Beach Camping Near Old Forge, New York, US: 12 Best Beach Campsites 2026

As New York’s signature mountain range, The Adirondacks offers campers access to all things green and tall. The beaches in Old Forge may not be as vast as the area’s High Peaks, but they’re just as scenic—and let campers experience nature at its most untouched. Old Forge intersects with the Fulton Chain of Lakes, so you’ll have your pick of campsite locations, amenities, and styles. Imagine watching a summer sunset from your waterfront cabin with a firepit, RV resort with a boat launch, or pet-friendly tent site. No matter where you stay, make sure to pack your binoculars. With the right beach rental, you’ll wake to the call of the loons…and fall asleep to a sky full of glowing stars. As for the time in-between? There’s a reason Old Forge is known as "Adirondack Base Camp." Hiking trails define the area, so your beach campsite is an unbeatable home base.

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Top-rated campgrounds

As New York’s signature mountain range, The Adirondacks offers campers access to all things green and tall. The beaches in Old Forge may not be as vast as the area’s High Peaks, but they’re just as scenic—and let campers experience nature at its most untouched. Old Forge intersects with the Fulton Chain of Lakes, so you’ll have your pick of campsite locations, amenities, and styles. Imagine watching a summer sunset from your waterfront cabin with a firepit, RV resort with a boat launch, or pet-friendly tent site. No matter where you stay, make sure to pack your binoculars. With the right beach rental, you’ll wake to the call of the loons…and fall asleep to a sky full of glowing stars. As for the time in-between? There’s a reason Old Forge is known as "Adirondack Base Camp." Hiking trails define the area, so your beach campsite is an unbeatable home base.

99% (65)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Mountaineer Campground @Massawepie

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42mi from Old Forge · 18 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Tupper Lake, NY

Located on a 3,769 acre property with a private, mile-long lake, miles of hiking trails, and endless opportunity for outdoor adventure—Camp Mountaineer is one of the Adirondack’s best-kept secrets. Located at the historic Massawepie Scout Camps in Piercefield, NY, Mountaineer can serve as your vacation spot, home away from home, or gateway to Adirondack exploration. Camp Mountaineer is located at Massawepie Scout Camps, 65 Massawepie Road in Piercefield, NY - just west of Tupper Lake. The campground features a variety of camping options to suit your group’s needs—cabins, RV sites, tent sites, and group campsites are all available. Various amenities are provided to make your stay even more enjoyable. Situated in the North Central Adirondacks, Camp Mountaineer provides an opportunity for great on-site outdoor recreation as well as a jumping off point to adventures throughout the Adirondack Park. The facilities and services available at Camp Mountaineer make this a great choice for your family or groups’ adventure. Camp Mountaineer is owned and operated by the Seneca Waterways Council, Boy Scouts of America headquartered in Rochester, NY. First opened as a Scout camp in 1953, Mountaineer now serves as a campground equipped to suit your group’s needs. Any group can make a reservation. Our 2025 Rental Season runs July 3-August 9

2. The Pines Lakeside Canoe & Camping

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49mi from Old Forge · 1 site · Tent · Stony Creek, NY

Enjoy a secluded lakeside campsite with two points of water access. There are no other sites on this 13 acre property, so it's very private. Complimentary canoe and stand up paddle boards for your use. New York State hiking trails just one mile down the road, plus lots of other activities like rail biking and rafting a short drive away. The campsite is just 100 steps down a well-marked trail accessible from the parking spot. Pitch your tent on the elevated platform encircled in pine trees with a view of the lake. Next to the tent area you’ll find a solar shower, picnic table, Cleanwaste toilet in outhouse, fire pit and Adirondack chairs. The site comes equipped ample firewood, fire starters, and many kitchen items including plates, bowls, utensils, cups, frying pan, can opener, wine opener, salt and pepper, cooking tongs, dish wash basin, and dish soap. Please note, that during Mother's Day and Father's Day is black fly season in the Adirondacks. Difficult to predict, but good to be aware of.

3. Beaver Camp

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15mi from Old Forge · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Lowville, NY

Nestled in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York, this 87-acre expanse of forest, streams, and lake is the perfect escape from the business of life. Located in the Adirondack State Park directly on Beaver Lake, we have access to the lake and Beaver River flow and the wide expanse of forests and trails of the park. With heated cabins, water and electric RV sites, and outdoor tenting areas, we provide a camping experience that can be tailored to fit the needs of small and large groups. Whether it's cozying up around the fire in one of our indoor lounging areas; pitching a tent at our outpost camp lean-to site in the middle of the woods; sipping complimentary hot chocolate, coffee, or tea as you watch the sunrise over the lake; or hiking through the woods (or across the lake when its frozen over) and watching the wildlife, Beaver Camp offers a great opportunity to unplug and soak in the peace and quiet of nature.

4. Whetstone Gulf State Park

57 sites · Turin, New York

Upstate may be the best part of New York and you’ll find out why at Whetstone Beach State Park. Set in one of the prettiest gorges in the East, you’ll have access to hiking and biking trails, swimming, and playgrounds that are fun for e’rebody! Hike up the gorge for world class fishing in the reservoir and when the day is done relax under the starry sky in one of the wooded campgrounds.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Delta Lake State Park

101 sites · Rome, New York

Swim, fish, and hike around a secluded lake in the middle of New York.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds near Old Forge

Whetstone Gulf State Campground

26mi from Old Forge · 57 sites · Tents, RVs · in Whetstone Gulf State Park

Delta Lake State Park Campground

38mi from Old Forge · 101 sites · Tents, RVs · in Delta Lake State Park

Stories from the community

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Amma

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at The Pines Lakeside Canoe & Camping

Nothing but a wonderful experience. The camp site was beautiful with so many thoughtful components and little touches; they even had drinking water. It’s better than a hotel for someone who likes camping. You really only need to bring your tent and food. Site was Equipped with fire wood, wooden platform to set up your tent, and the picnic table area was also covered. The outhouse was very clean. At the lakeside the fire pit area was perfect. Many seats to choose from. You can sit down by the lake or at the fire pit and see the beautiful mountain across the lake or just adore the lake itself. We also used the canoe to paddle around the lake. I swam twice at the beach area. Water was clean and warm. The owners were very kind and all the instructions were thought of. I would give 11/10. Recommend wholeheartedly.

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Kirsten

August 2025

Tent

With pets

4 nights at The Pines Lakeside Canoe & Camping

We loved camping here at our little whimsical oasis! The pups had a great time exploring the property and we loved that there were different sections (sleep section, camp fire section, beach section and our palm little trail). We would definitely stay here again if looking to camp in the area.

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Christopher

August 2025

Tent

6 nights at The Pines Lakeside Canoe & Camping

Exceptional experience! Everything has been thought of to make your stay easy and wonderful! This is an exceptionally private and very serene location. I couldn’t have been more pleased!

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Ben

August 2025

3 nights at Mountaineer Campground @Massawepie

Dix cabin is great! I would definitely go back again. It’s very secluded (about a mile off-road), far away from other sites- so very private, and had everything necessary for one or two people. It’s a nice bonus that you have access to all the campground facilities (including boats for the lake). The camp caretaker was also very friendly and helpful.

Joshua

August 2025

20 ft pop-up camper

With kids

2 nights at Mountaineer Campground @Massawepie

Such a great find! This campsite was really awesome and you get so much for the price. We stayed in an RV site and had plenty of tree buffer between us and the next site. The bathrooms were nearby and this direct access to miles of beautiful hiking trail right at the site. We also had a lot of fun at their beach and rec center. We are definitely interested in coming back.

From rear of pad. Power and water to the left rear corner. Behind me is a path down to the “White Trail” which loops the lake. And you can see the lake.

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Scott

August 2025

30 ft travel trailer

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Mountaineer Campground @Massawepie

Massawepie holds a special place in our scouting family. Kids attended and worked there, adults attended as leaders. The hip camp portion is on the old scout camp known as Camp Mountaineer. The Rv sites are basic with 30amp power and water. The waterfront is basic but functional. There are shower houses and a recreation building with games and hang out area. They have only been renting “Family Camp/Camp Mountianeer” for a few years. Every year we return for a few nights to drop off or pickup a scout at a camp Pioneer down the lake. Every year the facilities and offerings are better. The only issue we have is the dump station is poorly designed and difficult to dump at because of its location at the top of a small rise in the parking lot. It is impossible to have the trailer level at the dump station. The sewer inlet is also recessed in a box that makes it so you have to continuously lift the sewer hose to get the black and gray tanks flow over the edge of the box.

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nadya

July 2025

With kids

3 nights at Mountaineer Campground @Massawepie

It's a beautiful secluded lake down a half a mile road. Just bring your own bedding and enjoy the nature with no wifi. The owner is helpful and the area is not far from Tupper lake.

r

robert

July 2025

1 night at Mountaineer Campground @Massawepie

The facility is excellent--wild, peaceful and lots to do. Campground host , mr. matt, is a great person and will help you in any way. Showers and cabins are good, some better than others since they are still upgrading as much as possible on what funds are available. Lake is sandy and warm. thank you

K

Kylee

July 2025

Tent

4 nights at Mountaineer Campground @Massawepie

We loved the views, the beach, the Rec Center with so many games. We hope to be back!

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ceejay612

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Mountaineer Campground @Massawepie

We tent camp at Colden campsite. The booking was easy and the communication was excellent. The site was a nice open field in the woods within a short walk to showers and latrines. There was a stone fire ring and picnic table on the site.

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Katelyn

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Mountaineer Campground @Massawepie

It was nice having running water (+ shower) for me who hadn't camped in over 25 years! Trails clearly marked to get to rec hall and beach. The check in process was easy enough. Glad I had my Jeep to get up the hills to the cabin!

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Judith

July 2025

25 ft Class C

7 nights at Mountaineer Campground @Massawepie

This is a great campground on a beautiful lake in walking distance of rare, huge bog. There is lots of scout activity across the lake so don’t be surprised by yelling and cheering, especially in the evenings. There are also day campers who use the area. The hot showers are a nice touch.

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Jennifer

July 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mountaineer Campground @Massawepie

Lovely, clean, quiet, beautiful camp. We loved it!

Jerry

July 2025

Tent

2 nights at Mountaineer Campground @Massawepie

Peace and quiet with a lot of wood for an inexpensive price. Great place to go and rejuvenate the mind and body. Thank you

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Cindy

July 2025

2 nights at Mountaineer Campground @Massawepie

Perfect little cabin for our needs! Enjoyed the quiet and privacy. Would stay again.

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A'Brianna

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Mountaineer Campground @Massawepie

Nice quiet spot, with a bit of privacy on a lovely family campground! Would definitely return for a longer stay to enjoy the lake and rec hall

K

Kathleen

July 2025

26 ft Class A

With pets

2 nights at Mountaineer Campground @Massawepie

The RV spots were far apart with lots of trees. There was a nice walking trail right behind the campsite. It was lovely and peaceful. Matt was very nice and helpful. It was a pleasure to camp at an old oy Scout site!

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Brad

July 2025

2 nights at Mountaineer Campground @Massawepie

Excellent, clean cabin. Quiet on a beautiful lake.

Skylight exterior (refurbished Trading Store)

Jeanne

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Mountaineer Campground @Massawepie

Very spacious, great immenities, lots of things to do

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Dorie

July 2025

Group trip

3 nights at Mountaineer Campground @Massawepie

We loved camping at Whiteface Lodge until the day we left and the our neighbors next to us, swore at us and used the f*** word multlple times. Pretty sad you can’t even have a nice weekend getaways with your friends and laugh, without people trying to ruin it. Were we loud yes, but at 10pm we were quiet and respectful. We enjoyed ourselves the last few years, but now it is becoming to busy.