Glamping near Eagle Bay provides a unique Adirondack experience in a region with elevations ranging from 1,700 to 2,300 feet. The area experiences temperature fluctuations typical of mountain regions, with summer temperatures averaging 65-80°F during peak season and much cooler nights even in summer. Local geology features ancient Precambrian rock formations that create distinctive campsite terrain and occasional challenges for level setups.
What to do
Kayaking on pristine waters: At Stillwater Reservoir, visitors find excellent paddling opportunities on a large body of water with minimal motorboat traffic. "This was my 3rd trip to Stillwater in 3 yrs and it gets better each time! Next year we took a canoe to our site, it was July, warm weather, warm water and the bugs were not terrible," reports one regular camper.
Hiking from camp: Several campgrounds offer trail access directly from your site. At Little Sandpoint Campground, campers can access the Echo Cliffs trail without driving anywhere. "Hike to Echo Cliffs right from the campground," notes one visitor, while another mentioned "being right on the water and having access to trails from the camping area."
Mining for Herkimer diamonds: The Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA offers a unique activity just across from the campground. "The mines are wonderful also if you'd want to search for your own Herkimer diamonds (clear doubles terminated quartz)," shares a visitor. This activity typically costs $14-25 per person depending on age, with equipment rentals available.
Tubing the creek: Several glamping sites near Eagle Bay include water activities beyond just swimming. A visitor to Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA explains, "There is a beautiful river where you can wade into, kayak, tube down, or just sit on the bank and watch the local wild life swim by." This activity costs nothing if you bring your own tube or about $10-20 for rental.
What campers like
Complete disconnection: Glamping options that provide a true escape from technology are highly valued. According to a visitor at Stillwater Reservoir, "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 the family plus 3 dogs!"
Private waterfront access: Francis Lake offers secluded sites with direct water access. "This spot is totally gorgeous, perfectly clean, and quiet. Room for two or three tents, two fire circles and has an outhouse. Great for swimming, kayaking, and a gorgeous place to wake up next to the water," shares one visitor.
Spacious natural sites: Brown Tract Pond Campground provides well-separated campsites that maintain privacy even when the campground is busy. "We stayed on a non-waterfront site and there was a lot of space between us and neighbors. They have flush toilets at most sites, but no showers," notes a camper who appreciated the spacing.
Star visibility: The lack of light pollution allows for exceptional night sky viewing. A Brown Tract Pond visitor described, "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."
What you should know
Bear regulations: Some glamping locations have specific rules about wildlife. At Brown Tract Pond Campground, "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 a camper.
Seasonal availability: Most glamping options open mid-May and close by early October. Rollins Pond Campground follows this pattern, but early season visitors should prepare for variable conditions. "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," advises a regular visitor.
Cell service limitations: Many glamping sites have limited or no connectivity. Stillwater Reservoir exemplifies this: "Would recommend if you want to break away from technology because you get zero service out there."
Water access challenges: Not all waterfront sites offer easy water entry. At Little Sand Point, "The majority of tent sites on the water are uneven and look like they are spillways," notes one visitor, suggesting careful site selection.
Tips for camping with families
Look for amenity clusters: Delta Lake State Park Campground offers multiple family-friendly features in one location. "They have recently added electricity to the sites and a new playground at the beach. The concession stand at the beach will deliver to your camp site," shares a regular visitor.
Consider swimming safety: Some glamping sites offer swimming with lifeguards while others do not. Delta Lake State Park provides supervised swimming: "The beautiful beach is well attended with life guards on duty keeping you safe but still allowing much fun on the very clean white sand."
Plan for rainy days: Weather in the Adirondacks can change quickly. Sites close to towns offer backup options. Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA visitors appreciate this flexibility: "From dry tenting sites, RV hookup sites, to elaborate and science-based cabins. They offer a children's playground, pool, little grocery store, volleyball area, and of course, the Herkimer Diamond Mine and restaurant, right across the street."
Pack for temperature swings: Even summer nights can be chilly. Brown Tract Pond experiences significant day-to-night temperature variations, requiring layered clothing and proper sleeping bags rated for temperatures 10-15 degrees below expected nighttime lows.
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Many glamping sites near Eagle Bay have challenging access roads. For Stillwater Reservoir, "a 20 mile ride of just woods on a bumpy road" awaits RVers, according to a recent visitor.
Electric-only sites predominate: Most campgrounds offer electric hookups without full service. At Delta Lake State Park, "they recently added electricity to all the sites" but water and sewer connections are limited.
Reserve waterfront RV sites early: Competition for premium locations is fierce. Rollins Pond campers advise, "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."
Navigating narrow campground roads: Several campgrounds have tight access. At Kayuta Lake Campground, "The roadways can get a little tight between the trees, and can make for some interesting backing in. Also, the roadways are mostly one-way, which can make getting creative with your trailer landing position tough."
