Notable Campgrounds
- Best for hikers: Sharp Bridge Campground offers easy access to the popular Adirondack High Peaks hiking area.
- Best for boaters: Rustic Tioga Point Campground can only be accessed by boat.
- Best for communing with nature: Cranberry Lake Campground’s location in one of the biggest remote areas in New York makes it ideal for escaping the sounds of the city.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- You can reserve your campsite through New York State Parks online reservation system or over the phone.
- Walk-in camping is not allowed.
- Reservations open nine months in advance and remain open until 3pm on the day of your visit. Book early to ensure your chances of getting a spot, especially if coming in summer or on a weekend.
- If you can’t find a campsite in Adirondack Park on your preferred dates, you may have better luck with a Hipcamp in the area.
When to Go
The Adirondacks are a year-round destination, with plenty of season-specific activities to choose from. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular in winter, when temperatures often drop well below freezing (and rarely get above 40°F), while spring is a good time to check out waterfalls. Summertime temperatures often get up to the low 90°s F, making the season ideal for camping and hiking, while autumn is a good time to see fall colors on display.
Know Before You Go
- Newcomb’s Adirondack Park Visitor Interpretive Center is a good place to start your visit. Here you can get hiking and camping recommendations, find out about local events, and check out interpretive exhibits.
- Just over half of New York's black bear population lives in Adirondack Park. Store food, cooking supplies, garbage, and scented toiletries in your car or in bear-safe lockers.
- Adirondack Park is free to enter, but camping fees apply at state-run campgrounds.
- The park features numerous ADA-accessible campgrounds and recreational areas.
Adirondack State Park
The Adirondacks lounge across a million acres only a 4-hour drive from NYC.
Spread out over 6 million acres, nearly half of which are owned by New York state, Adirondack Park is the largest publicly protected area in the Lower 48. Here you'll find old forests laced with thousands of miles of hiking trails, plus an extensive network of streams and rivers, making the area particularly popular for fishing and boating. Other popular activities include rock climbing, ice climbing, and—of course—camping. The park has tons of public and private campgrounds, many of which can only be reached by boat.
Spread out over 6 million acres, nearly half of which are owned by New York state, Adirondack Park is the largest publicly protected area in the Lower 48. Here you'll find old forests laced with thousands of miles of hiking trails, plus an extensive network of streams and rivers, making the area particularly popular for fishing and boating. Other popular activities include rock climbing, ice climbing, and—of course—camping. The park has tons of public and private campgrounds, many of which can only be reached by boat.
Activities in the park
44 campgrounds in Adirondack State Park
With a name like Fish Creek Pond Campground, you know the fishing’s good here. Cast a line in one of the nearby streams, lakes, or rivers to catch black bass, rainbow trout, brook, and more. Plus, the campground offers tons of amenities including a sweet summer activity program for the kiddos!Read more...
Chill out, man, you're on island time. When you head out to The Lower Saranac Lake Islands, you'll get your pick of island sites, dinner just outside your tent and perfect water levels, thanks to a set of locks. Campground boat launches give easy access to miles of lakes, and for landlubbers, there's hiking, horseback riding and golf coruses. Crav Read more...
Forked Campground balances remoteness and accessibility. When you arrive at the grounds, you'll have easy parking and a handful of back-in sites available. To dig deeper into that one-with-nature vibe, you’ll have to hoof it by trail or boat in. This spot is designed for water lovers; bring your boat, canoe, rent it onsite (or build your own!). Hi Read more...
New York’s Adirondack State Park takes up one-third of the total land area of the entire state. Not that size is the most important thing when it comes to nature, but it sure is helpful. Nestled inside the park, you’ll find the Tioga Point campground, and you absolutely have to visit. Why, you ask? Well, you can only access it via boat. (Maybe you Read more...
Lake Eaton Campground will swallow you up with a wonderful experience of boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and b-ballin’ it up on the basketball courts. On site there are kayak, canoe and rowboat rentals so you don’t have to fashion a raft with sticks. So convenient! This campground is accessibility friendly—the perfect spot to bring the whole f Read more...
Golden Beach Campground takes the gold when it comes to bringing the whole family or calming the whiniest of your crew. Swimmers—you have your own area to safely feel the refreshing clean water on your skin. Fishers—drop a line, grab and buddy and catch some smelt, smallmouth bass, sunfish, yellow perch, brown bullhead, minnow, sucker, brook trout Read more...
The Adirondack Mountains are wild, quirky, and oh-so-lovable. Don’t believe us? Head to the Lewey Lake Campground where you’ll find two awesome lakes connected by a perfect little stream. Fishing, boating, and swimming are popular here, as are children--so if you’ve got ‘em, bring ‘em. They can fish for sunfish and perch in the shallow waters, rol Read more...
You'll be singing sweet songs of mountain’s majesty at Lake Durant Campground, where epic views of Blue Mountain can be seen through the heavily forested sites. The grounds are popular for boating and canoeing and fish are abundant in Lake Durant; a man-made and shallow body of water, so please refrain from bringing that beastly yacht! And if you Read more...
Need a place to crash after climbing Adirondack High Peaks? Sharp Bridge Campground is famous for hosting hikers after a long journey through the trails. Conveniently located near one of the most renowned hiking areas in the state, the camp grants access to hundreds of miles of outrageously gorgeous trails for every level of adventurer. In just a Read more...
It's time to get wild! Indian Lake Island is the most popular campground in the Adirondacks. And it ain’t hard to see why—each site is located along the Indian Lake islands and offers campers the solitude and grace of Mother Nature. Fishing and boating are allowed on the lake and campers are welcome to fish or gently row their canoe through the un Read more...
Sssh. You heard it here first—Brown Tract Pond Campground is generally tourist-free and one of the best kept secrets in Upstate New York. Located in the Adirondacks, the grounds are thick with forest and and spacious, giving you that retreat you’ve been searching for! Campers, BYOB (bring your own boat) or canoe and hit the lake in all of her tran Read more...
Putnam Pond is the perfect place to fly your tribe’s flag in a secluded, heavily wooded and spacious area. Campsites surround a gorgeous pond. Canoe, boat or fish on the water. For a landlocked adventure, the lengthy Swing Trail runs twelve miles long. The trail heads west past Putnam Pond, passing Grizzle Ocean, Pharaoh Lake, Glidden Marsh, Crane Read more...
Buck Pond Campground certainly isn’t bucking the trend of breathtaking lakeside retreats in the Adirondacks; the 112 campsites here offer sweeping views of mountains and easy access to the 130-acre pond and the larger nearby Lake Kushaqua. There’s also a super cool walking trail near the campground that follows along an abandoned railroad track—be Read more...
Eighth Lake Campground is perfect for all ya'll waterbugs! Spending your daze on the lake? Dive into fishing, powerboating, canoeing, sailing and water skiing. If hiking is your path, enjoy state-maintained excursions with your tribe. Access to the trailhead from camp is a walk in the park (literally!). The sites near the lake offer easy beach acc Read more...
Over 200 sites scattered about the north and west shores of Meacham Lake are the only signs of civilization you’ll see here. Aside from being a fisherman’s paradise, the grounds offer a place to bump/set/spike, toss a horseshoe or a few, jump off of swings or toss the towels down on the beach. Observe the map closely to pick a spot right by the wa Read more...
Anyone familiar with the Adirondacks knows that the defining feature here is the hundreds of lakes that are nestled among the mountain peaks. Every lake has its own personality and Limekiln Lake is a g-rated paradise for families who want relax, swim, and play in the fresh mountain air. The lake is shallow, relatively warm, and teeming with fish t Read more...
Roger Rock Campground is the prime place to rock out with the whole fam-bam! The grounds are situated on the northern end of Lake George, making this place a perfect spot to hike, launch your boat, peacefully canoe, catch a fish, jetski, water ski, sail, tube, or simply swim near the beach in a guarded area. Pavilions and fireplaces available for Read more...
It smells a little fishy at Wilmington Notch Campground… because the fishing is just so darn good! The campsites here are nestled next to the Ausable River, which is teeming with trout. Plus, you get a pretty fantastic view while you wait for a bite—the campground faces the breathtaking Olympic Whiteface Mountain. Take a gondola ride up to the top Read more...
Get away from it all (for real) at Cranberry Lake Campground; this campground’s remote location in the pristine Adirondack wilderness is perfect for all ya'll getting-back-to-nature types. Camp at one of the secluded sites here for easy access to hikes through the surrounding unbroken forest. Take a dip in the lake afterwards to cool off!Read more...
Camp out at Crown Point Campground, and you'll be sleeping on a lil' piece of history. On the southwestern shore of Lake Champlain, the campground overlooks battlefields and forts dating back to 1775—ghosts much?—and sits along 1929's steamboat pier, a favorite fishing spot today. Campsites embrace the luxuries of modern times, with hot showers, a Read more...
Ahoy, mates! Grab your favorite boat of yesteryear (canoes, rowboats or kayaks), book a spot at Rollins Pond Campground and get ready to soak up days of rays on the 442-acre Rollins Pond. With a community of campsites, hot showers and flush toilets, Rollins Campground makes it easy for you enjoy the little things in life while soaking up all the b Read more...
On Alger Island you won’t be a cast away, but you might not want to come back to the mainland! Located on the Fourth Lake of the Fulton Chain of Lakes, Alger combines thrilling activity with stillness and serenity. Canoes, rowboats and motor boats are welcome on the lake. From the edge of a boat or the shore, simply admire the cornucopia of fish—o Read more...
Sacandage Lake is a pretty little getaway for anyone who is longing for the quiet pace of a mountain summer. No obligations, no work, and probably no cell service, but you won’t mind when you immerse yourself in the cold, quiet waters of Sacandage. Leisure is the name of the game here and you’ll find ample opportunities for boating, fishing, swimm Read more...
Grillmasters, meet your rustic paradise. Eagle Point Campground, located on the west shore of 4,230-acre Schroon Lake, gets a gold star from boaters and anglers alike. Motor boats, rowboats, and canoes can embark from the boat launch, and fishermen can take their pick of lake trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, bu Read more...
Visiting the Village of Lake Placid or the popular Olympic training venues nearby? Then stay for a night or two at Meadowbrook Campground, since it’s just four miles outside of town. Plus the 58 campsites here are close to oodles of hiking trails and Lake Placid itself, so there’s plenty to do without every setting foot in town. Read more...
Hankering for a private-island getaway (and really, who isn’t?)? Then round up your best buds and head out to the group campground on Glen Island, situated in beautiful, recreation-rich Lake George. The campsites here are accessible by boat only, so no noisy highways will harsh your mellow. Read more...
The paradox of life for campers—how can you be conveniently close to home but feel as though you’re living that woodsy outdoor life? Paradox Lake creates that platform for you. On the waterfront, enjoy boating, canoeing or jet skiing. If you didn’t BYOB (bring your own boat), renting is available. Paradox is famous for spectacular hiking through t Read more...
Scaroon Manor Campground is where you want to be for a weekend with the lavish side of Mother Nature. Scaroon Manor Campground used to be operated privately, making it the hot spot for the rich and famous and inaccessible for well, everyone else. The facilities that made is so damn popular are still intact—golf, swimming, boating, sailing, water s Read more...
Head to the woods and this quintessential mountain retreat for a refreshing and tranquil camping experience. Quiet reigns on Nicks Lake, so if you’re in the mood for a party, other lakes are beckoning. You will, however, find plenty to keep you busy, including swimming, hiking, fishing, bicycling, volleyball, and children’s programming. All of thi Read more...
The river runs wild through Sacandaga Campground, especially in the spring where you’ll find white water rapids, perfect for adventurous canoeing and kayaking. You’re also close to fabulous hiking, scenic waterfalls, and splendid mountain landscapes. Many of the spacious campsites are perched right on the banks of the river where you can fall asle Read more...
Hankering for a private-island getaway (and really, who isn’t?)? Then round up your best buds and head out to the group campground on Narrow Island, situated in beautiful, recreation-rich Lake George. The campsites here are accessible by boat only, so no noisy highways will harsh your mellow. Read more...
Hankering for a private-island getaway (and really, who isn’t?)? Then round up your best buds and head out to the group campground on Long Island, situated in beautiful, recreation-rich Lake George. The campsites here are accessible by boat only, so no noisy highways will harsh your mellow. Read more...
Plan your next secluded escape at Lincoln Pond Campground. Your tribe can choose from a “primitive site” (for a more true-to-nature-vibe) or a “developed site” for a more accommodating experience (flush toilets, nearby portable water, hot steamy showers, trailer dump station and a recycling area for the green in you). If you have access to a boat Read more...
Camping with a. . . diverse group? No sweat, we've got you covered. Plan your next group getaway at Hearthstone Point Campground, and you'll keep whiners at bay. Lake George welcomes boats of all shapes and sizes, and fishermen can catch their choice of dinner: lake trout, landlocked salmon, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, norther Read more...
No, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you; stay at one of the campsites at Ausable Point Campground and look across Lake Champlain—you might see the outline of a battleship coming towards you through the mist! The optical illusion is actually a battle ship-shaped isle called Garden Island (phew!). Instead of preparing for battle, spend your days Read more...
History buffs, rejoice: Lake George Battleground Campground is a popular spot for those looking to get a taste of NY’s Colonial past. Check out the historical interpretive trail through Battlefield Park to see some notable military spots. Even if you slept through history class (no judgment) you’ll still have fun here, since the 62 campsites sit c Read more...
Hikers take note--not only is Little Sand Point Campground nestled next to a tranquil mountain lake, but it’s also close to miles of challenging hiking trails. Try portions of the 133-mile long Northville-Lake Placid trail for the areas best backpacking, or put on your family-camper hat and spend the day at the beach with the kiddos. Picturesque P Read more...
All about that pond lyfe? Taylor Pond Campground is located on the northeast corner of 813-acre Taylor Pond. Fishermen and naturalists seek out this far-from-mainstream slice of solitude to sight birds such as loons, osprey, eagles and to stretch their legs over the 8,000 acres of wild forest surrounding (not all in a day, of course). Scope out si Read more...
Dust off your canoe and hiking boots! On the northern shore of 275 acre Lake Harris, lies a glorious campground swimming in activities and facilities. The lakeside campsites are secluded among hardwood trees and a killer view of the water. For all ya’ll boaters, there is an informal boat launch for your liking on the grounds and a bigger one just Read more...
Hey now, you rowdy campers and lovers of adventure, Northampton Beach Campground was created especially for you! This is the place where the grillmasters and campfire musicians both keep late hours, where every campsite boasts a cooler-full for sharing, and special events keep the place hoppin’ all through the summer. Perched on the shores of the Read more...
Luzerne Campground has a little somethin’ special for every animal of your family—your wildest child, outrageous buddy, puppy or horse. This place is famous for horseback riding and a killer equestrian campground well-equipped with horse barns, separate corals with plenty of water and picnic tables in a gorgeous grove of towering pines. If you’re Read more...
Families, head over to Poplar Point Campground where you’ll find the stuff it takes to make magical wilderness memories. We’re talking boating, swimming, fishing, and hiking, plus killer s’more cookin’ and ghost-story tellin’. Campsites are wooded, private, and close to the beach. Hitch up your trailer, your RV, your boat, and head over to Poplar Read more...
Point Comfort Campground is nestled in the hills surrounding Piseco Lake. A sandy beach, complete with a whistle-blowing lifeguard, will take you back to your childhood summer camp days. You’ll also reminisce over morning canoe paddles, fruitful fishing expeditions, and hours of sweaty hiking. Campsites are spacious and private and perfect for fam Read more...
Caroga Campground is the prime place to bring your tribe on a family holiday. Situated on East Caroga Lake, the waters offer campers everything from swimming on a beach with lifeguards—(Lakewatch, not Baywatch. Sorry, guys. )—to boating, canoeing and fishing. If you’re landlocked, take a hike! There are plenty nearby or check out the exercise cour Read more...
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
Notable Campgrounds
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
The Adirondacks are a year-round destination, with plenty of season-specific activities to choose from. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular in winter, when temperatures often drop well below freezing (and rarely get above 40°F), while spring is a good time to check out waterfalls. Summertime temperatures often get up to the low 90°s F, making the season ideal for camping and hiking, while autumn is a good time to see fall colors on display.
Know Before You Go
Public campgrounds (book externally) —