Best Campgrounds near Lake Clear, NY

The camping areas near Lake Clear in New York give you good access to Adirondack wilderness without being too remote. Fish Creek Pond Campground sits about eight miles away, with sites right along the water that make it easy to drop in a canoe or fishing line whenever you want. If you're bringing horses, Frontier Town Campground has dedicated equestrian sites and connects to trail systems for riding. Most people can reach these campgrounds without trouble since the main roads are paved, though a few of the more secluded spots might need vehicles with better clearance after rain. From May through September is when most campers visit, avoiding both black fly season in early spring and the heavy snow that typically blocks access during winter months. Keep your food secured at night since deer, foxes, and bears all roam the area. Birdwatchers should bring binoculars as loons, eagles, and numerous songbirds are common sights. Stick to established fire rings and pack out all trash to help keep these camping areas in good shape. Lake Clear camping works well for both families wanting amenities and individuals looking for quieter forest sites.

Best Camping Sites Near Lake Clear, New York (125)

    1. Fish Creek Pond Campground

    33 Reviews
    Tupper Lake, NY
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 891-4560

    $22 - $40 / night

    "Most of the campsites at Fish Creek Pond are along the waterfront, offering easy access to the pond. Some campers even build temporary docks that they leave behind for subsequent campers."

    "Bike path, kayak rentals, close to Lake Placid Olympic center, Wild Center in Tupper Lake"

    2. Rollins Pond Campground

    20 Reviews
    Tupper Lake, NY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 891-3239

    $20 / night

    "As it isn't too far of a drive for us, it quickly became our go-to campgrounds for quite a while due to the mostly flat campground and who doesn't love hearing the slow trickle of water splashing close"

    "It was generally quiet Memorial Day weekend, and we were able to snag a lakeside site with plenty of trees and space for our tent, SUV, and more."

    3. Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve Campground

    15 Reviews
    Saranac Lake, NY
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 891-2841

    $22 - $40 / night

    "Outhouse was a little rough around the edges, but doable. Town is close by for ice and things. Our island had 4 other campsites on it and we barely saw or heard our neighbors."

    "This lake is so peaceful and the remote islands that are only accessible by boat make this spot really special. It's a gorgeous place to get away from everything and to really connect to nature."

    4. Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday

    43 Reviews
    Wilmington, NY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 946-7878

    "Close to hiking trails, Whiteface Mt Parkway & Lake Placid. Nice, helpful staff. It is NOT wheelchair accessible. There are steep steps to the office, no grab bars in the bathrooms."

    "Very large and busy campground, close to Lake Placid and other cool activities to take in. Pros- hot showers, convenient laundromat, you are guided to your site by staff on golf carts."

    5. Meadowbrook Campground

    10 Reviews
    Ray Brook, NY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 891-4351

    "This is a very basic campground situated in a small village in the Adirondacks – situated between Saranac Lake and Lake Placid. "

    "It's an average campground, but has a really good location between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake. 

    Our site had the standard DEC picnic table and fire pit."

    6. Buck Pond Campground

    8 Reviews
    Onchiota, NY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 891-3449

    "Our site was tucked back into some trees and you couldn't see any other sites from it. To look around, it was as if we had all of the Adirondacks to ourselves!"

    "wonderful place to get away from it all"

    7. Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites

    2 Reviews
    Rainbow Lake, NY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 897-1200

    "There is a hand launch for small boats/kayaks to access the pond near the entrance. Site #1 is near the entrance and near the road."

    "It was over the July 4th week, so very busy and found people would just walk through your campsite. Which of course would make our dogs bark at them."

    8. Wilmington Notch Campground

    11 Reviews
    Wilmington, NY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 946-7172

    $18 / night

    "Only about a hour and a half from the border of Canada. This is a great home base for Lake Placid area and Whiteface Mountain. Great clean bathrooms with free hot showers."

    "Great location, very close to Lake Placid and many different trails. The sites are closer together and not as much privacy in some sections, be sure to reserve to get a prime spot."

    9. Meacham Lake Campground

    6 Reviews
    Rainbow Lake, NY
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 483-5116

    $20 / night

    "We spent a week here and didn't have a lakeside site, but one of the small ones on the stream. Great place to visit. If you do score a lakeside site, your views will be spectacular!"

    "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."

    10. Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake

    9 Reviews
    Lake Placid, NY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 523-3441

    $25 - $55 / night

    "Despite the lake being frozen over, the views just steps away from our lean to were gorgeous. The staff were really friendly and someone is available 24/7 in case you run into issues."

    "The lean to I had was right on the lake and on the edge of the campground. It's a bit of a trek to a bathroom but well worth it."

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Showing results 1-10 of 125 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lake Clear, NY

514 Reviews of 125 Lake Clear Campgrounds



Guide to Lake Clear

Camping near Lake Clear, New York, offers a fantastic escape into nature with plenty of options for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails nearby, including those leading to stunning views of the High Peaks. Campers have enjoyed hiking around the area, with one reviewer mentioning, "We went and hiked the mountain, which was amazing" at Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday.
  • Water Activities: Kayaking and canoeing are popular at places like Fish Creek Pond Campground, where one visitor said, "The water views/access is hard to beat as well."
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, such as Cranberry Lake - DEC, are known for great fishing spots. A reviewer noted, "Wonderful fishing, swimming, and water access."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One happy camper at Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake mentioned, "The bathrooms are really nice and warm, especially during the cold off-season."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many sites offer plenty of room for tents and RVs. A visitor at Rollins Pond Adirondack Preserve said, "The site we have stayed at almost exclusively has amenities very close by."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Campers enjoy seeing wildlife. One family at Fish Creek Pond Campground shared, "We always have wildlife at our site."

What you should know:

  • Busy Seasons: The campgrounds can get crowded, especially in summer. A reviewer at Fish Creek Pond - DEC noted, "Summer months are very crowded there, reservations always encouraged."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups. A camper at Draper’s Acres mentioned, "The campground itself isn’t great; there is not much in it."
  • Road Noise: Some sites are close to roads, which can be noisy. A visitor at Wilmington Notch said, "The proximity to the road was noticeable but my white noise app dealt with that while I slept."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with activities for kids. One reviewer at Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday mentioned, "I did miss the typical activities that KOA usually has."
  • Plan for Bugs: Be prepared for bugs, especially in late spring. A camper at Fish Creek Pond Campground noted, "Pretty buggy during the last week of May."
  • Pack Games and Activities: Bring along games or crafts for downtime. A family at Rollins Pond enjoyed their time, saying, "We always have wildlife at our site."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A reviewer at Fish Creek Pond Campground mentioned, "While Fish Creek is notoriously a tent only/small rig campground, we fit perfectly."
  • Be Cautious on Roads: Some roads can be rough, so drive slowly. A visitor at Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake advised, "40MPH is too fast for these torn-up roads."
  • Utilize Dump Stations: Look for dump stations if you're in an RV. A camper at Cranberry Lake - DEC noted, "There is a three-lane dump station for your convenience if you are in an RV."

Camping near Lake Clear, New York, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Lake Clear, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lake Clear, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 125 campgrounds and RV parks near Lake Clear, NY and 12 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Lake Clear, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lake Clear, NY is Fish Creek Pond Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 33 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lake Clear, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Lake Clear, NY.

What parks are near Lake Clear, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Lake Clear, NY that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.