Camp Koinonia NY

Camp Koinonia NY is a sprawling 269-acre retreat center and campground nestled in the breathtaking Italy Valley of the Finger Lakes region. For New York residents seeking a sanctuary away from the digital noise and fast-paced demands of everyday life, this destination in Middlesex offers a profound sense of peace and natural ruggedness. The name "Koinonia"—a Greek word meaning community or fellowship—perfectly encapsulates the mission of this facility, which serves as a hub for family renewal, spiritual retreats, and youth development. Surrounded by rolling hills and vast meadows, it provides a secluded environment where the focus remains on building lasting bonds between families, friends, and the natural world.

Originally established as a Christian-based family camp, Camp Koinonia has evolved into a versatile year-round destination that welcomes a wide variety of groups. While its roots are deeply embedded in faith-based programming, specifically its well-known Catholic Family Camp weeks, the facility is available for private rentals for non-religious organizations, schools, and large family reunions. The property is characterized by its "screen-free" philosophy, encouraging guests to trade their smartphones for hiking boots and campfire conversations. Whether you are participating in a structured summer program or hosting a private group event, the landscape of Italy Valley provides a majestic backdrop of God’s handiwork in every direction.

Location and accessibility are key highlights for those traveling within the Upstate New York region. Located at 1455 Italy Valley Road, Camp Koinonia is situated approximately 9 miles northeast of Naples and is within a comfortable driving distance from major hubs like Rochester and Canandaigua. The journey into Italy Valley is part of the experience, featuring scenic winding roads that offer panoramic views of the Finger Lakes highlands. The rolling terrain creates a natural barrier from the outside world, ensuring complete privacy for guests once they enter the camp gates.

The facility is designed to be inclusive and accessible to all visitors. Camp Koinonia features wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking lots, and seating areas, ensuring that mobility-challenged individuals can participate in communal activities and worship services. On-site parking is plentiful and strategically located near the main lodges and cabins to facilitate easy unloading of gear and supplies. For those planning group retreats, the camp’s layout allows for a balance of central gathering spaces and secluded hiking trails, providing a comprehensive outdoor experience that is easy to navigate for guests of all ages.

Services offered at Camp Koinonia are extensive, designed to cater to both large-scale summer camps and intimate weekend retreats. The staff is committed to providing a hospitable and supportive environment, offering everything from full meal services in a professional dining hall to organized youth activities. The facility specializes in group rentals, providing a "home away from home" for parties up to 100 people, with flexibility for larger events upon request.

• Summer camp organizing with a focus on family-friendly spiritual retreats and faith-based renewal.
• Full-service group rentals including access to a commercial kitchen and dining hall for up to 200 people.
• Variety of lodging options including 12 quaint cabins with 100 total beds and an authentic caboose that sleeps four.
• Dedicated tent and RV park area with 24 electrical and water hookups for those who prefer traditional camping.
• Professional meal services providing breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with accommodations for dietary restrictions.
• Worship and conference support featuring indoor and outdoor chapels, audio-visual equipment, and meeting rooms.
• Managed recreational programs including lifeguarded swimming, archery, and guided team-building exercises.

Features and highlights of the property are centered on the natural beauty and the diverse recreational infrastructure built into the Italy Valley landscape. One of the most unique features is the "Circular Chapel," an outdoor gathering space built with stones that provides a rustic and reverent setting for group worship or reflection. For families with children, the camp is a playground of discovery, offering everything from traditional swings and slides to adventurous hiking trails that wind through 111 acres of tall pines and mountains.

• Large outdoor swimming pool, fully fenced and available during the summer months (June 1 - September 15).
• Extensive network of hiking trails suitable for both adults and kid-friendly morning walks.
• Playground facilities including slides, swings, and a gaga ball pit for high-energy games.
• Natural spring-fed pond available for "funyaks" and kayaking in a controlled, safe environment.
• 18-hole disc golf course and full-court basketball for athletic competition.
• Traditional campfire pits and a large outdoor pavilion for group socializing and evening bonfires.
• Specialized activity options such as an "Escape Box" challenge, archery, and a team-building obstacle course.

For those interested in booking a retreat or learning more about the annual Family Camp schedules, the administrative office is available for inquiries. As the camp serves as both a seasonal summer camp and a year-round retreat center, advance booking is highly recommended to secure preferred dates in the scenic Italy Valley.

Address: 1455 Italy Valley Rd, Middlesex, NY 14507, USA

Phone: (585) 554-3092

What is worth choosing when it comes to Camp Koinonia NY? For New Yorkers, the answer lies in the camp’s unique ability to provide a true "disconnect" in an era of constant connectivity. Choosing Koinonia means choosing a place where your family can sit around a fire without the glow of a screen, where kids can safely explore 269 acres of wilderness, and where community is the primary focus. It is worth choosing for the sheer beauty of the Italy Valley, which many consider to be one of the most picturesque and private sections of the Finger Lakes.

Furthermore, the camp is an exceptional choice for organizations looking for a turnkey rental solution. With a commercial kitchen, multiple lodges, and a variety of recreational amenities already on-site, group leaders can focus on their mission rather than the logistics of facility management. Whether you are seeking a place for personal reflection, a family-focused vacation with a spiritual core, or a site for your next organizational workshop, Camp Koinonia provides the space, the services, and the serenity to make your visit impactful. It is a place that honors the traditional New York camping spirit while providing the modern facilities needed to host a successful 21st-century retreat.