10 Best Camping Sites in the Adirondack Mountains

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10 Best Camping Sites in the Adirondack Mountains

Taking some time off from your busy schedule and heading to the mountains for a weekend can be refreshing. You will not only be surrounded by beautiful nature but also experience the much-needed peace away from the city.

The perfect place to camp is none other than the Adirondack Mountains that has plenty of options to choose from. This mountain range is spread over 6 million acres of forested land.

There are specific locations in this national reserve that is perfect for camping. You can opt to use tents or trailer.

The camping ground is family-friendly and is equipped with the needed amenities. You can engage in different activities such as climbing, swimming, canoeing, rafting and fishing.

Let us now explore the 10 best-camping sites in the Adirondack Mountains.

1. Fish Creek Pond Campground

First on the list is the Fish creek pond camping site with more than 300 sites. It is suitable for large groups and families that would prefer to sleep in tents. If you opt to use your trailer or RV, there is enough space for that too.

This site is a short drive from the Adirondack high peaks making it a favourite location for many campers. The site is spread along the shores of Fish creek pond and square.

From here you can easily access Follensby Pond and Upper Saranac Lake. The ground here is a mix of woods, sand, gravel and dirt.

You are required to make reservations in advance especially if you are planning to go on the weekend.

Activities: fishing, paddling, hiking, biking, swimming, basketball and volleyball.

Practical information:

Bring your tents, trailers, RVs, vans and truck campers, 322 sites, Up to 6 guests per site, Campfires allowed, Toilet available, Pets allowed, Potable water available, Showers available, Picnic table available

2. Crown Point Campground

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The next site to camp at is the crown point campground close to Lake Champlain.

This site takes at least 66 camping tents and has a trailer dump station. There is a picnic area that is handicap accessible, recycling centre and a boat launch.

The Champlain Memorial Lighthouse from 1912 is open for tours to the guests. It tells the history of Champlain and how he discovered the lake which was named after him. Not far from the lighthouse is Crown point’s historic site rich with local history.

The lake is home to largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, bullhead, yellow perch, brown trout, and lake trout.

Practical information:

Bring your tents, trailers, RVs, vans and truck campers, 63 sites, Up to 6 guests per site, Campfires allowed, Toilet available, Pets allowed, Potable water available, Showers available, Picnic table available.

3. Saranac Lake Islands

This camping ground gives you the ultimate camping experience on an island. The site is along the shores of Saranac lake. To get to this island you can hire a boat or paddle in a canoe or Kayak which may take a while.

Sunrises and sunsets on this island are just magical. You won’t remember the long paddle. You will also get to enjoy your meals with a view of the lake.

There are boats at the ground that you can use to tour the lake, alternatively, you can opt to hike or go for horseback riding.

You can also spend your day fishing then prepare your meals in the designated area. A fire pit and ring are available.

Practical information:

Near Saranac Lake, NY. accessible by boat only.

4. Forked Lake

The Forked Lake is a hidden gem with a peaceful and quiet camping ground that accommodated at least 80 campsites. You can get to this site either by boat or on foot.

The hike up this site may be a long one, but there are trailer sites close to the ranger post. This camping ground is close to other lakes and islands that can be explored by boat.

Only small non-motorized boats are allowed on this lake. Part of the land close to the lake is private, therefore watch out not to trespass.

Fishing in the lake is allowed where brook trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bullhead, yellow perch, and panfish are in plenty.

Practical information: All waterfront sites, even some islands, waterfall, forest

5. Tioga Point, Roquette Lake, NY

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The Tioga point can be accessed by boat only. The best part about paddling to the site is that you get to tour the lake. It is a small camping ground that takes at least 10 sites and has a friendly ranger on site.

This camp used to be a boy’s camp between 1951 and 1966, it was operated by the conservation department. The camping buildings have since been removed leaving a rustic atmosphere of its past.

The sites are close to the shoreline giving lovely views of Roquette lake and the mountains. This camping ground is well equipped with all the amenities you will need just remember to carry a bug spray.

6. Wilmington Notch Campground

This next camping ground is located within a hiking distance off the grand 40-foot Wilmington Notch Falls. The grounds here were formed as a result of glacial forces.

This site can accommodate 54 tents and has space for trailers too. There are bathrooms, shower and picnic tables.

You can go for a hike to whiteface mountain or a fishing trip in the river nearby. There is a waterfall not far from the river that you can check out.

The Wilmington Flume Trail System has 13 trails and swimming holes close to whiteface mountain. You can take a gondola ride up to the top of the mountain for more breath-taking views.

7. Lake Eaton Campground, Near Long Lake, NY

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This site has space for trailers and at least 135 tent sites. The grounds here are close to the sandy beach of Lake Eaton.

A beach volleyball court has been erected for those that love the sport. Rental boats, kayaks and canoes are also on standby for those that would like to explore the lake.

The lake has shallow water near the shore which is perfect for swimming and fishing.

Practical information:

Full campground facility, showers and bathroom facilities, many prime water sites, secluded sites, boat, canoe and kayak rentals.

8. Lewey Lake Camping ground

The camping ground is nestled between Lewey lake and Indian lake. You can easily get to each lake during your stay. A channel on Lewey lake allows you to paddle to the marshland where birds and other wildlife live.

Many campers that visit this site go for fishing, boating, and swimming. It is a family-friendly site filled with fun activities for children.

Practical information: Full campground facility, hot showers and bathroom facilities, many prime water sites, secluded sites, boat and canoe rentals.

9. Indian Lake Camping ground

The Indian lake camping ground is close to Lewey Camp and requires prior reservation. This site is run by the state. There is ample camping space on both sides of the lake and along its shores.

Campers here can rent a boat or a canoe and explore this thin lake or go fishing. A short drive away is the Snowy Mountain where you can go for a hike.

Activities: Biking, Boating, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback riding, Paddling, Climbing, Snowsports, Swimming, Whitewater paddling, Wildlife watching.

10. Moose River Plains Wild Forest, Lake Placid

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The campsites here are spaced out and tucked away in the forest but can be accessible by car. Helldiver pond is home to the moose that love grazing by the aquatic vegetation.

The pond, also known as moose pond is a popular fishing ground for trout and salmon. It is also a favourite spot for many that love canoeing.

During the summer, spring and fall, you can hike up to the shore of Lake Placid, while in winter the slopes are perfect for skiing.