Blue Mountain Lake sits at about 1,800 feet elevation in the central Adirondacks, surrounded by dense forests and rugged mountain terrain. Most campgrounds in the area operate between May and October, with limited winter options outside established sites. Area temperatures can drop below 40°F even in summer months, particularly at night.
What to Do
Paddle pristine waters: Brown Tract Pond Campground offers a motor-free lake experience. "This campground is peaceful and lovely. There are no motorboats allowed on the lake, so the water is perfect for paddling," shares Angela from Brown Tract Pond Campground.
Hiking to elevated vantage points: Access trails directly from Little Sandpoint Campground on Piseco Lake. "Hike to Echo Cliffs right from the campground," notes Kyle M., who appreciates the convenience of trail access without driving to trailheads.
Wildlife observation: Morning and evening hours offer prime wildlife viewing at Rollins Pond Campground. "We always have wildlife at our site. This past trip we had chipmunks, squirrels, ducks, and a crane. The time before, we had a family of loons!" reports Kristina L.
Winter activities: For cold-weather glamping close to Blue Mountain Lake, New York, consider the year-round options. "We stayed in late March when there was still a decent amount of snow on the site. Despite the lake being frozen over, the views just steps away from our lean-to were gorgeous," writes Kayla M. about winter camping.
What Campers Like
Secluded waterfront sites: Stillwater Reservoir offers free dispersed camping with 40+ sites, many accessible only by boat. "We kayaked to Long Island and stayed for a weekend. It was quiet and had the whole island to our self," says Sam T., highlighting the privacy afforded by boat-in sites.
Night sky viewing: Clear mountain air means exceptional stargazing. "As the sun sets and the stars come out, you'll look up and suddenly realize just how small you are as you stare at the heavens and see the Milky Way," John E. describes from Brown Tract Pond.
Quiet environment: Most campgrounds enforce 10 pm quiet hours. "When it's quiet hours, the only thing you hear is nature and the occasional crackle of someone's fire," notes a Brown Tract Pond camper, emphasizing the peaceful atmosphere.
Rustic tent sites: Little Sandpoint Campground provides traditional camping spots with basic amenities. "Nice spot! We stayed two nights during the week. There were plenty of available sites to choose from and it was a really easy place to show up to and find a spot to settle quick," says Erica R.
What You Should Know
Limited connectivity: Most campgrounds have no cell service or Wi-Fi. "No cell service or internet. Maybe wifi near entrance?" notes Monica F. at Brown Tract Pond Campground.
Bear safety regulations: Different campgrounds have varying requirements. "Odd bear rules that basically make you pack up your site when not in use, unless you have a trailer or RV. No bear proof lockers to help out like federal campgrounds," warns Lawrence L.
Shower availability varies: Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake offers modern facilities. "There are two wash houses with showering and bathroom amenities that are cleaned weekly. Multiple water fill stations sprinkled throughout the campground area," explains Alex & Lauren K.
Reservation requirements: During peak summer months (July-August), securing sites well in advance is essential, particularly for waterfront locations.
Tips for Camping with Families
Kid-friendly water activities: Look for beaches with shallow entry points. "There is a small beach for if you don't get a waterfront campsite. They have canoes and kayaks for rent as well," says Angela about Brown Tract Pond.
Playground access: Lake George Escape Campground provides multiple recreation options. "There are tons of activities, lots of families and 'stuff' going on all the time," mentions Nancy W., describing the family-friendly atmosphere.
Wildlife education opportunities: Morning walks along shorelines often reveal tracks and signs of nocturnal wildlife activity, creating natural learning experiences for children.
Rainy day alternatives: "We made the most of our rainy weekend by checking out the town and some caves. Plenty to do in the area if you want to venture out of the campgrounds," shares Christina M. about nearby attractions when weather doesn't cooperate.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Draper's Acres offers varied RV site options. "We had 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," notes Jennifer O.
Limited dump stations: Plan waste management carefully as not all campgrounds offer sewer hookups or dump stations, and those that do often have limited capacity during peak periods.
Road conditions: Access roads to campgrounds may include unpaved sections. "40MPH is too fast for these torn up roads," cautions Laura Nicole A. about the approach to some facilities.
Tree clearance: Some campgrounds have low-hanging branches. "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," observes Nancy W. at Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday.
