The Adirondack region surrounding Au Sable Forks sits at elevations ranging from 550 to 1,700 feet, creating diverse microclimates across camping areas. The terrain features a mix of dense forests and open meadows, with the AuSable River cutting through dramatic rock formations. Seasonal considerations vary drastically from summer's humidity to winter's sub-zero temperatures, with early fall offering optimal camping conditions when temperatures range from 45-65°F.
What to do
Hiking near Heart Lake: The Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake provides access to multiple High Peaks trailheads directly from the campground. A camper noted, "You can hike Algonquin, Iriquois, Wright Peak, and Mt. Jo all right from the campground" with varying difficulty levels suitable for different experience levels.
Swimming and beach access: North Beach Campground offers a supervised beach with lifeguards during summer months. According to a visitor, "The beach is very well maintained, there are life guards on duty at the beach and a playground and grills (claim them early if you want them)."
Water sports on Lake Champlain: Button Bay State Park provides kayak and canoe rentals for exploring the shoreline. "Behind the 100-Acre section are trails that lead to Whiteface Mountain so you don't have to get in the car to start a hike. My dog loved running through the woods and there were a couple of small streams where she could get a drink of water," shares one outdoor enthusiast.
What campers like
Privacy levels: At AuSable Chasm Campground, tent sites in the back corners offer more seclusion. One camper shared, "Sites were a medium distance apart but still spacious enough to not be close to neighbors. Showers and restrooms were nearby and it being a weekday, there really wasn't much traffic of campers or hikers."
Waterfront locations: AuSable River Campsite features sites with river access just across the street. A visitor mentioned, "Monday thru Friday visit, site was close to restrooms, River access across street. A little buggy due to water. Flat site."
Facilities and amenities: Most campgrounds in the region maintain clean washrooms with hot showers. According to one visitor to Draper's Acres, "Both bath houses were adequate, even containing shampoo and body wash. Staff was friendly. Some if the sites are rather close to each other, and the proximity to the road was noticeable but my white noise app dealt with that while I slept."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the area operate from May through mid-October, with a few exceptions. Buck Pond Campground runs from "May 19 to September 4," offering a shorter season but prime summer conditions.
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds may be unpaved and rough. A visitor to Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake warned, "Road going in is very rough use extreme caution on a motorcycle with street tires."
Reservation requirements: During peak season (July-August), advance booking is essential, especially for weekend stays. One camper at Draper's Acres noted, "The sites have water and electricity; which is certainly a treat in the high peaks, but that's really all that's great about the campground itself. However, it is centrally located and is really only 15 minutes from Lake Placid."
Site variations: Campgrounds often have distinctly different sections with varying privacy levels. A Lake Placid/Whiteface Mtn KOA reviewer explained, "There are two distinct sections of this campground– the 'Resort' section and the '100-Acre Woods' section...This section has tall shad trees and much more space between sites than the resort area."
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Shelburne Camping Area provides easy access to museums and cultural sites. A former resident explained, "It's very close to museums, the town, and farm areas," making it ideal for educational day trips with children.
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. A Button Bay visitor commented, "This state park is so fun to camp at! It has a great playground for kids and a nice swimming pool! You can hike on the trail and Lake Champlain is right there!"
Safety considerations: Choose campgrounds with supervised swimming areas during peak season. At North Beach Campground, "The lake is extremely close and visible from sites," allowing parents to maintain sight lines to older children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling needs: Check site descriptions carefully as some locations have significant slopes. One RVer at AuSable Chasm Campground commented, "RV site 8 is so out of level that we couldn't get our Airstream level unless we put 10" of blocking under both axles."
Hookup details: Many campgrounds offer various levels of hookups, from primitive to full service. An Iroquois Campground visitor noted, "Staff very friendly, under new ownership, lots of seasonal sites and folks, fun activities, campers friendly and welcoming, roadway a little rough but overall ok, nice large pond, reasonable price."
Navigating tight spaces: Large rigs should consider site access carefully. A reviewer at Lake Placid/Whiteface Mtn KOA Holiday observed, "Another ding for us was that there were lots of tree limbs that needed to be trimmed. Maneuvering through the park was pretty tight for us and we had to take it really slow."
