Camp Gabriels, Former correctional facility in Brighton, New York State.
Camp Gabriels is a former correctional facility with 48 buildings spread across 92 acres in Adirondack Park, including residential blocks, a dining hall, gymnasium, and utility systems. The site sits on protected state forest land, which restricts any future development or transfer of ownership.
The site originated as a tuberculosis sanatorium in 1897, later became part of Paul Smith's College, and served as a minimum-security prison from 1982 to 2009. These transitions reflect the varied architecture and purposes of the grounds over time.
The prison integrated forestry training with environmental stewardship, allowing inmates to develop practical skills while maintaining the surrounding woodlands.
The site is not currently open to visitors, as the buildings remain closed and the land is subject to New York State Forest Preserve restrictions. Contact local authorities or Adirondack Park information centers for details about any future public access.
Since closing in 2009, the buildings have sat abandoned while nature gradually reclaims the property, with tall coniferous trees now growing through former manicured areas. This progression reveals how quickly human structures give way to the surrounding forest landscape.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
