The best star host campgrounds in Adirondacks

The Adirondack Mountains in New York State cover roughly 6 million acres, about half of which is forest preserve. That's larger than the Everglades, Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Canyon National Park combined.

Forever Wild is the motto here--and it makes camping all the more magical. Pristine forests cover the gentle mountains, with rivers and lakes to explore. Over a dozen state campgrounds dot the region, from family-friendly sites to primitive lean-tos. You can also find private campgrounds and camping resorts with Adirondack cottages and log cabins.

Cranberry Lake offers classic Adirondack camping with a sandy beach and fishing pier to cast off. Rollins Pond near Saranac Lake has boat rentals for a variety of small crafts, making it great for boaters. Or bring your own boat to Forked Lake campground for plenty of privacy. Many of the tent sites have private docks and are accessible only on by boat or on foot. Most of the state grounds have trailer sites for RVs. But if you want electrical and sewage hook-ups, you'll need to stay at one of the nearby private RV parks.

Camping is bare-bones but beautiful in the Moose River Plains Preserve. This wilderness area offers private sites and quiet nights, with both rustic campgrounds and primitive sites. Hiking trails crisscross the small lakes in this forest, making it ideal for backpackers.

To really leave civilization, pitch camp at the many lean-tos scattered across the forests. These shelters provide true wilderness immersion. But you'll need to trade basics like bathrooms and water. The Uphill and Beaver Point lean-tos are well-situated if you're climbing high peaks like Mount Colden.

Anglers can find campgrounds close to some of the region's best fishing. The Meadowbrook campground is about 5 miles from Lake Placid for trout fishing. The Wilmington Notch campground on the Ausable River has some of the best fly-fishing in the country.

99% (2K) • 89 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Adirondacks

Rustic Barn Campground

1. Rustic Barn Campground

97%

(250)

15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Corinth, NY

July booking special (expires 7/15/24), use code GAT2NLSJ while booking any date up through August 28th, 2024 and receive 20% off. Our campground borders the Adirondack Park and is just minutes from Saratoga Springs and Lake George, NY. We offer wooded tenting sites and spacious RV sites. We also have luxury cabin rentals if you need comfortable lodging but want to be closer to nature than you would be in a hotel. We have seasonal RV sites available for those who like to escape for the weekend and relax or just like to be close to the action for the summer season. We have several tent sites as well as cabins and rv sites! 3 Night minimum for Holiday weekends including July 4th and Labor Day. 2 night minimum on weekends, but sometimes we can make an exception if it's short notice and there are sites available.

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

from

$40

/ night

Brookview Cabin

2. Brookview Cabin

99%

(77)

3 sites · Tents, Lodging · Lewis, NY

Off grid 10X14 cabin queen bed, solar power battery for charging small devices , coffee pot, toaster, grill with side burner for cooking, outside sink, hot outdoor shower, outhouse, fire pit, picnic table, no smoking, space heater for those cool nights, access to Mountain Brook, close to Adk Peaks . hiking ,biking ,ferry to VT 10 mi info, call or txt 5189353618.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$50

/ night

Tent camping next to private pond

3. Tent camping next to private pond

100%

(47)

1 site · Tent, RV · Ballston Lake, NY

Learn more about this land:The campsite is next to a private pond with fishing allowed. Outhouse on site. There are short trails around the property that connect to a bike path that runs the length of Ballston lake which has public boat launch, 2 popular restaurants and a fishing pier. Popular kayak destination. Saratoga race track 20 min. drive. Questions call (518)817-2410

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Toilets

Campfires

from

$65

/ night

Adirondack Rustic Retreat

4. Adirondack Rustic Retreat

100%

(69)

2 sites · Lodging · North Creek, NY

As far as we know, this land has been occupied since shortly after the civil war.  It is actually two farms, combined into one around 1900. The main farmhouse was built out of the logs they cleared in 1879, and there are old foundations of the other original farm houses/barns as well.  All over the property (now woods) there are piles of stones that the original inhabitants pulled from the fields. The second farm house was built in 1901. Most of the total 240 acres were cleared pasture land at that time.  During the twenties and thirties the property was owned by an industrious couple from the City that lovingly turned it into more of a "rustic retreat"; damming a pond, planting ornamentals and upgrading the buildings.  There have been many owners over the years, but we are proud to say it has been with us the longest.  Our family bought it in 1961 and we have been trying to be good stewards ever since.  Come and visit our little patch of wilderness!

Pets

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Campfires

from

$99

/ night

Sterling Pond

5. Sterling Pond

98%

(64)

1 site · Lodging · Parishville, NY

The camp was first built in 1905 by Dr. Goldsmith and family. The doctor and his family used the camp for summer vacations. During the winter the camp was rented out as winter hotel for loggers. Ice was harvested from the pond and stored in what is now one of the cabins. When our family bought the place, the hotel was falling down and the buildings were in disrepair. Geoffrey, the family caretaker, has spent the last few years cleaning up the site. All that remains now of the hotel is the chimney while the ice house has become a cabin and has been improved and ready for visitors. We have a double futon, small wood stove and gas burners for a cozy indoor experience. With 840 ft of pond frontage and 4.4 acres you can pitch a tent on the banks of the pond, up in the woods, or stay in the small cabin all are included in the cost of booking! Swimming and boating in the pond is obligatory. Year round fishing has long been a tradition. The spring fed pond is home to large and small mouth bass, northern pike, crappy, and blue gills. There are a number of ponds and state lands nearby. Accommodations include two outhouses and two docks so no waiting. There is a canoe and rowboat available and life jackets. The camp is car accessible Mid-May to the end of September. There are summer cottages across the pond but not much happening on our side. Cedar Lodge, the nearest bar/restaurant, is about 5 minutes away and very popular all year round. The closest gas station and convenience store is about 20 minutes in the village of Parishville.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$75

/ night

1 site · Lodging · Parishville, NY

The camp was first built in 1905 by Dr. Goldsmith and family. The doctor and his family used the camp for summer vacations. During the winter the camp was rented out as winter hotel for loggers. Ice was harvested from the pond and stored in what is now one of the cabins. When our family bought the place, the hotel was falling down and the buildings were in disrepair. Geoffrey, the family caretaker, has spent the last few years cleaning up the site. All that remains now of the hotel is the chimney while the ice house has become a cabin and has been improved and ready for visitors. We have a double futon, small wood stove and gas burners for a cozy indoor experience. With 840 ft of pond frontage and 4.4 acres you can pitch a tent on the banks of the pond, up in the woods, or stay in the small cabin all are included in the cost of booking! Swimming and boating in the pond is obligatory. Year round fishing has long been a tradition. The spring fed pond is home to large and small mouth bass, northern pike, crappy, and blue gills. There are a number of ponds and state lands nearby. Accommodations include two outhouses and two docks so no waiting. There is a canoe and rowboat available and life jackets. The camp is car accessible Mid-May to the end of September. There are summer cottages across the pond but not much happening on our side. Cedar Lodge, the nearest bar/restaurant, is about 5 minutes away and very popular all year round. The closest gas station and convenience store is about 20 minutes in the village of Parishville.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$75

/ night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Susie

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Adirondack Rustic Retreat

A short walk down to the pond and into the pines and you’re suddenly unaware of reality or time… Truly a beautiful piece of land. Perfect little cabin with such character. A hot wood stove to keep cozy as the falling snow blanketed the silent forest around us. Comfy sleeping pads, lights, plenty of wood, delicious water, cookware and other supplies. Outhouse was so clean and honestly adorable lol!! Truly the peaceful escape I needed. I want to come back and experience what energy every different season offers, I’m sure they each offer magic.

M

MacKenzie

November 2025

2 nights at Adirondack Rustic Retreat

The site is beautiful. Trek to it is tough so UTV rental is recommended. Owners are responsive, accommodating, and kind. We had a great time aside from the bad weather.

B

Bumper

November 2025

2 nights at Adirondack Rustic Retreat

A really nice retreat. Really cool to use the indoor fire stove for heat. Lots to do at the site too with the kayaks, outdoor kitchen, tented seating area. Gonna come back next year during the summer!

C

Christina

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Brookview Cabin

This space was amazing! Ted was so attentive and communicative - gave us an extremely warm welcome. The cabin itself was perfect, couldn’t ask for more. The space heater kept us warm, the bed was comfy, the shower had warm water and the view was beautiful. We will be returning!

S

Spencer

October 2025

3 nights at Brookview Cabin

Perfect little cabin in the ADK’s that have all the necessities needed for a weekend away. Ted’s hospitality is superb and has great recommendations. Would certainly return!

K

Kimberly

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Brookview Cabin

Ted’s set up is the nicest place we have ever camped!! The hot shower and dish washing station was more than amazing. He provides everything you need to cook a meal & sit down to enjoy it. Ted was super nice & accommodating, checking in on us to see if we needed anything. If I ever find myself in NY again, I will 100% stay here again!

C

Carlos

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Tent camping next to private pond

Very Picturesque site with the pond and tree line beyond. Paul was a gracious host and a pleasure to deal with.

A

Antonio

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Brookview Cabin

Ted is an exceptional host with a lovely property that provides everything you could ever need for a lovely weekend camping. Show up with as little as a tent and some sleeping bags and Ted has you covered on the rest. This campsite has some of the best amenities I’ve ever experienced. From the hot shower to the stove, gazebo, and fire pit, Ted has got you covered. The campsite is also in a beautiful woods with a lovely brook nearby and great walking paths for you to get your day started with. I couldn’t recommend a campsite more than this. We will most certainly be returning.

j

jason

October 2025

20 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Rustic Barn Campground

Excellent location, so close to Saratoga Springs and Utica. We enjoyed the cozy campsite, with 30 amp service, water and sewer. Site also has toilets and showers. Matt was a great host and keeps the place in good shape.

B

Brianna

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Brookview Cabin

This was the perfect place to camp for a few days for my hiking trip! The amenities (outhouse, hot shower, firewood, pots and utensils, etc) made the stay so easy and enjoyable. Thank you guys for your hospitality, I couldn't have asked for a better campsite:)

D

Dan

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Brookview Cabin

The tent site on Ted’s land was perfect ! He is great host and takes care of his sites. Close driving to tons of good trails and hikes . If you have any questions he is quick to answer and very helpful. Highly recommend if you are staying in the high peaks area.

R

Robert

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Adirondack Rustic Retreat

We had a great stay here at the end of September with our dog. The property is beautiful. The place is really peaceful - just the sound of owls at night, no traffic noise at all. There's virtually no light pollution, so we had a really nice view of the stars at night. The beach area was well equipped with a fire pit, propane grill, basic utensils, tiki torches and even a screen room so you can eat without being bothered by bugs (though that wasn't really a problem when we were there). The cabin was cozy too. Overall, a very nice experience. We would love to come back again.

G

Gary

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Rustic Barn Campground

Very cool spot. Do be advised that they have weddings and events until 10:00 pm, so there is a bit of noise and music, but nothing too disturbing. Very friendly welcome, free firewood. I got to pitch my tent on a well built platform, which helped reduce the September chill.

G

Greg

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sterling Pond

The cabin and location were exactly what we were looking for. A great stay. Hope to come back in the future.

Elice

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Sterling Pond

I loved this location! Despite being Labor Day weekend the lake wasn’t too busy. My pups loved how spacious it was and loved hanging out in the water! A perfect weekend escape for us. We will definitely be back.

J

Joe

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Brookview Cabin

Camping at brookside campsite was fantastic. There was a kitchen with camp stove and fuel and the basics you need for any cooking, so you don’t even have to pack up your kitchen kit unless you’re trying to do something fancy. Nice outhouse and shower with hot water. The stream was really nice and peaceful and I would have liked to play around in it a little if the weather had been warmer. Good proximity to tons of hiking (about 40 minute drive to Adirondack loj) and the property is big enough to wander around yourself. The hosts were also fantastic. Ted gave a some great food and activity recommendations and was overall enjoyable to talk with when I got there. Would definitely consider camping here again next time I’m in the high peaks region.

A

Alex

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Brookview Cabin

Ted and Sue have an incredible cabin with everything you need. Amazing hospitality, made us feel right at home and appreciate the recommendations to everything near by and in town. The cabin was so intentionally put together, and our favorite memory was watching the famous Adirondack night skyline with star with a campfire. Thank you Ted and Sue, we will be back soon!

J

Julie

September 2025

With pets

4 nights at Adirondack Rustic Retreat

Our 2nd time at this camp, and we love it. So wekk supplied, it's peaceful and quiet.

T

Tracie

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Rustic Barn Campground

Very beautiful property!! The stars were amazing, there’s a fire pit and picnic table at each site, and there is a porta potty or bathrooms you can go to that are super clean. I would stay here again.

K

Kristin

August 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Rustic Barn Campground

Quiet. Convenient. The price is right and the amenities are great. We had a nice flat spot for our truck’s roof nest. Tent sites are well spaced.