Clear Lake Scout Reservation, Scout reservation and camping site in Putnam Valley, New York.
Clear Lake Scout Reservation is a 1400-acre property in Putnam Valley featuring two lakes, forest camp structures, and approximately forty campsites distributed across deciduous woodland. The grounds include nine rental cabins arranged in three clusters, each equipped with running water and capacity for 30 to 40 people.
William O. Field sold his property to the Boy Scouts of America in 1968, having selected them as stewards to preserve the land's natural condition. Major funding in the 1990s protected the area from being converted into a golf course.
The reservation functions as a learning space where young people gather for outdoor activities and nature-based group experiences, with facilities organized to support these hands-on programs. The way groups use and move through the landscape reflects the role this place plays in teaching outdoor skills and teamwork.
The grounds can be challenging to navigate during wet conditions, so sturdy footwear is recommended for any visit. Most activities operate during warmer months, so advance planning helps visitors make the most of their time here.
The Open Space Institute saved the property in 1993 through major funding that prevented it from being developed into a golf course. This investment proved critical to maintaining the land's wilderness character for future generations.
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