Camp Zerbe

For New Yorkers seeking a genuine immersion in the natural beauty of Upstate New York, the Oswego County Nature Park at Camp Zerbe provides an exceptional destination. Far from the concrete canyons of the city, this expansive 542-acre park, located in Williamstown, NY, functions as a multi-faceted recreational and educational resource. While its history is rooted in traditional youth camping—originally operated by the Syracuse Boys' Club until 1991—it has been carefully developed and maintained by the Oswego City-County Youth Bureau to serve the wider community as a premier nature park and facility rental venue.

The essence of Camp Zerbe is its commitment to outdoor education and accessible recreation. It’s a place where families, community groups, and individual explorers can connect with the unique geography of the region, which includes a network of nature trails and rare “kettle hole” lakes. This location bridges the gap between a protected natural environment and a structured recreational space, making it a valuable asset for residents of Central and Northern New York.

Camp Zerbe is more than just a place to pitch a tent—though it offers plenty of space for nature connection. It features historic lodges and modern amenities that cater to a wide variety of activities, from hosting weddings and corporate retreats to providing weekly themed day-camp sessions for local children during the summer. Its dedication to preserving the site's natural and historical integrity while enhancing accessibility and utility makes it a notable choice among New York’s public park systems.

Camp Zerbe is strategically situated in Williamstown, NY 13493, in the eastern part of Oswego County, New York. The physical address is 253 NY 104, Williamstown, NY 13493, USA. This location places it within the Tug Hill region's proximity, an area known for its abundant snowfall and picturesque woodland.

Accessibility from major New York population centers is quite manageable. From Syracuse, the drive typically takes less than an hour, making it an easy day trip or weekend getaway for those in Central New York. For those traveling from the Capital Region or the broader Upstate area, the park is conveniently located just off major state routes, ensuring a straightforward journey to this quiet corner of Oswego County. The park entrance is directly on State Route 104. The 542-acre park itself is well-marked and open daily from dawn to dusk for general public use, with facility rentals available seasonally from May 1 to November 1. It is important to note that while the park focuses on being welcoming to all visitors, individuals needing specific accessibility accommodations should contact the Oswego City-County Youth Bureau ahead of time, as accessibility can be limited in certain areas of the nature park.

As a county-operated nature park and facility, Camp Zerbe offers a suite of services centered around recreation, education, and community gathering. The facilities are available for rent by various groups, including families, youth groups, clubs, and organizations, providing numerous ways to utilize the vast property.

• Facility Rentals: Offers rentals for various events, including the historic Lodge, a large Pavilion, and the recently renovated Paco Malone Building, which is heated for year-round use and accommodates up to 50 people.
• New Bathhouse and Showers: Recent improvements include a new bathhouse conveniently located next to the Lodge, featuring sinks, toilets, and showers, a modern amenity to enhance comfort for guests renting the facility.
• Nature Trails: An extensive network of trails across the 542 acres for hiking, bird watching, and nature exploration. These trails are also often used for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter months.
• Lake Access: Provides access to Lake Lorraine, Ike Allen Pond, and Edick Pond, including a dock area on Lake Lorraine for non-motorized boating and fishing. Reservations are required for boating and fishing on the lake.
• Interpretive Nature Center: A dedicated center within the park offering educational displays focused on the area's wildlife, geography, and natural history, perfect for educational outings.
• Recreational Sports: The park has developed areas for physical activities, including a playground for children, a pickleball court, and an 18-hole disc golf course (currently under development/improvement).
• Day Camp Programs: The facility is used by the Oswego City-County Youth Bureau to run weekly themed summer day camp sessions for youth, providing engaging educational and recreational programming.
• Picnic Grounds: Various areas across the park, including the large Pavilion, offer space for picnics and outdoor gatherings.

Camp Zerbe’s standout features lie in its unique natural setting and the combination of historical facilities with modern upgrades, making it an excellent resource for the New York community.

• Oswego County Nature Park Designation: As a 542-acre Nature Park, the land is preserved for its environmental value, containing distinct geographical features like the "kettle hole" lakes, which are depressions formed by melting glacial ice blocks.
• Historic Lodge Venue: The main Lodge, constructed in the 1940s for the Syracuse Boys' Club, is part of the property's rich history and has been restored, making it a beautiful and significant gathering space for weddings, reunions, and other large events.
• Year-Round Rental Options: The introduction of the renovated Paco Malone Building, which is heated, offers a critical feature for New York State residents—a venue that can be reliably used for events outside the traditional summer months, extending the park’s utility through fall and winter.
• Disc Golf Course: The addition of an 18-hole disc golf course (though in development) caters to a growing outdoor sport, drawing recreational users and adding a fun, modern recreational layer to the natural park setting.
• Commitment to Youth Development: The park’s operation by the Oswego City-County Youth Bureau ensures its primary mission remains focused on providing safe, active, and educational outdoor experiences for the region’s children, fulfilling a vital community service.
• Extensive Snow Trail Access: Located near the Tug Hill region, the park’s trails are perfect for winter activities, including snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, leveraging New York’s heavy seasonal snowfall.

For New York residents interested in visiting the Oswego County Nature Park at Camp Zerbe, inquiring about seasonal day camp programs, or reserving one of the facilities for an event, the Oswego City-County Youth Bureau is the managing body.

Physical Address: 253 NY 104, Williamstown, NY 13493, USA

General Camp Zerbe Phone: (315) 298-2007 (Confirm with Youth Bureau)

Oswego City-County Youth Bureau Office: (315) 349-3451

Park Hours: Daily, Dawn to Dusk

Rental Availability: May 1 through November 1 (for Lodge and Pavilion; Paco Malone Building is year-round).

Camp Zerbe is an excellent choice for New York residents looking for an affordable, accessible, and comprehensive outdoor experience that offers much more than a simple campsite. What makes it particularly valuable is its identity as a county-owned and operated **Nature Park**, guaranteeing its focus remains on public benefit, conservation, and family-friendly activities. Unlike purely private campgrounds, the fees for rentals and programs at Camp Zerbe are designed to be accessible, reflecting its mission as a community resource.

Choosing Camp Zerbe means selecting a destination that supports a wide range of interests—from the serious nature lover and birder utilizing the deep woods and interpretive center, to the family looking for a safe playground and picnic spot, to the organization seeking a unique and affordable venue for a major event. The historical significance of the main Lodge and the park's overall efforts to renovate and improve its infrastructure, including the new bathhouse and year-round Paco Malone Building, demonstrate a strong commitment by Oswego County to enhance the visitor experience.

The 542 acres offer a true sense of scale and wilderness rarely found in a centrally-located facility. Furthermore, its role in hosting structured day camps for youth makes it a key part of the local community’s efforts to promote active, healthy development for children, providing a much-needed service for working families in the region. Whether you're planning a corporate team-building retreat, a family reunion, or just looking for a new, beautiful New York trail to hike, the Oswego County Nature Park at Camp Zerbe provides a restorative and versatile venue worth choosing.

Camp Zerbe

253 NY 104, Williamstown, NY 13493, USA