Beach camping near Long Lake with horseback riding

At the heart of the Adirondacks, Long Lake has an outdoor adventure to suit all tastes, whether you prefer forest walks, water sports, or backcountry mountain hikes. There are myriad ways to get on the water—BYOB (bring your own boat) or join a dinner cruise or seaplane flight, paddle the lakes and rivers in a kayak, or zip along the shore on a jet-ski. Miles of Adirondack trails provide opportunities for hiking, as well as snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in winter. State campgrounds and private campsites dot the shores of the 14-mile lake, or go backcountry camping around neighboring Raquette Lake.

Western Foothills

West of Long Lake, a string of lakes run through the heart of the Western Foothills, hemmed in by lowland forests and wilderness areas. There are options for RV campers around Old Forge and Inlet, or you can seek out remote backcountry campsites throughout the Moose River Plains. To the south, hikers exploring the West Canada Lakes Wilderness Area can camp in tents or shelters, while nearby Indian Lake has island campsites open throughout summer. 

High Peaks

Hiking nirvana lies east of Long Lake. This mountainous region is home to the 46 Adirondack ‘High Peaks’, the tallest of which—Mt Marcy and Algonquin Peak—reach over 5,000 feet. Backcountry hiking and camping in the High Peaks Wilderness Area is a thrill, but come prepared, as trails are rugged and there are no developed campsites. 

North-Western Lakes

North of the High Peaks, Saranac Lake is a bustling hub for campers, where you can enjoy water sports in summer, woodland walks in fall, and snowmobiling in winter. Reserve early if you want to camp on the lake’s islands—they can book up months in advance. Further north, the Saint Regis Canoe Area is a forest-fringed wilderness where you can paddle through the wetlands and camp out at primitive sites reachable only by water.  

May through August is the busiest season at Long Lake, but the lakeside town is open for business year-round. Come in summer to swim and boat, in fall to admire the rainbow of foliage along the forest trails, or in winter to hit the ski slopes. Many campgrounds in the Adirondacks are open only from April through September, but RV camping and backcountry camping is possible year-round. 

• Long Lake has grocery stores, restaurants, and shops selling camping and fishing supplies. 
• Tick season runs from April through September in the Long Lake region, so cover up when hiking and check for ticks after outdoor activities.
• There is no fee to enter Adirondack Park, but state campgrounds charge a fee, and many require reservations. A New York State Fishing License is required for fishing.
• Backcountry camping is allowed on state forest land through Adirondack Park, but camping is not allowed within 150 feet of any road, trail, or body of water unless otherwise marked.