Camp Sebago

Camp Sebago is a historic and scenic destination nestled on the western shores of Lake Sebago within the expansive Harriman State Park. Located in Southfields, New York, this campground serves as a vital hub for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those with a passion for paddle sports, hiking, and traditional rustic camping. Managed in large part through a long-standing partnership with the American Canoe Association (ACA) Atlantic Division, Camp Sebago offers a unique, member-focused environment that emphasizes the preservation of the natural landscape and the promotion of quiet, non-motorized recreation. For New York residents looking to escape the hustle of the city, the camp provides a serene sanctuary where the primary sounds are the dipping of paddles and the rustle of the wind through the hardwoods.

The facility itself is steeped in tradition, having served the New York and New Jersey metropolitan areas for over eight decades. Lake Sebago, whose name translates to "big water" in Algonquian, is the largest lake in Harriman State Park, covering approximately 310 acres. The campground is strategically positioned to offer some of the most stunning sunset views in the Hudson Highlands. Because the lake prohibits powerboats, the water remains remarkably clear and calm, making it a premier location for flatwater sprint training, canoe sailing, and recreational kayaking. Whether you are a competitive athlete or a family looking for a safe place for children to learn to swim and paddle, Camp Sebago offers an immersive wilderness experience that feels much further from Manhattan than its actual 32-mile distance.

Location and accessibility are major draws for local New Yorkers. Situated at Southfields, NY 10975, the camp is easily reached via major thoroughfares. Most visitors utilize the Palisades Interstate Parkway, taking Exit 16 for Lake Welch Drive and transitioning to Seven Lakes Drive, a scenic route that winds through the heart of the park. For those coming from the western or northern parts of the state, I-90 and Route 17 provide direct access to the Sloatsburg and Southfields areas. The entrance to the camp is well-marked, though it is located behind a secured gate to maintain the privacy and safety of its members and guests.

Accessibility also extends to public transportation, a rarity for such a rustic location. The NJ Transit/Metro-North Port Jervis Line stops at the Tuxedo Park station nearby. From there, many hikers and campers utilize local shuttle services or pre-arranged transport to reach the camp entrance. Once inside, the terrain consists of gently sloping hills leading down to the water’s edge. The camp is designed to be walkable, with well-defined paths connecting the cabin loops to the central lodge, the bathhouse, and the waterfront docks. This blend of remote wilderness feel with relatively easy metropolitan access makes it a favorite for weekend trippers and long-term summer residents alike.

Camp Sebago offers a specialized array of services designed to facilitate a deep connection with the outdoors. These services include:

• Rustic Cabin Rentals: The camp features a collection of historic wooden cabins, many of which are managed by specific paddling clubs (such as the North Brooklyn Community Boathouse or the Yonkers Canoe Club) for their members.
• Waterfront Safety: During the peak summer season, the camp provides lifeguard-supervised swimming areas, including shallow zones safe for younger children.
• Paddling Instruction: On-site experts and visiting clubs frequently offer sanctioned courses in canoe handling, kayaking techniques, and water safety.
• Equipment Access: Members often have access to a fleet of "club boats," including canoes and kayaks, along with necessary safety gear like PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices) and paddles.
• Group Event Facilities: The camp includes a communal lodge and an outdoor pavilion, perfect for group meetings, educational workshops, or rainy-day activities.
• Organized Competitions: As a hub for the ACA, the camp hosts various races throughout the season, including flatwater sprints and traditional canoe sailing regattas.

The features and highlights of Camp Sebago are centered on its pristine environment and the specialized facilities that cater to nature lovers. Notable highlights include:

• Lake Sebago Waterfront: 310 acres of crystal-clear water completely free of motorized vessels, ensuring a quiet and safe environment for all water activities.
• The Sunset Porch: A popular gathering spot on the lodge’s porch that offers panoramic views of the sun setting over the distant hills of the Hudson Highlands.
• Extensive Trail Network: Direct access to hundreds of miles of hiking paths within Harriman State Park, ranging from easy lakeside strolls to challenging mountain scrambles.
• Communal Bathhouse: A centrally located facility providing clean toilets and hot showers for all campers and day-use visitors.
• Picnic and Grilling Areas: Designated spots equipped with picnic tables and fire pits, allowing for traditional outdoor dining.
• Proximity to Wildlife: Frequent sightings of white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species, as the camp serves as a quiet corridor for local wildlife.

For individuals interested in visiting Camp Sebago, it is important to note that access typically requires membership in the American Canoe Association or one of its affiliate clubs. Contact information and registration details are as follows:

Address: Seven Lakes Drive, Southfields, NY 10975, USA

ACA Atlantic Division Email: campdirector@aca-atlanticdivision.com

Harriman State Park Office: (845) 947-2444

What is worth choosing at Camp Sebago is the authentic, old-school New York camping experience that has been carefully preserved for nearly a century. Unlike modern RV parks that can feel like parking lots, Camp Sebago is a place of pine needles, gravel paths, and dark night skies. It is worth choosing for those who prioritize silence and physical activity. The lack of motorized boats on the lake creates an acoustic environment that is incredibly rare in the Northeast, allowing you to truly "hear" the forest. For paddlers, the ability to launch from a private dock into 300 acres of protected water is an unparalleled luxury.

Furthermore, the community aspect of the camp makes it a standout choice. Because many of the cabins are tied to specific clubs, there is a built-in social network of experts who are eager to share their knowledge of the water and the woods. This makes it an excellent place for beginners to gain confidence under the guidance of seasoned outdoorsmen and women. Choosing Camp Sebago means choosing a lifestyle of simplicity—where the absence of cell service is a feature, not a bug, and where the day is measured by the movement of the sun across the lake. It remains one of the most factual representations of the "Great Outdoors" available to the people of New York today.

Would you like me to help you find the specific membership requirements for the American Canoe Association or provide a list of the various clubs that maintain cabins at the lake?