The best waterside camping near Lake Placid

·

Nestled in the Adirondacks, this New York village blends natural beauty and outdoor adventure for memorable camping. The mountain air and cool summers made Lake Placid a premier vacation destination during the Gilded Age. But you don't need a big budget to pitch a tent, cast a fishing line or launch a canoe into the tranquil waters.

The town itself is really between two lakes: Lake Placid and Lake Mirror. The latter is named for its clear waters, offering stunning views from a kayak or canoe. Not far from downtown is the public beach. The sandy shore is excellent for swimming, with a dock and diving platforms.

Lake Placid has hosted two winter Olympics. Today, the former facilities are open to the public. You can bobsled with a pro driver down the Olympic track, or take in the view from the 120-meter tall ski jump.

Explore the Brewster Peninsula nature trails while you're in town. The easy loops pass through quiet pine groves and hug the southern shore of Lake Placid.

Experienced hikers should consider pitching a tent at Meadowbrook campground. About 4 miles from town, the grounds are right next to the Scarface trailhead and close to the Haystack Mountain trail.

If you prefer to camp closer to town, check out the private campgrounds and camping cabins. These are also your best bets for creature comforts like Wi-Fi, as well as electrical hook-ups for RVs.

First-rate trout fishing can be found on the West Branch Ausable River. Get an early morning start by spending the night at the Wilmington Notch campground. Several tent sites are a stone's throw from the river, and the facilities cover basics like hot showers. The grounds are close to Veterans' Memorial Highway, a scenic drive leading to the top of Whiteface Mountain.

Saranac Lake is about 10 miles west, but well worth the trip for kayakers. There are four lakes here connected by locks, making it ideal for all-day exploring in small craft. The Saranac Lake Islands campground puts you right on the water. Most of the sites are primitive but include several tiny islands that you can call your own for the night.

98% (1.9K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Come on in

1. Adirondack Adventure Base

99%
(75)
23mi from Lake Placid · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Paul Smiths, NY
Overlook Lean-To, Treehouse, primitive campsites, and so much more! This is glamping at its finest. Our property was originally used as a seasonal hunting/fishing camp in the 1920's. Sheila and Bob bought it in the early 80s and have turned it into an amazing compound built for their family. They blinked their eyes and their children are gone, so this beautiful 50 acre diverse property and its private trail system are meant to be shared. Nestled in a mature, private pine forest, this well cared for property boasts abundant wildlife and a network of walking, skiing and mountain biking trails which take you past wetlands, cliffs and a variety of forest types. They have all kinds of lodging options from a beautiful vacation cabin they rent, to an Adk lean-to, to a Treehouse, and primitive campsites. You'll find a little bit for everyone at Adirondack Adventure Base.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$75
 / night
Bridgeview Harbour Marina Lakefront View of sailboats on Lake Champlain at sunrise

2. Bridgeview Harbour Marina

95%
(98)
31mi from Lake Placid · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Port Henry, NY
Bridgeview Harbour Marina is a family owned and operated full service marina, event space, and camping area on the Adirondack shore of Lake Champlain. Established in 2020 the Marina provides seasonal and overnight slips and moorings to boaters, fisherman, and lake-goers, three camp sites, and an on-site cafe. Marina services are available May thru October each year, with other events and services available throughout the year. The marina is set on 33 acres along Lake Champlain and hosts ~4150 feet of lake-frontage, it is accessible via car, boat, or via the adjacent Amtrak rail line. Prior to becoming a marina in 1989, the property was home to a very large Iron Foundry, rail yard, and barge-loading operation known as Cedar Point. Cedar point, part of the larger Witherbee-Sherman Mining Company, operated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries smelting iron ore to be shipped throughout the world via the Lake Champlain Canal and Hudson River, and is credited with providing iron to some of America's leading projects at the time. Some remains of the sites industrious past can be observed throughout the property. From Father's Day to Labor Day, the Marina hosts the Port Henry Waterfront Farmers' Market every Friday between 5PM and 8PM. The Market features farms, makers, artists, food trucks and Live Music every week
Pets
Toilets
Full Hookups
from 
$40
 / night
View from camp site of Lake George

3. Romantic Lake George View!

88%
(32)
44mi from Lake Placid · 1 site · Tent · Ticonderoga, NY
Learn more about this land:Are you ready for Breathtaking Beauty and Refreshing Mountain Air? Located in the Eastern Adirondacks in the beautiful town of Hague, New York this is an ideal setting for the ultimate romantic camping experience. With incredible views of the Adirondack Mountains and stunning views of Lake George, enjoy this rustic experience high atop your own private camping area. Let the crackle of a campfire and the soothing sounds of an evening in the woods stimulate your senses. Encapsulate yourself in this experience by spending your anniversary high atop this camping retreat or surprise your sweetheart by proposing with the picturesque beauty of Lake George as your backdrop. Enjoy roasting s’mores in the fire ring provided or relax while you and your sweetheart gaze at the stars. The acreage is bordered by the Hague Brook on one side and it is nestled against 51 acres of state land behind the camp site. There is also a quaint stream running through the property as well. Enjoy a nice hike up to the camping area accompanied by guide ropes. There are nearby activities (see list) with easy access to scenic drives, historic sites, and attractions. Great for families with children 8 years and above. Don’t forget to check out the Hague Brook waterfall a few minutes’ walk on route 8.*This camp site is only accessible on foot and is 190 ft hike from the parking spot. You must be able to use ropes to hike up a 50-60 degree incline. This is not appropriate for small children. You will want to get there during daylight hours so you can safely find the site.Fun Facts: * Benjamin Franklin camped in Hague twice during the American Revolution. *Sam Ackerman discovered natural graphite in the area in 1887 the basis for the Ticonderoga No. 2 pencil. See Graphite Mountain. *Major Robert Rogers made his historic escape sliding down what is now famously known as Roger’s slide.Nearby Activities: Fire House Restaurant (transformed from a real firehouse), a deli and convenience store, Maplefields Gas that offers hot showers, Hague Town Beach with lifeguard, and playground all within walking distance, Elephant Rock, Rogers Rock State Park Day Use area, Buck Mountain, Five Nations Miniature Golf, LaChute River Walk, hiking, a boat dock at the beach where you can rent or bring your own boat or jet ski, kayaking, canoeing, parasailing, fireworks on Lake George, concerts, arts and crafts. Don’t forget to check out the Hague Brook waterfall a few minutes walk on route 8 across the street from the property.Amenities: Bathrooms at Hague Town Beach (300 yards away) Passive water collection via blue rain barrel (not suitable for drinking), A shower platform is provided.  You will need to bring a shower bag and tent system or the beach is minutes away.  Picnic Table Insulated Tent Platform approx. 16x12 with D rings and astro turf.   A Fire Ring surrounded with bench seating Plenty of down trees for firewood Level parking, right off the road Rake, shovel, and broom provided for use while on property Items you will need to bring: Solar Shower Bag and Tent system.  Be sure to bring Gloves and sneakers for the hike Garbage bags and ability to pack out garbage Drinking Water Bug Spray And all other necessary camping needs not included in Amenities list. *If you forget anything, the convenience store is at the bottom of property, across street. They have a deli, grocery items, and camping supplies. You will love this rustic retreat nestled high above the babbling Hague Brook with its majestic views of the Adirondack Mountains and its beautiful view of the crystal clear waters of Lake George. Perfect for any nature lover or the romantic in you. Be sure to book now and discover your own little piece of heaven in historic Hague, New York. This is truly the best private camp site overlooking Lake George! Come share our little piece of paradise!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$55
 / night
a beautiful spot for a nighttime swim

4. Grand Isle State Park

67%
(3)
74 sites · Vermont
As the name would suggest, Grand Isle State Park is located on an island. Of all the islands on Lake Champlain its home, South Hero, is the beefiest of the bunch, at 14 miles long and 3 miles wide. Not to worry, no paddling is necessary to get there. The park is easily accessible from Route 2, which runs right through South Hero and is only a 1/2-hour drive from Burlington. Grand Isle has the second largest state campground in Vermont, hosting many tent and RV sites, lean-to sites, and a few sweet cabin sites. Of its 226 acres, 4,150 feet run along the lake’s pristine shoreline where there are endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation. And if you’re more into the idea of “getting away,” but actually have a millennial meltdown if you don’t check your ‘Gram every hour, then you’ll love Grand Isle! Equipped with an on-site Wi-Fi cafe, you can post as many #nofilter nature shots as you want (becoming the envy of all your city friends). So move over Manhattan, there’s a new isle in town.
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
Doll our paint draft Horse she is the oldest, with several of our donkeys

5. Kickin' Up Dust Farm

100%
(27)
29mi from Lake Placid · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging · Schuyler Falls, NY
Welcome to Our Charming Working Farm Retreat Nestled among towering pines and teeming with wildlife, our property offers a peaceful and adventurous getaway. Bordering the scenic Macomb State Park and just a short stroll from Davis Lake, it's the perfect place to reconnect with nature. 🌿 Outdoor Fun for All Ages Expansive playground and thrilling zip-line Disc golf, horseshoes, and kayaking Miles of hiking trails through pristine forest 🐾 Meet Our Friendly Animals Come say hello to our beloved donkeys, horses, goats, alpacas, and a delightful variety of birds. They're always happy to greet visitors! 🌄 Rustic Charm Meets Adventure Whether you're here to relax or explore, our farm is full of character and surrounded by natural beauty. Trails galore await your next adventure.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night

Nestled in the Adirondacks, this New York village blends natural beauty and outdoor adventure for memorable camping. The mountain air and cool summers made Lake Placid a premier vacation destination during the Gilded Age. But you don't need a big budget to pitch a tent, cast a fishing line or launch a canoe into the tranquil waters.

The town itself is really between two lakes: Lake Placid and Lake Mirror. The latter is named for its clear waters, offering stunning views from a kayak or canoe. Not far from downtown is the public beach. The sandy shore is excellent for swimming, with a dock and diving platforms.

Lake Placid has hosted two winter Olympics. Today, the former facilities are open to the public. You can bobsled with a pro driver down the Olympic track, or take in the view from the 120-meter tall ski jump.

Explore the Brewster Peninsula nature trails while you're in town. The easy loops pass through quiet pine groves and hug the southern shore of Lake Placid.

Experienced hikers should consider pitching a tent at Meadowbrook campground. About 4 miles from town, the grounds are right next to the Scarface trailhead and close to the Haystack Mountain trail.

If you prefer to camp closer to town, check out the private campgrounds and camping cabins. These are also your best bets for creature comforts like Wi-Fi, as well as electrical hook-ups for RVs.

First-rate trout fishing can be found on the West Branch Ausable River. Get an early morning start by spending the night at the Wilmington Notch campground. Several tent sites are a stone's throw from the river, and the facilities cover basics like hot showers. The grounds are close to Veterans' Memorial Highway, a scenic drive leading to the top of Whiteface Mountain.

Saranac Lake is about 10 miles west, but well worth the trip for kayakers. There are four lakes here connected by locks, making it ideal for all-day exploring in small craft. The Saranac Lake Islands campground puts you right on the water. Most of the sites are primitive but include several tiny islands that you can call your own for the night.

98% (1.9K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Come on in

1. Adirondack Adventure Base

99%
(75)
23mi from Lake Placid · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Paul Smiths, NY
Overlook Lean-To, Treehouse, primitive campsites, and so much more! This is glamping at its finest. Our property was originally used as a seasonal hunting/fishing camp in the 1920's. Sheila and Bob bought it in the early 80s and have turned it into an amazing compound built for their family. They blinked their eyes and their children are gone, so this beautiful 50 acre diverse property and its private trail system are meant to be shared. Nestled in a mature, private pine forest, this well cared for property boasts abundant wildlife and a network of walking, skiing and mountain biking trails which take you past wetlands, cliffs and a variety of forest types. They have all kinds of lodging options from a beautiful vacation cabin they rent, to an Adk lean-to, to a Treehouse, and primitive campsites. You'll find a little bit for everyone at Adirondack Adventure Base.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$75
 / night
Bridgeview Harbour Marina Lakefront View of sailboats on Lake Champlain at sunrise

2. Bridgeview Harbour Marina

95%
(98)
31mi from Lake Placid · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Port Henry, NY
Bridgeview Harbour Marina is a family owned and operated full service marina, event space, and camping area on the Adirondack shore of Lake Champlain. Established in 2020 the Marina provides seasonal and overnight slips and moorings to boaters, fisherman, and lake-goers, three camp sites, and an on-site cafe. Marina services are available May thru October each year, with other events and services available throughout the year. The marina is set on 33 acres along Lake Champlain and hosts ~4150 feet of lake-frontage, it is accessible via car, boat, or via the adjacent Amtrak rail line. Prior to becoming a marina in 1989, the property was home to a very large Iron Foundry, rail yard, and barge-loading operation known as Cedar Point. Cedar point, part of the larger Witherbee-Sherman Mining Company, operated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries smelting iron ore to be shipped throughout the world via the Lake Champlain Canal and Hudson River, and is credited with providing iron to some of America's leading projects at the time. Some remains of the sites industrious past can be observed throughout the property. From Father's Day to Labor Day, the Marina hosts the Port Henry Waterfront Farmers' Market every Friday between 5PM and 8PM. The Market features farms, makers, artists, food trucks and Live Music every week
Pets
Toilets
Full Hookups
from 
$40
 / night
View from camp site of Lake George

3. Romantic Lake George View!

88%
(32)
44mi from Lake Placid · 1 site · Tent · Ticonderoga, NY
Learn more about this land:Are you ready for Breathtaking Beauty and Refreshing Mountain Air? Located in the Eastern Adirondacks in the beautiful town of Hague, New York this is an ideal setting for the ultimate romantic camping experience. With incredible views of the Adirondack Mountains and stunning views of Lake George, enjoy this rustic experience high atop your own private camping area. Let the crackle of a campfire and the soothing sounds of an evening in the woods stimulate your senses. Encapsulate yourself in this experience by spending your anniversary high atop this camping retreat or surprise your sweetheart by proposing with the picturesque beauty of Lake George as your backdrop. Enjoy roasting s’mores in the fire ring provided or relax while you and your sweetheart gaze at the stars. The acreage is bordered by the Hague Brook on one side and it is nestled against 51 acres of state land behind the camp site. There is also a quaint stream running through the property as well. Enjoy a nice hike up to the camping area accompanied by guide ropes. There are nearby activities (see list) with easy access to scenic drives, historic sites, and attractions. Great for families with children 8 years and above. Don’t forget to check out the Hague Brook waterfall a few minutes’ walk on route 8.*This camp site is only accessible on foot and is 190 ft hike from the parking spot. You must be able to use ropes to hike up a 50-60 degree incline. This is not appropriate for small children. You will want to get there during daylight hours so you can safely find the site.Fun Facts: * Benjamin Franklin camped in Hague twice during the American Revolution. *Sam Ackerman discovered natural graphite in the area in 1887 the basis for the Ticonderoga No. 2 pencil. See Graphite Mountain. *Major Robert Rogers made his historic escape sliding down what is now famously known as Roger’s slide.Nearby Activities: Fire House Restaurant (transformed from a real firehouse), a deli and convenience store, Maplefields Gas that offers hot showers, Hague Town Beach with lifeguard, and playground all within walking distance, Elephant Rock, Rogers Rock State Park Day Use area, Buck Mountain, Five Nations Miniature Golf, LaChute River Walk, hiking, a boat dock at the beach where you can rent or bring your own boat or jet ski, kayaking, canoeing, parasailing, fireworks on Lake George, concerts, arts and crafts. Don’t forget to check out the Hague Brook waterfall a few minutes walk on route 8 across the street from the property.Amenities: Bathrooms at Hague Town Beach (300 yards away) Passive water collection via blue rain barrel (not suitable for drinking), A shower platform is provided.  You will need to bring a shower bag and tent system or the beach is minutes away.  Picnic Table Insulated Tent Platform approx. 16x12 with D rings and astro turf.   A Fire Ring surrounded with bench seating Plenty of down trees for firewood Level parking, right off the road Rake, shovel, and broom provided for use while on property Items you will need to bring: Solar Shower Bag and Tent system.  Be sure to bring Gloves and sneakers for the hike Garbage bags and ability to pack out garbage Drinking Water Bug Spray And all other necessary camping needs not included in Amenities list. *If you forget anything, the convenience store is at the bottom of property, across street. They have a deli, grocery items, and camping supplies. You will love this rustic retreat nestled high above the babbling Hague Brook with its majestic views of the Adirondack Mountains and its beautiful view of the crystal clear waters of Lake George. Perfect for any nature lover or the romantic in you. Be sure to book now and discover your own little piece of heaven in historic Hague, New York. This is truly the best private camp site overlooking Lake George! Come share our little piece of paradise!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$55
 / night
a beautiful spot for a nighttime swim

4. Grand Isle State Park

67%
(3)
74 sites · Vermont
As the name would suggest, Grand Isle State Park is located on an island. Of all the islands on Lake Champlain its home, South Hero, is the beefiest of the bunch, at 14 miles long and 3 miles wide. Not to worry, no paddling is necessary to get there. The park is easily accessible from Route 2, which runs right through South Hero and is only a 1/2-hour drive from Burlington. Grand Isle has the second largest state campground in Vermont, hosting many tent and RV sites, lean-to sites, and a few sweet cabin sites. Of its 226 acres, 4,150 feet run along the lake’s pristine shoreline where there are endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation. And if you’re more into the idea of “getting away,” but actually have a millennial meltdown if you don’t check your ‘Gram every hour, then you’ll love Grand Isle! Equipped with an on-site Wi-Fi cafe, you can post as many #nofilter nature shots as you want (becoming the envy of all your city friends). So move over Manhattan, there’s a new isle in town.
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
Doll our paint draft Horse she is the oldest, with several of our donkeys

5. Kickin' Up Dust Farm

100%
(27)
29mi from Lake Placid · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging · Schuyler Falls, NY
Welcome to Our Charming Working Farm Retreat Nestled among towering pines and teeming with wildlife, our property offers a peaceful and adventurous getaway. Bordering the scenic Macomb State Park and just a short stroll from Davis Lake, it's the perfect place to reconnect with nature. 🌿 Outdoor Fun for All Ages Expansive playground and thrilling zip-line Disc golf, horseshoes, and kayaking Miles of hiking trails through pristine forest 🐾 Meet Our Friendly Animals Come say hello to our beloved donkeys, horses, goats, alpacas, and a delightful variety of birds. They're always happy to greet visitors! 🌄 Rustic Charm Meets Adventure Whether you're here to relax or explore, our farm is full of character and surrounded by natural beauty. Trails galore await your next adventure.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field