Write a commentThe land surrounding Vanderkamp Lake has always held a special place in the hearts of those who have visited.
For many Oswego county residents who stayed there as campers and counselors, Vanderkamp is remembered fondly as the place where they spent their summers swimming on sandy beaches and exploring wildlife while hiking its many trails. But the property’s future had been in doubt after the Upstate New York Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America made the difficult decision in 2020 to close Vanderkamp and put its land up for sale. This is when local property development company, Commonspace Inc., saw an opportunity to expand their business and fulfill the lifelong dream of the company’s founders.
“There is a common thread that links Vanderkamp’s past with its present,” said Dan Cramer, “everyone who owned this land before us, from Francois Adraain van der Kemp in 1794 to Frank Channing Soule in 1900, has been focused on the importance of enjoying the peacefulness of nature with the people they love the most. Now we are offering that in a way you can’t find anywhere else.”
Though Vanderkamp has yet to officially open, their “soft opening” this summer season has been met with resounding success. Both the large seven-room estate, Frank Soule Lodge, and the smaller but unique two-bedroom boathouse, have been booked all summer. Vanderkamp’s call for a return to nature combined with distinct guest amenities has been the primary reason for its surge in popularity.
“Unlike other lodge and cabin rentals in Central New York,” Cofounder Troy Evans said, “Vanderkamp provides its guests with 850 acres of explorable land and nine miles of hiking trails that are anchored around a 50-acre lake.” The space also has a common area where guests will be able to mingle and enjoy each other's company, as well as canoes, outdoor games, shared forest bathing experiences, and pristine fishing spots.
“We knew there was a demand for this kind of experience, but the response has been beyond what we thought it would be this summer,” said Joe Sisko, “ We keep hearing from guests that they had no idea that this kind of vacation spot existed in the northeast.”
Guests have also been expressing their appreciation. Janice, who stayed in Frank Soule Lodge said, “Vanderkamp was the perfect place for our family vacation. Four families enjoyed the combination of natural splendor and modern conveniences. The place is not only large enough to host a crowd, but the layout also allows privacy. The kitchen has everything needed to prepare and serve large family meals and with the dining room, bar, and patio everyone can be seated for those meals. The lake is a fisherman's dream, and the grounds are great for exploring or just relaxing. The game room was fun for younger guests and the pull-down screen in the main room was great for family movie nights. This place truly has something for everyone!”
Phase One of Vanderkamp’s restoration is reaching its endpoint as their final restoration project — that of Langston Lodge, a secluded lovers paradise in the woods — is coming online for the fall seasons.
You can book your stay by visiting www.vanderkamp.com/bookings. Vanderkamp is located at 1 Vandercamp Center, Cleveland, NY 13042, on the north shore of Lake Oneida, just outside of Cleveland, New York.
For more information, contact James at 416-562-0441, or james@vanderkampny.com or direct inquiries to info@vanderkampny.com
