Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Great Camp Sagamore owned by New York State?

A: No. Great Camp Sagamore is owned by Sagamore Institute of the Adirondacks, a non-profit 501(c)(3). All programming, tours, maintenance, and historic preservation efforts are made possible mostly by generous donors, members, and volunteers, as well as programming fees, and some grants.

Q: Is smoking allowed?

A: Great Camp Sagamore is a non-smoking property.

Q: What are your policies for Covid-19?

Vaccinations

Guests are not required to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, but some programs may require testing before arrival. If that is the case, you will be notified prior to the start date of your program.

Masks

Great Camp Sagamore is a mask-friendly environment. We respect people’s choice in the matter and ask that all guests do the same.

Masks are provided free of charge to all who want them.

Q:  Is Great Camp Sagamore open year-round?                                                                                           

A:  Great Camp Sagamore is open for public tours from Memorial Day through early October 12.  Please check our tour page for exact dates. We also offer tours, day, and multi-day overnight programming from May through early October.

Q:  Can we stop by and tour Great Camp Sagamore on our own?                                                           

A:  Guided tours are required.  Due to our status as a National Historic Landmark, tours of Great Camp Sagamore must be hosted by a Sagamore Historic Interpreter as your guide.  Tours are approximately two hours long and are offered at set times during the season. Visit the “How to Visit” tab for more information.

Q: Can I stay overnight?
A: Yes!  Guests can stay overnight while participating in one of our programs, which range from weekends to week long stays, from optional activities to carefully planned programming.

Q: What does all-Inclusive mean?
A: Unless otherwise noted, stays at Great Camp Sagamore are all-inclusive, which covers lodging for the duration of the program, all meals, all program-related materials and instruction, and optional activities.  "All-Inclusive" does not include transportation or alcohol.

Q: Is the Great Camp Sagamore tour accessible for those with physical disabilities?                 

A: Great Camp Sagamore is a National Historic Landmark built in 1897 that has limited physical accessibility for visitors with disabilities. Our daily tour lasts two hours and goes throughout the campus on paths of mixed surfaces with some irregular features such as the occasional root or stone. Some of our buildings are not easily accessible to those who cannot negotiate stairs or non-standard doorways. For the best experience we recommend that you call in advance of your tour and work with the staff to plan an experience that meets your needs within the limitations of the site. 

Q:   Is food available?
 A:  All meals for program participants and other residential guests are included in your overnight accommodations fees.  Our meals are delicious; however, with the exception of special events, you must be a registered guest to eat in our Dining Hall, which includes our special Tour & Lunch package. The Gift Shop located in the Chalet (where tour tickets are purchased), offers beverages and ice cream.

Q: Do you accommodate special dietary needs?                                                                               

A: If you have special dietary needs please notify us during the registration process on your registration form. We will do our best to accommodate your request, although because of our remote location we may not be able to meet all needs. Please note that we do not have separate food preparation areas to cook allergen friendly items. It is possible for allergens to be introduced before food is provided to us or during the cooking and serving process. 

Q: Should I bring my own bottled water?                                                                                     

A: No. Great Camp Sagamore's drinking water is excellent.  We do recommend bringing your own water container for refilling for hiking or other camp excursions.   

Q: Do I pay extra for Sagamore activities?                                                                                       

A: All in-camp activities are included in Great Camp Sagamore's program fees.  Some groups do wish to include optional in-camp activities -- music, storytelling, or educational lectures -- or excursions to nearby attractions, such as a narrated lunch or dinner cruise on Raquette Lake.  Sagamore has wonderful contacts in these areas, and our staff members are happy to help you with integrating these activities into your schedule.

Q: Do you have a bar?

A: Great Camp Sagamore does not have a bar. Beer and wine are sold in the office throughout the day and at dinner in the Dining Hall.

Q. Does Great Camp Sagamore have Internet access?

A: Limited Wi-Fi internet access is available for those who bring their own devices.

Q: Can I use my credit card at Sagamore?                                                                             

A:  Yes.  The Office and Gift Shop accept all major credit cards.

Q: Can I bring my pet with me to Sagamore?
A: We empathize with the desire to bring pets, but unfortunately guests may not bring pets.

Q:  Do you have a gift shop?                                                                                                               

A:  Yes, we offer many items including warm sweatshirts for chilly evenings, t-shirts, glassware, painting, and excellent reading material for all age levels as well as Great Camp Sagamore memorabilia. 

Q: Do you offer a military discount?                                                                                             

A: Yes, Sagamore welcomes active military personnel with a 10% discount on tours.

Q: Is the Adult rate and Child rate the same?                                                                                   

A:  Depending on the program, typically the fee for youth under the age of 2 is less than the Adult rate.  Please call the Registrar for program details or questions on reserving Great Camp Sagamore for your family. 315-354-5311

Q:   Where do guests sleep and dine?                                                                                               

A: Great Camp Sagamore houses guests in several historic buildings, all only a few steps from Sagamore Lake. The Dining Hall is in a separate building, as are all meeting rooms and classrooms. The farthest lodge is approximately 700 feet from the dining hall. Guests must be able to climb stairs because all bedrooms and classrooms are in buildings that have stair access.

Q: What are overnight lodging rooms like?                                                                                     

A: Most rooms are double occupancy with twin beds; a few have more than two beds and we try to house families together in triple or quads. Some rooms have double beds.

Q:  Do you have laundry facilities?                                                                                                   

A: Great Camp Sagamore does not have guest laundry facilities. However, if you drive to the Hamlet of Raquette Lake (4 miles) you will find a public laundromat.

Q: How can I contact my family and friends, and do you have telephones in the guest rooms?                           

A: There is no cellular phone service at Sagamore and there are no telephones in any of the rooms.  Guests may use phones located in the Collins Building Offices to make outgoing calls. Great Camp Sagamore has Wi-Fi available to all guests for wi-fi calling.

Q: How can my family & friends contact me while at camp?                                                          

A: Family and friends may leave messages for guests via the office at (315) 354-5311 between the hours of 9am and 6pm. Only in the event of an emergency will office personnel locate a guest to take a phone call.  

Q: What is your cancellation policy?

A: Payment may be made in full or by a 35% deposit. Reservations are secured only once the 35% non-refundable deposit is received by Great Camp Sagamore. The balance is due 30 days before the program start date and your card will be automatically billed for the remainder of the program cost on that date. Cancellations received 30 days prior to the event/program start date will be charged the deposit fee of 35%; any additional amounts paid will be refunded in the form of payment. There are no refunds after 30 days prior to the program start date. No-shows will be charged the full event/program fee.

Emergencies

The Hamlet of Raquette Lake has volunteer ambulance and fire departments. The nearest pharmacy is located in Old Forge, approximately 30 miles away. The nearest hospital is St. Elizabeth's in Utica, NY  (79 miles away) and there is an urgent health care center in Warrensburg, NY (65 miles away). 

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please call 315-354-5311.