Masonic Camp (K20)

For New York locals seeking a summer experience steeped in tradition and focused on family fun and outdoor recreation, Masonic Camp (K20) in Southfields offers a unique and memorable opportunity. Formally known as the Masonic Camp and established in 1921, this historic overnight family camp has been a beloved destination for generations, with many residents holding fond memories of their summers spent here. While it holds a special significance for the Masonic fraternity, particularly through events like "The Masonic Camp" weekend for Master Masons, its broader identity is as a welcoming family camp. Nestled within the expansive Harriman State Park, it provides a serene natural backdrop for a range of activities designed to engage every member of the family. If you're a New Yorker looking for a summer destination that combines a rich history with a focus on wholesome outdoor enjoyment and community, Masonic Camp (K20) is a place worth exploring.

Masonic Camp (K20) is located at 19-15 Masonic Camp Road, Southfields, NY 10975, USA. This address places it within the vast and beautiful Harriman State Park, which spans across Rockland and Orange Counties. For New York residents, this means that a significant natural escape is remarkably accessible. The camp is situated approximately 32 miles north of New York City, making it a feasible drive for families from the metropolitan area and surrounding suburbs looking for a quick getaway.

Access to the camp generally involves navigating the scenic routes within Harriman State Park. While the specific entry points or main park gates might vary depending on the direction of travel, the clear address for Masonic Camp Road K-20 helps with GPS navigation, guiding visitors directly to the site. Its location near Little Long Pond within the Appalachian Mountains section of Harriman State Park signifies its immersion in a picturesque natural environment.

The park's extensive network of roads and trails ensures that once at the camp, you are well-positioned to explore the wider beauty of Harriman State Park. While specific public transportation directly to the camp might be limited, the overall accessibility of Harriman State Park via major thoroughfares like the Palisades Interstate Parkway and the New York State Thruway makes travel by private vehicle straightforward for most New York families. This blend of natural seclusion and convenient access to both urban centers and other regional attractions solidifies Masonic Camp (K20) as an ideal and accessible choice for New Yorkers seeking outdoor experiences.

Masonic Camp (K20), as an overnight family camp within Harriman State Park, offers a range of services and amenities primarily focused on outdoor recreation and family-oriented activities. While detailed public listings of all services are not extensive, general information for similar family camps within state parks and specific event details for "The Masonic Camp" weekend provide insight into the offerings.

• Accommodation: The camp is primarily an "overnight family camp." While specific types of lodging (cabins, tent platforms) are not explicitly detailed for K20 in the provided snippets, other group camps within Harriman State Park often feature family cabins or similar rustic lodging options. For "The Masonic Camp" weekend, campsite fees are included, suggesting basic camping accommodations.
• Meals: For organized events like "The Masonic Camp" weekend, meals are a key service. This typically includes three meals on Saturday and a light breakfast on Sunday morning. This structure suggests a focus on providing communal dining for campers.
• Outdoor Recreation: The camp's core focus is "outdoor recreation and family fun activities." While not exhaustive, this would encompass access to:
  • Hiking Trails: Proximity to trails within Harriman State Park, including those around Little Long Pond.
  • Water Access: Being on Little Long Pond, it likely offers opportunities for water-based activities such as paddling (canoeing, kayaking) and potentially swimming, although specific details are not provided.
  • Open Spaces: Areas for general outdoor play and relaxation.
• Educational and Fellowship Programs: For specific events like "The Masonic Camp" (weekend for Master Masons), services include:
  • Training Fees: Indicating structured educational sessions or workshops.
  • Fellowship Opportunities: Designed to foster community and camaraderie among participants.
  • Event Merchandise: Such as event t-shirts, which are often included as part of the registration.
• Basic Facilities: As a traditional camp, it would provide essential facilities like:
  • Restrooms: Access to toilet facilities.
  • Fire Pits: Likely available for campfires and cooking.

It's important for New Yorkers interested in family camping to understand that while Masonic Camp (K20) operates as a family camp, specific amenities and access might vary or be tailored to particular groups or events, such as the annual Masonic weekend. Prospective campers should confirm detailed offerings directly with the camp administration or relevant organizing body.

Masonic Camp (K20) offers several features and highlights that make it a cherished destination for New York locals, particularly those connected to its rich history and family-oriented programming.

• Historic Legacy: Established in 1921, Masonic Camp (K20) carries nearly a century of history as an overnight family camp. This long-standing presence means generations of New Yorkers have created cherished memories here, contributing to a unique sense of nostalgia and community. As one reviewer noted, "I will always remember my experiences and people there! ❤"
• Focus on Outdoor Recreation and Family Fun: The camp's primary mission is centered around providing a robust outdoor experience combined with activities designed for family enjoyment. This includes access to the natural beauty of Harriman State Park, with opportunities for hiking along trails like Masonic Camp Road K-20 (which traverses parts of Little Long Pond) and engaging in other outdoor pursuits.
• Secluded Natural Setting: Being located within Harriman State Park, the camp benefits from a serene and natural environment. This provides a peaceful escape from urban life, allowing families to connect with nature, breathe fresh air, and enjoy the tranquility of the Appalachian Mountains region.
• Community and Fellowship: While also a family camp, specific events like "The Masonic Camp" highlight a strong emphasis on fellowship and education for Master Masons. This suggests a broader community-focused environment where participants can build connections and share experiences, which can extend to the general family camp atmosphere.
• Basic, Authentic Camping Experience: For those seeking a less commercialized and more traditional camping feel, Masonic Camp (K20) offers a rustic charm. The inclusion of campsite fees and basic meals for certain events points to an experience that prioritizes genuine outdoor living.
• Accessible Location within a Major State Park: Despite its natural setting, the camp's location in Southfields, NY, makes it conveniently accessible from many parts of New York State, including the NYC metropolitan area. This allows New Yorkers to enjoy a substantial nature escape without extensive travel.
• Potential for Educational Programs: The presence of "training fees" and "education" as part of the Masonic events suggests that the camp grounds are utilized for structured learning and development, adding another layer to its offerings beyond just recreation.

The sentiment from past campers, cherishing their "experiences and people there," truly underscores the highlights of Masonic Camp (K20) – it's a place where lasting bonds are formed amidst the backdrop of New York's beautiful state park system.

When considering "promotions or special offers" for Masonic Camp (K20), it's important to differentiate between general public offerings for a family camp and specific event-based pricing, particularly for its association with the Masonic fraternity. As a historic family camp within a state park context, broad, public-facing, time-limited discounts are less common. Instead, "offers" typically manifest through structured event pricing, group rates, or early registration incentives for specialized programs.

Based on information available for "The Masonic Camp" (a specific annual weekend event for Master Masons hosted at K20), here's how "promotions" or value-adds are structured:

• Early Bird Registration Rates: For specific events like "The Masonic Camp" weekend, there are clear financial incentives for early registration. For example, an "Early Bird Rate" (e.g., $60 by July 31st, 2025) offers a significant saving compared to the "Regular Rate" (e.g., $80 after July 31st, 2025). This covers the campsite fee, training fee, event t-shirt, three meals on Saturday, and a light breakfast on Sunday. This is a direct financial benefit for timely booking.
• Group Rate Discounts: For Masonic lodges or organizations, group rates are offered. For instance, a "Group Rate (4 tickets)" might cost $240 for early bird registration (or $320 for regular), implying a per-person discount when booking as a collective. This encourages larger participation and provides a cost-effective option for groups.
• Sponsorship Opportunities: While not a discount for attendees, "Sponsorship Donations" (e.g., $100) are offered, where a Masonic lodge or organization can receive recognition (name on t-shirt, website, publications). This is a promotional opportunity for organizations to support the camp and gain visibility.
• Value-Added Inclusions: The registration fees for events inherently include significant value. Beyond the campsite fee, the inclusion of training sessions, event merchandise (t-shirt), and multiple meals are all components that add substantial value without additional cost to the attendee.

For New York locals interested in the general family camp offerings of Masonic Camp (K20) outside of specific Masonic fraternity events, pricing and availability would typically align with New York State Park group camp policies. While specific public rates for individual family bookings are not directly detailed in the provided snippets, it's common for state park group camps to offer affordable rates for weekly or multi-day stays for families or private groups making reservations.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on any specific event-based promotions or general family camp availability and pricing, New York locals should consult the official "The Masonic Camp" website (if specifically interested in that event) or the New York State Parks website's section on Harriman Group Camps (specifically for Camp K-20). Direct contact with the camp administration would be the best way to inquire about any public family camping opportunities and their associated costs or offers.

For inquiries regarding Masonic Camp (K20) or specific events like "The Masonic Camp" weekend, New York locals can utilize the following contact information:

• Address: 19-15 Masonic Camp Road, Southfields, NY 10975, USA

While a direct phone number for the general family camp operations was not explicitly provided in the snippets, the following email contacts have been mentioned for Camp K-20 or "The Masonic Camp" event:

• For Camp K-20 (formerly Masonic Camp): Millie Hurd (mamahurd@aol.com) and Linda Menze (lmenze@tds.net). These contacts may be for the general family camp aspect.
• For "The Masonic Camp" event inquiries: MasonicCamp@gmail.com. This is specified for all questions related to this particular weekend fellowship and education event for Master Masons.

It is always recommended to consult the official website for "The Masonic Camp" (masoniccamp.com) or the New York State Parks website for Harriman Group Camps (specifically for Camp K-20) for the most current information, event schedules, and direct contact methods for bookings or inquiries relevant to your interest (whether it's the specific Masonic event or general family camping).

Masonic Camp (K20) is an exceptionally suitable destination for New York locals, particularly those seeking a blend of historical charm, dedicated family activities, and an immersive outdoor experience within the convenient reach of the New York metropolitan area. Its deep-rooted history, dating back to 1921, means that many New Yorkers have cherished memories associated with this very spot, fostering a unique sense of belonging and nostalgia.

For families, the camp's stated focus on "outdoor recreation and family fun activities" is a major draw. Situated within the vast expanse of Harriman State Park, it offers ample opportunities for hiking, connecting with nature around Little Long Pond, and simply enjoying the fresh air away from urban bustle. This natural setting provides a healthy and engaging environment for children and adults alike to disconnect from screens and reconnect with each other and the outdoors.

While also catering to specific events like "The Masonic Camp" for Master Masons, the underlying spirit of fellowship and community that is evident in these programs likely extends to its general family camp atmosphere. This creates a welcoming environment where new friendships can be forged and a sense of camaraderie thrives. The accessibility of the camp from various parts of New York State, combined with its natural tranquility, makes it an ideal choice for New Yorkers looking for a convenient, meaningful, and activity-rich summer escape that truly embodies the spirit of traditional camping and community building.

Masonic Camp (K20)

19-15 Masonic Camp Road, Southfields, NY 10975, USA