The Adirondack region around Bloomingdale sits at elevations between 1,500-2,000 feet, creating microclimates that can cause temperature swings of 40+ degrees within 24 hours. This area experiences approximately 130 inches of annual snowfall, affecting camping season openings. Most primitive campsites near Bloomingdale require self-sufficiency with carry-in/carry-out waste management and limited cell reception outside towns.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 1/4 mile from campsite. At Wilmington Notch Campground, accessible trails lead to impressive water features: "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."
Paddle connected waterways: Multi-day routes possible. Fish Creek Pond Campground offers exceptional water access for kayaking enthusiasts. "So many of the ponds connect that you could paddle for days and not get bored. We always go for a spot that has easy, shallow access to the lake, some are steeper to maneuver."
Mountain hiking access: No driving required. Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday provides direct trail access: "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."
What campers like
Island seclusion: Boat-access only sites. The Saranac Lake Islands campsites provide a unique camping environment: "Love this place! There's something novelty about getting in a boat and paddling to your island for the week! We went off season so camping was free! Brought our dog and he had a blast exploring the island at his own whim."
Private waterfront: Easy shore access. At Rollins Pond Campground, most sites offer direct water access: "This campground is beautiful, and most of the sites are lakefront. Some sites are more spacious than others, but with the lake views, you can't complain. No hookups, so a bit trickier for rv's, but being right on the water makes it worth it."
Seasonal timing: Less crowded options. Among the best places to camp near Bloomingdale are those visited during shoulder seasons. "We try to make an annual trip here in late September, after the throngs of summer crowds have left. The sites are varied as to size and desirability, not all are level for trailers and rv's, so do some research ahead of time to find the spot that is perfect for you."
What you should know
Free primitive options: First-come sites. Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites offers no-cost camping alternatives: "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."
Weather preparation: Rapid temperature shifts. At Buck Pond Campground, weather conditions can change quickly: "Is there anything nicer than the Adirondacks in late summer? Buck Pond is a quiet, sublime campground about 20 minutes from Paul Smiths College. The sites are sandy and our site was mostly flat."
Site selection strategy: Research before booking. Campground layouts vary significantly throughout the Bloomingdale area. "There are two distinct sections of this campground– the 'Resort' section and the '100-Acre Woods' section. We stayed in site #73 of the 100-Acre section and would highly recommend staying in this area as opposed to the other. This section has tall shad trees and much more space between sites than the resort area."
Tips for camping with families
Adventure options: Multiple on-site activities. Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake offers family-friendly recreation: "I was absolutely impressed with the restrooms, dishwashing station, and beach area. Despite a rainy week we made the most of the easily accessible mountains and the onsite convenience shop was helpful!"
Kid-friendly campgrounds: Bike-friendly environments. The best places to camp near Bloomingdale for families include those with safe biking areas: "This is a clean, well maintained campground. It was a little crowded but surprisingly quiet for the number of people. Lots of kids biking and a nice trail behind the sites to walk or run. There was a coffee vendor that came through in the morning, which was kind of fun."
Swimming accessibility: Varying water depths. Water access points differ across campgrounds: "Every site has water access, and the water is super shallow all along the shoreline. It's perfect for dogs, kids, and hanging out in the water. The bottom is sandy with some rocks, good to have water shoes but not essential."
Tips from RVers
Road condition awareness: Challenging access points. Many campgrounds require careful navigation: "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."
Site selection: Request specific areas. Meadowbrook Campground provides varied RV site options: "Our site had the standard DEC picnic table and fire pit. There are showers (the hot water was broken the day we were there, but the attendant said we could go to nearby campgrounds to use theirs), toilets, and water spigots. I had decent Verizon signal."
Rustic amenities: Limited hookups. Most campgrounds near Bloomingdale offer minimal services: "No hookups, so a bit trickier for rv's, but being right on the water makes it worth it. We loved renting canoes/kayaks and exploring the lake. An ice cream truck and firewood truck make the rounds (ice cream truck may just be on weekends)."
