The best ranch campgrounds near Paul Smiths, New York

Looking to go camping near Paul Smiths, New York? Hipcamp has you covered with over 720 options to choose from. Whether you're a fan of paddling, exploring historic sites, or biking, there's a campsite that suits your activity preference. With an average price per night of $45 and options as low as $20, camping is affordable for every budget. Check out some of the top campsites with rave reviews: Transparent Sands, Diamond Point (153 reviews), Vermont Ranch & Riverside Retreat (132 reviews), and Islands Base Camp (121 reviews). Plus, enjoy popular amenities like potable water, campfires, and toilets. Get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

100% (430)

Top-rated campgrounds near Paul Smiths

Looking to go camping near Paul Smiths, New York? Hipcamp has you covered with over 720 options to choose from. Whether you're a fan of paddling, exploring historic sites, or biking, there's a campsite that suits your activity preference. With an average price per night of $45 and options as low as $20, camping is affordable for every budget. Check out some of the top campsites with rave reviews: Transparent Sands, Diamond Point (153 reviews), Vermont Ranch & Riverside Retreat (132 reviews), and Islands Base Camp (121 reviews). Plus, enjoy popular amenities like potable water, campfires, and toilets. Get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

100% (430)

Top-rated campgrounds near Paul Smiths

1. ADK Saddle Hill

99%

(293)

38mi from Paul Smiths · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

This was a very old dairy farm owned by the Duntley Family. Old farming equipment dispersed throughout the property. An old foundation from a sugaring house. Beautiful old rock walls. Deer and wildlife galore. Pitch your tent or bring your camper to our 150-acre working farm oasis. Beautiful views of the Adirondack Mountains. Easy drive to great hiking spots. Easy access in Essex for the ferry to Vermont. Lake Placid, high peaks 30 minutes. Or just relax at your campsite with a fire. There is a water spigot to the left of the big brown metal building with easy access with the driveway in front of the building. Each site has its own outhouse, picnic table, two Adirondack chairs, fire ring with a cooking grate. Snow mobile access during winter months. Please use hashtag #saddlehill Happy Camping!

2. Islands Base Camp

99%

(264)

47mi from Paul Smiths · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Conserved by the South Hero Land Trust, the historic Sawyer Bay Farm on the Island of South Hero was converted to grazing beef cattle. Our farm name is Health Hero Farm. We practice intensive planned grazing, moving the cattle daily to fresh grass. The herd may be near the campsites or completely out of sight, somewhere on our 180 acres. While we were building a house, we camped in the equipment shed during the summer and grew to value its convenience. Joan's enjoyment of cycling inspired her to designate the farm stand as a "bike stop" where visitors could buy a snack, get water, fix their bikes and use the unique islands amenity of a composing toilet in a converted ice fishing shack. South Hero is an agricultural island, as well as a summer tourist destination with numerous outdoor activities. It is also only a half-hour away from Burlington, and the drive is pleasurable. Pitch your tent, stow your gear under cover and explore all the islands have to offer. Yes, this is a summer destination, with great cycling, boating and swimming. We are a grass-fed beef operation, Health Hero Farm, on the island of South Hero. (You can read more about us on our farm website. ) Our farm is on the bike route around the islands, with access to many other vacation activities. Pitch your tent in the farmstead or in half of our empty equipment shed 30' x 60'. Or tool on down the farm road and be alone with the cattle and grass. In the shed, which is open on the north side, you have shelter from the rain, sun and wind. We have two campsites that can share a microwave, hot plate, refrigerator, camp sink and coffee maker in the barn. Lots of storage under roof for bikes and luggage. Our composting toilet (from Natures Head Composting Toilet) is a unique amenity -- installed in a retired ice-fishing shack (on skis). During the busy summer months, we may have a port-o-let (a.k.a. port-a-potty) with professional service. In the winter, the equipment shed not available. We rent out vehicle and boat storage in the equipment shed and cannot accommodate camping there. However, we have ample parking for RVs at any time of the year. And if you are an experienced snow camper, we have several locations to choose from. We have a farm stand where you can buy a few snacks. If you want to try our beef, we'll be happy to show you our freezers. We are 2 miles from a convenience store that packs an amazing array of products into a small space. We are close to a gem of a public beach, a winery (Snow Farm Vineyard), apple orchards, a public school playground, and miles of scenic driving. Local farmers markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays offer some of the best produce from these agricultural islands. We also own 1000' frontage on Lake Champlain, which you may enjoy. It is difficult to access, but affords privacy and serenity. We allow campfires on the gravel areas of the farm and on the beach, where you can gather dead wood. If you want to host a large group, you will need to reserve both campsites and rent a port-o-let (Vermont's lingo for porta-potty) if we don't already have one. Additional fees might apply. There is no RV electrical hookup; however, the equipment shed has electric outlets for your use. Additional fees apply for energy intensive appliances, such as heaters or air conditioners. There is no water hookup; however, we can fill your tanks with a hose from a potable water supply. Generators are not allowed, unless you are sufficiently distanced from other campers and our neighbors. Other accommodations may be available. Just ask! We have many resources, and want you to have a great visit.

3. Quiet country living

100%

(13)

40mi from Paul Smiths · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Located adjacent to our horse farm, Hipcampers are welcome to hike on our trails. We offer horse back riding and carriage driving lessons. Conveniently located between the St Lawrence Seaway and the foothill Adirondacks there are lots or opportunities for outdoor recreation. There are plenty of hikes for all abilities and duration. If paddling is more your thing our county has 3 of the 10 longest rivers in NYS along with lakes and reservoirs. There are also nearby mountain bike trails, and we are not far from the St Lawrence County Multi Use Trail. While there are many interesting and interactive destinations close by, larger cultural destinations such as Ottawa or Montreal make great day trips.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Across from the farm is a beautiful beach with stunning views of Lake Champlain

Gabe

November 2025

19 ft campervan

3 nights at Islands Base Camp

Absolutely gorgeous spot on a charming farm, perfect in every way. Joan and Bob were wonderful hosts—as were the gentle cows! They’ve put a lot into making it a welcoming place for campers and have thought of everything. Thank you so much for having me!

G

Guy

November 2025

37 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Islands Base Camp

I can't say enough good things about our stay with Joan and the area in general. It was beautiful, relaxing, and just what my wife and I needed for a weekend away. This working farm was absolutely gorgeous and peaceful. Joan was such a generous host, she even invited us out to see the cows which was the highlight of our stay. The farm was easy to locate and there was plenty of room to maneuver virtually any size RV. We will absolutely be back for a visit in the warmer months!

T

Taylor

October 2025

16 ft car

2 nights at ADK Saddle Hill

A great, convenient, and thoughtfully laid out site. I stayed two nights while exploring the trails and really enjoyed the view over the field with their horses during the day and the stars at night were amazing. The outhouse was convenient and clean as well. I definitely plan on returning someday soon!

Sarah

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Islands Base Camp

We loved camping here! Joan is a great host and made us feel at home. Our campsite had a wonderful view and felt like true Vermont countryside. We enjoyed exploring the Grand Isle area. We bought fresh beef from Joan before leaving. Will definitely camp here again in the future!

Roxanne

October 2025

16 ft car

3 nights at Islands Base Camp

Joan is an amazing host and the farm is breathtakingly beautiful! She made sure my stay at the base camp was comfortable and that I had everything I needed while giving me plenty of space (and recommendations) for doing my own thing. Getting to explore the island as the fall colors were popping was the break I needed. The steak I purchased from their stock was also ridiculously good with this garlic Parmesan "Better Butter" that I got from the local store. So good. If I lived on the East Coast, I'd definitely visit again!

Jessica

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Islands Base Camp

Spent an amazing weekend with my girlfriends in South Hero and thanks to the kindness of Joan it was that much more special! We got a chance to talk about the farm/cows lots of learning! The area was so beautiful, great for bike rides and scenic views of mountains and the lake. Camping was so convenient on the farm, close to the restroom, dishwashing area, and soft grass for tents, we had everything we needed and more!

Katy

October 2025

24 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to ADK Saddle Hill

Incredible spot!!! Beautiful view of foliage and mountains. The sites are huge with great privacy. We will absolutely be back!

Lisa

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Islands Base Camp

What an absolutely beautiful & serene place to call home for two nights of camping. We lucked out with perfect fall weather & a bright full moon! We loved the views of sprawling farmlands and cows out in the fields. The farm & surroundings are super quiet which made for great sleeping. Joan is super friendly & helpful; she & her husband have many amenities if you need them; we appreciated the clean & easy to use composting toilet. We cooked our own breakfasts using the fire pit (there is wood available for purchase) Joan told us about a local Farmer’s Market that we checked out before going on a bicycle ride along the causeway over to Burlington. South Hero is very quaint with a great feeling of community. We look forward to another trip & stay.

J

Justine

October 2025

20 ft campervan

With kids

Weekend Trip to ADK Saddle Hill

This was a lovely camping spot with lots of space and beautiful fall views. Picnic table, fire pit with chairs, and your own porta-john. Close and easy to get to from the highway, but with no loud traffic. It's quiet at ADK Saddle Hill and highly recommended!

J

Joel

September 2025

34 ft pop-up camper

With kids

Weekend Trip to Islands Base Camp

Beautiful and peaceful location. Joan and Bob were very kind and welcoming.

V

Virginia

September 2025

25 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Islands Base Camp

Lovely spot and view. The dishwashing station and composting toilet were nice amenities, as were the “kitchen” facilities ( we baked a frozen apple crisp from the local orchard in the toaster oven) and access to the outlets in the shed. We were only folks there and other than the WIND was very quiet. About 5 miles from farm to the bike causeway over the lake.

L

Lisa

September 2025

32 ft Class A

With pets

2 nights at Quiet country living

the site had everything we needed! It wasn't exactly as pictured but none the less, we enjoyed the solitude, time admiring the horses, taking in the fall foliage on trail walks - we had fun. The owner was very nice, and was there to welcome us.

N

Noelle

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Islands Base Camp

We had an excellent stay on Joan's farm! The camping was private and comfortable and the amenities were great. There was firewood for purchase, potable water, a clean portapotty and picnic tables. It's very conveniently located on South Hero!

R

Rachel

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to ADK Saddle Hill

I am still not over the views at this campground and never will be 😭😍 my husband and I went on our anniversary trip this past weekend and waking up to the mountains and seeing sunset every day was beyond a dream. Sarah’s horses were so sweet and friendly too, and they even came right up to the fence when we were sitting there one day. And on another note, SHE HAS THE 👏🏻 NICEST 👏🏻 OUTHOUSE 👏🏻🤣 it has a light and is clean as a whistle 😂😂😂😂 in addition, Sarah answered our questions speedily and recommended some hiking spots in the Adirondack Mountains. We stayed at camp site #2 for reference and saw the views in the pics below 😍anybody would enjoy their time at Saddle Hill:)

Sophie

September 2025

25 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Islands Base Camp

We cannot say enough about this little gem! All the amenities that we needed were easily accessible and the hosts, Joan and Bob, are a true delight! We spent a full day exploring the surrounding islands, hitting every farmer’s market and creemee stand along the way. Plus, the farm is a short drive from all the sights and sounds of Burlington. Please add this beauty to your itinerary the next time you’re in northern Vermont!

James

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to ADK Saddle Hill

This was a surprise, we had no idea how beautiful this place would be! It was private and the site was very large. We stayed as late as we could because we loved it so much. It was great seeing the horses graze and deer trot by. The host was kind and welcoming. Loved it!

Chad

September 2025

31 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Islands Base Camp

Nice quiet place. We stayed here in our 31ft travel trailer. Very easy setup with a looped gravel road.

A

Anna

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to ADK Saddle Hill

Great spot with a lot of privacy and amazing views!

A

Alexia

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Islands Base Camp

Loved the location! Joan and Bob were lovely hosts and more than accommodating, making our stay homey and welcoming. Would definitely recommend to those looking for a peaceful getaway!!

K

Kyle

August 2025

20 ft campervan

With kids

Weekend Trip to Islands Base Camp

Nice spot on a large active farm. Basic amenities keep it simple for your stay.