Tent campsites near Blue Mountain Lake, New York exist in an area with elevations ranging from 1,800 to 2,300 feet within the Adirondack Park's western region. Summer temperatures typically range from 48°F at night to 78°F during day, with frequent rain showers from late May through September. Most backcountry camping locations restrict campfires to designated fire rings, while some higher elevation sites prohibit them entirely.
What to do
Paddle multiple lakes: Tioga Point Campground offers unique boat-in only access where "The campsites are private and you can enjoy the beach with crystal clear water. Fishing is great," according to reviewer Lee W. The neighboring islands are only accessible via water.
Explore mountain trails: From the Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake, hikers can access multiple peaks. As reviewer Hannah O. noted, "You can hike Algonquin, Iriquois, Wright Peak, and Mt. Jo all right from the campground."
Island camping: The Saranac Lake Islands provide a distinctive camping experience. As camper Angela described, "Canoed into our campsite, #15. It took 3 trips to bring in all our gear. Beautiful site. Quite a climb up to the actual site. Great swimming from site. Found a great rock to jump from."
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Campers value secluded spots where they can enjoy water access. At Seventh Lake Primitive Camping, reviewer Mary B. discovered "a large sand bar within a very short walk which was a great place to hang out. Seventh lake is pretty quiet but there were a few boats there both days we visited."
Secluded islands: Many reviewers appreciate having entire islands to themselves. As Erin T. shared about Saranac Lake Islands: "Pretty much had an entire island to ourselves and got to enjoy the beautiful saranac lake."
Mountain access: Hikers appreciate campgrounds serving as base camps for mountain adventures. One camper at Flowed Lands stated, "The trail to Mt. Skylight and Mt. Marshall are both close enough to hike in the day. The campsite is also close to Lake Tear of the Clouds."
What you should know
Boat-only access: Several campgrounds require watercraft. At Alger Island, "To get to the campground, you must paddle. The state park allows only car top boats," notes Sarah B., who adds a caution about busy periods: "It was a few days before 4th of July so it was a very busy time to be in 4th lake making the lake very choppy."
Rough access roads: Many campgrounds have difficult approaches. At Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake, one motorcyclist warned: "Road going in is very rough use extreme caution on a motorcycle with street tires."
Seasonal fluctuations: Weekdays offer more solitude than weekends. One reviewer at Wilderness Campground noted, "We had a very pleasant stay here and personally found the weekdays to be best for 'camp days' given there were few people—weekends are PACKED."
Tips for camping with families
Lean-to options: Blueberry lean-to campground provides facilities that reduce equipment needs. According to Alex R., there's a "Lean-to, privy, fire pit, table, and water around," which simplifies the camping experience for families.
Dog-friendly areas: Several sites welcome pets. Molly G. shared about Saranac Lake Islands: "Brought our dog and he had a blast exploring the island at his own whim."
Equipment planning: For boat-in sites, consider your gear carefully. Angela advised about Saranac Lake Islands: "It took 3 trips to bring in all our gear... Next time we would downsize our gear or use a motorized boat."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most primitive camping areas near Blue Mountain Lake don't accommodate RVs. At Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off, Taylor A. noted vehicle limitations: "A car is not recommended. Possible to turn around but you definitely need a smaller SUV."
Site selection challenges: Even at sites that technically allow vehicles, positioning can be difficult. Josie W. described Cod Pond: "Site was big enough to pull our mid-size SUV down and unfold rooftop-tent, but we did have to back out in the morning; not enough room to turn around."
Consider alternative lodging: When weather doesn't cooperate for tent camping, some locations offer other options. At Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake, camper Laura Nicole A. noted, "They have cabins, lean-tos, and tent sites. My boyfriend and I braved the 12° nights and pitched a tent."
