Dog-Friendly Camping near Au Sable Forks, NY

Taylor Pond Campground occupies a natural setting between the West Branch Ausable River and Taylor Pond, with several sites offering water access. Located at 1865 Silver Lake Road in Ausable Forks, this campground sits at approximately 1,500 feet elevation in the northeastern Adirondacks. The area experiences cool summer nights with temperatures typically dropping into the 50s, even during July and August.

What to do

Hiking from camp: Access trails directly from Wilmington Notch Campground where "There is an accessible trail from the back of the campground to an amazing waterfall on the west branch of the Ausable River and plenty of spots to trout fish/swim. A mile down the road is flume falls trails, which leads to a great swimming hole and various height choice cliff jumping" according to Zachary M.

Water activities: At AuSable Point Campground, campers find "Beautiful views everywhere you go" as LauraandJosh W. notes. The campground sits "at the mouth of the Ausable river and marsh" creating opportunities for wildlife viewing. Kimberly R. recommends "a river site or beach site" for the best water access.

Explore nearby attractions: The region's unique geology creates recreational opportunities beyond campgrounds. "Ausable Chasm is directly across the street from the campground and it is very close to the ferry that will take you to Burlington, VT," notes Lee D. about Ausable Chasm Campground, creating easy day trip options.

What campers like

Private wooded sites: At Taylor Pond, campers appreciate the natural separation between sites. As Steph notes, "Sites are pretty small and close together but overall the campground is excellent. The camp host is spectacular and it is extremely well maintained for a primitive area."

Clean facilities: While rustic, the region's campgrounds maintain good standards. Brett N. found that at Draper's Acres "Both bath houses were adequate, even containing shampoo and body wash. Staff was friendly... Prices were more than fair for what was provided."

Location convenience: Many campgrounds provide strategic access to regional attractions. At Draper's Acres, Mara S. highlights "Great cell reception with Verizon; what more do you need. Yes, there is road noise. Trade off for the closeness to ADK trailheads." Jennifer O. adds it's "Close to hiking and Lake Placid!"

What you should know

Site selection matters: Not all sites offer equal experiences. At Wilmington Notch, Meag F. advises to "be sure to reserve to get a prime spot. I took my own TP (you never know with some parks) and I am glad I did."

Seasonal considerations: Late spring through early summer presents challenges. Natalie N. notes that "They don't pick up the phone right away so call a few times to get ahold of someone" when booking sites at Draper's Acres during peak season.

Weather preparedness: The Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday area can experience significant temperature fluctuations. Kristine B. mentions that during her stay she "Used the pool at the resort once (a little chilly)," indicating cooler temperatures even during summer months.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly amenities: Family campers appreciate dedicated play areas. Ashley R. reports that Macomb Reservation State Park has "nice bathrooms not much for kids to do but a good campsite," so pack activities for children.

Swimming opportunities: Zachary M. found that Wilmington Notch offers "a great swimming hole and various height choice cliff jumping," though parents should supervise children closely at natural water features.

Campground atmosphere: The Grand Isle State Park Campground across Lake Champlain provides "a cute little beach and nature center with youth programs," according to Jessica G., who found it to be "a quiet, family friendly campground."

Tips from RVers

Site access considerations: RVers should research access routes carefully. Nancy W. found at Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday that "The roads are really tight for big rigs. Between the trees, rocks, and low hanging branches, you have to take it really slow. I recommend unhooking your tow car at check-in so you are free to back up."

Hookup options: Water and electrical availability varies significantly between campgrounds. Jennifer O. describes Draper's Acres as having "a full hookup, pull through site surrounded by trees. There was some road noise during the day but it was nice and quiet at night."

Road conditions: Many campground access roads are unpaved. Brian P. warns about Ausable Chasm Campground having a "road into the campground is more like a goat trail, with numerous washouts and uneven rocks and dirt," suggesting caution especially for larger vehicles.