Camp Gorton

For outdoor enthusiasts and families in the New York region, Camp Gorton stands as a cherished landmark of adventure and tradition. Situated on the serene shores of Waneta Lake in the heart of the Finger Lakes, this sprawling 350-acre reservation has provided a scenic backdrop for memory-making for over a century. Operated by the Five Rivers Council of the Scouts BSA, the camp celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2024, solidifying its status as a cornerstone of the Upstate New York camping community. While it is widely recognized for its premier summer resident programs, Camp Gorton also serves as a versatile year-round destination for both scouting and non-scouting groups seeking a true New York wilderness experience.

The camp is celebrated for its balance of rugged natural beauty and well-maintained facilities. From the shimmering waterfront to the dense, hilly forests that surround the main campus, the environment is designed to foster a deep connection with the outdoors. Visitors often remark on the "funny and fantastic" staff who bring energy to the various programs, ranging from high-stakes shooting sports to tranquil nature studies. Whether you are arriving for a week of intensive skill-building or a quiet weekend getaway in one of the lakefront cabins, Camp Gorton offers a sense of seclusion and peace that is becoming increasingly rare in our fast-paced world.

Location and accessibility are major advantages for those traveling from across New York and Pennsylvania. Located at 4241 County Road 25, Dundee, NY 14837, the camp is conveniently positioned between the villages of Hammondsport and Watkins Glen. For local users, the journey to camp is part of the experience, winding through the rolling vineyards and steep valleys characteristic of the Finger Lakes region. The facility is accessible via major routes like I-86 and Route 14. Once on-site, the camp has made significant strides in inclusivity, offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance, dedicated parking lots, and accessible restroom facilities to ensure that the beauty of Waneta Lake can be enjoyed by all members of the community.

Services offered at Camp Gorton are comprehensive, particularly during the peak summer months when the resident camp is in full swing. During the off-season, the camp transforms into a flexible rental space for community organizations, schools, and private groups. The core services include:

• Summer Resident Camp programs for both Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA, featuring structured advancement and merit badge opportunities.
• Weekend facility rentals, including a variety of cabins, Adirondack-style lean-tos, and primitive tent sites.
• Full-service dining facilities, including the Memorial Lodge and the Empire Lodge, providing family-style meals for large groups.
• Professional on-site management, led by a dedicated Camp Ranger and seasonal director staff.
• Safe and supervised waterfront services, including instructional swimming and aquatic safety training.
• The Gorton Campmaster Corps, a volunteer group of experienced outdoorsmen who assist visiting units with weekend logistics.
• Maintenance of an extensive trail system and outdoor classroom areas for environmental education.

The features and highlights of Camp Gorton are what truly define its reputation as one of the best summer camps in New York. The property is designed to provide a wide array of activities that keep campers engaged from sunrise to sunset. Notable highlights include:

• The Waneta Lake Waterfront: An exceptional area for kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and swimming, featuring a trained lifeguard staff.
• Shooting Sports Ranges: Dedicated areas for archery, rifle, and shotgun shooting, supervised by NRA-certified instructors.
• The Gorton Trail Hiker Program: A tiered award system that encourages visitors to hike five miles of trails and complete service projects.
• First Year Resident Experience (FYRE): A specialized program designed to introduce new campers to essential outdoor skills like knot-tying and fire-building.
• Handicraft and STEM Centers: Indoor and outdoor spaces for leatherwork, metalwork, geocaching, and game design.
• Nature and Conservation Areas: High-quality ecology programs that immerse scouts in the local flora and fauna of the Finger Lakes.
• Proximity to local attractions: The camp is just a short drive from the Corning Museum of Glass, Watkins Glen State Park, and the Glenn Curtiss Museum.

If you are looking to book a stay or inquire about the upcoming summer session, the contact information is readily available. You can reach the camp office at (607) 292-3220, though please note this line is primarily monitored during the summer season. For year-round inquiries or facility reservations, the Five Rivers Council office is the best point of contact. The physical address for your GPS is 4241 Co Rd 25, Dundee, NY 14837, USA. The camp is active on social media, providing regular updates on conditions and community events through their Facebook and YouTube channels.

What is worth choosing about Camp Gorton is the authentic, historic New York camping culture it preserves. Unlike modern resorts, Gorton focuses on "character-building through adventure." It is worth choosing for the high quality of its food—frequently cited as a favorite by returning campers—and the incredible dedication of the staff who treat every visitor like part of the family. While visitors should be aware of local natural factors, such as the presence of zebra mussels in the lake (bringing water shoes is highly recommended!), the overall quality of the experience is unmatched.

For those seeking a location that offers both physical challenge and mental relaxation, Camp Gorton is a premier choice. Its commitment to the "Scout Law" creates a safe, respectful environment where kids can be kids and adults can find a moment of peace by the water. Whether you are pursuing a specific merit badge or simply want to spend a night under the stars in one of New York's most beautiful regions, Camp Gorton delivers a factual and fulfilling outdoor experience.

Would you like me to help you draft a specific weekend itinerary for a group visit or a packing list for the Waneta Lake environment?