Spend summer evenings immersed in live music beneath Adirondack skies at Great Camp Sagamore's free concert series. Discover why this lakeside setting offers a uniquely memorable night out.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.25 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most visitors; minimal physical exertion required
Wildlife
History
Great Camp Sagamore was established in 1897 and remains one of the Adirondacks' best-preserved Great Camps, showcasing rustic architecture and lakeside heritage.
Conservation
The camp emphasizes sustainable practices to protect the surrounding watershed and forest ecosystems, ensuring its legacy endures for future visitors.
Great Camp Sagamore
Spend summer evenings immersed in live music beneath Adirondack skies at Great Camp Sagamore's free concert series. Discover why this lakeside setting offers a uniquely memorable night out.
Great Camp Sagamore is a historic Adirondack retreat on Raquette Lake, New York, celebrated for its preserved late-19th-century architecture and curated cultural programming. Built in 1897 for the Vanderbilt family, the camp comprises 27 historic buildings set on a lakeside estate within Adirondack Park. Visitors find guided history tours, interpretive hikes, paddles from the 1897 boathouse, and seasonal public events that highlight the camp’s architecture, engineering, and natural setting.
Program offerings include weekend commuter workshops and immersive retreats: a couples’ retreat and Imago-based communication workshop; nature-inspired art workshops led by instructor Terri Fraser; and beginner fly fishing weekends taught by instructor Cari Ray. Educational talks and history lectures are presented by historian Connor Williams, covering topics like presidential elections and the origins of the Great Camps and William West Durant’s architectural legacy.
On-water experiences feature a 1.5-hour guided paddle that interprets the landscape and built environment, while land programs range from full-day engineering history hikes to volunteer work weekends. The camp also hosts a free summer concert series supported by the New York State Council on the Arts, with performances in June through August.
Great Camp Sagamore balances historic preservation with public access, offering family-friendly tours with optional lakeside buffet lunches and commuter pass options for daytime participation. As a registered historic site within the Adirondack Park, the camp provides authentic, well-documented programming led by experienced instructors and historians, making it a reliable destination for history, arts, nature, and outdoor learning.
Public programs emphasize conservation, stewardship, and visitor education today.
Location
Raquette Lake, NY
Heart of Adirondack Park
Established
1897
Constructed for the Vanderbilt family
Historic Buildings
27
Preserved Adirondack structures on-site
Experiences
11 tours & events
Workshops, hikes, paddles, concerts
Reserve a tour, register for workshops, or explore commuter pass options to experience history and nature.
Advance Registration Recommended
Secure your spot early as seating is limited and events fill up quickly.
Pack Layers for Evening Chill
Temperatures can drop after sunset even in summer; bring a light jacket or blanket.
Arrive Early for Best Seating
Arriving ahead of the concert start time helps secure prime views and parking spots.
Consider Dining Hall Buffet
Extend your evening with a lakeside buffet dinner ($29.95) in the historic dining hall.
Light Jacket or Fleece
Provides warmth during cooler Adirondack evenings.
summer
Insect Repellent
Protects against mosquitos and other bugs common near lakes at dusk.
summer
Blanket or Portable Seat
Increases comfort when sitting on outdoor benches or grassy areas.
summer
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during warm outdoor concerts.
summer