the VK
guest guide.


Your digital resource for staying at VK

Sections

General
guest information


  • Frank Soule Lodge
    Check in - 4pm
    Check out - 10am

    All other lodges
    Check in - 3pm
    Check out - 10am

    ~ Reach out if you need a later check in or check out. Fees may apply.

  • Forest Drive Entry
    210 County Rte 17, Bernhards Bay, NY 13028
    Guests are encouraged to enter through the Forest Drive Entry to experience our 1/2 mile attitude adjusting drive through the VK forest before arriving at your lodge. Note: road conditions are not always smooth. Low profile cars are not recommended for this route.

    Martin Road Entry (also the exit for all vehicles)
    1 Vanderkamp Center, Bernhards Bay, NY 13028

  • Once you arrive at Vanderkamp follow the signs to your lodge and park in the designated gravel area. Do not park anywhere else. If there is not enough room for your group, please reach out to management about parking at Kempwick Commons. Please ask first as there may be an event.

  • Please use the 850 acres to explore and reconnect with the natural world, just be careful. Hike, snowshoe, cross country ski, sled ride or ice skate at your own risk. Click here for a downloadable trail map. We kindly ask that you respect: the land, leave no trace; your fellow guests, stay away from lodges; and our neighbors, do not enter onto someone else’s land. Some trails are not marked well or at all. We do our best to maintain trails through the property, but you should expect terrain to be unlevel and some trees to be down across trails. Service is spotty in the woods so if you would like to know where you are and see property lines you can download and use the onXhunt app for 7 days free and save maps offline. You can also download offline maps on Google.

    Please note that ticks are more prominent everywhere in the northeast right now. If you stay on the trails, you will have a very low chance of picking up an unwanted friend, but we suggest you check yourself frequently when spending time outside.

  • While at VK you are welcome to use Lake Vanderkamp at your own risk for catch and release fishing, canoeing, paddle boarding, and swimming. If you borrow something please return it.

  • Sing, play, passionately debate philosophical questions all day long, but from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. the whole property goes into hush mode for what we like to call- Quaint Uninterrupted Internal Exploring and Thinking Time or… QUIET time for short. Kindly respect that there are other guests on the property.

  • As we grow we keep adding games that you can borrow during your stay. There may be some at your lodge already, if not there are more at Kempwick Commons. (coming spring 2023)

    There are also games and toys that you can borrow at the Toy Library of the North Shore just down the street. Grab a coffee and explore this fantastic resource just down the street.

  • Now Open.

    If you forgot your bug spray, want to try a local made smores kit, or love the custom blend VK coffee in your lodge and want to take some home, then visit our small store in the lobby of Kempwick Commons. Purchases are self-serve and on the honor system using the kiosk on site. Reach out if you are having trouble.

  • Please do not bring your own firewood for indoor or outdoor fires. When you arrive at your lodge, there will be a supply of wood at your lodge. If you run out please reach out and we will bring more.

Specific
lodge details


Frank Soule Lodge

  • Kitchen: Pots, pans, baking sheets, baking pans, spatulas, serving utensils, dishes, flatware, drinking and wine glasses, mugs, blender, drip coffee pot, refrigerator and freezer with ice maker and filtered water, microwave, 2 drink fridges, double ovens, 6 burner stove, toaster, blender

    Dining Room: Large dining table with seating for 12

    Laundry: Washer and dryer in the lodge. Iron and ironing board in the closet of bedroom #7

    Bathrooms: general: Public Goods products in all bathrooms (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap). 2 blow dryers

    1) Shower for bedroom #1 . Blow dryer
    2) Curbless Shower. ensuite bedroom #2
    3) Shower. ensuite bedroom #3
    4) Separate tub/ shower room with sink, separate lavatory room, double sinks. Shared by bedrooms 5,6,7. Blow dryer
    5) Clawfoot tub/ shower ensuite bedroom #6

    Bedrooms: General: 400 thread count sheets. Every room has extra blankets. Extra pillows available.

    1) Queen bed, night stands, lamps, private bathroom #1
    2) Queen bed, night stands, lamps, dresser, lake view, ensuite bathroom #2
    3) Queen bed, night stands, lamps, dresser, ensuite bathroom #3
    4) 2 full size beds, 1 twin bed, night stand, lamp, secret playroom, shared bathroom #4
    5) Trundle bed - full size bed on top, twin size bed pulls out, night stand, lamp, shared bathroom #4
    6) King bed, night stands, lamps, dresser, chair, closets, lake view, ensuite bathroom #5
    7) King bed, night stands, lamps, dresser, closet, private screened in porch with rocking chair, shared bathroom #4

    Living room: Couch, 4 lounge chairs, projector & screen. Card table with poker set

    Bar Area: 2 beverage fridges and seating for 7

    Game Room: Couch, chair, shuffleboard, smart TV, chest with several board games (all the pieces may or may not be present). Chess table on second floor with chess/ checkers pieces.

    Lake View Room: (2) rocking chairs, chaise lounge, stools

    Outdoor Dining: Table and seating for 8, Propane BBQ Grill

    Outdoor Seating: Couch and 2 lounge chairs. 1 picnic table, tree swing

    Fire Pit: includes ADK chairs for 10 people

    Dock: The dock is great for fishing and launching canoes - Not so great for diving.

    Outdoor Activities. 2 canoes near your private dock, & corn hole at the lodge. Fishing Poles, life vests, extra canoes and oars are located at the beach storage shed. Trail maps available in the check in book and at the bottom of this page. Sled hill with sleds to borrow. Cross Country skis may be available upon request. Additional Yard games will be stored at the Commons (summer 2023). Please return what you borrow.

  • High Speed Wi-Fi

    Bluetooth Speaker

    Private Entrance with Unique Code Access

    Public Goods products in all bathrooms (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap) and starter supply of paper products - 1 roll of toilet paper per bathroom and 1 roll of paper towels per lodge

    Parking for 6 cars

    Heat and AC

    Indoor Fireplace

    Outdoor Fire Pit

    Firewood is included

    Drop down projection screen in the Living Room with Fire Stick streaming

    Card Table with Poker Set (chips and cards)

    Smart Fire TV in the Game Room

    Lake Access with Private Dock

    Personal Canoes

    Tree Swing

    Yard Area with Cornhole

    Fire Extinguisher

    First Aid Kit

    Smoke and CO Alarm

    Fans Available on Request

  • Hiking Shoes

    Rain Gear

    Your own games (inside and outside)

    Food and Drinks

    Slippers (in the cold months)

    Bait for fishing. There is a local bait shop here (reminder that VK lake is catch and release only)

    Bug/Tick spray

The Boathouse

  • Kitchen: Pots, pans, dishes, flatware, mugs, drinking and wine glasses, utensils, baking sheets, baking pans, French press coffee maker, 4 burner electric stove/oven, small refrigerator and freezer, microwave, toaster, kettle

    Living room: Couch, 2 lounge chairs, fireplace, smart TV

    Sunroom: Dining table for 4, 2 rocking chairs, hammock

    Bathroom: Public goods products - shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap. Blow dryer. Shower with 2 shower heads and controls. A separate water closet. 2 robes and 2 pairs of slippers

    Bedroom 1: King bed, dresser, clothing rack, chair, night stands and lamps, Lake view with walkout to deck

    Bedroom 2: Queen bed, clothing rack, chair, Lake view with walkout to deck

    Outdoor: private deck and dock, outdoor fireplace, 2 ADK chairs, propane grill

  • High Speed Wi-Fi

    Bluetooth Speaker

    Coffee

    Private Entrance with Unique Code Access

    Linens and towels provided

    Public Goods products in all bathrooms (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap) and starter supply of paper products - 1 roll of toilet paper per bathroom and 1 roll of paper towels per lodge.

    Parking for 2 cars

    Heat and AC

    Indoor Fireplace

    Outdoor Fireplace

    Firewood is included

    Smart Fire TV in the Living Room

    Lake Access with Private Dock and personal canoe

    Fire Extinguisher

    First Aid Kit

    Smoke and CO Alarm

    Fans Available on Request

  • Hiking Shoes

    Rain Gear

    Your own games (inside and outside)

    Food and Drinks

    Bait for fishing. There is a local bait shop here (reminder that VK lake is catch and release only)

    Bug/Tick spray

Langston Cottage

  • Kitchen: Cast iron pots / pans, nonstick frying pan, dishes, flatware, mugs, drinking and wine glasses, utensils, mini convection oven with sheet pan, gas stove, French press coffee maker with coffee

    Dining table with seating for 2

    Living room: Sofa, coffee table, large fireplace, smart fire TV

    Office Nook: Desk and chair

    Bedroom Area: King bed, night stands, lamps, clothing rack and suitcase stand

    Reading Nook: King mattress, assortment of books, pillows

    Bathroom: Public goods products - shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap. Large sunken bathtub for 2, shower, toilet, 2 robes and 2 pairs of slippers. Blow dryer.

    Outdoor: Lean-to with outdoor sofa, fire pit with 2 ADK chairs, front porch with 2 rocking chairs

  • High Speed Wi-Fi

    Bluetooth Speaker

    Coffee

    Private Entrance with Unique Code Access

    Linens and towels provided

    Public Goods products in all bathrooms (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap) and starter supply of paper products - 1 roll of toilet paper per bathroom and 1 roll of paper towels per lodge.

    Parking for 2

    Heat and AC

    Indoor Fireplace

    Outdoor Firepit

    Firewood is included

    Access to VK Lake beach area with canoes

    Smart Fire TV in the Living Room

    Dedicated Seating for 2 at VK Lake

    Fire Extinguisher

    First Aid Kit

    Smoke and CO Alarm

    Fans Available on Request

  • Hiking shoes

    Rain gear

    Your own games (inside and outside)

    Food and Drinks

    Bait for fishing. Local Bait shop here (reminder that VK lake is catch and release only)

    Bug/Tick Spray

Wohlleben Cabin

  • Kitchen: Pots, pans, dishes, flatware, mugs, drinking and wine glasses, utensils and cooking essentials, baking sheets, four burner gas stove and full size oven, microwave, toaster, french press coffee maker.

    Bar Counter: with seating for 2

    Living room area: Sofa, coffee table, wood stove, smart fire TV

    Bedroom area: Queen bed, night stands, lamps, clothing rack, lounge chair and ottoman

    Bathroom: Public goods products - shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap. Large shower, toilet, 2 robes and 2 pairs of slippers, blow dryer

    Outdoor: Front porch area - 2 porch swings and dining table with seating for 2

  • High Speed Wi-Fi

    Bluetooth Speaker

    Coffee

    Private Entrance with Unique Code Access

    Linens and towels provided

    Public Goods products in all bathrooms (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap) and starter supply of paper products - 1 roll of toilet paper per bathroom and 1 roll of paper towels per lodge

    Parking for 2

    Heat and AC

    Wood burning stove

    Outdoor Firepit

    Firewood is included

    Access to VK Lake beach area with canoes

    Smart Fire TV in Living Room

    Fire Extinguisher

    First Aid Kit

    Smoke and CO Alarm

    Fans Available on Request

  • Hiking shoes

    Rain gear

    Your own games (inside and outside)

    Food and Drinks

    Bait for fishing. Local Bait shop here (reminder that VK lake is catch and release only)

On Site
dining options


VK General Store

OPEN 24/7 AT KEMPWICK COMMONS

The VK General Store is your place to purchase locally curated and sourced snacks, light fare, desserts, VK coffee, branded apparel, and items you might have forgotten like tooth brushes and bug spray.

Example items: New Hope Mills Pancake Mix, Dinosaur Barbeque Sauce, local beef jerky, smores ingredients, granola, etc,

Located in Kempwick Commons- Use your same lodge code to access the Commons.

Locally Made Prepared Dinners

NOW AVAILABLE AT KEMPWICK COMMONS!

Whether you are looking to feed a large group or enjoy a romantic dinner for two we have a restaurant quality meal ready for you. Each hand made meal has been carefully created for VK guests by a local chef from wholesome ingredients sourced at locally. Stop into the General Store to purchase or reach out ahead of time and we can have one waiting in your lodge when you arrive.

Premade meals are curated and prepared by Chef Brian.

Private Chef Experiences

Now Available for Booking.

A unique, personalized, and all inclusive VK dining experience facilitated by a local chef right in your lodge. During the experience you will participate in the preparation of the meal, learn about the ingredients being used, and enjoy a curated menu of locally sourced and seasonal food. The menus are created to highlight the bounty of the varied seasons of Central New York farms and forests.  The chefs will select preparations that invite you to become immersed in the process of creating and enjoying a meal born in CNY.

Includes:

  • 4 custom courses

  • All prep and clean up

  • Wine corking service

  • Accommodating to dietary preferences

  • Parties of 2-20

Vanderkamp is an amazing place and you might never want to leave… But in case you do, there is a TON to see and explore in the area. This is our curated selection of places to eat and things to do within a one hour drive of VK.

Go out there and explore.

Note- The current list is food only. We will be adding our favorite things to do in each region very soon.

Beyond the 850
a regional guide


explore the regions ↴

-V 1-

NORTH SHORE COFFEE & TEA COMPANY

Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast sandwich, listen to live music, sip on an organic and local hand roasted coffee, check out stunning crafts from local companies.

North Shore Coffee & Tea Company is not just a cafe, it’s a destination. While you are there also explore the FREE Toy Library and borrow some toys during your stay.

Best For: Breakfast & Coffee
Distance: 5 Minute Drive from Vanderkamp
Address: 676 State Rt. 49, Bernhards Bay, NY 13028
Website: northshorecoffeeteaco.com
Directions:

 

-V 2-

COUNTRY GLAZED

If you’re craving a sweet treat during your stay at Vanderkamp then Country Glazed is the place to go.

Customers say it’s literally the best doughnut they’ve had, period!

Best For: Sweet Treat 
Distance: 20 Minute Drive from Vanderkamp
Address: 548 S Main St, Central Square, NY 13036
Website: facebook.com/countryglazed
Directions:

 

-V 3-

THE CLEVELAND HOUSE

A short drive from Vanderkamp, The Cleveland House offers great food and friendly service in a cozy and laid back atmosphere.


Stop in to grab a bite, enjoy some live music, and take in the scenic views of Oneida Lake.


Best For: Dinner & Drinks
Distance: 4 Minute Drive from Vanderkamp
Address: 118 State Rt. 49, Cleveland, NY 13042
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075804656541
Directions:

 

-V 4-

EAST AVE DELI

East Ave Deli’s passion for the perfect sandwich starts with gathering the finest ingredients around.

With premium meats and cheeses sliced daily and piled high on fresh and local bread, this is the spot to stop at for a quick and quality lunch.

Best For: Lunch & Ice Cream
Distance: 20 Minute Drive from Vanderkamp
Address: 3027 East Ave, Central Square, NY 13036
Website: theeastavedeli.com
Directions:

 

-V 5-

TAILWATER RESTURAUNT
AND BAR

From pan-seared salmon to north country southern fried chicken, the Tailwater Restaurant & Bar offers intentionally prepared dishes perfect for enjoying after a day of relaxation or adventure.


Best For: Dinner
Distance: 32 Minute Drive from Vanderkamp
Address: 52 Pulaski St., Altmar, NY 13302
Website: tailwaterlodge.com
Directions:

 

-V 6-

JOA’S PIZZA

Pizza, wings, salads and subs. The wings are where its at.

Eat in while grabbing a drink and watching a game or pick up food to go to enjoy back at your accommodation.

Bonus. Joa’s Delivers to Vanderkamp

Best For: Dinner
Distance: 12 Minute Drive from Vanderkamp
Address: 1588 State Rt. 49, Constantia, NY 13044 Website:facebook.com/pizza13044
Directions:

 

-V 7-

BUCKINGHAM MARKET

A family owned and operated business conveniently located down the road in Constantia, NY, Buckingham Market is a great local option to check out for groceries during your stay at Vanderkamp.

Best For: Groceries
Distance: 12 Minute Drive from Vanderkamp
Address: 45 Redfield St, Constantia, NY 13044
Website: buckinghamsmarket.com
Directions:

 

-C 1-

OH MY DARLING

Located in downtown Syracuse, Oh My Darling offers American comfort fare with a twist of orange.

From fried pickles and salads to burgers and french toast they have you covered for all your dining needs.

Best For: Lunch, Dinner, & Weekend Brunch
Distance: 38 Minute Drive from Vanderkamp
Address: 321 S Salina St, Syracuse, NY 13202
Website: darlingsyr.com
Directions:

 

-C 2-

SALT CITY MARKET

Featuring 10 food vendors serving regional and international cuisines, a cafe/bar, and grocery store, the Salt City Market is your one stop shop to enjoy a meal, grab a cocktail, and pick up groceries, while exploring Syracuse.


Best For: Lunch, Dinner, & Drinks
Distance: 39 Minute Drive from Vanderkamp
Address: 484 S Salina St, Syracuse, NY 13202
Website: saltcitymarket.com
Directions:

 

-C 3-

FRANCESCA’S CUCINA

Francesca’s is a place to celebrate food and family.

A staple of Syracuse dining for over 30 years, they offer homemade Italian entrees and renowned desserts in the heart of Little Italy.

Best For: Dinner
Distance: 36 Minute Drive from Vanderkamp
Address: 545 N Salina St, Syracuse, NY 13208
Website: francescas-cucina.com
Directions:

 

-C 4-

APIZZA REGIONALE

Specializing in the perfect relationship between Neapolitan and New York style pizza, Apizza Regionale offers wood fired pizzas made of regionally sourced ingredients crafted in their imported and handmade oven from Naples, Italy.

Best For: Lunch, Dinner, & Drinks
Distance: 37 Minute Drive from Vanderkamp
Address: 260 W Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13202
Website:apizzaregionale.com
Directions:

 

-S 1-

MEIER’S CREEK BREWING

Taste the latest release from the brewery, play a round of disc golf, enjoy a bite of elevated American fare from their seasonal menu, explore the nearby hiking trails, listen to live music.

Meier’s Creek Brewing Company is a 22 acre property just outside the lakeside town of Cazenovia that has it all.

Best For: Lunch, Dinner, & Craft Beer
Distance: 54 Minute Drive from Vanderkamp
Address: 33 Rippleton Road, Cazenovia, NY 13035
Website: meierscreekbrewing.com
Directions:

 

-S 2-

OWERA VINEYARDS

At Owera Vineyards they believe wine is family and the reason to connect and communicate.

From award winning wines to gourmet food this is a place to gather, relax, and celebrate.

Best For: Lunch, Dinner, & Wine
Distance: 48 Minute Drive from Vanderkamp
Address: 5276 E Lake Rd, Cazenovia, NY 13035
Website: oweravineyards.com
Directions:

 

-S 3-

HERRITAGE HILL BREWHOUSE

An authentic farm brewery and restaurant nestled high in the hills of Pompey, Heritage Hill Brewhouse is a great spot to grab a brew, enjoy some BBQ and watch a game.

It’s a great family and dog friendly brewery with a playground, petting zoo and live outdoor music in nice weather. Keep an eye out for the sunset while you’re there too!

Best For: Dinner & Beer
Distance: 50 Minute Drive from Vanderkamp
Address: 3149 Sweet Road, Jamesville, NY 13078
Website: heritagehillbrewery.com
Directions:

 

-S 4-

BEAK & SKIFF APPLE ORCHARDS

Named America’s Best Apple Orchard in 2021 by USA Today, Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards is a must see.

With attractions like a tasting room and tavern, general store, bakery, and of course apple picking, this is a place you don’t want to miss.

Best For: Lunch, Dinner, & Hard Ciders
Distance: 56 Minute Drive from Vanderkamp
Address: 2708 Lords Hill Rd, Marietta, NY 13110
Website: beakandskiff.com
Directions: