Kirby Camp, open to alumni, faculty and staff of SUNY Cortland, is a rustic cabin on the southern shores of Raquette Lake. The camp is located two miles across the pristine lake from where you leave your vehicle, accessible only by water. Please note the scheduled weeks begin on Monday ending on the following Sunday.
Registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis. A $125 deposit, non-refundable after May 1, is required at the time of registration to hold your time slot and will be applied to the total cost. The remaining balance is due 30 days prior to your visit. The rate is $700 per week and an additional $150, if you would like to rent the small motorboat. A confirmation and follow-up 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 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/stove. 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 bunkroom. The bunkroom 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 out water at your preferred rate.
Canoes, paddles and life jackets are available for boating. Life jackets must be worn in canoes. If desired, a small motor boat can be provided at an additional cost. A NYS 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 cellphone coverage at Kirby Camp. You are responsible for cleaning up after yourselves, as there is no janitorial or maid service available at the camp. All guests are requested to keep the camp in a neat and orderly condition and 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 throughout the summer season.