Inlet camping areas offer RV accommodations from May through October, with some sites available for winter snowmobiling. The region sits at 1,800 feet elevation within the western Adirondack Mountains, creating cooler summer temperatures that average 75°F during peak season. Water access points are available at several campgrounds, though amenities vary considerably between established sites and primitive camping areas.
What to do
Lakeside paddling: Cranberry Lake Campground provides direct water access for kayakers. "We spent one day kayaking on the lake and another day hiking. While the mosquitoes weren't bad at the campground itself, they are terrible on the trails this time of year, so bring your bug spray, or better yet, bug shirts!" advises one camper who visited in summer.
Snowmobiling: Winter camping is available at Old Forge Camping Resort for cold-weather enthusiasts. "Close to skiing. Snowmobiling is the real reason to come here. Dry cabins or cottages with bath and shower are available. Snowmobile trails are accessible from the campground and seasonal rentals are available," notes a winter visitor.
Wildlife watching: Black bears are common in the region during warm months. "Lots of black bears in area heed the warnings regarding keeping cars and camper locked keep food and cooler secure," warns a camper at Old Forge Camping Resort.
Hiking trails: Numerous marked paths exist near camping areas. At Moose River Plains, "While on this trip, we hiked the lost ponds trail, just down a ways from our site. It's worth the time and effort, full of amazing views! Of you have a lightweight or inflatable kayak, take it because the pond is quite large and there's lots to explore."
What campers like
Natural water features: The streams near Spruce Creek Campground offer cooling relief in summer. "The property is huge and surrounded by the beautiful creek, which is more like a river. The roads within the campground are dirt and pretty rough, and there are some sites in disrepair, but these are small prices to pay for this beautiful place," reports a visitor.
Free firewood: Some state-operated campgrounds occasionally provide complimentary wood. "There is a huge stack of free wood piled near the shower house!" noted a Cranberry Lake camper.
Remote camping options: For those seeking seclusion, Moose River Plains provides designated dispersed camping. "Over 100 designated dispersed sites along the 22 mile long Limekiln Lake-Cedar Lake Road. Sites are numbered, flat, and contain a picnic table, fire ring, and privy," explains a camper who stayed at two different sites during their visit.
Wide selection of site types: Little Sandpoint Campground offers varied waterfront options. "Most sites are on the lake (min was #65 with a little downhill hike in and water right there)," shares a camper who appreciated the water access.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Mobile connectivity is inconsistent throughout the region. At Moose River Plains, there is "no cell service" according to recent visitors, while Little Sandpoint has similarly limited connectivity.
Environmental precautions: Wildlife encounters require proper food storage. At Lewey Lake Campground, one camper warns: "This is a bear area (we didn't see any) but I have to emphasize that you HAVE to keep all your food covered in a sealed container. We didn't have a sealed container for our dry goods, which in the past has been fine just leaving it in the car, but we ended up with a fleet of mice making merry with some of our food."
Road conditions: Access roads to several campgrounds require slow travel. For Moose River Plains, "Expect a slow and bumpy ride in - but keep your eyes peeled for the massive & incredible ravens flying by!" A different visitor notes the road is "a little rough, take it slow and you should get through with any vehicle, but I would recommend only high clearance 8" plus vehicles."
Water systems: Drinking water quality varies between campgrounds. Campers at HTR Adirondacks report high chlorine levels, noting "water reaks of chlorine. DO NOT drink the water. Made the mistake of using it for morning coffee. So much chlorine its like pool water."
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Some campgrounds offer recreational equipment for children. At Spruce Creek Campground, a visitor notes there's a "nice playground for kids. Little store with alot inside. Owner is very friendly and helpful."
Swimming areas: Dedicated beach sections provide safer water access. Little Sandpoint Campground features "nice play area for the kids" and river access that appeals to younger visitors.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing can create learning experiences. At Old Forge Camping Resort, "The deer are incredible friendly and will walk right up to you," notes one visitor who brought children.
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations require appropriate gear. "It got cold at night, around 30-40. It was fine though in just warm clothes, sleeping bags and an extra blanket," explains a fall visitor to Moose River Plains.
Tips from RVers
Site elevation variations: At some campgrounds, the terrain creates challenges. At Lewey Lake Campground, "Most of the campsites along our loop were great, nice and level. Ours was pretty well shaded, which would be really great for the summer, but we had a little bit chillier than normal temperatures."
Electrical capacity issues: Power supply limitations occur at certain RV sites near Inlet, New York. At Kayuta Lake Campground, one visitor reports, "The bathrooms are a little old but very clean. Had fun shooting archery targets. They also have lazer tag but we didn't participate. No cable but you can buy 5g wifi."
Site selection for larger rigs: Certain areas accommodate bigger motorhomes better than others. At Spruce Creek Campground, a reviewer notes "Big rigs have to be in the open areas, so you won't get a wooded site."
Assistance with setup: Staff support varies between parks. At Spruce Creek Campground, "We chose a site that had sewer, water and electric. Upon arrival my husband told the owner that we had never set up before and he came and walked us through the whole process. He also gave us tips on equipment to get etc."
