The access road into Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake earns repeated warnings from visitors: multiple reviewers flag it as rough enough that 40 mph is too fast, and one motorcyclist riding in on street tires called for extreme caution. That said, campers who make it in find a well-maintained, 32-site tent-focused campground on the edge of Heart Lake in the Adirondack High Peaks, with lean-tos, yurts, and a small number of cabins rounding out the lodging options. Sites are generally flat, though a few carry noticeable slope.
Water access is a consistent draw. Lean-to sites positioned directly on the lake give campers open sightlines toward the surrounding mountains, and "multiple water fill stations sprinkled throughout the campground area," as Alex & Lauren K. note, make staying hydrated on long hiking days straightforward. The campground sits at the trailhead for Algonquin, Wright Peak, Mt. Jo, and Mount Marcy, so it functions well as a base for High Peaks objectives. Staff are on site 24/7, and the two wash houses, cleaned weekly, include hot showers and flush toilets.
Weekday visits run noticeably quieter than weekends, when sites fill and some areas get loud. Nightly rates run $25 to $55. The Adirondack Loj, Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake operates the adjacent lodge, which has Wi-Fi and meals, though those amenities appear reserved for lodge guests. Campers who want backcountry proximity with fewer neighbors might consider the Marcy Dam Backcountry Campsites, roughly a two-mile hike in from the trailhead.
Description
The Adirondack Mountain Club’s Wilderness Campground offers a variety of primitive camping opportunities. The seasonal washhouse is available during the spring, summer, and fall; this facility has men and women’s washrooms with showers, toilets, and sinks. During the winter months guests are able to use the facilities in the High Peaks Information Center. All food must be stored inside a vehicle to avoid attracting wildlife. Campsites There are 32 campsites located in the Wilderness Campground. Each campsite has a fire pit and picnic table. A limited number of sites are large enough to accommodate a pop-up camper or small trailer. A maximum of 6 people and a maximum of 3 tents are allowed per site. These sites are open year-round. Lean-tos The Wilderness Campground has 16 lean-tos, several are located adjacent to Heart Lake. Lean-tos are a traditional three-sided Adirondack shelter, they offer protection from weather but have the feel of sleeping out in the open. Each lean-to has a fire pit and picnic table. The lean-tos are open year-round. Canvas Cabins There are six canvas cabins in the Wilderness Campground, each sleeps six people in three bunk beds. The canvas cabins have mattresses but no pillows or linens are provided. Each canvas cabin has a fire pit and picnic table. They are open from the weekend prior to Memorial Day through Columbus Day.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsWilderness Campground at Heart Lake is located in New York near Lake Placid
Private CampgroundDirections
FROM THE SOUTH: Take the Northway (Rt. 87) to Exit 30, Turn left on Rt. 73 toward Keene and Lake Placid. Continue on Rt. 73 for 26.5 miles. One mile before the Lake Placid ski jumps; turn left on Adirondak Loj Road (High Peaks Wilderness Trailhead Sign), five miles to the Loj to the end of the road. FROM THE NORTH: Take the Northway (Rt. 87) to Exit 34, Keeseville. Follow 9N to Jay and Rt. 86 to Lake Placid. Turn left on Rt. 73 before going through Lake Placid. In three miles, look for High Peaks Wilderness Trailhead Sign (one mile past the Lake Placid ski jumps) and turn right onto Adirondak Loj Road, five miles to the Loj to the end of the road. FROM THE WEST: Rt. 3 or 86 into Saranac Lake. Continue on Rt. 86 through Lake Placid. At the third traffic light, turn right onto Rt. 73 towards Keene. In three miles, look for High Peaks Wilderness Trailhead Sign (one mile past the Lake Placid ski jumps) and turn right onto Adirondak Loj Road, five miles to the Loj to the end of the road. After passing the entrance station, take the first right and proceed to the Loj.
Coordinates
44.1816589 N
73.96492782 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/28/26- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/1/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/28/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/1/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 1 hr 28 min from Burlington, VT
- 1 hr 30 min from Glens Falls, NY
- 2 hrs 34 min from Watertown, NY
- 2 hrs 57 min from Utica, NY
