Dispersed camping options surround Cranberry Lake at sites like Stillwater Reservoir, offering primitive lakefront sites within the western Adirondack region. The area sits at approximately 1,500 feet elevation with a short summer season between late May and early September, when temperatures typically range from 45-80°F. Winter access requires specialized equipment and experience due to heavy snowfall and temperatures that frequently drop below freezing.
What to do
Paddling adventures: Stillwater Reservoir provides extensive water access for canoeing and kayaking. "My wife and I kayaked to Long Island and stayed for a weekend. It was quiet and had the whole island to our self. Would recommend if you want to break away from technology because you get zero service out there," notes a camper at Stillwater Reservoir.
Wildlife observation: The quiet waters around Rollins Pond Campground offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. "WE love staying at Rollins Pond in a tent! Our family always meet friendly people and falling asleep to loons is priceless! 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 one visitor.
Stargazing: The remote location provides exceptional night sky viewing. "Very peaceful, spacious, wooded sites on the lake," says a visitor to Rollins Pond Campground, highlighting the natural darkness that makes it an ideal location for amateur astronomy.
What campers like
Private waterfront access: Many sites around Stillwater Reservoir offer direct water access. "Just returned from our annual week at the reservoir, such beauty! We saw Bald Eagles and Loons, enjoyed swimming, canoing and paddleboarding with the family. It was so peaceful with our site #37 accomodating 20 members of tge family plus 3 dogs!" shares a visitor.
Clean facilities: Brown Tract Pond Campground maintains well-kept amenities despite its rustic setting. "Sites: private. Scavenge for firewood. Site 4 was perfect for us. Some on water. Amenities: clean. No showers. Other attractions: boat rental. Pond. I would go back again," notes a camper who appreciated the no-frills experience.
Spacious campsites: Most campgrounds in the area provide ample room between sites. "Not super spread out but was definitely a beautiful spot. Near fish creek. We loved riding bikes, ice cream truck every night. Ice and firewood available. Close store for goods. Kayaking was wonderful. Site 247 was our spot. Loved it and had water access," explains a Rollins Pond visitor.
What you should know
No cell service: Most camping areas have little to no connectivity. "Need a boat: I came here a couple days ago only to realize that all except one campsite needs a boat to be reached. It's first come first serve so best to find another place if you intend to drive up to your campsite," warns a Stillwater Reservoir visitor.
Boat-in access: Many premium sites require water transportation. "You have to go all the way through the fairly busy Fish Creek campground to get into Rollins Pond on a dead end road, so don't forget the groceries. Almost all the sites are lakefront. Great kayak and canoe access to a whole network of lakes in the St. Regis/Saranac area," advises a camper.
Variable weather: Even summer can bring unexpected cold. "While I have really enjoyed Rollins Pond, I would caution going prior to June unless you are prepared for varying weather. I have been up there pitching the tent in a t-shirt one day only to need to throw on a jacket the next day due to rain and even snow," shares a visitor regarding seasonal conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Meacham Lake Campground offers family-friendly water access. "This campground is like having 2 campgrounds in one. One side of the lake is a bit crowded and can get rowdy. This side has flush toilets and showers. There are waterfront sites here. The other side of the campground is completely different, and a bit hidden," explains a visitor who found options for different family preferences.
Evening entertainment: Some campgrounds offer evening activities. "Beautiful park, Clean bathrooms and showers, Very helpful staff," says a Rollins Pond camper, where an ice cream truck visits regularly during summer weekends.
Quiet options for families: For those seeking more peace, certain sections of campgrounds offer quieter environments. "The west side is way cooler, less bugs and more views. The east side is RV/camper heaven," notes a visitor to Meacham Lake, highlighting the importance of site selection for family stays.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups: Draper's Acres provides some of the few RV hookups in the region. "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. The bathhouses looked very 'rustic' but we didn't use them. Nice field, swings and small palyground for kids. Close to hiking and Lake Placid!" shares an RV camper about this convenient base.
Site selection: For RVs, careful site selection matters. "The sites are not especially private, but they come in all sizes. There is a beach with canoe rentals and swimming, an amphitheater, showers, a recycling center and a dump station. Wood and ice are also offered for sale," notes a visitor regarding the facilities at Buck Pond Campground.
Glamping alternatives: For those seeking glamping in Cranberry Lake, New York without the hassle of RV setup, several options exist. "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," reports a visitor who found the natural setting perfect for an upscale outdoor experience.
