Slater 6 Lean-tos

For outdoor enthusiasts in the Garden State, finding a camping experience that bridges the gap between a traditional tent and a fully enclosed cabin can be a challenge. Slater 6 Lean-tos, located within the expansive Alpine Scout Camp in Closter, New Jersey, provides the perfect solution. These rustic, three-sided wooden structures offer a unique way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Palisades while providing a sturdy roof over your head. Designed to offer an authentic "open-air" sleeping experience, the Slater 6 site is a staple for local scouts and families who want to enjoy the sounds of the New Jersey woodlands without the hassle of pitching a tent on damp ground.

The Slater 6 Lean-tos are part of a storied tradition of outdoor stewardship at the Alpine Scout Camp, which covers over 700 acres of pristine forest land. This specific site is tucked away in a quiet section of the camp, providing a sense of seclusion that is hard to find so close to the metropolitan areas of Northern New Jersey. For locals, it represents a quick escape—a place where the air is fresher, the stars are brighter, and the stresses of the week quickly fade into the background. The lean-tos themselves are raised off the ground, featuring solid wooden floors and a sloping roof that keeps the elements at bay while leaving one side open to the sights and sounds of the surrounding forest.

Location and accessibility are major highlights for this campground. Situated in Closter, NJ, Slater 6 Lean-tos are remarkably easy to reach for residents across Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic Counties. The camp is located just off Route 9W and is only about 10 miles north of the George Washington Bridge. This proximity makes it an ideal destination for "micro-adventures" where you can leave work on a Friday afternoon and be sitting around a campfire before sunset. Despite its convenience to major roads like the Palisades Interstate Parkway, the dense canopy of the camp provides an effective buffer, making the site feel like a remote wilderness retreat.

• Raised Three-Sided Shelters: The site features multiple lean-tos, each providing a dry, elevated wooden platform that comfortably sleeps several campers.
• Designated Fire Rings: Each lean-to area is equipped with a professional-grade fire ring, perfect for evening storytelling, warmth, and traditional outdoor cooking.
• Potable Water Access: Conveniently located water spigots are available within a short walk of the Slater 6 area, ensuring guests have fresh water for drinking and cleaning.
• Sanitation Facilities: Access to the camp's maintained latrines and seasonal comfort stations is provided, ensuring a sanitary environment for all visitors.
• Kid-Friendly Accommodations: The site is specifically noted for being good for kids, offering a safe environment where young explorers can learn about nature in a controlled setting.
• Woodland Trail Access: Direct proximity to the camp’s extensive trail system, allowing for immediate departure on morning hikes or nature walks.

Beyond the structures themselves, the Slater 6 area is defined by the high-quality features and highlights that come with being part of the Alpine Scout Camp infrastructure. This isn't just a place to sleep; it’s a gateway to a wide array of activities that can fill a weekend with adventure. From the unique geological features of the nearby Palisades to the professional activity centers on-site, there is never a shortage of things to see or do.

• The Gary I. Laermer Activity Center: Located nearby, this center offers a 24-foot indoor and 32-foot outdoor climbing wall, providing a thrilling challenge for campers of all skill levels.
• Archery and BB Ranges: Managed ranges are often available during program weekends, offering a safe and supervised environment for learning marksmanship.
• Palisades Hiking Trails: The site is a perfect jumping-off point for exploring trails that lead to stunning overlooks of the Hudson River and the New York City skyline.
• Rich Local Wildlife: Campers frequently spot white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and various species of hawks and owls native to the Northern New Jersey region.
• Year-Round Availability: Unlike many public parks that close for the winter, Alpine Scout Camp often supports camping through the colder months, making it a favorite for winter survival training and "Klondike Derby" events.

To arrange a stay at Slater 6 Lean-tos, it is necessary to coordinate with the camp’s administrative office. Because these sites are part of a private facility managed by the Greater New York Councils, reservations are required. You can find the camp and contact their office using the information below:

Slater 6 Lean-tos (Alpine Scout Camp)
Address: X3PJ+PQ, Closter, NJ 07624, USA
Phone: (201) 768-1910

What makes Slater 6 Lean-tos worth choosing is the sheer convenience and the unique "halfway" camping experience they provide. For parents introducing their children to the outdoors, a lean-to removes the anxiety of a leaking tent or a restless night on uneven ground. The wooden floors provide a level, predictable surface, while the open side maintains that vital connection to the outdoor environment. It is the quintessential New Jersey camping experience: rugged enough to feel like an adventure, but structured enough to ensure everyone has a good time.

Additionally, choosing this site supports one of the region's most important green spaces. The fees collected for site rentals go directly back into the maintenance of the trails and the preservation of the local ecosystem. For the local New Jersey resident, Slater 6 is more than just a place to stay—it is a community asset that fosters a love for the environment and provides a sanctuary for people to reconnect with nature. Whether you are coming for the hiking, the climbing, or simply the chance to sit by a fire under the stars, Slater 6 Lean-tos at Alpine Scout Camp offer an unbeatable local value.