The best waterside campgrounds near Old Forge, New York

Waterside camping around Old Forge puts you right where the Adirondack lakes and rivers meet dense pine forests and rocky shorelines. With over 250 spots tailored for waterside stays, you’ll find everything from tucked-away corners along the Fulton Chain to sites with easy canoe access and lake views. Average prices hover around $45 a night, with some options dipping as low as $15. Top picks by locals and regulars include Tilden Hill Farm (580 reviews), where you can wake up to mist over the water; Adirondack Waterfall Oasis (44 reviews), set beside a private cascade; and Southern Adirondack Base Camp (32 reviews), a launch point for fishing or snow sports. Showers, toilets, and pet-friendly spots are common, but double-check before you book if you need them. Bring your rod, lace up your boots, and get ready for crisp mornings and plenty of trailheads just a short walk from your tent.

96% (953)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Beaver Camp

100%

(12)

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.

2. 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

Potable water

Toilets

Waterside camping around Old Forge puts you right where the Adirondack lakes and rivers meet dense pine forests and rocky shorelines. With over 250 spots tailored for waterside stays, you’ll find everything from tucked-away corners along the Fulton Chain to sites with easy canoe access and lake views. Average prices hover around $45 a night, with some options dipping as low as $15. Top picks by locals and regulars include Tilden Hill Farm (580 reviews), where you can wake up to mist over the water; Adirondack Waterfall Oasis (44 reviews), set beside a private cascade; and Southern Adirondack Base Camp (32 reviews), a launch point for fishing or snow sports. Showers, toilets, and pet-friendly spots are common, but double-check before you book if you need them. Bring your rod, lace up your boots, and get ready for crisp mornings and plenty of trailheads just a short walk from your tent.

96% (953)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Beaver Camp

100%

(12)

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.

2. 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

Potable water

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Old Forge

Whetstone Gulf State Campground

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

Stories from the community

E

Ella

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Beaver Camp

We loved staying at Beaver Lake Camp! The seclusion on chicken coop island was perfect and made for a perfect long weekend trip. Our favorite part was taking a sunset paddle around the lake and seeing beavers, turtles, and loons up close.