activities
There are many things to do at Timberlock, but some people don’t do much of anything. They sleep and read, cool off in the lake and enjoy our home cooked meals. Others take it on the run, sampling a little of everything. But, we don’t care what you do. Everything here is on a take it or leave it basis, there are no pre-planned programs other than meal hours.
Excellent, clean and clear. A large sandy beach at center camp features a dock with swing rope, float, huge 25 foot water trampoline that is a favorite with all, and a big sand pile with toys. You may also swim in front of your cabin or from the various rocky points and island beaches around the lake.
WE DO NOT POST LIFE GUARDS. PARENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR WATERFRONT SAFETY
Waterfront Instruction:
Our staff is available to instruct with any waterfront craft at no additional charge.Sailing:
We have a fleet of easy to sail Hobi sailboats, along with a Sunfish and a Precision Day Sailer.
Canoeing:
We have plenty of Old Town Royalex canoes which will carry 2 adults and 2 children. Early morning paddles, picnic excursions and day trips to other lakes and rivers are popular.
Kayaking:
Easier to handle in the wind and great for kids, we have a number of single and double modern recreational boats.
Rowboats, Dory, Guideboats:
Rowboats are a more stable alternative for fishing with kids. Beginners and experienced rowers alike will enjoy the Finnish Dory or one of our Adirondack Guideboats.
Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Boards and STEP Boards:
Popular new additions to our waterfront. These offer a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the water.
Motor Boating:
Small 10 horsepower outboard motors may be rented by the day or the week.
Guest owned boats are welcome and we provide dock space on a first come basis.
Water-skiing/Wakeboarding:
Provided at no charge on Sunday afternoons and other times on request with charges divided among participants. We provide a driver and instructor, ski boat, water-skis, wakeboards, knee board and ski jackets. We can accommodate all ages and abilities with a training bar on the side of the boat and various rope attachment points. We do not offer tubing.
Hiking:
There are hundreds of hiking trails available, some leave right from our property, others are a short drive away.
Fishing:
The principal game fish is the smallmouth bass. There are also northern pike, salmon, and lake trout for the serious and equipped fishermen. Stream fishing for trout is available all summer. The best fishing is in June, and early July. There can be good fishing in July and August, but it can also be disappointing depending on stocking and your ability. Licenses are available nearby (ages 16 and under don’t need one). Kids can always catch rock bass and perch right out front using any type of pole and worms.
Tennis/Pickleball:
Three all-weather tennis courts and two pickleball courts provide unlimited play at no charge. The all-weather courts can be used with any shoe and dry quickly after a rain. Partners are readily available.
Biking:
Guests may bring their own road or mountain bikes. The road between Indian Lake and Speculator has reasonable shoulders and the road from Indian Lake to Blue Mountain Lake has a special blacktop bike path. Mountain bikers can use our horse trails or ride the many nearby dirt roads.
Horseback Riding:
We own and train our own horses and know their reliability. However, because horses are known to be unpredictable, riders must sign a comprehensive waiver for themselves and their children. We have three trail rides from beginner to advanced every morning except Saturday. We also teach ring lessons and provide hard hats for children. More adventuresome may go on mountain picnic rides of several hours. A guide accompanies all rides.
Archery:
Our three-target, fenced range is very popular with all ages. Equipment is provided.
Golf:
There are four 9 or 18 hole courses within an hour drive from Timberlock. Greens fees are low and while these are not championship courses, they are very popular with guests since they are almost never crowded.
Lake Pleasant Golf Course, Lake Pleasant, NY – 9 hole
High Peaks Golf Course, Newcomb, NY – 9 or 18 hole
Inlet Golf Club, Inlet, NY – 9 or 18 hole
Tupper Lake Golf Club, Tupper Lake, NY – 9 or 18 hole
Volleyball:
We have a nice sand court and net located right in main camp. Over the years, our guests have enjoyed organizing many fun and casual matches.
Woodshop:
We have a supervised wood shop and provide the materials and tools. Our guests have created many amazing wooden pieces during their stay from small tables and salad bowls to birdhouses and toys.
Other Activities:
We also have horseshoes, badminton, ping-pong, tetherball, basketball, frisbee golf and a sports field.
New York State Law requires children under 12 to wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and adults to have them with them on ANY watercraft. We provide plenty of life jackets in various adult and children’s sizes in two waterfront areas. Please make sure life jackets fit correctly before heading out. See any staff member if you have any questions.
“
We really didn’t have a chance to say goodbye, so we just wanted to tell you what a wonderful week we had with you. The young people at Timberlock are absolutely THE BEST we have ever encountered (except for our grandchildren, of course!). They obviously love being at Timberlock with the Catlin family, and it shows in how wonderfully they treat the guests.
-Frank V.
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