagamore is uniquely suited for New Yorkers because it offers an authentic, profound antidote to the fast-paced nature of life in the state's urban and suburban areas. It’s not just a vacation; it’s an intentional immersion in history and nature.

P A True Escape: The deliberate lack of robust cell service ensures that guests achieve a level of digital detoxification and genuine relaxation that is nearly impossible to find elsewhere. It forces a return to simpler, non-screen-based activities like conversation, reading, hiking, and canoeing.

P Deep State Pride and History: New Yorkers have a deep connection to the rich history of the Adirondacks, and Sagamore offers a rare opportunity to directly inhabit a National Historic Landmark. It is a chance to learn about the Gilded Age elite who shaped the region, making the history personal and palpable.

P All-Inclusive Ease: For locals who value convenience, the all-inclusive model simplifies the vacation process. Once you arrive, everything—meals, activities, and lodging—is taken care of, allowing for maximum relaxation and exploration time without the stress of daily planning and travel logistics. It truly is “everybody’s great camp,” now accessible to all who seek its serenity and history.

Great Camp Sagamore

1105 Sagamore Rd, Raquette Lake, NY 13436, USA