Hiking and lakeside access are the main draws at Alder Lake, a free, DEC-managed campground set within Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest in the Catskills outside Margaretville. The road in is paved most of the way, with a rough half-mile at the end that lower-clearance vehicles may find challenging, though standard cars have made it without issue. Campers can choose between two vehicle-accessible sites near the trailhead or hike in to more secluded spots along the lake, the first of which is less than half a mile down the path.
The lake loop is an easy walk, and a longer trail connecting to the far end of the lake runs over six miles. Nearby, the Balsam Lake fire tower provides open sightlines across the surrounding hills. Sites are spacious, with good separation between them, fire pits, and some picnic tables. No cell service should be expected.
Crowd levels vary considerably. On summer weekends, the parking area can fill quickly and the path along the lake sees heavy foot traffic, making it a poor fit for those who want a quieter outing. Late October visits have drawn far fewer people, with Erik C. describing it as "a great little spot to camp." Bugs can be significant in early summer. Camping is free and reservations are available. Little Pond Campground to the west provides a fee-based alternative with more consistent amenities.
Description
There are five lean-tos as well as five primitive campsites marked with round, yellow, DEC markers. In addition, primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from the regional office.
Camping is prohibited above 3,500 feet in elevation from March 22 until December 20 each year to protect the fragile summit environment. Campfires are permitted below 3,500 feet in elevation, but only dead and down fuel may be used. In an established campsite, use the existing fire ring. Before you leave, completely extinguish the fire. Never leave a fire unattended. The use of camp stoves is encouraged.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsAlder lake is located in New York near Margaretville
Coordinates
42.04975249 N
74.67956982 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Alder lake needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 7 min from Kingston, NY
- 1 hr 18 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 1 hr 27 min from Binghamton, NY
- 1 hr 44 min from Albany, NY














