Welcome to William H. Pouch Scout Camp

William H. Pouch Scout Camp is the largest parcel of privately owned property in New York City, and is easily accessible from Staten Island’s Greenbelt.

There is a Conservation Easement on much of the property that is administered by the NYS Department of Conservation (DEC).  That means that the natural resources and scenic values of the property have been protected by a permanent land conservation agreement between the Greater New York Councils of the Boy Scouts and the NYS DEC.  Please note that this easement does NOT grant unconditional public access.  Pouch Camp remains Private Property.

Public access for hiking along the roads and trails is OPEN to the public year-round EXCEPT for these dates:

  • January – No public access Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, Saturday through Monday
  • February – No public access weekend days prior to and following the Saturday before President’s Day through Sunday of the following weekend
  • March/April – No public access the Saturday before Easter through the Sunday of the following weekend
  • May – No public access Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday through Monday
  • June – No public access the day after the last day of school through June 30
  • July – No Public Access the entire month
  • August – No Public Access the entire month
  • September – No public access Labor Day weekend, Saturday through Monday
  • October – No public access Columbus Day weekend, Saturday through Monday
  • November – No public access Veterans Day and the prior weekend days; Thanksgiving recess, Thursday through Sunday
  • December – No public access December 25 through January 1, and weekend days prior to and following both holidays

A few General Rules of note:

  • Please carry out any litter.
  • No new trail building or cutting of any trees or shrubs is allowed.
  • Camping is only allowed with a permit from the Boy Scouts.
  • Keep all pets under control and dogs on a leash.
  • No unauthorized vehicles of any type are allowed on the Camp Pouch Property . This includes, cars, trucks, ATVs, and motorcycles. Bicycles are permitted on roadways.
  • Public picnicking and cooking is strictly prohibited.
  • There are NO ALCOHOL or DRUGS permitted anywhere on the property.

Fishing: by observing the following regulations when fishing at Pouch Camp you will help preserve our marine resources for future generations to enjoy.  For state and federal regulations please visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website.

  • Fishing on Lake Ohrbach is permitted with a NYS issued fishing license (16+ years old) and a Boy Scout Permit (for all) available from the Camp Office during normal business hours.
    • Pouch Camp charges $10 for a daily fishing pass, which is available at the Camp Office at 1465 Manor Road. Monthly fishing passes are also available.  Passes are limited to promote social distancing, and will be provided on a first come first served basis. The Camp fishing permit is validity from April 1 to October 30. The Camp Ranger has the authority to revoke any membership for any reason.
    • The NYS DEC site to purchase a fishing license online is HERE.
  • Permitted Fishing Hours: 8 am to sundown, with the following exceptions: No fishing on weekdays between 9 am – 4 pm from June 30, 2025, to August 29, 2025, when Day Camp is in session.
  • No fishing on Mondays and Tuesdays in September and October.
  • No fishing when there is ice on the lake.
  • No fishing during lightning or thunderstorms.
  • Fishing is not permitted in the swimming area or Blue Boat Launch area.
  • Lead-free fishing sinkers are required for ½ ounce or less weights.  Lost or discarded lead weights dissolve slowly over time. Exposure to low amounts of lead is toxic to both humans and wildlife.
  • Non-stainless steel hooks are recommended. If lost or swallowed by a fish, non-stainless steel hooks will rust, dissolve, and disappear quicker than stainless steel hooks.
  • Barbless hooks are required. Barbless hooks are easier to remove, causing fewer fish injuries.
  • Catch and release only. All NY State fishing rules and regulations apply at all times.
  • Watercraft: No watercraft of any kind is permitted on the lake.
  • Temporary Closures: The property may be temporarily closed to fishing as deemed appropriate by the Camp Ranger.
  • The is NO Swimming without permission. This include placing your feet in the water or bathing.
  • Alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs are never permitted anywhere on camp property.