Kirby Camp, open to alumni, faculty and staff of the university, is a rustic cabin on the souther shores of Raquette Lake. The camp is located two miles across the pristine lake from where you leave your vehicle, accessible only by water. The 2024 weekly rental schedule begins June 17 and runs through September 8. Please note the scheduled weeks begin on Monday and end on the following Sunday.
Registration, both only and via paper form, will open January 2, 2024. In the event we receive multiple registrations for the same week, on January 10, they will be assigned by drawing. Any remaining open weeks will be posted on the website and can be reserved on a first-come first-served basis. A $200 deposit, non-refundable after May 1, is required once you receive confirmation of your week to hold your time slot and will be applied tot he total cost. The remaining balance is due 30 days prior to your visit. A confirmation email will be sent from our office.
The fabulous lakeside cabin has four rooms that include a kitchen, living room and two bedrooms. The porch with its scenic views offers the splendor of the Adirondacks in all kinds of weather. The porch is complete with Adirondack chairs and a swing for your comfort. A stay at an Adirondack camp would not be complete without a crackling fire in the fire ring located just off the porch.
The kitchen is modern and complete with cold running water, as well as propane lights, refrigerator and oven/stone. Drinking water is provided in two five-gallon containers, with more available at Camp Huntington.
The kitchen is furnished with a table and chairs, pots, pans, dishes and silverware. All your housekeeping needs are provided, including toilet paper. An outside charcoal grill is available for cooking; however you must bring your own charcoal. All renters are responsible for bringing their own groceries and preparing their own meals.
The master bedroom has a queen-size bed, dresser and sink. Two sets of bunk beds that can accommodate up to four people are located in the bunk room. The bunk room also includes two dressers. Two rollaway beds are in the closets and may be used in the living room or master bedroom. Each room has gas operated lights.
The bathroom facilities at Kirby Camp are somewhat primitive. Amenities consist of a composting toilet and solar shower. A solar shower is a dark colored bag that you fill with water. The sunlight heats the bag and water allowing you to have warm-hot water to take your shower. They are well kept and clean. The shower stall, located off the back deck, has a deck bottom surrounded by a tarp. In the unit there is a hook to hang the solar shower bag. Once hung, open the valve to let our water at your preferred rate.
Two sit-on-top kayaks and four canoes, paddles and life jackets are available for boating. Life jackets must be worn in canoes and kayaks. If desired, a small motor boat can be provided at an additional cost. A New York State boater's safety course or equivalent online course will be required for participants interested in renting the motor boat. Proof of certification will be required. Marked trails are present for hiking along with the self-guided Waldbauer Nature Trail. The use of personal water crafts (jet skis), family pets and tent camping are all strictly prohibited on the premises.
There is no electricity, Wi-Fi or cell phone coverage at Kirby Camp. You are responsible for cleaning up after yourselves, as there is no janitorial or amid service available at the camp. All guests are requested to keep the camp in a neat an orderly condition an leave it in "as good, or better" condition than they found it.
Cleaning supplies and equipment are provided. You must carry out all of your garbage and recyclables to the Raquette Lake Transfer Station, open every day through the summer season.