Camp Sitrin

For New York residents, finding a location that combines natural beauty with a deep sense of purpose is a rare discovery. Camp Sitrin, located in the tranquil outskirts of New Hartford, stands as a testament to the power of nature-based healing. Spanning 142 picturesque acres, this campground is much more than a simple outdoor space; it is a vital component of the Sitrin Health Care Center's community outreach and military programs. While many local campgrounds focus solely on traditional recreation, Camp Sitrin serves as a sanctuary for those who have served our country, providing a quiet environment where the rustle of the leaves and the calm waters of the reservoir take precedence over the noise of everyday life.

The essence of Camp Sitrin is rooted in the concept of "Ecotherapy"—the idea that interaction with the natural world can facilitate psychological and physical recovery. This makes it a standout destination in the Mohawk Valley. For local families and veterans, the camp offers a balanced blend of structured activity and open-ended relaxation. Whether it is used for the annual Warrior Retreat or the popular youth fishing derby, the grounds are maintained with a level of care that reflects Sitrin’s decades-long commitment to health and wellness in Central New York. It is a place designed for reflection, camaraderie, and the simple joy of being outdoors.

Location and accessibility are key for local users who want a destination that feels remote without requiring an arduous journey. Camp Sitrin is located at 2751 Graffenburg Road, New Hartford, NY 13413. This position places it just a short drive from the main Sitrin campus on Tilden Avenue, making it easily accessible for residents of Utica, Rome, and the surrounding Oneida County area. The property is designed to be inclusive, ensuring that all visitors, including those with physical limitations, can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the landscape.

• Situated on Graffenburg Road, a scenic route that offers a peaceful transition from the suburban center of New Hartford into the rolling countryside.
• Approximately a 10-minute drive from the major medical and commercial hubs of the New Hartford/Utica area.
• Features on-site parking specifically designed to accommodate standard vehicles and those used by participants in Sitrin's adaptive sports programs.
• The main event areas and pavilions are designed with accessibility in mind, allowing wheelchair users to navigate the primary gathering spots comfortably.
• Proximity to the Sitrin Health Care Center ensures that professional support is never far away for those participating in specialized retreats.

The services offered at Camp Sitrin are uniquely tailored to support its primary mission as a healing environment. Unlike commercial campgrounds with general store amenities, the services here focus on facilitating meaningful experiences, particularly for the military community. These services are provided under the expert guidance of Sitrin's clinical and recreational staff, ensuring that every event held on the grounds is safe, inclusive, and restorative.

• Dedicated "Warrior Retreat" services, offering free weekend camping experiences for post-9/11 veterans and their families.
• On-site recreational therapy programs that utilize the camp's natural assets for psychological and physical rehabilitation.
• Guided nature activities including rowing on the 10-acre lake and curative hiking along established trails.
• Annual community events, such as the youth fishing derby, which provide educational and social opportunities for local children.
• Large pavilions available for lunch and group gatherings, providing shelter and a central hub for organized events.

The features and highlights of Camp Sitrin center on its diverse landscape and its role as a "Veterans Retreat." The 142-acre property is a mosaic of habitats, from dense woods to open playing fields, providing a variety of sensory experiences for visitors. The property is particularly noted for being "good for kids," as it offers a controlled, safe environment for exploration and traditional outdoor games.

• A pristine 10-acre lake/reservoir that serves as the centerpiece for fishing, rowing, and water-based relaxation.
• Extensive nature trails that wind through the 142-acre property, perfect for curative hiking and wildlife observation.
• Spacious playing fields suitable for outdoor games, adaptive sports, and large-scale community activities.
• Multiple pavilions that offer shaded seating and space for communal meals under the stars.
• A quiet, "no-cost" environment for qualified veterans, emphasizing the camp's role as a charitable gift to the military community.
• Pet-friendly policies for service animals, ensuring that veterans can bring their essential companions.

Because Camp Sitrin is a private facility managed by the Sitrin Health Care Center, booking and contact are typically handled through their main administrative offices. It is recommended that local users contact the clinical development or military program departments to learn more about upcoming retreats or community events scheduled at the camp.

• Physical Address: 2751 Graffenburg Rd, New Hartford, NY 13413, USA
• Main Administration Phone: (315) 797-3114
• Military Program/Warrior Retreat Contact: (315) 737-2435
• Website: www.sitrin.com/community/camp-sitrin/

What is worth choosing about Camp Sitrin? For the local New Yorker, the choice is often driven by a desire for a camping experience that carries deeper meaning. Choosing this location means supporting a locally-grown legacy of care that began in 1951. It is worth choosing for its exclusivity and peace; because the camp is not a high-traffic public facility, it maintains a level of tranquility that is hard to find in larger state parks. It is the ideal choice for those who want to experience "Health and Healing in Nature" in its purest form.

Furthermore, the camp's integration with Sitrin’s Military Program makes it a premier choice for veterans seeking a community that understands their specific needs. The ability to row the waters of the reservoir, participate in adaptive sports, and camp under the stars with fellow service members provides a unique form of social and emotional support. For families in the Mohawk Valley, Camp Sitrin represents a valuable local resource where the beauty of the Adirondack foothills is used to build stronger, healthier communities, one campfire at a time.