Camp Nawakwa is located in Harriman section of the Palisades Interstate Park, not far from the NY/NJ border. Prior arrangements to visit the lodge have to be made (except for members with Nawakwa Status) as the entrances to the main access road and interior camp road are chained and locked.

Public transportation from New York City

By bus: The Shortline Bus provides service to Sloatsburg and Tuxedo, leaving from the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Click here for the current Schedule to Sloatsburg and Schedule to Tuxedo"

By train: New Jersey Transit provides train service to both towns from either New York Penn Station (you have to transfer at Seacaucus Junction) or Hoboken. Train Schedule Hoboken to Tuxedo

Once in Sloatsburg or Tuxedo, you can hike into camp. The hike is approximately one and a half to two hours long. Those new to hiking might find it easier to start in Sloatsburg and walk up Seven Lakes Drive. For those with some hiking experience, the hike in from Tuxedo, along the TMI, RD and Triangle trails, provides vistas from Claudius Smith's den and other interesting scenery(Click here for Map).

There usually is also a taxi service available. It is wise to check in advance for their operating hours:

Sammy's Taxi Service - (845) 357-1249

Spirit Taxi of Rockland - (845) 368-0577

Brothers Taxi - (845) 357-4988

Sometimes the host of an organized weekend will know if someone who is offering a ride and will put you in touch with them. Ask when you sign up.

By Car from all points

This link will take you to the entrance of Harriman State park. Follow the detailed directions to the Camp from here. Click and enter your start address:Get Directions

By Car from New York City

Driving time for the 35 miles to camp is between 40-60 minutes from the George Washington Bridge (GWB).

There are three options how to drive:

1- Via GWB, Rt. 4W & Rt. 17N (the most direct route, can be congested on weekends during shopping hours).

Take the GWB upper level to New Jersey. Stay in the middle lane and follow signs for Rt. 4 West. Take 4 West for 7 miles to the exit for Rt. 17 North. Follow 17 North to Sloatsburg, and then continue as described below.

Directions from the Upper West Side

Directions from the Upper East Side

2- Via GWB, Palisades Interstate Parkway & NY Thruway (I-87) (mostly highway). Take the GWB upper level to New Jersey. Stay in the right lane and exit onto the Palisades Interstate Parkway North. Take Exit 9 to I-87 West, follow directions below.

3- Via GWB & Palisades Interstate Parkway (scenic route, takes 10 minutes longer).

Take the GWB upper level to New Jersey. Stay in the right lane and exit onto the Palisades Interstate Parkway North. Take Exit 16 Lake Welch and continue on Lake Welch Drive south to Seven Lakes Drive South. Follow signs for Sebago Beach. Continue on Seven Lakes Drive to Camp entrance.

From Sloatsburg to Camp Nawakwa

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Route 17N merges with NY Thruway I-87 West. Take exit 15A to Rt. 17N. Stay on 17N to the town of Sloatsburg, about 2 mi. After the center of town (Dunkin Donuts on the left) ascend a small hill to a traffic light. You will see a sign to Harriman State Park. Turn right onto Seven Lakes Drive and continue North for exactly 3.5 miles. Notice your odometer.

There is a speed limit of 25mph in the initial section; once you are in the Park, it is 40 mph. Radar controls are frequent.
Exactly 3.5 miles after turning onto Seven Lakes Dr. there is a small driveway and a chain on the left. There are a number of large boulders at the entrance and signs for camps SB3, SB5 and ADK. If you pass Lake Sebago on your left, you have gone too far by about 100 yards. You can turn around further up the road and turn back.

Once you gained access, a paved one-mile, single lane road leads to the camp. At one point, there is a fork in the road and another chain. Stay left, unlock the chain (if it is up) and follow the sign for Nawakwa. Continue along the lake until you see the cabins on your left. The road ends at the Lodge, where you can turn around. Park anywhere off the road.