Pouch Camporee Field

- 1285 Manor Rd, Staten Island, NY 10314

Introduction / Overview

For New York residents, the thought of a true wilderness camping experience often conjures images of long drives far upstate. Yet, hidden right within the five boroughs, in the heart of Staten Island's protected Greenbelt, lies a remarkable natural gem: the William H. Pouch Scout Camp, home to the expansive and well-regarded Pouch Camporee Field. This is New York City's only official Scout Camp, a unique 143-acre oasis that offers a genuine, accessible escape into nature without ever leaving the city limits.

The Pouch Camporee Field itself is the focal point for large group gatherings, a spacious, low-impact field perfect for pitching numerous tents, conducting large-scale activities, and holding community events. While it is steeped in the rich tradition of Scouting, this venue is increasingly recognized by the wider New York community—including schools, corporate groups, and families—as an ideal spot for teambuilding, retreats, and simply enjoying the serenity of the outdoors.

The essence of Pouch Camporee Field, and the larger Pouch Camp it belongs to, is its ability to seamlessly blend natural beauty with urban convenience. Visitors consistently describe it as peaceful and serene, an environment that fosters camaraderie, skill-building, and a deep connection with nature. For New Yorkers craving a weekend away or a day in the woods, the ability to find this level of quality camping and programming so close to home is truly invaluable. The recent efforts to permanently protect sections of the camp, including the Camporee Field, through conservation easements ensure this natural haven remains accessible for generations of New Yorkers to explore.

This destination caters to both the rugged outdoor enthusiast and the family looking for a clean, secure, and engaging first-time camping experience. With a focus on safety, learning, and community, Pouch Camporee Field stands out as a critical piece of New York City's precious green infrastructure.

Location and Accessibility

Pouch Camporee Field is located within the William H. Pouch Scout Camp property, situated at 1285 Manor Rd, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA. Its location is a primary advantage for New York locals, providing an "escape to nature" without the need for extensive travel.

The camp is nestled within the Staten Island Greenbelt, a massive network of protected parks, forests, and wetlands. This positioning guarantees a secluded, wooded environment that feels miles away from the hustle of the city. Despite this seclusion, the camp remains highly accessible:

• Public Transit Access: The camp is conveniently accessible by mass transit, a major benefit for New Yorkers who may not own a car or RV. Local buses on Staten Island can bring visitors within walking distance.
• Staten Island Ferry Gateway: For those traveling from Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, or the Bronx, the free Staten Island Ferry provides a scenic and essential link, with a short drive or bus ride from the St. George Terminal bringing you to the camp.
• Vehicle Access: Located just off major Staten Island roadways, the camp is easy to reach by car from all parts of New York and New Jersey. Ample parking is available, particularly for large Camporee events, with dedicated parking lots for units and attendees.
• Hiking Connectivity: The property is bordered by other Greenbelt sections, including the Todt Hill Woodlands, providing continuous access to the region’s extensive system of hiking trails for extended outdoor exploration.

The combination of deep woods serenity and city accessibility makes this location practically unmatched within the metropolitan area, ensuring that New Yorkers can transition from the concrete jungle to a natural setting in under an hour.

Services Offered

Pouch Camporee Field and the broader camp facilities are exceptionally well-equipped to support both troop camping and large group activities, offering a range of rustic to semi-developed amenities.

• Diverse Accommodation Options: The facility offers more than just the open Camporee Field for tent camping. Guests can also utilize rustic wooden lean-tos, private tent sites in wooded areas, and several large cabins and lodges that can accommodate groups of 14 to over 20 people.
• Camporee/Activity Space: The main field is available for large-scale outdoor events, sports, team-building, and extensive group tent camping. It often includes an adjacent amphitheater for ceremonies and gatherings.
• Utilities: Water stations and latrine facilities (including bathrooms and trailers) are strategically located around the field and camp, ensuring essential needs are met, even for large events.
• Communal Areas: The camp features multiple dedicated picnic groves and a Pavilion with tables and lights, ideal for meetings, training, BBQs, and unit gatherings.
• Program Support: The staff are highly commended for their commitment and knowledge, offering support for a variety of outdoor and skill-building programs, with a focus on safe and engaging activities.
• Convenience: The Pouch Camporee Field property includes a Scout Shop, which serves the entire New York City region as an official retailer of Scouting merchandise, offering a convenient place for last-minute supplies.

Features / Highlights

The unique features of the Pouch Camporee Field and the William H. Pouch Scout Camp make it a standout destination for outdoor recreation in New York.

• On-Site Ohrbach Lake: The camp features the beautiful 17-acre Ohrbach Lake, which offers opportunities for freshwater fishing (with a NYS license and Pouch Permit), boating (canoes, kayaks, rowboats), and swimming in a designated area during the summer season.
• Adventure Programs: Beyond simple camping, the camp boasts dedicated program areas, including an Archery Range and a Climbing Wall, which can be utilized for merit badge workshops, teambuilding, and general recreation.
• Extensive Hiking and Nature Trails: Situated within the Staten Island Greenbelt, the property features a wide network of maintained trails that traverse scenic woodlands, passing several ponds and providing excellent opportunities for orienteering, nature study, and wildlife observation.
• Year-Round Operation: The camp is open year-round, allowing New Yorkers to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors in all four seasons, from vibrant fall Camporees to crisp winter cabin retreats.
• Ideal for Non-Scout Groups: While founded for the Scouts, the facilities—including cabins, lean-tos, and the Camporee Field—are available for rental by non-Scout organizations, schools, community groups, and families for retreats, events, and family camping trips.
• Historical and Natural Preservation: The permanent protection of the property through conservation easements ensures that this large, beautiful tract of undeveloped land remains a vital ecological and recreational resource for the entire city, a fact highly valued by environmentally conscious New Yorkers.

Contact Information

For reservations, information on facility rentals, or details on current events, please use the following contact information.

Address:

1285 Manor Rd, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA

Phone:

(718) 351-1905

Mobile Phone:

+1 718-351-1905

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Pouch Camporee Field is uniquely suitable for New York locals precisely because it solves the biggest logistical challenge of outdoor recreation in the metropolitan area: proximity. As New York City’s only major camp facility, it eliminates the lengthy and expensive drive typically required to access quality camping, hiking, and lake activities. For Manhattanites, Brooklynites, and Queens residents, this Staten Island haven is truly "a great escape into nature while still being accessible," offering a genuine break from city life without consuming an entire weekend in transit. It serves as a vital resource for community engagement, offering safe, well-equipped spaces for school trips, youth programs, and family adventures. The opportunity to camp, fish, shoot archery, or hike through a vast, protected forest in the heart of the five boroughs is an unparalleled local amenity. Pouch Camporee Field allows New Yorkers to connect with the wilderness and foster lifelong outdoor skills right in their own backyard, strengthening the community's bond with the incredible natural beauty preserved within the Staten Island Greenbelt.

Pouch Camporee Field

1285 Manor Rd, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA