Campgaw Missile Base Multi-Cache
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(regular)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
This three-stage hunt will take you across the top of Campgaw Mountain to a section of the park which was once part of Nike Battery NY-93/94. The final stage is within sight of what remains of the installation's Integrated Fire Control (IFC) area. Today, the former IFC structure is home to a stable of horses.
For more than 15 years, Campgaw Mountain was home to one of the approximately 20 Nike missile batteries that ringed the New York Metropolitan area, serving as a defensive shield to the city against hostile aircraft. Other local sites included Wayne, Summit, and Spring Valley/Ramapo, NY. In addition, Army units were stationed during the 1950s atop High Mountain in North Haledon, which is today home to some very fine geocaches. Similar Nike installations could be found near other major metropolitan areas across the United States but the shield around New York was the most extensive.
The Campgaw base included a radar, tracking and missile control area, a separate launcher area, and housing. Radar and missile control were located at what is now the Saddle Ridge Riding Center. Multiple towers dotted the mountain here, offering even better views of the city to the soldiers then on station than we can enjoy today from the mountain's peak.
The actual missile launch site was located off Campgaw Rd. at the bottom of the mountain next to the base housing, which was near the existing archery range which is close to the park entrance. This was a relatively small and highly secure area. It was home to six magazines of anti-aircraft missiles. Unfortunately, all signs of the launch area have been obliterated by a housing development. There is still a small section of fence which is aid to exist but I haven't had a chance to search for it.
Today, Campgaw Reservation is a great place to take a quick lunchtime jaunt or enjoy a satisfying afternoon of hiking around the mountain. I logged nearly five miles placing this cache and you can easily double that by exploring the many trails, some unmarked, running through the park.
So imagine if you will, while seeking this cache, another era not all that long ago when guard dogs and military patrols would have interrupted your hike. The Red Trail, along with unmarked riding trails, can get you most of the way to the final stages but there is at least a quarter-mile bushwhack to get "on base". The unmarked trail/road does not meet the Red Trail but is about a 50-100' bushwhack away. I picked up the unmarked trail near N41 03.101 W074 11.934. Or you can go cross country for a more direct route although it might be tough going in the summer.
The woods here are quiet, although I did find fresh tire tracks in the snow and mud along the riding trails. Perhaps a phantom Army unit still on cold-war patrol....
You'll find Stage One and Stage Two as small Nalgene containers, each with coordinates. Stage Three is a traditional ammo box. While at the final stage, you might catch a glimpse of the nearby IFC which is located at the top of the ridge. Today it is home to four-legged creatures so try not to disturb the current occupants by getting too close.
All are welcome to take one of the printouts from the cache as a souvenir of your visit to the base. There are a number of websites for those interested in learning more about this fascinating bit of our national and local history. Some of these sites have pictures and details of the Campgaw base.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Fgntr 1: Va fghzc bs snyyra gjva gerrf. Ybbx va obggbz bs gur 'H', qbjauvyy raq bs gur pyhzc bs gjb.
Fgntr 2: Va abbx, obggbz bs sbhe-abqr gerr arkg gb ynetr obhyqre.
Fgntr 3: Vafvqr senpgherq, qrnq gerr ylvat ba orq bs ebpxf, cbvagvat qbjauvyy.
Treasures
You'll collect a digital Treasure from one of these collections when you find and log this geocache:
Loading Treasures