AAC and Gunks Camping

So as far as I know the new AAC campground is scheduled to open this summer (2014). I thought I had read that once open, the Mohonk Preserve would be closing Camp Slime. Is this correct? I'm just curious, because as a member of the preserve, Camp Slime is my go-to sight right now. I was also wondering if preserve members would get a discount at the AAC grounds. Not that it was great, but being able to (legally) camp at camp Slime was definitely an incentive to become a preserve member and now that incentive will no longer be there. Thanks in advance for any responses.

AAC members will have a discounted rate at the campground. If I were intending to use that campground regularly,I would definitely look into the AAC membership as a way to offset. Of course there are other benefits to being an AAC member too.

I haven't heard any expected opening dates recently, but driving by the other day,I did see that they have framed and put the roof on the manager's house at the campground. It has been worked on consistently over the winter months. I couldn't estimate an expected ready date by looking at the area, but it seems to me there is still quite a bit of work to be done.

As for Preserve membership, a climber who uses the preserve more than five times in a year begins seeing a cost reduction over day passes. For most of us who live in the region, w easily go more than five times in a year.

Do you know if the discount applies for Canadian Alpine club members?
Can't wait for the grounds to open.

You would need to check to see if the Canadian Alpine Club has some association with the American alpine Club which is involved with the campground. If the two have a reciprocal arrangement, it is possible(discount), but I do not know if this is the case, and do not know the answer to your question.

Happiegrrrl wrote:You would need to check to see if the Canadian Alpine Club has some association with the American alpine Club which is involved with the campground. If the two have a reciprocal arrangement, it is possible(discount), but I do not know if this is the case, and do not know the answer to your question.

Do you mean the new River Gorge(and not Seneca)? I don't believe the AAC has a c/g at Seneca.

I do see mention of the Canadian Alpine Club in AAC's Lodging - International page so it may be that Canadian members will get discount. I would suggest contacting either AAC or CAC to get a definitive answer.

I checked with AAC and they don't accept the Alpine Club of Canada for campground discounts.

That's too bad.

The drive-in campsites allow for two cars, so with some planning or going round and asking to share, people can share and save money that way.

There are also walk-in campsites which will cost a bit less, if I recall right(I know there are walk-ins - but can't confirm seeing info on price variation).

Spoke with someone at the preserve yesterday, who said it looks like September open. This will depend on our weather. Winter slowed the schedule,as it was a harsher one that expected, and where - oh where! - is spring?

Drove by yesterday and....still a major upheaval. The manager house has windows in, but I didn't stop to look at other areas, and I can't drive and look at the same time. Next time I head that way, I will try to bring a camera and stop/shoot some pics from the road.

Thank you Happiegrrrl for the info.

Are they for sure closing slime? I love not having to hitch hike from the campground to the climbing.

Rob, that was the main piece of info I was interested in confirming. I forget where I initially ran into that info. It definitely won't be as convenient but I believe there will be a connector trail from the AAC grounds to the Stairmaster approach at the Nature Center.

I used to live at a house where the new connector trail comes from - and I never drove to the cliff. It was an uphill walk, for sure, but the footing was good. There was something about walking to the crag that just felt...right. Not jostling for parking and everything gave a totally different vibe to the day, made even the busiest weekends not seem so hectic.

Here's a link to the AAC page about the new campground: americanalpineclub.org/p/gu…

I would hope that anyone who can place opposed nuts and remove tricams could figure out how to safely cross a street =)

Undoubtedly there will be people who complain about pedestrians walking alongside/crossing the road. Heaven forbid they have to actually pay attention while they drive....

What I am wondering is - what will people eventually call this new campground? The name is so cumbersome: The Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground.

JSH wrote:I'm thinking in terms of potential conflicts and complaints, and inattentive drivers.

"Camp Ka-Ching?"

Seth, that camp isn't likely to be the cash cow some think. Prices are very reasonably when compared to similar options in the region, with Creekview being the most similar in price, but has a drive of about 20 miles to cliffs.

The cost of construction and associated maintenance for the place also need to be offset before any income is realized.

Just fooling around, Terrie. I have no beef with the campground or with charging people to stay there.

... but I hope my suggested name catches on!

Luc wrote: Have you seen the amount of deer hit near there?

Hi,

What is the status of the new campground ? Is it open ?

Thanks