Camping near Saranac Lake

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Hemmed in by forests, lakes, and mountain peaks, outdoor activities take place year-round at Saranac Lake. Hike or bike along the Saranac River, paddle between the three lakes by canoe or kayak, or play a game of golf. As the snow begins to fall, set out to explore by snowmobile, try snowshoeing or ice fishing, or hit the ski slopes at Mt Pisgah. For a memorable camping experience, snag a spot at one of the island campsites—be warned, they book up quickly! If you miss out, there are more state campgrounds nearby, plus ‘lean-tos’ for hikers in Saranac Lakes Wild Forest.

97% (2.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Mountaineer Campground @Massawepie

1. Mountaineer Campground @Massawepie

98%
(41)
25mi from Saranac Lake · 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
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night
Adirondack Magic

3. Adirondack Magic

100%
(86)
28mi from Saranac Lake · 4 sites · RVs · Elizabethtown, NY
We are located in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks between Lake Champlain and Lake Placid. The area is legendary for a multitude of hiking trails, mountain biking, and lakes/rivers for paddling. There are amazing natural environments such as Ausable Chasm and it's also an area rich in American historical sites. We are centrally located making area events and popular destinations an easy drive. We are also close to Rt 87 for ease of access yet far enough away to enjoy plenty of quiet and space in nature. The 2 RV site areas are very large with ample space for large RV turnaround and parking for vehicle. We are 300 feet off a road and are surrounded by small hamlets and villages within the park. There is so much to do in this vacation wonderland. Enjoy local breweries and vineyards during your visit. In addition, most every drive is a scenic drive and traffic is almost nonexistent except in some areas during high tourism. You will love it here! We do! The Adirondack Park (ADK) consists of old growth forests that cover more than 100,000 acres of public land in the Park and we live in the park. The Adirondacks also includes the headwaters of five major drainage basins. Lake Champlain and the Hudson, Black, St. Lawrence and Mohawk Rivers all draw water from the Adirondack Park. Adirondack forests and wetlands filter and provide clean water for many communities in NY.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$50
 / night
Come on in

8. Adirondack Adventure Base

99%
(75)
16mi from Saranac Lake · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Paul Smiths, NY
Overlook Lean-To, Treehouse, primitive campsites, and so much more! This is glamping at its finest. Our property was originally used as a seasonal hunting/fishing camp in the 1920's. Sheila and Bob bought it in the early 80s and have turned it into an amazing compound built for their family. They blinked their eyes and their children are gone, so this beautiful 50 acre diverse property and its private trail system are meant to be shared. Nestled in a mature, private pine forest, this well cared for property boasts abundant wildlife and a network of walking, skiing and mountain biking trails which take you past wetlands, cliffs and a variety of forest types. They have all kinds of lodging options from a beautiful vacation cabin they rent, to an Adk lean-to, to a Treehouse, and primitive campsites. You'll find a little bit for everyone at Adirondack Adventure Base.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$75
 / night
Peaceful Country Haven

9. Peaceful Country Haven

99%
(117)
50mi from Saranac Lake · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · New Haven, VT
This camp site is accessed from our driveway. We have 72 acres you are welcome to explore. If you want more privacy and have a tent, feel free to find a place in the woods. This is our home and our family visits often so please expect some cars passing by the site. We are happy to share this beautiful space and hope you enjoy it as much as we do. Learn more about this land: Park your RV or pitch your tent and take some time to relax. Take a walk through the woods, take your kayak out on Otter Creek starting at the base of our driveway or relax with a campfire. Visit the horses or ring the humongous bell, and check out the wildlife. Do you have a dog? Enjoy the freedom of letting it run and play in the small ponds in the woods. You are most likely to hear the train whistle a time or two. Wake up to beautiful sunrise to start your day off right!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
Adirondack Chairs, Pond, Fire Pit, Hammock, Love

14. Adirondack Rustic Retreat

100%
(69)
45mi from Saranac Lake · 2 sites · Lodging · North Creek, NY
As far as we know, this land has been occupied since shortly after the civil war.  It is actually two farms, combined into one around 1900. The main farmhouse was built out of the logs they cleared in 1879, and there are old foundations of the other original farm houses/barns as well.  All over the property (now woods) there are piles of stones that the original inhabitants pulled from the fields. The second farm house was built in 1901. Most of the total 240 acres were cleared pasture land at that time.  During the twenties and thirties the property was owned by an industrious couple from the City that lovingly turned it into more of a "rustic retreat"; damming a pond, planting ornamentals and upgrading the buildings.  There have been many owners over the years, but we are proud to say it has been with us the longest.  Our family bought it in 1961 and we have been trying to be good stewards ever since.  Come and visit our little patch of wilderness!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$99
 / night
Beautiful views of the Adirondack mountains.

15. ADK Saddle Hill

99%
(293)
30mi from Saranac Lake · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Westport, NY
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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night
Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks

17. Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks

89%
(41)
32mi from Saranac Lake · 122 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · North Hudson, NY
Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks combines the sweet nostalgia of classic campground fun with modern amenities and conveniences. As you roll your RV or family vehicle onto the grounds, you’ll take in your forested surroundings, a myriad of family-friendly activities, and a peek of the Schroon River that leads down to Schroon Lake. Pull in to your full hook-up site, deluxe cabin, or cozy yurt to begin your outdoor adventure! Our family-friendly amenities abound! Two swimming pools and waterslide; gaga ball; multiple playgrounds; gem mining; mini golf; a play house; pedal bike rentals; a spacious rec hall stocked with arts and crafts and arcade games; lazy river tubing; a riverside beach area and more – young campers will have endless options to choose from at Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks. A fully-stocked camp store, large laundry facility, and parkwide WiFi bring some creature comforts to your camp site.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$38
 / night
NEW 2023 - Rustic cabins now replace all canvas bell tents!

18. Farm Craft Vermont

98%
(294)
49mi from Saranac Lake · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging · Shelburne, VT
Our Regenerative Herb Farm sits on 15-acres of rolling hills full of wildflowers and gardens. We owned an ecological landscape design/build company for 15 years so the gardens, meadows, woodlands and trails are wild with biodiversity and color. The farm is a certified Bee Friendly Farm through the Pollinator Partnership. We give guided tours weekly upon request and discuss the ecological restoration efforts that are underway as well as our 'Seed to Soap' project that is Farm Craft VT. Our Farm Store is open daily from 8-8 and is self-serve. All sites have fire-pits (don't forget to order a firewood bundle), room for a group of 4-6, and views of starry skies. Please Note - none of the campsites are accessible by car. They don't have electricity or air conditioning - yup it's camping, just a wee bit more comfortable. For the complete Farm Craft VT experience, book a guided-farm tour on our website where you can smell the herbs, taste the honey from our hives, learn about how essential oils are distilled, how seed oils are pressed and handcrafted soap is made on site. WE HAVE REPLACED OUR CANVAS TENTS WITH SIMPLE WOODEN CABINS. THEY ACCOMODATE THE SAME SIZE AND NUMBER OF BEDS AS OUR PREVIOUS SITES. PLEASE DISREGARD ANY PHOTOS WITH OUR OLD CANVAS TENTS.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$50
 / night
Camp Way Wild

19. Camp Way Wild

100%
(16)
36mi from Saranac Lake · 1 site · Lodging · Westport, NY
Welcome to Camp Way Wild. A private camp for those looking for forested seclusion and serenity, nestled at the gates of the Adirondacks. Camp Way Wild offers our Lean To with a View, a 10' by 14' shelter large enough to accommodate up to a family of four within its sturdy frame. Just a short walk away is the newly finished bathroom, featuring a flush toilet, hot shower, and sink. We also have a rustic, traditional outhouse available for use. Situated around the property are 200 year old barns, a personal firepit, as well as a large grassy lawn great for games and activities. Local attractions nearby the property include​ local area trails state land Lake Champlain boat launch. Kayaking on the Bouquet river. Local farm market bakery and train station close by. Shop locally at Amish farm stands, organic farms. Enjoy near by dining on Lake Champlain. Boats kayaks available at local marina. Watch a beautiful sunset from Lean to and listen to the owls and the coyotes 70 acres of diverse topography and ecosystems. I joined by 50 acres of wildlife sanctuary. Rivers lake Champlain many wonderful hikes within walking distance. Westport state boat launch a mile away. View of High Peaks from 10 x 14’ lean to SUV accessible. Privy available. Wildlife abounds.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$85
 / night

Hemmed in by forests, lakes, and mountain peaks, outdoor activities take place year-round at Saranac Lake. Hike or bike along the Saranac River, paddle between the three lakes by canoe or kayak, or play a game of golf. As the snow begins to fall, set out to explore by snowmobile, try snowshoeing or ice fishing, or hit the ski slopes at Mt Pisgah. For a memorable camping experience, snag a spot at one of the island campsites—be warned, they book up quickly! If you miss out, there are more state campgrounds nearby, plus ‘lean-tos’ for hikers in Saranac Lakes Wild Forest.

97% (2.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Mountaineer Campground @Massawepie

1. Mountaineer Campground @Massawepie

98%
(41)
25mi from Saranac Lake · 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
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night
Adirondack Magic

3. Adirondack Magic

100%
(86)
28mi from Saranac Lake · 4 sites · RVs · Elizabethtown, NY
We are located in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks between Lake Champlain and Lake Placid. The area is legendary for a multitude of hiking trails, mountain biking, and lakes/rivers for paddling. There are amazing natural environments such as Ausable Chasm and it's also an area rich in American historical sites. We are centrally located making area events and popular destinations an easy drive. We are also close to Rt 87 for ease of access yet far enough away to enjoy plenty of quiet and space in nature. The 2 RV site areas are very large with ample space for large RV turnaround and parking for vehicle. We are 300 feet off a road and are surrounded by small hamlets and villages within the park. There is so much to do in this vacation wonderland. Enjoy local breweries and vineyards during your visit. In addition, most every drive is a scenic drive and traffic is almost nonexistent except in some areas during high tourism. You will love it here! We do! The Adirondack Park (ADK) consists of old growth forests that cover more than 100,000 acres of public land in the Park and we live in the park. The Adirondacks also includes the headwaters of five major drainage basins. Lake Champlain and the Hudson, Black, St. Lawrence and Mohawk Rivers all draw water from the Adirondack Park. Adirondack forests and wetlands filter and provide clean water for many communities in NY.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$50
 / night
Come on in

8. Adirondack Adventure Base

99%
(75)
16mi from Saranac Lake · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Paul Smiths, NY
Overlook Lean-To, Treehouse, primitive campsites, and so much more! This is glamping at its finest. Our property was originally used as a seasonal hunting/fishing camp in the 1920's. Sheila and Bob bought it in the early 80s and have turned it into an amazing compound built for their family. They blinked their eyes and their children are gone, so this beautiful 50 acre diverse property and its private trail system are meant to be shared. Nestled in a mature, private pine forest, this well cared for property boasts abundant wildlife and a network of walking, skiing and mountain biking trails which take you past wetlands, cliffs and a variety of forest types. They have all kinds of lodging options from a beautiful vacation cabin they rent, to an Adk lean-to, to a Treehouse, and primitive campsites. You'll find a little bit for everyone at Adirondack Adventure Base.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$75
 / night
Peaceful Country Haven

9. Peaceful Country Haven

99%
(117)
50mi from Saranac Lake · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · New Haven, VT
This camp site is accessed from our driveway. We have 72 acres you are welcome to explore. If you want more privacy and have a tent, feel free to find a place in the woods. This is our home and our family visits often so please expect some cars passing by the site. We are happy to share this beautiful space and hope you enjoy it as much as we do. Learn more about this land: Park your RV or pitch your tent and take some time to relax. Take a walk through the woods, take your kayak out on Otter Creek starting at the base of our driveway or relax with a campfire. Visit the horses or ring the humongous bell, and check out the wildlife. Do you have a dog? Enjoy the freedom of letting it run and play in the small ponds in the woods. You are most likely to hear the train whistle a time or two. Wake up to beautiful sunrise to start your day off right!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
Adirondack Chairs, Pond, Fire Pit, Hammock, Love

14. Adirondack Rustic Retreat

100%
(69)
45mi from Saranac Lake · 2 sites · Lodging · North Creek, NY
As far as we know, this land has been occupied since shortly after the civil war.  It is actually two farms, combined into one around 1900. The main farmhouse was built out of the logs they cleared in 1879, and there are old foundations of the other original farm houses/barns as well.  All over the property (now woods) there are piles of stones that the original inhabitants pulled from the fields. The second farm house was built in 1901. Most of the total 240 acres were cleared pasture land at that time.  During the twenties and thirties the property was owned by an industrious couple from the City that lovingly turned it into more of a "rustic retreat"; damming a pond, planting ornamentals and upgrading the buildings.  There have been many owners over the years, but we are proud to say it has been with us the longest.  Our family bought it in 1961 and we have been trying to be good stewards ever since.  Come and visit our little patch of wilderness!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$99
 / night
Beautiful views of the Adirondack mountains.

15. ADK Saddle Hill

99%
(293)
30mi from Saranac Lake · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Westport, NY
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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night
Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks

17. Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks

89%
(41)
32mi from Saranac Lake · 122 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · North Hudson, NY
Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks combines the sweet nostalgia of classic campground fun with modern amenities and conveniences. As you roll your RV or family vehicle onto the grounds, you’ll take in your forested surroundings, a myriad of family-friendly activities, and a peek of the Schroon River that leads down to Schroon Lake. Pull in to your full hook-up site, deluxe cabin, or cozy yurt to begin your outdoor adventure! Our family-friendly amenities abound! Two swimming pools and waterslide; gaga ball; multiple playgrounds; gem mining; mini golf; a play house; pedal bike rentals; a spacious rec hall stocked with arts and crafts and arcade games; lazy river tubing; a riverside beach area and more – young campers will have endless options to choose from at Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks. A fully-stocked camp store, large laundry facility, and parkwide WiFi bring some creature comforts to your camp site.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$38
 / night
NEW 2023 - Rustic cabins now replace all canvas bell tents!

18. Farm Craft Vermont

98%
(294)
49mi from Saranac Lake · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging · Shelburne, VT
Our Regenerative Herb Farm sits on 15-acres of rolling hills full of wildflowers and gardens. We owned an ecological landscape design/build company for 15 years so the gardens, meadows, woodlands and trails are wild with biodiversity and color. The farm is a certified Bee Friendly Farm through the Pollinator Partnership. We give guided tours weekly upon request and discuss the ecological restoration efforts that are underway as well as our 'Seed to Soap' project that is Farm Craft VT. Our Farm Store is open daily from 8-8 and is self-serve. All sites have fire-pits (don't forget to order a firewood bundle), room for a group of 4-6, and views of starry skies. Please Note - none of the campsites are accessible by car. They don't have electricity or air conditioning - yup it's camping, just a wee bit more comfortable. For the complete Farm Craft VT experience, book a guided-farm tour on our website where you can smell the herbs, taste the honey from our hives, learn about how essential oils are distilled, how seed oils are pressed and handcrafted soap is made on site. WE HAVE REPLACED OUR CANVAS TENTS WITH SIMPLE WOODEN CABINS. THEY ACCOMODATE THE SAME SIZE AND NUMBER OF BEDS AS OUR PREVIOUS SITES. PLEASE DISREGARD ANY PHOTOS WITH OUR OLD CANVAS TENTS.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$50
 / night
Camp Way Wild

19. Camp Way Wild

100%
(16)
36mi from Saranac Lake · 1 site · Lodging · Westport, NY
Welcome to Camp Way Wild. A private camp for those looking for forested seclusion and serenity, nestled at the gates of the Adirondacks. Camp Way Wild offers our Lean To with a View, a 10' by 14' shelter large enough to accommodate up to a family of four within its sturdy frame. Just a short walk away is the newly finished bathroom, featuring a flush toilet, hot shower, and sink. We also have a rustic, traditional outhouse available for use. Situated around the property are 200 year old barns, a personal firepit, as well as a large grassy lawn great for games and activities. Local attractions nearby the property include​ local area trails state land Lake Champlain boat launch. Kayaking on the Bouquet river. Local farm market bakery and train station close by. Shop locally at Amish farm stands, organic farms. Enjoy near by dining on Lake Champlain. Boats kayaks available at local marina. Watch a beautiful sunset from Lean to and listen to the owls and the coyotes 70 acres of diverse topography and ecosystems. I joined by 50 acres of wildlife sanctuary. Rivers lake Champlain many wonderful hikes within walking distance. Westport state boat launch a mile away. View of High Peaks from 10 x 14’ lean to SUV accessible. Privy available. Wildlife abounds.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$85
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Saranac Lake guide

Where to go

High Peaks

South of Saranac Lake, the famous High Peaks are the headline act of the Adirondacks region. This is hiking heaven, with rugged trails crisscrossing the 46 mountain peaks, magnificent views across the forested valleys, and summits reaching up to 5,344 feet. Come prepared if you want to camp out—backcountry campsites are remote with minimal facilities, or you can venture off-piste and pitch your tent in the wilderness. 

North-Western Lakes

Lakes, rivers, and forest-fringed wetlands speckle the landscapes north of Saranac Lake. Escape the crowds to paddle around the Saint Regis Canoe Area, where some primitive campsites can only be reached by water. Further west, there’s a state campground at Cranberry Lake, and the surrounding hiking trails can also be explored by snowmobile in the winter months. 

Western Adirondacks

South of Saranac, the lively resort town of Long Lake is the gateway to the 14-mile-long lake, a popular spot for boat cruises, seaplane flights, and water sports. Check into one of the state or private campgrounds at Long Lake or neighboring Raquette Lake. Continuing west, there’s great backcountry camping in the Moose River Plains.

When to go

Anytime is a good time to visit Saranac Lake. May through August sees the biggest crowds, and the summer season is the ideal time to swim and get on the water. In fall, the forested shores transform with a rainbow of foliage, affording some of the best leaf-peeping in the Adirondacks, while in springtime, daffodils bloom throughout town. In February, the 10-day Saranac Lake Winter Carnival is one of the region’s most popular events.

Know before you go

  • Saranac Lake has grocery stores, restaurants, cafés, and shops selling camping and fishing supplies. 
  • Tick season runs from April through September in the Saranac Lake region, so cover up when hiking and check for ticks after outdoor activities.
  • There’s no fee to enter Adirondack Park, but state campgrounds charge a fee and many require reservations. A New York State Fishing License is required for fishing.
  • Backcountry camping is allowed on state forest land through Adirondack Park, but you can’t camp within 150 feet of any road, trail, or body of water unless otherwise marked.