One Thing to Know
The camp was owned and built by the Pruyn family starting in the late 19th century. After New York State acquired the land in the late 1970s many of the camp buildings started to deteriorate and were slated for removal. Local and regional historic preservationists joined forces to preserve and restore the camps' structures. Today, the area attracts hundreds of visitors annually to enjoy both the historic architecture and the spectacular setting.
The Santanoni Great Camp on Newcomb Lake is a five mile walk/bike/ski on a gravel road closed to vehicle traffic (10 mile round trip). The camp has been partially restored and you can’t beat the setting.
Interior of the Santanoni Great Camp main building
Camp Santanoni Historic Area Map
The Camp Santanoni Historic Site is truely unique. The main camp consists of a half dozen large log structures set on the shore of spectacular Newcomb Lake. Tours of the camp building are sometimes available and a caretaker watches over the property. If the ten mile round trip to the camp is too much, you can visit the farm where livestock and vegetables were raised to provide fresh food for the Pruyn family and their guests. It is an easy one mile walk to reach the farm area where several buildings are open to visitors.
Approaching the Farm at the Santanoni Great Camp
The main buildings are connected by wide covered poarches
New York State acquired the 15,000 acre property around Newcomb Lake in the late 1970s. A portion of the property became the Camp Santanoni Historic Area and the rest was added to the High Peaks Wilderness. For the adventerous, there are multiple campsites and two lean-tos located on the shore of Newcomb Lake. Moose Pond is seven miles from the parking area and it offers wilderness camping in a stunning setting.
The Great Camp is one of the most popular destinations for cross-country skiing in the central Adirondacks