Camp Gorton

For New Yorkers seeking an unparalleled outdoor and youth development experience, Camp Gorton stands as a cherished institution in the heart of the picturesque Finger Lakes region. Located on the serene shores of Waneta Lake in Dundee, Camp Gorton is not just a campground in the traditional sense; it's a vibrant and historic hub primarily known as a premier summer resident camp for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Celebrating over a century of fostering leadership, outdoor skills, and unforgettable memories, Camp Gorton is lauded by those who experience it as a place truly "like no other."

Beyond its renowned summer programs, Camp Gorton also extends its welcoming spirit to non-Scouting groups during the off-season, offering opportunities for weekend rentals of its cabins and tent sites. This versatility allows a broader range of New Yorkers to experience the magic of this well-maintained facility and its stunning natural surroundings. Whether you're a Scout, a Scouter, or part of a group looking for a unique retreat, the common thread among all visitors is the exceptional quality of the experience.

Reviews consistently highlight the fantastic staff, excellent food, and the sheer abundance of activities available. This dedication to providing a high-quality program and a supportive environment ensures that every visit to Camp Gorton is not just a stay, but an adventure. From leadership training and merit badge opportunities for Scouts to the simple joys of enjoying the lake and the camaraderie of a group outing, Camp Gorton embodies the spirit of outdoor living and community building in one of New York's most beautiful natural settings.

Camp Gorton is strategically situated at 4241 Co Rd 25, Dundee, NY 14837, USA. This address places the camp on the shores of beautiful Waneta Lake, one of the smaller, yet equally charming, Finger Lakes in upstate New York.

The camp's location offers excellent accessibility for New York residents from various parts of the state. It is nestled within the expansive Finger Lakes region, known for its scenic beauty, wineries, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Major state routes and the New York State Thruway (I-90) provide straightforward access, making it a manageable drive from urban centers like Rochester, Syracuse, and even Buffalo or the Capital Region. The journey itself becomes part of the experience, winding through picturesque landscapes that define this part of New York.

The setting on Waneta Lake is a significant asset, providing direct waterfront access for aquatic programs and activities. While offering a sense of natural immersion, the camp is also close enough to the charming village of Dundee for any necessary supplies or local exploration. Its proximity to other Finger Lakes attractions, including vineyards, state parks with hiking trails and waterfalls (like Watkins Glen State Park and Taughannock Falls), and historical sites, allows groups utilizing the off-season rentals to easily combine their camp experience with broader regional tourism. This balance of secluded outdoor adventure and convenient access to regional highlights makes Camp Gorton an ideal destination for New Yorkers.

Camp Gorton, as a premier Scout camp and year-round rental facility, offers a robust array of services and facilities designed to support diverse groups and activities.

• Diverse Accommodation Options: The camp provides various lodging choices. During summer programs, Scouts typically stay in assigned campsites with tents. Year-round, Camp Gorton offers cabins (such as the waterfront view cabins, including the Howland House, which can be rented) and tent sites available for use by both Scouting and non-Scouting groups. These cabins can range from rustic to having more amenities.
• Dining Hall and Food Service: The camp features a central dining hall where meals are served, particularly during summer resident camps. Reviews praise the food quality. During the off-season, groups renting facilities might have access to kitchen facilities or catering options. The dining hall also provides amenities like air conditioning, WiFi, and sometimes coffee for adult leaders.
• Comprehensive Program Areas (Summer Camp): For its primary summer programs, Camp Gorton offers a wide variety of activities and merit badge opportunities across different areas:
  • Waterfront: Features open swim, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and various aquatic merit badges.
  • Shooting Sports: Includes Archery, Rifle Shooting, and Shotgun Shooting merit badges with NRA certified instructors.
  • Scoutcraft: Focuses on basic outdoor skills, pioneering, wilderness survival, and outdoor cooking.
  • Nature: Offers ecology and conservation-based merit badges.
  • Handicraft: Provides opportunities for arts, crafts, and personal skills like Leatherwork and Metalwork.
  • S.T.E.M.: Incorporates science, technology, engineering, and math into fun, engaging programs.
  • First Year Resident Experience (FYRE): A dedicated program for new Scouts to jump-start their advancement.
  • COPE Course: A challenging outdoor ropes course designed for team-building and personal growth.
  • Blacksmithing and Welding: Unique vocational skill opportunities.
  • ATV Program: Provides controlled ATV riding experiences.
• Restrooms and Showers: The camp provides comfort stations with communal restrooms and individual bathrooms with sinks, toilets, and showers. Some cabins may also have private restroom facilities.
• Central Parking Areas: Vehicles are generally parked in designated central areas, with strict rules against driving to campsites to maintain the camp's natural environment. Carts or wheelbarrows are often available for transporting gear.
• Trading Post/Camp Store: A trading post is available, typically near the dining hall, for snacks, souvenirs, and basic supplies.
• WiFi Access: WiFi is available, particularly in central areas like the dining hall and adult lounge, allowing for connectivity.
• Adult Lounge: An air-conditioned adult lounge with coffee and WiFi is available for adult leaders to relax and recharge.
• Trails: Designated trails are available for hiking and bicycling throughout the camp property.

Camp Gorton offers a multitude of features and highlights that make it a truly exceptional destination in the Finger Lakes region, particularly for youth programs and group rentals.

• Exceptional Staff and Leadership: Consistently praised in reviews, the staff at Camp Gorton are described as "fantastic," "delightful," and "really funny." Their dedication to providing a positive and engaging experience, along with excellent teaching for merit badges and activities, is a standout feature.
• Rich Program Offerings: The sheer variety and depth of programs, especially during the summer Scout camps, are a major highlight. From a robust waterfront program on Waneta Lake to unique activities like blacksmithing, welding, ATV riding, and a challenging COPE course, there’s something to engage every interest and skill level.
• Historic and Scenic Location: Celebrating over 100 years, Camp Gorton is steeped in history and set on the beautiful Waneta Lake. This picturesque natural setting provides an inspiring backdrop for all activities and offers a serene environment for relaxation.
• Excellent Facilities: Despite its long history, the camp balances maintenance and expansion, ensuring that older buildings and facilities are well-kept while new programs and structures are added. The air-conditioned dining hall, clean comfort stations, and dedicated adult lounge are noted comforts.
• High-Quality Food: Reviews frequently mention that the food at Camp Gorton is "great" and satisfying, even for active youth who need "thirds or fourths," a significant factor for overall camper satisfaction.
• Year-Round Availability for Groups: Beyond its summer camp season, the availability of cabins and tent sites for year-round rental by both Scouting and non-Scouting groups makes Camp Gorton a versatile venue for retreats, gatherings, and outdoor adventures any time of year.
• Immersive Themed Programs: The camp goes above and beyond with themed program weeks and special activities, like a week-long STEM production where kids defeat a "mad scientist," adding an extra layer of engagement and fun.
• Focus on Development: For Scouts, the camp is designed to aid in training and advancement, fostering leadership, discipline, and a love for the outdoors, while creating lasting memories and friendships.

Camp Gorton, as a specific type of campground primarily serving Scouting organizations and group rentals, does not typically offer "promotions or special offers" in the same way a commercial campground might advertise. However, there are aspects of its structure and booking process that can be considered value-oriented for New York groups and families.

• Structured Summer Programs: For Scouts, the summer camp fees are comprehensive, covering lodging, food, and access to a wide array of merit badge classes and activities. While there are registration deadlines and tiered pricing (e.g., early bird rates versus regular price for Scouts BSA Resident Camp), these are part of the standard enrollment process rather than promotional discounts.
• Off-Season Rental Rates: During the off-season, Camp Gorton opens its facilities (cabins, tent sites) for rental by both Scouting and non-Scouting groups. The pricing for these rentals would be based on the specific facility, duration, and group size, offering a tailored rate for retreats or gatherings. Interested groups would need to inquire directly for current rental rates.
• Council-Specific Programs: As a property of the Five Rivers Council of Scouting America, any specific financial aid, camperships, or special incentives for Scouts would typically be managed through the Council's programs. For example, Campership applications have specific deadlines for financial assistance.
• No Publicly Advertised Discounts: Based on available public information, there are no general, widely advertised discount codes or seasonal sales for individual campsite bookings or general public access that are not tied to the established Scouting programs or group rental agreements.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on program fees for Scouts, or rental rates and availability for non-Scouting groups, it is essential to contact Camp Gorton or the Five Rivers Council directly.

To inquire about summer camp programs, off-season rentals, or any other information regarding Camp Gorton, please use the following contact details:

Address: 4241 Co Rd 25, Dundee, NY 14837, USA

Phone: (607) 292-3220 (This number is often active during the summer camp season. For off-season inquiries, a different contact or the Council office might be more appropriate.)

Mobile Phone: +1 607-292-3220

For year-round rentals or specific inquiries, it's often recommended to contact the Five Rivers Council, which operates Camp Gorton:

Five Rivers Council Website: The official website for the Five Rivers Council (fiveriversbsa.org) is the primary resource for detailed information on Camp Gorton, including specific program dates, fees, registration processes for Scouts, and information on facility rentals. Look for the "Camping" section.

Council Phone: (607) 796-0699 (This is a general contact number for the Five Rivers Council, which can direct you to the appropriate person for Camp Gorton inquiries, especially for off-season rentals.)

Email: Contact information for specific camp staff (e.g., Karen Neiley at karen.neiley@scouting.org for rental information, or the Camp Director/Clerk as listed on the Council's Camp Gorton pages) may also be available on their website.

For New York locals, Camp Gorton offers an exceptionally rich and suitable outdoor experience, whether for youth development through Scouting programs or as a unique venue for group retreats. Its prime location on Waneta Lake in the Finger Lakes means convenient access for families across the state, minimizing travel time and maximizing time spent enjoying the natural beauty.

The camp's longstanding reputation, consistently excellent staff, and diverse array of activities make it far more than a typical campground. For parents of Scouts, it provides a trusted environment for growth, skill development, and creating lifelong memories. For other New York-based groups, the opportunity to rent cabins or tent sites in the off-season provides a private and well-equipped setting for gatherings, team-building, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the Finger Lakes. The positive feedback regarding the staff's humor and accommodation, the quality of the food, and the well-maintained facilities underscores Camp Gorton's commitment to delivering a truly memorable experience. It stands as a testament to the value of immersive outdoor education and recreation, making it an ideal choice for New Yorkers seeking adventure, community, and connection with nature right in their own state.

Camp Gorton

4241 Co Rd 25, Dundee, NY 14837, USA