Masonic Camp (K20)

- 19-15 Masonic Camp Road, Southfields, NY 10975

The Masonic Camp, also historically known by its designation K20, is a unique and cherished destination nestled in the scenic Southfields, New York area, close to the expansive beauty of Harriman State Park. Established in 1921, this facility operates as a dedicated overnight family camp, offering a rich history and a profound sense of community for its patrons. It is not a typical public campground, but rather a private retreat primarily serving members of the New York State Masonic Fraternity, staff of the Masonic Care Community, and families who have participated in the Camp Turk Youth Program (located in the Adirondacks, but connected through the organization's family camping programs).

For New Yorkers who are part of the Masonic community, or whose children have attended related youth programs, Masonic Camp (K20) represents a seasonal sanctuary—a place where generations have built lasting memories, enjoyed the outdoors, and strengthened bonds of fellowship. The atmosphere is consistently described with deep affection by those who have spent summers here, highlighting a strong, positive, and deeply personal community experience. It’s a place where tradition meets recreation, providing a safe and organized setting for family fun and relaxation.

The existence of such a dedicated, community-focused property near the major metropolitan area is a significant benefit to local members, offering them an exclusive and historical option for outdoor gatherings, education, and family camping without having to travel deep into upstate regions. It is a genuine piece of organizational heritage that remains active and accessible.

Masonic Camp (K20) is located at 19-15 Masonic Camp Road, Southfields, NY 10975, USA. This address places it in the stunning highlands of Orange County, a region famous for its picturesque landscapes and abundant outdoor opportunities. The camp is situated near the vast wilderness of Harriman State Park, making it an ideal location for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a true outdoor escape that is still comfortably accessible from New York City and its suburbs.

Accessibility is a key advantage for local New York residents. Southfields, NY, is an easy drive for those traveling from the five boroughs, Long Island, Westchester, and northern New Jersey. The camp is located relatively close to major arteries that connect the New York City region to the Hudson Valley and beyond, making the journey to the camp direct and manageable. For visitors traveling to the nearby Harriman State Park, the Masonic Camp Road K-20 is even recognized on local trail maps, situated near trails leading to areas like Little Long Pond, underscoring its deep integration into the local recreational landscape.

While nestled in a quiet, natural setting, the camp is close enough to local services in towns like Southfields and neighboring communities, ensuring that basic supplies and necessities are never far out of reach. This geographic balance—secluded enough for a genuine camp feel, yet close enough for easy travel—is what makes it so suitable for the New York Masonic community.

As a private family camp and retreat, Masonic Camp (K20) is designed to facilitate communal activities, educational programs, and a classic summer camp experience for its members. The specific, day-to-day campground services typically associated with public RV parks are structured around group activities and member convenience.

• Overnight Accommodations: The facility primarily functions as an overnight family camp. While specific details on tent or RV hookups are often reserved for members, the property offers lodging suitable for families and large groups, historically featuring camp-style cabins or similar structures.

• Dining and Meeting Facilities: Based on the nature of group camps, it is highly likely the property maintains a dining hall and common meeting spaces. These facilities are crucial for the organized events, educational symposiums, and fellowship weekends hosted at the camp.

• Exclusive Event Hosting: The camp serves as a primary location for educational and fellowship events for Master Masons in New York State, including dedicated weekends focused on education, leadership training, and communal bonding.

• Program Inclusion: For attendees of organized events, registration fees typically cover meals and lodging for the duration of the program, streamlining the participant experience.

• Camp Administration: Operations are run by a dedicated administrative team focused on managing the facility and organizing member events, ensuring a consistent and high-quality experience for the Masonic Fraternity.

The defining characteristics of Masonic Camp (K20) are rooted in its legacy, its scenic setting, and its primary purpose as a hub for fraternity and family.

• Historical Significance: The camp, established in 1921, boasts over a century of history. It serves as a living tradition for the New York Masonic community, with generations of families holding cherished memories of their summers and experiences here. This deep-seated history is a significant highlight for members.

• Focus on Family and Recreation: The camp's mission is centered on outdoor recreation and family fun activities, providing a balanced, organized experience that encourages children and adults to engage with nature and each other. It is specifically cited as an overnight family camp.

• Educational Retreat: The property is utilized as a vital educational center for the Fraternity. It hosts weekends of fellowship and education for Master Masons, emphasizing scholarship, leadership, and the core tenets of Freemasonry.

• Access to Harriman State Park: Its advantageous location places it near the vast trail systems of Harriman State Park, offering unparalleled opportunities for hiking, nature walks, and other outdoor pursuits in one of the New York region's largest and most beautiful parks.

• Private Community Setting: As a private facility, it offers a secure, exclusive, and comfortable environment where members can relax and interact with others who share a common heritage and goals, fostering the strong sense of belonging that is consistently praised by former visitors.

Due to its private nature and focus on member events, detailed public contact information for routine campground use is often channeled through the organizing body's internal network or website for specific events. For general location and organizational purposes, the following details are provided:

Address: 19-15 Masonic Camp Road, Southfields, NY 10975, USA

Phone: While a general public phone number is not universally advertised, event-specific contacts are usually provided through Masonic organizational channels.

Note: Individuals interested in the camp's use should first inquire through the New York State Masonic Fraternity or the relevant program administrators for Camp K20/The Masonic Camp events.

Masonic Camp (K20) is exceptionally suitable for New York-based members of the Masonic Fraternity and their affiliated families because it provides an immediate, proximate, and highly relevant sanctuary. Located just a short distance from the New York metro area, it eliminates the need for long-distance travel to participate in important educational workshops, retreats, and family vacation programming. For local Masons, this facility is a foundational part of their community’s infrastructure.

The camp’s focus on structured activities, education, and strengthening the bonds of fellowship aligns perfectly with the organizational mission, offering a familiar and safe environment free from the distractions of the outside world. It is a dedicated space where the traditions of the Craft and the needs of the modern family intersect, creating valuable and lasting memories. In a region where private, natural acreage is scarce, the camp’s historic setting near Harriman State Park is a significant, exclusive resource, ensuring that local members have access to a beautiful and meaningful retreat close to home, year after year.

Masonic Camp (K20)

19-15 Masonic Camp Road, Southfields, NY 10975, USA