Top Five Reasons the Adirondacks is Perfect Setting for Overnight Camp
Overnight summer camps often have common elements: surrounded by nature, rustic accommodations, body of water nearby, etc. But what makes the best setting for camp? We believe you should look no further than the Adirondacks! Camp Jeanne d’Arc, located in the northern section of the Adirondacks, nestled between Chateaugay Lake and Lyon Mountain, is THE ideal setting for overnight summer camp.
Here are the top five reasons the Adirondacks is best for overnight summer camp!
Reason 1: Just the right temperature. Forget sticky, humid summers! While the mornings at camp might start off with hoodies and warm bowls of oatmeal, the sun soon peeks through the mountains and temperatures rise. Campers shed their outer layers for bathing suits and t-shirts to enjoy an ideal day full of paddling on the lake, playing sports, and enjoying the fields and trails. Then, when the sun sets, the camp community huddles by the campfire to warm up as they sing and roast marshmallows! It’s the perfect day!
Reason 2: Far away from city lights. Some say you only need to travel 30 miles from a city for the light pollution to be low enough to view the stars. But did you know that astronomers specifically target the Adirondacks for the best view of the stars in the Northeastern US? The region’s dark skies, minimal light pollution, and high altitude create ideal conditions for night sky viewing. I am not surprised. The Adirondack stars, like the ones we see at Camp Jeanne d’Arc, are truly amazing – and we sometimes even get a glimpse of the Milky Way, the Northern Lights, and meteor showers!
Reason 3: Lakes and mountains. The Adirondacks are known for its pristine lakes and accessible high peaks. Lakes like Lake Champlain, Lake Placid, Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake, Silver Lake, and Chateaugay Lake feature crystal clear water and are often calm enough for beginner paddlers and sailors – ideal for camp waterfront activities. The Adirondack peaks are perfect for campers acquiring the love for hiking and feature beautiful birch trees, flowering shrubs, and stunning views.
Reason 4: Unique and charming stops. Driving to and from camp in the Adirondacks isn’t so bad when there are so many amazing places to stop along the way! Families driving the campers to drop-off will often stop in quaint towns like Keene and Saratoga Springs. Or they will tour Mirror Lake and Olympic Village at Lake Placid. They’ll explore Fort Ticonderoga or Ausable Chasm. Parents can visit microbreweries in nearby Burlington, Vermont or go glamping in Lake George. Dropping off campers in the Adirondacks can be a vacation in itself!
Reason 5: It’s just so fresh and so beautiful. There is nothing quite like being surrounded by natural beauty. The mountains against the bright, blue sky, the lakes glistening from the sun, the birch trees and wildflowers peppering the landscapes. And when you breathe it all in, you feel freshly invigorated. There is no better setting than the Adirondacks to create the wonderful, lifelong memories of overnight summer camp!
Put it All Together: Adirondacks are Number One!
Put it all together—those perfect camp-day temperatures, starry-night skies, splash-ready lakes, climbable peaks, and all the quirky, oh-we-have-to-stop-here roadside gems—and it’s obvious why the Adirondacks are the undefeated champion of camp destinations. At Camp Jeanne d’Arc, these natural wonders are the foundation for unforgettable summers filled with friendship, growth, and adventure. For all these reasons and more, the Adirondacks aren’t just a backdrop for camp—they’re an essential part of the magic.