Stay & Explore Overnight Experience
“Stay where the elite of the Gilded Age once found refuge and discover why, for more than a century, Great Camp Sagamore has been a destination for inspiration, renewal, and meaningful connection.”
Stay & Explore is more than an overnight stay, it’s a fully immersive Great Camp experience.
Designed for guests who want to slow down, settle in, and truly live at Sagamore, this multi-night experience places you inside the rhythms of camp life, past & present.
From sunrise paddles on Sagamore Lake to guided history tours, staff-led activities, and quiet hours exploring forest trails or relaxing in an Adirondack chair, your days unfold organically without the need to plan, rush, or drive elsewhere. Whether you are actively exploring or simply absorbing the atmosphere of this extraordinary place, Sagamore becomes the destination itself.
The Sagamore Institute of the Adirondacks invites you to experience life at a true American treasure: Great Camp Sagamore, a National Historic Landmark tucked deep within the Adirondack wilderness and carefully preserved for more than 120 years.
More than a historic site, Sagamore is a living place—one that invites guests to step into the past while fully inhabiting the present.
Built between 1895 and 1897 as a retreat from the congestion and excess of the Gilded Age, Sagamore was designed to restore balance through simplicity, nature, and connection. Today, that purpose remains unchanged. Surrounded by pristine forest, quiet waters, and enduring craftsmanship, guests are encouraged to unplug from the digital world and reconnect—with themselves, with others, and with the natural rhythms of this remarkable landscape.
An All-Inclusive Immersive Experience
Stay & Explore removes the friction of planning so you can fully settle into the Great Camp way of life. Your multi-night stay includes historic lodging, chef-prepared meals, and a rotating schedule of optional guided and independent activities; all designed to be engaging, accessible, and restorative.
Rooted in the Great Camp tradition, this immersive and inclusive format makes it easy to book an experience that is all-in-one and one-of-a-kind, allowing you to simply arrive, exhale, and begin to explore.
Historic Lodging, Fully Lived In
Guests stay within a remarkably preserved National Historic Landmark, sleeping in the same historic buildings once used by the Durants, the Vanderbilts, and their guests. Beautifully maintained rooms—featuring recently upgraded mattresses—offer comfort without compromising authenticity.
Daily walking and paddling tours interpret Sagamore’s history and the surrounding landscape, revealing the story of its distinct Upper and Lower complexes, the craftsmanship that defines iconic Adirondack rustic architecture, and the natural history of the Adirondack region. Every detail reinforces the sense that you are not just visiting history, you are inhabiting it.
Nature, Discovery, & Unstructured Time
Twelve miles of connected trails, quiet lake waters, and open forest invite exploration at your own pace. Whether you choose a guided hike, a paddle, an art or nature program, bowling on our open-air alleys, or uninterrupted personal time, Sagamore offers space for curiosity, reflection, and renewal—without pressure or expectation.
Daily Optional Activities
Each Stay & Explore Experience includes access to a thoughtfully curated mix of guided and self-guided activities. Offerings vary by season and week, ensuring that return visits always feel fresh.
• Morning or afternoon Guided History Tours that bring Sagamore’s stories to life
• Reflections of a Great Camp Paddle Tours on the quiet waters of Sagamore Lake
• Afternoon nature walks, art activities, or guided hikes
• Bowling in the historic 1914 open-air bowling alley
• Full access to canoes and kayaks from the historic boathouse
• Evenings for gathering—concerts, talks, relaxed social time, or quiet leisure
• Campfires at the lean-to or at the hearth of one of 5 working indoor fireplaces
Sample Day at Sagamore
8:00 am – Breakfast in the historic dining hall
10:00 am – Guided History Tour or Paddling Tour on Sagamore Lake
12:00 pm – Lunch
1:30 pm – Guided History Tour or afternoon art or nature program
3:30 pm – Free time: swim, read, hike, or relax
4:45 pm – Bowling in the 1914 open-air bowling alley
6:00 pm – Dinner
7:15 pm – Evening program, concert, or campfire
FAQs
What’s included in my stay?
Lodging, all meals, and access to optional guided and self-guided activities.
Is Stay & Explore good for first-time visitors?
Yes. This experience is specifically designed as a welcoming, low-stress introduction to Great Camp Sagamore.
Do I need outdoor experience or special equipment?
No. Activities are optional and designed for a wide range of interests and comfort levels.
Is there internet or cell service?
WiFi connectivity is available in some buildings, but limited by design, encouraging guests to unplug and fully immerse themselves in the Sagamore experience.
What is the minimum and maximum length of stay?
A two-night minimum and two-week maximum applies to all Stay & Explore Experiences.
Rates
Rates are all-inclusive and cover lodging, meals, recreational equipment, and activities.
Pricing varies by season and length of stay.
Please contact us or visit the registration page via the link below for current rates and availability.
Early & Late-Season Savings
Enjoy 15% off early- or late-season Stay & Explore Experiences—when Sagamore is especially peaceful and pristine. Discount must be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added retroactively.
Valid for multi-day stays between:
• May 25 – June 26, 2026
• September 13 – October 16, 2026
Use the codes “EARLYSEASON15” or “LATESEASON15” or click below to register for this special.
Subscribe to the Visitor’s Guide to receive information and notifications about Stay & Explore and our entire 2026 Season of offerings.
