If you are looking for a unique and adventurous destination in Long Island, you might want to check out Camp Hero and Third House in Montauk. These two historic sites are not only rich in history, but also shrouded in mystery and conspiracy theories. Whether you are a fan of the Netflix series “Stranger Things”, which was allegedly inspired by Camp Hero, or you are simply curious about the secrets of this former military base, you will find plenty to explore and discover here.

What is Camp Hero?

Camp Hero is a state park that covers 415 acres of land at the eastern tip of Long Island. It was originally a military base that was established in 1942 as a coastal defense station during World War II. The park features a massive radar tower that was built in 1958 to detect possible Soviet nuclear attacks during the Cold War. The tower is now abandoned and fenced off, but it still looms over the landscape as a reminder of the past.

Camp Hero was decommissioned in 1981 and turned into a state park in 2002. However, some people believe that the base was never really shut down, and that it was the site of secret government experiments involving mind control, time travel, wormholes, teleportation, and kidnapped children. These claims were popularized by a book called “The Montauk Project: Experiments in Time” by Preston Nichols, which was published in 1992 and has been widely debunked by historians and skeptics.

However, some people still believe that there are hidden underground tunnels and labs beneath Camp Hero, where sinister experiments took place. Some even claim to be survivors of these experiments, known as the “Montauk Boys”. One of them is Joe Loffreno, who works as a parks employee at Camp Hero. He told the New York Post that he was hypnotized and recovered memories of being abducted as a boy and taken to an underground lab where he was tortured and brainwashed.

Whether you believe these stories or not, Camp Hero is a fascinating place to visit for its historical and cultural significance. You can hike or bike along the trails that offer scenic views of the ocean and the woods. You can also see the ruins of a Native American village and burial ground of the Montaukett tribe, which includes the grave of Stephen Talkhouse, a famous walker who could cover 30 to 50 miles a day. You can also visit the Pharaoh Museum, which displays artifacts and pottery used by the Montaukett.

What is Third House?

Third House is another historic site that is located within Montauk County Park, which is adjacent to Camp Hero. It is one of the three houses that were built in the 18th century for cattle keepers who brought their herds to graze in Montauk each summer. The first two houses were destroyed by fire, but the third house still stands today as a museum and park headquarters.

Third House was also used as the headquarters of Camp Wikoff, where Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders were quarantined after returning from the Spanish-American War in 1898. The house contains a Spanish-American War exhibit with photos and memorabilia from the war and Roosevelt’s disbanding of the Rough Riders.

Third House is open to the public from May to October. You can tour the house and learn about its history and architecture. You can also enjoy the surrounding parkland, which includes Big Reed Pond, a National Natural Landmark that has a diverse ecosystem of fresh water and brackish water. You can also visit Deep Hollow Ranch, which is the first cattle ranch in the United States, established in 1658.

How to Visit Camp Hero and Third House

Camp Hero and Third House are both located in Montauk, New York, about three hours drive from New York City. You can also take the Long Island Rail Road or Hampton Jitney bus to Montauk Station, which is about four miles from Camp Hero.

If you are looking for a place to stay near Camp Hero and Third House, you can find several hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts in Montauk. You can also camp at Hither Hills State Park, which is about six miles from Camp Hero.

Conclusion

Camp Hero and Third House are two of the most intriguing and mysterious places in Long Island. They offer a unique combination of history, nature, and mystery that will appeal to anyone who loves adventure and exploration. Whether you are looking for a spooky thrill or a relaxing getaway, you will find something to enjoy at these sites. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable trip to Camp Hero and Third House in Montauk.