Built in the early 1900s and given to the University by deed of gift from the Colgate family in 1953, Colgate University Camp is nestled in the heart of New York state's Adirondack Mountains, along the shores of beautiful Upper Saranac Lake.

As one approaches the waterfront, a covered breezeway frames the beautiful and expansive view across the lake, the sentinel of the Adirondacks. Whiteface Mountain is prominent in the distant range. Colgate Camp is managed by Greg and Sandy Drechsel and is intended for use by members of the Colgate faculty, staff, alumni, and friends, and has become a summer tradition for many families.

Patrons enjoy Colgate camp

Colgate Camp has nine rustic but comfortable guest cabins, each with two bedrooms and a full bath. A cozy and centrally located Adirondack main room offers a quiet place to read, enjoy a fire, or visit with family and friends. A central dining room overlooks the lake.

The camp offers a family-style American meal plan, and a separate dining room is provided for children.

On the water's edge is a classic two-story boathouse, fully equipped for all waterfront activities. Canoes, kayaks, sailboats, motorboats, a paddle boat and a restored original Adirondack guide-boat are available.

The recreation room on the upper floor of the boathouse provides guests with a choice of game room activities, including table tennis, shuffleboard, and foosball.

The huge fieldstone fireplace graces this room. Next door is a newly renovated dry boathouse offering a bit of privacy for relaxing, reading, or taking in the view.

Other camp amenities include a sauna, tennis court, laundry room, exercise pavilion and daily water skiing. There is a generous swimming area, play areas with sandbox and a swing set, and a covered outdoor fireplace and patio area perfect for the traditional Sunday night cookouts.

Reservations

  • Saturday to Saturday
  • One-week time slots
  • Late June–late August
  • Reservations are taken beginning in January and confirmed in March for the upcoming season.
  • The camp is available at other times of the year for special events. For more information, please call.