The best mountainous campgrounds near Old Forge, New York

Known as “Adirondack Base Camp,” the New York hamlet of Old Forge is the perfect place to set off on adventures around the Central Adirondack region and Adirondack Park. The town boasts easy access to outdoor activities, from skiing and stand-up paddleboarding to hiking to the summit of Bald Mountain and biking or skiing on McCauley Mountain. Those who want to set up camp will find plenty of nearby options.

98% (149)

Top-rated campgrounds

Known as “Adirondack Base Camp,” the New York hamlet of Old Forge is the perfect place to set off on adventures around the Central Adirondack region and Adirondack Park. The town boasts easy access to outdoor activities, from skiing and stand-up paddleboarding to hiking to the summit of Bald Mountain and biking or skiing on McCauley Mountain. Those who want to set up camp will find plenty of nearby options.

98% (149)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Birch's Lakeside Campground/Marina

96%

(38)

36mi from Old Forge · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cranberry Lake, NY

Located on the shores of the 3rd largest lake in the Adirondack Park you will find Birch's Lakeside General Store, Campground and Marina. Nightly and Seasonal RV/Tent Campsites, bring your boat and park at the marina to access the lake, hike the Cranberry 50 or Bear Mountain, excellent fishing, stargaze, Children/Dog Friendly. Combined 28 RV/Tent sites available, 40 Marina Slips.

2. Mountaineer Campground @Massawepie

98%

(41)

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

3. The Pines Lakeside Canoe & Camping

100%

(29)

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.

4. Luisa Woods

43mi from Old Forge · 1 site · Tent · Camden , NY

built in 2006 lost luisa to cancer in 2013 ....it all about her 💖🪶 Learn more about this land: Tent camping; cabin nearby for emergencies. note that camping inside the cabin is not permitted only on the decks the lower deck and the upper deck this reason is for shelter From the elements.... the Outhouse on the deck is not for public use except for an extreme emergencies I'm try to have yourself some kind of portable toilet or dig a hole.... a porta potty is available at no extra cost but if you feel it you have to empty it and maintain its cleanliness

5. Camp Benjamin

100%

(37)

20mi from Old Forge · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Boonville, NY

This 9-Acre Permaculture farm project, which includes fruit & nut trees, annual and perennial gardens, chickens, vermiculture, rainwater catchment systems. Property offers walking trails, camping areas with fire pits. Seasonal Concerts & Events... Property is a Certified Wildlife Habitat.

6. Reflections Homestead

100%

(19)

29mi from Old Forge · 4 sites · Lodging · Cold Brook, NY

I am Karl and with my wife Danielle together we own 15 acres of peacefully settled forest on the edge of over 10,000 acres of State Forest land. It is on a seasonal road. I have no registered address, but a small sign marks my access road as Jacob Lane. This is a tribute to my friends. The Amish that helped me build our off-grid cabin. It is very quiet here, but we are an active homestead and work starts at 9am every day, we do our best to be considerate and ask the same from you. The forest rangers and DEC officers that patrol here keep a tight rein on the forest and its preservation. We have one guest cabin and several places a tent or RV can park. There are no hookups. Please bring some potable water. We do have spring water available but it's a drive. I first came here about 15 years ago. I would like to try and see if others would enjoy what we have made our lives. I do like to talk and although I don't lie, stretching the truth is an artform I have perfected so be prepared. There is a state-run beach and picnic area about 3 minute drive away on the Hinkley Reservoir. And a few other bodies of water to kayak and fish. We have Kayaks for use at an extra cost. We are about 15 to 20 minutes away from the Herkimer Diamond Mines. You can bike, hike, nature watch or just enjoy the peacefulness of the tree you chose to sit against. Down and ready firewood is everywhere if you want to bend over and pick it up. You can possess firearms on the property, but you may not discharge one without prior approval unless it's to save your life or that of another. There are places not far away that you can legally shoot and enjoy yourself. There are traditional outhouses on the property and for those that know how cat holing is allowed. Ask if unsure. No dumping tanks or portable toilets anywhere and that includes the outhouses. The state of New York has facilities at campgrounds that do a proper job with that type of waste. If you stop by, I will see you. If not go find what you seek and enjoy what has been created for everyone to pursue. Happiness. Peace be with you. Karl and Danielle

7. Trailside Ranch Cabin Rentals

94%

(35)

11mi from Old Forge · 6 sites · Lodging · Glenfield, NY

YOUR CABIN IS WAITING FOR YOU! TRAILSIDERANCH IS OPEN YEAR-ROUND. This family friendly 10 acre off the grid ranch is located inside the Adirondack Park. We are at the end of Partridgeville Road and the beginning of Paradise in beautiful Brantingham NY Trailside Ranch is surrounded by the pristine 76,000-acre Independence River Wild Forest Preserve. It is linked to 65 miles of Horse trails, hundreds of miles of Snowmobile trails and to the nearly 600 miles of ATV trails. If you are looking for the full wilderness experience, you can hike right from your cabin! We also offer on-site snowmobile rentals in the winter and S x S rentals in the summer. You can hire our local guide to explore the area or if you are comfortable with a map and directions, we can give you details of some amazing scenery to see. Ask us about our rentals if you are interested in this adventure. Your time here will be something your entire family will remember for a lifetime.

8. West Bay Hideaway

8.9mi from Old Forge · 1 site · Lodging · Eagle Bay, NY

Big Moose Lake Cabin — Adirondack State Park This cozy cabin sits on the western shore of Big Moose Lake in the heart of the Adirondack State Park — the perfect spot for family vacations filled with swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. The living room features large windows with beautiful lake views. Just off the front deck, you’ll find a picnic table for outdoor dinners and a large fire pit — perfect for gathering around and roasting s’mores under the stars. The cabin includes three bedrooms: one with a queen bed and two with twin beds (two in each room). There are also two full bathrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, and a comfortable living room. Sleeps up to 7 guests. Located on the west end of the lake, the cabin offers stunning sunrises from the front deck or the dock — a peaceful way to start each day.

9. Camp Adirondack

100%

(1)

8.9mi from Old Forge · 1 site · Lodging · Old Forge, NY

The perfect Adirondack getaway. This cabin is nestled in the forest only footsteps away from the shores of historic Big Moose Lake. The property is 10 acres - 4 on the shoreline of the lake and 6 in the forest across the street. The cabin is walking distance to the lake and two area restaurants and taverns. Big Moose Lake is 4 miles long and a mile wide at it's widest point. Enjoy canoeing, kayaking, hiking, water-skiing, and swimming in the warmer months, or snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing in the winter. There are trout and bass in the lake if fishing is something you'd like to do.

10. Hannah's Birch Farm

49mi from Old Forge · 1 site · Lodging · Johnsburg, NY

Escape to the serene beauty of the Adirondacks with this charming 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom vacation home. Nestled in the heart of nature, in the south central Adirondack town of Johnsburg, this tranquil retreat offers a perfect blend of comfort & adventure for your getaway. Minutes from Gore Mountain Ski Area & North Creek, with Crane Mountain & Garnet Lake just around the corner. Nearby access to hundreds of trails, lakes and rivers make this the perfect place to begin your Adirondack Experience. The large farmhouse and home boasts five cozy bedrooms, providing ample space to comfortably sleep up to 14 guests. This is not just a rental home . This place has been in our family for 3 generations and we use it often. So it feels like a home. We are constantly improving the amenities and making it more comfortable. We are just 10 minutes from Gore Mountain Ski Area and their Nordic center and 25 minutes from Garnet Hill Cross Country Ski Center, this is the perfect place to base your winter vacation. Our own property offers plenty of fields and woods to explore on skis or snowshoes as well. After your days of adventuring unwind in the large inviting living area, complete with woodstove, a sleeper sofa, a big flat-screen TV, with many viewing options, and large windows offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, fields and forests. The open-concept layout allows for seamless flow between the living, dining, and kitchen areas, perfect for spending quality time with family and friends. Prepare delicious meals in the well-appointed kitchen, equipped with modern appliances, 1 range and an additional stove top, ample counter space, and all the essentials you need to whip up culinary delights. There is plenty of room to prepare meals for a big group. Enjoy your creations at the spacious dining table, the kitchen breakfast bar or dine al fresco on the screened-in porch. Immerse yourself in nature's beauty with the property's 164 acres, expansive outdoor spaces. Relax on the porch while taking in the fresh mountain air or gather around the fire pit for cozy evenings under the stars. The vacation home is ideally situated in the south central Adirondacks, a nature lover's paradise. Explore the nearby hiking and biking trails, discover hidden waterfalls, embark on a scenic canoeing or kayaking adventure on one of the pristine lakes: the surrounding Adirondack landscape offers endless opportunities for fishing, birding, boating, foraging and other outdoor activities. Enjoy easy access to charming towns, local restaurants, and attractions, ensuring you can make the most of your Adirondack experience. You will find a local guide we have put together to help direct you. Stay connected with high-speed internet access, and amenities such as heating (both electric and wood stove), and laundry facilities for added convenience and comfort during your stay. Whether you seek relaxation or outdoor adventure, this 5-bedroom, 3-bath vacation home in the Adirondacks offers the perfect retreat for an unforgettable getaway. Book your stay now and create lasting memories in this tranquil haven.

11. Camp Bear Path with Lake Access

8.9mi from Old Forge · 1 site · Lodging · Old Forge, NY

The perfect Adirondack getaway. This cabin is nestled in the forest only footsteps away from the shores of historic Big Moose Lake. Walking distance to the lake. There are two area restaurants and a tavern less than 2 miles from this cabin. Enjoy canoeing, kayaking, hiking, water-skiing, and swimming in the warmer months, or snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing in the winter.

Camper favorites near Old Forge

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Trailside Ranch Cabin Rentals

94%

(35)

11mi from Old Forge · 6 sites · Lodging · Glenfield, NY

YOUR CABIN IS WAITING FOR YOU! TRAILSIDERANCH IS OPEN YEAR-ROUND. This family friendly 10 acre off the grid ranch is located inside the Adirondack Park. We are at the end of Partridgeville Road and the beginning of Paradise in beautiful Brantingham NY Trailside Ranch is surrounded by the pristine 76,000-acre Independence River Wild Forest Preserve. It is linked to 65 miles of Horse trails, hundreds of miles of Snowmobile trails and to the nearly 600 miles of ATV trails. If you are looking for the full wilderness experience, you can hike right from your cabin! We also offer on-site snowmobile rentals in the winter and S x S rentals in the summer. You can hire our local guide to explore the area or if you are comfortable with a map and directions, we can give you details of some amazing scenery to see. Ask us about our rentals if you are interested in this adventure. Your time here will be something your entire family will remember for a lifetime.

West Bay Hideaway

8.9mi from Old Forge · 1 site · Lodging · Eagle Bay, NY

Big Moose Lake Cabin — Adirondack State Park This cozy cabin sits on the western shore of Big Moose Lake in the heart of the Adirondack State Park — the perfect spot for family vacations filled with swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. The living room features large windows with beautiful lake views. Just off the front deck, you’ll find a picnic table for outdoor dinners and a large fire pit — perfect for gathering around and roasting s’mores under the stars. The cabin includes three bedrooms: one with a queen bed and two with twin beds (two in each room). There are also two full bathrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, and a comfortable living room. Sleeps up to 7 guests. Located on the west end of the lake, the cabin offers stunning sunrises from the front deck or the dock — a peaceful way to start each day.

Camp Adirondack

100%

(1)

8.9mi from Old Forge · 1 site · Lodging · Old Forge, NY

The perfect Adirondack getaway. This cabin is nestled in the forest only footsteps away from the shores of historic Big Moose Lake. The property is 10 acres - 4 on the shoreline of the lake and 6 in the forest across the street. The cabin is walking distance to the lake and two area restaurants and taverns. Big Moose Lake is 4 miles long and a mile wide at it's widest point. Enjoy canoeing, kayaking, hiking, water-skiing, and swimming in the warmer months, or snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing in the winter. There are trout and bass in the lake if fishing is something you'd like to do.

Hannah's Birch Farm

49mi from Old Forge · 1 site · Lodging · Johnsburg, NY

Escape to the serene beauty of the Adirondacks with this charming 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom vacation home. Nestled in the heart of nature, in the south central Adirondack town of Johnsburg, this tranquil retreat offers a perfect blend of comfort & adventure for your getaway. Minutes from Gore Mountain Ski Area & North Creek, with Crane Mountain & Garnet Lake just around the corner. Nearby access to hundreds of trails, lakes and rivers make this the perfect place to begin your Adirondack Experience. The large farmhouse and home boasts five cozy bedrooms, providing ample space to comfortably sleep up to 14 guests. This is not just a rental home . This place has been in our family for 3 generations and we use it often. So it feels like a home. We are constantly improving the amenities and making it more comfortable. We are just 10 minutes from Gore Mountain Ski Area and their Nordic center and 25 minutes from Garnet Hill Cross Country Ski Center, this is the perfect place to base your winter vacation. Our own property offers plenty of fields and woods to explore on skis or snowshoes as well. After your days of adventuring unwind in the large inviting living area, complete with woodstove, a sleeper sofa, a big flat-screen TV, with many viewing options, and large windows offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, fields and forests. The open-concept layout allows for seamless flow between the living, dining, and kitchen areas, perfect for spending quality time with family and friends. Prepare delicious meals in the well-appointed kitchen, equipped with modern appliances, 1 range and an additional stove top, ample counter space, and all the essentials you need to whip up culinary delights. There is plenty of room to prepare meals for a big group. Enjoy your creations at the spacious dining table, the kitchen breakfast bar or dine al fresco on the screened-in porch. Immerse yourself in nature's beauty with the property's 164 acres, expansive outdoor spaces. Relax on the porch while taking in the fresh mountain air or gather around the fire pit for cozy evenings under the stars. The vacation home is ideally situated in the south central Adirondacks, a nature lover's paradise. Explore the nearby hiking and biking trails, discover hidden waterfalls, embark on a scenic canoeing or kayaking adventure on one of the pristine lakes: the surrounding Adirondack landscape offers endless opportunities for fishing, birding, boating, foraging and other outdoor activities. Enjoy easy access to charming towns, local restaurants, and attractions, ensuring you can make the most of your Adirondack experience. You will find a local guide we have put together to help direct you. Stay connected with high-speed internet access, and amenities such as heating (both electric and wood stove), and laundry facilities for added convenience and comfort during your stay. Whether you seek relaxation or outdoor adventure, this 5-bedroom, 3-bath vacation home in the Adirondacks offers the perfect retreat for an unforgettable getaway. Book your stay now and create lasting memories in this tranquil haven.

Camp Bear Path with Lake Access

8.9mi from Old Forge · 1 site · Lodging · Old Forge, NY

The perfect Adirondack getaway. This cabin is nestled in the forest only footsteps away from the shores of historic Big Moose Lake. Walking distance to the lake. There are two area restaurants and a tavern less than 2 miles from this cabin. Enjoy canoeing, kayaking, hiking, water-skiing, and swimming in the warmer months, or snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing in the winter.

Stories from the community

Annelise

October 2025

15 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Camp Benjamin

Great stay on a really cool piece of property. My boyfriend and I stayed a short night and we wished we stayed longer - next time! Ben is awesome and showed us around his place, such a cool spot, and close to so many beautiful nature spots as well. We're putting it on our bucket list to come back again and stay longer! Thanks so much Ben for your hospitality and kindness!

M

Marie

September 2025

1 night at Camp Benjamin

We only stayed one night but had a lovely time. Benjamin was very helpful and gave us great tips for hikes in the area. Definitely recommend!

A

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.

Kevin

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Birch's Lakeside Campground/Marina

Great campsite with awesome views. The showers and bathrooms were spotless. Highly recommend. Can’t wait to be back!

K

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.

W

Weldon

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Reflections Homestead

Karl was an amazing host! My partner and I stayed here for a bike trip through the Adirondacks and Karl accommodated all of our needs and requests. The space was clean, welcoming, comfortable and I’ll definitely book another stay!

C

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!

B

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.

S

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.

H

Heidi

July 2025

1 night at Reflections Homestead

Great peaceful stay in a rustic cabin. Karl was very friendly and greeted me even though it was quite late. It was a little hard to find the place in the dark because he doesn't have an exact address, but there is a traffic cone marked HipCamp at the end of their driveway that was very helpful. Nice clean space and kind attention to detail of showing me how things worked and making sure I was all set. Their cabin being close felt nice as a solo traveler, but I imagine couples looking for a romantic stay might hope for more distance from their main cabin. I was comforted by the sounds of their watchdog and the stars were beautiful. If you're sensitive to laundry detergents with fragrance I would bring your own blanket to block that from getting on your clothing from the sheets.

n

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!

c

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.

K

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!

J

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.

J

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

C

Cindy

July 2025

2 nights at Mountaineer Campground @Massawepie

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

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best mountainous camping near Old Forge guide

Where to go

Ha-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness

Just west of Old Forge, the Ha-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness is perfect for those seeking solitude in a beautiful, wild setting. The area has 35 miles of marked trails as well as five lakes and 16 ponds for fishing. It’s also home to wildlife including moose, black bears, and bald eagles. Just 10 minutes south of Old Forge, Nicks Lake Campground has 112 sites for campers and tents.

Black River Wild Forest

The sprawling Black River Wild Forest offers an array of recreational activities, from hiking some of its 90 miles of trails to paddling, fishing, and snowmobiling on its lakes. Nicks Lake Campground is at the northern end of the forest.

Long Lake

Appropriately named for the expansive lake that flows through it, Long Lake is a quiet and pristine corner of the Adirondacks. Naturally, boating and fishing are top activities but in the winter you can also go snowmobiling and both downhill and cross-country skiing. Around 15 minutes southwest of town, Forked Lake Campground has 80 sites.

West Canada Lake Wilderness

Around 70 miles southeast of Old Forge, West Canada Lake Wilderness is the second largest wilderness area in the Adirondack Forest Preserve. Hiking trails vary in levels of difficulty and maintenance and lead through some of the more remote areas in the Adirondack Park. Backcountry camping is allowed and there are 16 lean-tos and 28 primitive tent sites located along the Northville-Placid Trail and connecting trails.

When to go

The long, sunny days of spring and summer are ideal for enjoying the trails and water activities on offer, making these the most popular seasons to visit Old Forge and the Adirondacks generally. However, the peak summer season can bring crowds and booked-up campsites, so try to make reservations far in advance. September and October can also get busy with visitors arriving to see the vibrant colors of fall foliage while winters are relatively crowd-free and offer skiing and snowshoeing.