Cranberry Lake sits within the Adirondack Park's western region at 1,540 feet elevation. The lake spans 6,975 acres with 55 miles of shoreline, providing numerous camping options beyond established RV sites. During summer months, average temperatures range between 70-80°F during the day and can drop to the 50s at night, creating comfortable camping conditions.
What to do
Paddle the AuSable River: The region offers excellent paddling opportunities for all skill levels. At Old Forge Camping Resort, "There is a small lake in the campground" for beginners, while more experienced paddlers can venture further. A visitor noted, "We spent all day on Saturday on the water soaking up the sun."
Hike Bear Mountain: The trail provides a moderate challenge suitable for most fitness levels. At Cranberry Lake Campground, one camper shared that "The hike up and around Bear Mountain was a good workout and fun experience for our whole family (littlest is 6)." The trailheads are conveniently located "a 2-minute walk from camp."
Fish for trout: Local waters support healthy fish populations. Near Wilmington Notch, visitors appreciate "plenty of spots to trout fish/swim," while the waterways around Cranberry Lake are known for lake trout. One angler mentioned, "I talked with someone who said they caught some lake trout!"
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Waterfront camping provides direct lake access and serene views. At Lewey Lake Campground, "There are several sites right on the lake and you can pull your canoe or kayak right up to your site." Sites along Sucker Brook are particularly peaceful, as "the sound at night is really relaxing for sleeping."
Shower facilities: After outdoor activities, hot showers are a welcome amenity. Wilmington Notch offers "free hot showers" in their central facilities. A regular visitor noted, "There is one shower building with two stalls for each gender, and showers are free."
Wildlife viewing: The region's forests support diverse animal populations. At Old Forge Camping Resort, visitors often spot "bears through the camp ground," while others mention that "the deer are incredible friendly and will walk right up to you." Always maintain appropriate distance and proper food storage.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely throughout the region. At Lewey Lake, campers report "no cell phone or wifi service" with T-Mobile, while other providers may have limited coverage in certain areas.
Bear safety: The region has active black bear populations. Proper food storage is essential as "this is a bear area" and improper storage can lead to unwanted visitors. One camper at Wilmington Notch advises, "you HAVE to keep all your food covered in a sealed container" to avoid attracting wildlife.
Seasonal operating schedules: Most RV campgrounds near Cranberry Lake, New York operate seasonally. Thornbush Acres RV Park runs "Mid-May thru Mid-Oct," and many other facilities follow similar schedules. A visitor described it as "Basic sites with amenities. Very roomy and spacious."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Sandy swimming areas provide safe recreation for children. Lewey Lake Campground features "a beach area for swimming" and "the beach is wonderful for kids." Multiple reviews mention the clean water quality and gradual entry points.
Playground facilities: Singing Waters RV Park offers "a nice play area for the kids" according to one family. Another visitor traveling with teenagers noted, "The boys were never bored and loved walking around the camp site."
Activity planning: Schedule outdoor activities early to avoid crowds. For popular hikes like Sucker Brook Trail, one experienced camper advises, "If you are doing this hike I would advise starting early so it's not so busy."
Tips from RVers
Power limitations: Electric capacity varies between campgrounds. At Singing Waters RV Park, one RVer reported power issues: "We used a surge protector when plugging in to electric. It wasn't long before our power kept kicking off." Using a surge protector is recommended for all RV campers.
Site selection: Choose sites based on rig size and desired privacy. For larger motorhomes at Thornbush Acres RV Park, look for "Basic sites with amenities. Very roomy and spacious." Sites are described as "Mostly seasonal nice and quiet."
Seasonal RV maintenance: Prepare for variable Adirondack weather. Given the region's temperature fluctuations, RVers should check heating systems before fall camping. The climate can "start getting cold around 4PM" during shoulder seasons, requiring proper insulation and heating capabilities.
