Who We Are

​The Crater Club is a seasonal residential enclave on the shore of Lake Champlain approximately one mile south of Essex, New York within the Adirondack Park region. The Club was originally developed as a summer retreat in 1899 by the naturalist and outdoor writer John Bird Burnham practicing a 'simple life' away from growing urban cities.
 
Today, the Crater Club consists of 45 privately owned camps -- some of which are available for weekly rental -- and an active summer member programs situated on 150 picturesque wooded acres on Lake Champlain.  The traditional Adirondack Clubhouse, playing fields, waterfront and clay tennis courts offer member-led activities, suppers, summer youth programs, tennis for all ages, and a permanent pier for swimming and boating.

Activities
Tennis                                                                    Waterfont
​The Club owns four clay tennis courts for members and their guests to enjoy. Daily mixed doubles reflect the casual, non-scheduled social nature of the Club to encourage new and old friends to mingle while awaiting turns and catching up with one another at the Tennis Hut. Usually anyone can play without reservations, however, children are requested to play in the afternoons with occasional instruction offered to youth players by Club volunteers.
The Club has always been about the enjoyment of Lake Champlain.  The 200-foot concrete swimming dock, boat dock, smooth stone beach and 50-person waterfront 'Burnham's Landing' with kitchen provide a daily gathering place for members.  Activities include weekly sailing competition, kayak outings, cookouts, card night, and the occasional beach bonfire.  

"We have been enjoying the Crater Club as a weekly member for over 20 years and we can't think of a better place to enjoy the Adirondacks."

The Smiles Family

We love new ideas!
As a non-profit member-led social organization, committees of members share creative ideas on new events or activities.  These have included kayak expeditions and cookouts, bicycling tours, lecturers, movie nights, and croquet competition -- we love new concepts!