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| By Tom Chlupsa |
| Maple Cabin, early winter morning |
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Located in Putnam County, the Agatha A. Durland Scout Reservation
(previously Clear Lake Scout Reservation) boasts 1,400 acres of largely
undeveloped land with many campsites and miles of hiking trails. Two lakes offer boating
and swimming opportunities in season. Hiking trips can be easily extended into the
bordering Fahnestock State Park which hosts the Appalachian Trail. Potable water is
centrally located and the Sperling Center and pavilion offer basic shelter from the
elements. Canoes available seasonally at no charge (current Safety
Afloat and Safe Swim Defense required). Contact the Council Camping Department for
reservations.
View Short Term Camping
Facility Reservations
Facilities Available at Durland Scout Reservation
- Large Cabins - $200 weekend fee per unit. Refrigerator,
electric cooking stove, wood stove, electricity, year-round water, optional
propane heat. Capacity 40 people (Jones,
Oak, White
Pine)
- Smaller Cabins - $165 weekend fee per unit. Refrigerator,
electric cooking stove, wood stove, electricity, year-round water,
optional propane heat. Capacity 30 people (Nardone,
Schutt,
Maple,
Birch,
Hemlock,
Cedar)
- Ground Site - $40.00 weekend fee per unit. Unit supplies tents &
equipment; water & latrine nearby. Package programs available. There
is no vehicular access to any of the sites from #40 - 53 and the two
lean-to sites.
- LeanTos - $45 for two
leantos, $65 for three. Weekend fee
per unit.
- Pavilion - $50 per weekend fee. Not used for camping.
- Day Programs - $20 per day
- Sperling Program Shelter - $50.00 weekend fee per unit.
- Damage Deposits - For the cabins, $75 for in-council
units, $125 for out-of-council units.
Friday night arrivals up to 9:00 p.m.
Available Cabins in the Next Four Months
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| By Tom Chlupsa |
| Nardone cabin housing 30 persons. |
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Reservations and Information
Westchester-Putnam Council, Boy Scouts of America, Camping
Office, 41 Saw Mill River Road, Hawthorne, NY, 10532, (914) 773-1135 ext
233.
For special needs or
additional information, once your unit has a reservation with the
Camping Office, contact the Ranger, Keith Wiggers, at (845) 526-2029 or kwiggers wpcbsa.org.
Short
Term Camping Application [PDF, 35K]
View Short Term Camping Facility Reservations
No reservations will be accepted without full payment, damage deposit and completed application form.
Propane heat
Each cabin is equipped with a propane heater. The meter on the cabin
propane supply will be read when the unit checks in and when they check out.
The unit will be charged at check out for the cost of the gas used.
Ranger
Responsible for Camp safety, maintenance, security, and the rules and policy of the
Boy Scouts of America and the Westchester-Putnam Council. Lives at Clear Lake.
Campmaster
Assists the Ranger in his duties. Volunteers are always needed. Interested persons
should contact Tony Paterno, AVPaterno aol.com,
(914) 472-1508. Campmasters can be reached at Durland Scout
Reservation
at (845) 526-2029.
Cancellations
Call the Ranger or the Camping Department as soon as possible.
Prohibited Items
Fireworks, firearms (except for Peace Officers required to carry - please advise the
Ranger), ATV's, chain saws, oversize cutting equipment, generators, loud audio equipment,
alcohol, illegal drugs, and mountain bikes.
Pets
Pets are not permitted
Check-in Upon
Arrival
Check-in is at Sperling Center (1 mile into Camp) after 4 p.m. Friday.
Vehicles in Camp
Please drive slowly; speed limit is 15 mph, no parking along roads, park in designated
areas only, no riders in back of trucks, all drivers must be 18 years of age or older.
Check-out
By 2 p.m. Sunday, unless prior arrangements were made at the time of reservation.
Campsites / Facilities
Reserved on a first come basis, sites are clean and are expected to be in
"better" condition upon your departure.
- Large and Small Cabins
- Limited Access (#32-38): One or two vehicles per site for transporting gear only (no
passengers). Speed limit is 10 mph. These vehicles should remain parked at your site for
the duration of your visit. Trucks vans or full size cars suggested.
- Hike to Sites (#11-19,
31, 39-43,
47): No vehicle access, plan to pack all gear to these
sites (1/4 to 1 1/4 mile hike).
- Outpost Sites (#21-23,44,45,51-53): Long 1+ mile hike, considerable distance to water
and latrines.
- Lean-to Sites (#LT2,
LT3): 1 mile hike from Sperling Center.
Call for details. No vehicle access.
- Pavilion and
Sperling
Center: Parking at Sperling Lot.
All sites (except outpost) have water and latrine nearby. Road and limited access sites
have one picnic table per site.
|
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| By Tom Chlupsa |
| Leanto at Site #40 overlooking Clear Lake. |
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Water
Water from designated sources only. All water is well water and is tested quarterly.
There is to be no washing of anything at water sources. All washing to be done at your
site.
Garbage
Garbage is to be taken home. We do not have dumpsters.
Fire
Ground fires are almost always permitted. Use established fire rings. Do not build
fires larger than necessary. Adequate water to extinguish your fire must be on hand at all
times. Unattended fires must be extinguished and all fires must be completely out.
Artificial fuels
Both propane and liquid fueled appliances are allowed. An adult must supervise
lighting, cooking and refueling. Extra fuel must be in the possession of the leader in
charge.
Emergencies
Local and State authorities work with the Ranger in pre-determined procedures for
emergencies such as medical, rescue, fire, lost person, and security. Contact the Ranger
as soon as practical should any problem arise.
First Aid
Simple cuts and scratches may be treated at the site by an adult leader. Serious
injury or illness must be reported to the Ranger as soon as practical. Units and/or
individuals are responsible for medical costs.
Emergency Phone Numbers
Putnam Valley Fire, Police, Ambulance: (845) 526-3300
Camp Phone
The camp phone is for collect, calling card and emergency only. Please keep the call
short.
Latrines
Please close the lid after use. Report any problems to the Ranger.
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| By Tom Chlupsa |
| Sperling Pond. Clear Lake over the back ridge. |
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Hiking Trails
There are 18 miles of color codes trails available. Trail
maps available. Connections to the Fahenstock State Park and the Appalachian Trail.
Nature Trail
Around Sperling Pond. Guide Book is available for loan. The Reservation abounds with
wildlife of all descriptions.
Materials for Loan
Pioneering poles and ropes, 3 dutch ovens, 6 fishing poles (buy or bring tackle), wood
tools, orienteering course materials, canoes and rowboats (call the Camping Department for
details), sports equipment.
Fishing
Best at Sperling Pond. Fish from shore, no wading. Fishing dock. No fishing at swim area
at Clear Lake. There is on-going tagging program, catch and release or "if you catch
it and keep it" you eat it here. No unsportsmanlike methods, treblehooks discouraged.
Swimming
Swimming by permit only. Call the Camping Department for
details.
Trading Post
Snacks, patches, Scout items, etc.
Non-Denominational Observance
Sunday, 10 a.m., site varies. Brief service.
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