Aesculapius Club (K22)

For residents of the New York region seeking a true escape from the metropolitan rush, the Hudson Valley offers a treasure trove of natural wonders. Nestled within the expansive 47,000-acre Harriman State Park, the Aesculapius Club (K22) stands as a unique and historic destination for group camping. Located in Southfields, New York, this site is part of a long-standing tradition of non-profit and group-based outdoor recreation. Unlike the more commercialized RV parks or heavily trafficked public campgrounds, the Aesculapius Club provides a rustic, "old-world" camping experience that prioritizes a deep connection with the forest and the rich history of the Palisades Interstate Park system.

The Aesculapius Club is categorized as a "Group Camp," a designation specific to certain historic sites within Harriman State Park that were originally developed in the early 20th century. These camps were designed to provide city dwellers—particularly youth groups, educational organizations, and non-profit clubs—with access to the health benefits of the great outdoors. Today, site K22 continues this mission, offering a secluded environment where the focus is on communal living, nature education, and the simple joys of the wilderness. For New Yorkers looking to organize a retreat, a scout trip, or a multi-family gathering, this site offers a level of privacy and historical charm that is increasingly rare in the modern camping landscape.

The Aesculapius Club is located on Aesculapius Road in Southfields, NY 10975. Southfields is a hamlet within the town of Tuxedo, situated in Orange County. For New York City residents, this is one of the most accessible wilderness areas, located just about 40 miles north of the George Washington Bridge. The drive typically involves taking the Palisades Interstate Parkway or the New York State Thruway (I-87), making it an easy weekend getaway for those in the five boroughs or Westchester County.

Accessibility at site K22 is geared toward those who appreciate a rugged, authentic environment. The campground is reached via park roads that wind through dense hardwood forests and past the park's many scenic lakes. While the site maintains its rustic character, it is integrated into the broader Harriman infrastructure, which includes proximity to major hiking trailheads and lake access points. Visitors should be aware that as a group camp, access is often restricted to those with prior reservations or institutional affiliations, ensuring that the peaceful, secluded nature of the road is preserved for its intended guests. The surrounding terrain is characterized by rolling hills and rocky outcrops, quintessential of the Ramapo Mountains.

As a traditional group campground managed within the framework of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, the services at the Aesculapius Club are focused on the "primitive-plus" experience. The goal is to provide enough infrastructure for group safety and comfort while maintaining the integrity of the forest. The services typically associated with this type of facility include:

• Designated group camping areas capable of accommodating larger numbers of tents or small group structures.
• Access to basic sanitation facilities, which traditionally include latrines or primitive restroom structures consistent with the park's "K-camp" standards.
• Designated fire rings and communal gathering areas designed for group cooking and evening campfires.
• Maintenance of the access road (Aesculapius Road) to ensure safe entry for passenger vehicles.
• Regulatory oversight by the Park Office to ensure that "Leave No Trace" principles are upheld and the environment remains protected.
• Proximity to the park's network of over 200 miles of hiking trails, which are maintained by the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference.

The features and highlights of the Aesculapius Club (K22) are deeply rooted in its location within Harriman State Park. For a New Yorker, the highlights are the things you can't find in the city: silence, stars, and space. Key features of a stay at this location include:

• Unrivaled Privacy: As a K-coded group camp, site K22 is situated away from the high-density public camping areas like Beaver Pond, offering a more intimate experience with nature.
• Historical Significance: The site is part of the original 1910-1930s era of park development, often featuring stone structures or landscape details from the Civilian Conservation Corps era.
• Direct Trail Access: Being in the heart of Southfields means you are steps away from some of the park's most famous trails, including segments of the Appalachian Trail and the Long Path.
• Lush Biodiversity: The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and occasionally black bears, providing a true wilderness feel.
• Lake Proximity: The site is located in a region of the park dense with water bodies, such as Lake Tiorati and Lake Sebago, offering nearby opportunities for fishing and seasonal boating.
• Four-Season Beauty: From the vibrant mountain laurels in the spring to the legendary fall foliage of the Hudson Valley, the scenery at Aesculapius Road is spectacular year-round.

Because the Aesculapius Club is a group-specific facility, those interested in visiting should contact the Palisades Interstate Park Commission's group camp office. They can provide the most up-to-date information on seasonal availability, permit requirements, and specific site rules. It is recommended to plan well in advance, as these historic sites are highly coveted by local organizations.

Address: Aesculapius Rd, Southfields, NY 10975, USA

Park Information: (845) 786-2701 (Palisades Interstate Park Commission)

What makes the Aesculapius Club (K22) worth choosing is the opportunity to participate in a piece of New York's conservation history. For a group leader or a family coordinator, choosing this site means opting for an experience that is more substantial than a standard night in a tent. It is an opportunity to teach the next generation about self-reliance, environmental stewardship, and the heritage of the New York state park system. The seclusion of the Southfields area ensures that your group can bond without the distractions of neighboring campsites or the hum of nearby highways.

Furthermore, the site's location within Harriman State Park provides a "home base" for some of the best outdoor activities in the Northeast. Whether you want to spend the day summiting Bear Mountain, exploring the "Lemon Squeezer" rock formation, or simply sitting by a campfire on Aesculapius Road, the possibilities for adventure are endless. For those who value the "primitive" aesthetic but require the organization of a designated group site, K22 offers the perfect balance. It is a place where you can watch the morning mist rise off the valley floor and feel truly disconnected from the 24-hour cycle of New York City life. Choosing Aesculapius Club is a choice for peace, heritage, and the pure, unadulterated Hudson Valley wilderness.