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FacilitiesMap showing campground location near Rainbow Lake, New York

Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites

3 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Paddlers and anglers heading to campgrounds near Rainbow Lake will find Jones Pond worth a close look. The NYSDEC manages five primitive sites along the pond's northeastern shore, accessed via a rough, all-dirt two-track road. Site 5 sits directly on the water and requires four-wheel-drive to reach by vehicle. Site 1 is the only spot suited to larger rigs. Two pit toilets are on-site. Camping is free, capped at three nights without a permit, and pets are welcome.

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Map & DirectionsJones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites is located in New York near Rainbow Lake

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

44.457142 N
74.189083 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 8/28/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 8/28/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Drive Time

Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

67%
33%
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4.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the spacious waterfront sites and beautiful pond access as major highlights. Several guests reported problems regarding privacy during busy periods and inconsistent facility maintenance.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Aug. 24, 2025

awesome place

I came from the Albany area. It took me about two hours 45 minutes and well worth the drive, I first stopped at site four and fully set up my Truck tent and the rest of camp, awesome location. You can walk down to the water, which is only a small ledge and enough space to put a chair, me and my German Shepherd were walking around the trails and we found site five which was absolutely beautiful and right on the water, I mean right on the water. I went back to site for packed up a bunch of stuff into the truck and left the truck tent in there since it takes about 30 minutes to take up and down, I had walked the road a couple of times to see if I could get my truck down there, definitely need four-wheel-drive, but it is possible to get your truck down there and I did, set up camp there spent the rest of the day the night and all of the next day. Absolutely beautiful the dog loved the water being right there, I definitely love this place. This is my first campsite that I found using the app highly recommend.

Sitesite 5
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites by Robert K., August 24, 2025
  • Review photo of Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites by Robert K., August 24, 2025
  • Review photo of Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites by Robert K., August 24, 2025
  • (14) View All
Reviewed Jul. 13, 2024

Nice spot for a couple nights

Stayed here with a group of friends at site #4. Was a great spot and lots of room for our 4 tents/3vehicles. It was over the July 4th week, so very busy and found people would just walk through your campsite. Which of course would make our dogs bark at them. Also a lot of people just walking the road, so privacy can really be hit or miss. A lot of people have their dogs off leash as well. One of the rangers stopped by and sure did have a big chip on his shoulder. Overall would stay again, but would maybe instead stay at site 5 or over at a short hike in spot along Jones Pond rd. Overall a great place, just wish people would have more respect when around others campsites.

Sitesite 4
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites by Tyler C., July 13, 2024
  • Review photo of Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites by Tyler C., July 13, 2024
Reviewed May. 29, 2022

Free Primitive Campsites along scenic Pond.

Jones Pond has five primitive campsites along its northeastern shore accessible by a two track service road. The sites are on a first come basis and are free to use. You can stay a maximum of three nights without a permit. There is a hand launch for small boats/kayaks to access the pond near the entrance. Site #1 is near the entrance and near the road. It is the only site that would be accessible for larger rigs such as an RV. Site #2 is along the water and is accessible by car/suv/truck. Site three sits away from the water and on a hill. It is not accessible by vehicle and you would need to park at the bottom of the hill near site #4 to access it. Site #4 is very large and could be occupied by a large group and multiple vehicles. It is accessible by car/suv/truck. Site #4 is near the water and has a fire ring and access to the water. Site #5 sits the furthest back and is also close to the water and accessible by car/suv/truck. The campsites are perfect for a short stay with a tent or suv camper. The two track access road is rough and all dirt. There are two pit toilets, both primitive, one of which did not have a door when we visited. The views from site #4 of the pond were beautiful. We were the only campers during our stay on a weekday. There are an additional three primitive sites on the northwestern shore but are only accessible by foot.

SiteSite #4
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites by Dylan J., May 29, 2022
Showing results 1-3 of 3 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Jones Pond Campground located in the Adirondacks?

Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites is located in the northeastern section of the Adirondacks near Paul Smiths, NY. The campground features five primitive sites situated along the northeastern shore of Jones Pond. The location is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes from the Albany area, making it accessible for weekend trips from major population centers. The pond itself offers a peaceful Adirondack setting with sites positioned to provide access to the water.

What facilities and amenities are available at Jones Pond Campground?

Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites offers basic amenities consistent with its primitive designation. The five sites are accessible via a two-track service road and operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees. Campers can stay up to three nights without requiring a special permit. A hand launch area for small boats and kayaks is available near the campsites, allowing easy water access. The campground does not provide amenities like running water, electric hookups, or shower facilities, so visitors should be prepared for self-sufficient camping.

What do campers say in reviews about Jones Pond Campground?

Campers consistently praise Jones Pond for its beautiful setting and spacious sites. Site #4 is particularly popular, offering enough room for multiple tents and vehicles. Visitors appreciate the direct water access, with small ledges near some sites where you can place a chair and enjoy the pond views. During peak periods like July 4th, the campground can get busy with some foot traffic through sites. Most visitors find the natural setting and peaceful atmosphere well worth the drive to this Adirondack gem.

Is Jones Pond Campground suitable for RV camping?

Jones Pond Campground has limited suitability for RV camping. The access is via a two-track service road which may be challenging for larger rigs. While some visitors have successfully used truck tents and brought vehicles to sites (with site #4 accommodating up to three vehicles), the primitive nature of the campground means there are no hookups, dump stations, or amenities typically needed by RVs. Small trailers or compact camper vans would likely manage better than full-sized RVs. For comfortable RV camping, consider more developed campgrounds in the Adirondack region.

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