One of our favorite campgrounds in the state, Golden Beach is truly a gem. Tucked away in the foothills of the Adirondacks, its a very quick drive up from Syracuse, Utica or Rome areas. The sites are massive, seriously. We typically travel in a group with 2 or 3 30' trailers, and often it seems like we could all fit on one site with plenty of room to spare. In fact, in the past we've done just that. We really like sites 78/79, and have booked them many years in a row.

The weather up there can be a little odd, we've had beautiful 80 degree summer days (in May), and snowfall (also in May). The lake itself is fantastic for boating or swimming (cold early in the season, but the kids don't seem to mind). And the best thing about the campground is the setting. Massive trees, every site full of 'em. So many places to hang a hammock and just relax and listen to the wind blowing thru the canopy.

If you're the hiking sort, there are tons of trails nearby, or so I'm told. Old Forge is a quaint little town and only about 40 min way by car.