The access road to Buck Pond Campground can be rough, but campers who navigate it find a state-managed facility within the Adirondack wilderness. Located in the Debar Mountain Wild Forest, this seasonal campground operates from mid-May through early September and accommodates RVs up to 30 feet with full hookups available at some sites.
Sites vary significantly in terrain and setup. Some feature sandy, level ground while others have uphill driveways lined with trees that require careful maneuvering for larger rigs. The campground provides both forested sites tucked back among trees and more open areas near Buck Pond itself. Reviewers consistently mention the quiet atmosphere, with several noting how secluded individual sites feel despite the campground being well-occupied during peak times.
The facility includes restrooms with showers, though campers report the shower facilities could use updates and recommend bringing shower shoes for the slippery floors. A single electrical outlet in the bathroom area serves campers without hookups. The campground offers canoe and kayak rentals, and a small beach provides lake access for swimming and fishing. "Some sites do have an uphill driveway lined with trees," notes Danielle S., advising RV owners to check site layouts on the reservation system.
For campers wanting different terrain, Jones Pond offers primitive sites about five miles southwest.
Description
Buck Pond compares to a mountain retreat; it offers secluded sites, numerous water access, and a walking path that stretches for miles along an abandoned railroad bed. The campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including canoeing and boating, fishing, hiking, and bicycling.
CAMPGROUND SPECIFIC INFORMATION
- The Island sites R01 and R02 require a boat to access them.
WHEN YOU ARRIVE -You must sign for your own site. Have your equipment with you and be ready to camp when you register. Names of all campers on a site must be listed on the permit at time of registration
CHECK-IN TIME -From 2pm until 9pm. Campers must register for their campsite by 9:00 p.m. on the first night of their reservation or the campsite will be subject to re-rental and all fees will be forfeited
CHECK-OUT TIME -11:00 a.m. on your departure date
OCCUPANCY -Limited to 6 individuals per campsite and 2 tents or 1 unit of hard wheeled camping equipment and 1 tent. Only 2 vehicles permitted on any campsite. Extra vehicles will be required to park in a designated area (additional fees will apply)
AGE REGULATIONS -Campsites must be registered and occupied by a responsible person 18 years of age or older
LENGTH OF STAY -Your camping permit can be issued for a maximum of 14 nights. From July 1 through Labor Day only 14 cumulative nights will be permitted at any campground.
QUIET HOURS -From 10 p.m. until 7 a.m., and are strictly enforced. Violators of this policy may be evicted
GENERATORS -The use of generators may be limited to no more than 5 hours per day and fall between the hours of 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily. If the use of a generator is deemed unreasonably loud by the facility staff then individual use of a generator may be prohibited/limited
FIRES -Must be built in fireplaces provided. Only dead and down wood may be used for fuel. No chainsaws are allowed in campgrounds, and cutting down trees, alive or dead is prohibited.
FIREARMS -Are not allowed in campgrounds except during the Fall and Spring hunting seasons. Firearms must not be discharged within campground boundaries at any time
ACCESSIBLE SITES -At least one member of the camping party staying on the site must be mobility impaired (i.e. in a wheelchair or uses a walker) or the camping party may be turned away at the campground
SWIMMING -Is allowed at campgrounds with supervised bathing areas during designated hours when a lifeguard is on duty. Please note that there may be times when lifeguards are unavailable, and for the safety of our customers these beaches will not be open and swimming will be prohibited. Not all campground locations offer swimming, to inquire please contact the campground directly
PETS -Are allowed with proof of a currently valid rabies vaccination in the form of a current year's tag or a certificate issued by the veterinarian. Campers can walk dogs on a leash no longer than six feet as long as the animal is under control. Dogs cannot be left unattended and are not allowed in facility structures, on the beach or in day use areas
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
DEC Campgrounds: Same-day reservations will be allowed until 5pm on day of arrival at all DEC campgrounds. Reservations can be made online or through the Reserve America Call Center: 1-800-456-2267. Walk-ins will not be permitted.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundBuck Pond Campground is located in New York
Directions
From Adirondack Northway (I-87), Northbound: Take Exit 30, then take Route 73 north to Lake Placid. Take Route 86 through Lake Placid and Saranac Lake to Gabriels. In Gabriels, take Franklin County Road 60 6 miles to Buck Pond. From Adirondack Northway (1-87), Southbound: Take Exit 38, then take Route 374 west to the Route 3 junction. Take Route 3 and turn right on Franklin County Road 60. Follow the road 5.5 miles to Buck Pond. From Tupper Lake: Take Route 30 North to Paul Smiths. Turn right on Route 86 and drive about 4 miles. In Gabriels, turn left onto County Route 60.
Address
1339 County Route 60
Onchi OTA, NY 12989
Coordinates
44.50500044 N
74.1180004 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.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 24 min from Burlington, VT
- 1 hr 56 min from Glens Falls, NY
- 2 hrs 26 min from Watertown, NY
- 3 hrs 1 min from Utica, NY







