2 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake has established itself as one of the premier glamping destinations in the Adirondacks with its rustic yurts and modernized lean-tos just steps from pristine mountain waters. The site's collection of well-appointed glamping accommodations includes elevated canvas structures with proper beds and climate control options suitable for year-round stays. Each unit offers a balance between wilderness immersion and creature comforts, with many featuring electricity and private decks overlooking Heart Lake. According to a camper, "The views around here are breathtaking. The Adirondack Loj is warm and inviting, and the facilities are clean and well kept." Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks adds to the region's upscale options with its collection of luxury yurts and specialized glamping units that boast amenities rarely found in traditional accommodations.
Several trailheads originate directly from the glamping areas, providing immediate access to popular hiking routes including Mount Marcy, Algonquin, and Wright Peak without having to relocate your vehicle. The glamping sites maintain dark sky conditions ideal for stargazing, with minimal light pollution and forest canopy breaks offering perfect viewing windows. As one guest put it, "Despite rather high density of sites they are well designed and the campground is quiet and dark at night for good rest!" An on-site convenience shop provides necessities, while proximity to Lake Placid (approximately 15-20 minutes by car) allows easy access to dining and shopping when glampers wish to venture beyond their eco-friendly domes and pods. Winter visitors will appreciate the location's accessibility to Whiteface Mountain for skiing and snowboarding, with many glamping structures remaining available through the snowy months.
"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."
"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."
"Great campground with secluded sites most with woods behind each site, especially the tent area. The RV and tent camping is well separated and there are different kinds of RV space available as well."
"Just stayed at Drapers Acres for the Iron Man in Lake Placid.  We stayed in a cabin and daughter and her husband stayed in their rig in an RV site.  "
from $30 - $40 / night
"I didn’t spend any time inside the Loj by the lake because I was camping with my dog and intentionally stayed off the Wi-Fi the whole trip, but family made use of the connection option."
"There’s no explaining the views around here. The mountains are beautiful, Lake Placid is beautiful, and this campsite is amazing."
from $25 - $55 / night
"If you are a fisherman(which we are) there is good fishing in Whey Pond which is stocked with hungry trout."
"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"
from $20 - $40 / night
"It’s perfectly secluded, but still not far from Lake Placid. You do have to travel a little ways (6-10 miles) for a grocery store, but the view is worth it. I highly recommend this beautiful place."
"We didn't see any sites with electricity and there is one outlet in the bathroom area (I plugged my coffee percolator into this outlet every morning). "
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $40 / night
"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."
"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!"
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $40 / night
"Spacious sites close to great amenities!  Super staff!  Clean and updated facilities. Close to beautiful hiking, lake activities and rail bikes. We can’t wait to come back!"
"The doggos and husband absolutely loved being able to walk the beautiful trail in the cooler weather, especially the husky."
from $999 / night
"This camp ground is a short drive to Lake Placid, Plattsburgh, Vermont State and so much more. The Chasm has their own store and cafe"
"Upon arrival, the front desk clerk was very nice and helpful. We found our way to the tent sites, nestled in the very back corner which for us was exactly what we like."
"Sites 1 to 16 are close to each other. Sites 113 to 119 are bad. Very close to each other. No redeeming qualities.
Sites have 30 amp electric and water but might need a longish cord or hose."
"The water/electric sites in the middle of the campground were a bit snug."
from $37 - $100 / night
"We selected it because it was nearby for our second outing with our new (used) R-Pod camper. Turns out it's a wonderful park."
"There is a pool for swimming, paved roads are good for bikes & scooters, pavilion for activities, lake for swimming & fishing and hiking trails."
GuideCar camped on Sunday of Columbus Day weekend in October. This was their closing weekend and lots of spaces were available. Stayed in tent circle loop and it was almost empty. Great access to lake shore and bike path. Walked back toward marina and town in the evening and ran in the morning the other direction going out to Rock Point. Didn’t use the shower facilities. The bathroom near our loop only had sinks and toilets and was fine.
GuideStayed here to be able to do the bike trail. Was warned to keep the bikes locked up. The sites are very close together. The picnic tables and fire pits(tire rims) are moveable. Our picnic table was in rough shape and broken.
The bathrooms have keypads on them but on our last morning there was a guy in the bathroom with his pants on the floor sitting in a shower chair for a couple of hours. The bathrooms also have spiders all throughout them. The water pressure was high and the showers were hot.
ScoutThis was our first trip away from home. The campgrounds are clean with beautiful views.
GuideOriginally we reserved mountain view. It waa getting ready to rain...alot for 1 - 1/2 days. The mountain views didn't have gravel, but hard dirt. However beautiful shady areas (we drove thru the another day to check it out) looked nice, but it's hard to imagine on the side of hills to level 🤷🏼‍♀️
We really like the riverside view..it's across the street & about 300' down the street.
But is a great location for places to go & things to see. A few Miles from Whiteface mtn & about 15 min to downtown Lake Placid.
TravelerJust stayed at Drapers Acres for the Iron Man in Lake Placid.  We stayed in a cabin and daughter and her husband stayed in their rig in an RV site.  They clearly state that they are not a camping resort, but a base camp for the area adventures.  Rest rooms were clean and had plenty of hot water. Staff was friendly and welcoming!  Great playground for the kids to play on and plenty of privacy. Cabin was basic - had fan, heat, mini-fridge and microwave. If visiting the area again, I would not hesitate to stay there again! The RV site was large with plenty of space for their 40 foot rig and jeep. Use AT&T towers and had the ability to use phone as a hotspot.
ScoutWe have stayed here a few times. It’s always clean and quiet. Pool is nice but very family (kid) oriented. Love the trails to the water from both camp loops. Great place to stay with a kayak or paddle board!
TravelerMy partner and I went on 4th of July weekend for the first time and was greeted by a man in the parking lot who had been coming there for 40 years. The site was gorgeous with 10 different campsites to choose from. The past reviews are correct with a lifted four wheel drive vehicle being needed for this drive in if you plan on getting paddled boats/kayaks in the water. Our plan was to go in and out to explore but decided to hunker down once we took the road in to avoid driving it multiple times. There are four hike-in camps from the parking lot. All campsites are marked on AllTrails. We stayed on the East side camp, #10, which after setting up and visiting the rest of the sites, had the least views from camp of the water but was the most secluded. Many sites have a privy or a box with a hole and a lid. There were a total of four trucks/jeeps in the lot all weekend and only a few camps being used. The black flies and mosquitos were bad given the time of the year so be prepared if you come during the same time. There are some beautiful trails that connect to the parking lot that lead to other hike-in camps at other small ponds/lakes.
There are green tags on the trees marked next to the water where the camp sites are. We made the mistake of setting up our tent at a makeshift campsite someone made and found the "no camping" sign after and ended up moving. There are beaver, ducks, and loons living at the pond.
TravelerMy favorite campsite we stayed at on my 2 week trip (despite the bugs lol). Great swimming hole and very well kept. Very beautiful and loved my stay.
RangerWe loved camping at Crane Pond. It was a little over 3 miles to hike into the waterfront sites. There is an outhouse nearby, several campsites, fire pits, and we went for a swim in the pond. Overall great experience!
The Adirondack region surrounding Lake Placid sits at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 feet, creating distinct microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the year. Temperatures can drop below freezing even in summer months at higher elevations, particularly near Heart Lake where overnight lows in August can dip into the 40s. Campgrounds in this region typically offer more rugged, traditional camping experiences alongside the luxury glamping options that have become popular in recent years.
Waterfront activities: At Rollins Pond Campground, campers can enjoy direct lake access at most sites. "You hear the word 'pond' and you might think of a small body of water however this 'pond' is massive. It's more like a lake. There are many campsites along the water. One in which we had. It was nice splashing around in the water right at our campsite," notes Amanda K.
Hiking from camp: Many campgrounds provide direct trail access without driving. "Behind the 100-Acre section are trails that lead to Whiteface Mountain so you don't have to get in the car to start a hike. My dog loved running through the woods and there were a couple of small streams where she could get a drink of water," shares Nancy W. from Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA.
Winter activities: While summer camping dominates, winter offers unique experiences. "We tented here late in the season so it was very quiet. We really enjoyed our experience here and the location to the high peaks couldn't be better," explains Sierra K. at Draper's Acres, which stays open until mid-October and provides excellent access to winter recreation areas.
Secluded waterfront sites: Waterfront camping is highly valued in the region. "One side of the lake is a bit crowded and can get rowdy. This side has flush toilets and showers... The other side of the campground is completely different, and a bit hidden. (Meacham Lake West) No flush toilets or showers, simply outhouses at each site... You can have a beautiful site right on the lake, and your neighbors are not on top of you," explains Angela from Meacham Lake Campground.
Authentic Adirondack structures: Traditional camping structures remain popular. "Lean to camping at it's best! 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. You can sit and chill by the lake, hike a mountain or hike around the lake," writes cj J. about Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake.
Dark sky viewing: Rural location provides excellent stargazing opportunities. "The campground on the mountain side has a playground, huge store, gem mining, arcade (which needs some love), hiking trails and a common area with some games. They have cabins, tent site areas, and huge wooded camper sites. The mountain side in general is my ideal campground full of trees and nature," shares Nicole S. about their experience at Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA.
Site selection matters: Terrain varies significantly across campgrounds. "Some sites do have an uphill driveway lined with trees. If you have an RV, looking at the site on ReserveAmerica.com might be the way to go," advises Danielle S. about Buck Pond Campground.
Access considerations: Road conditions can be challenging. "Road going in is very rough use extreme caution on a motorcycle with street tires," warns Max about access to Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake.
Seasonal weather changes: Weather can be unpredictable year-round. "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 Alex G. about Rollins Pond.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play facilities for children. "The campground hosts came and checked on us once. The whole campground was quiet and beautifyl to stroll around and see the lake and nearby mountains. You can hike Algonquin, Iriquois, Wright Peak, and Mt. Jo all right from the campground," says Hannah O. about her experience at Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake.
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with organized programs. "Very reasonable rates and friendly staff, also showers on site tho they're a bit rustic. Great experience; if you tent, try to grab a spot on the outer ring for a quieter time, larger space and better views," advises Eric M. about his stay at Draper's Acres.
Swimming options: Not all campgrounds offer safe swimming areas. "There isn't a great place to swim in the lake here, although plenty of people swim off the point. There is a nice pool, but it closes after Labor Day weekend," notes Tara S. about Button Bay State Park Campground.
Hookup availability: Electric and water access varies widely. "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," shares Jennifer O. about Draper's Acres.
Road width and navigation: Many campgrounds have narrow access roads. "The road through the campground is dirt and rutted but the speed limit is 5 mph, so it wasn't that bad, but it would be a mess if it was raining," notes Lee D. about her experience at AuSable Chasm Campground.
Site leveling challenges: Terrain can create leveling issues. "Considering the scarcity of good campgrounds in the area, this was an okey choice," explains Rebecca A. about Draper's Acres, noting its location benefits outweigh some site limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is glamping in Lake Placid and how does it differ from traditional camping?
Glamping in Lake Placid offers upscale outdoor accommodations with the comforts of home. Unlike traditional tent camping, glamping provides premium shelter options like cabins or luxury tents with actual beds, electricity, and climate control. At Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday, glampers enjoy amenities like Keurig coffee makers in cabins while still accessing nature through hiking trails and lake activities. Glamping eliminates the need to pack extensive gear, set up tents, or sleep on the ground, making it ideal for those who want to experience the Adirondacks' beauty without sacrificing comfort.
Where are the best glamping sites located near Lake Placid, NY?
The Lake Placid region offers several exceptional glamping destinations. Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake provides stunning mountain views and lakefront accommodations with excellent facilities in a secluded setting. Buck Pond Campground offers perfectly secluded glamping options with impressive views while still maintaining reasonable proximity to Lake Placid's amenities. Other notable options include Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks, where glampers can enjoy the natural beauty of the Adirondacks with upgraded comfort. Most sites are within a 15-20 minute drive to Lake Placid's restaurants and attractions.
What amenities and luxury features are included at Lake Placid glamping sites?
Lake Placid glamping sites offer an impressive array of amenities that elevate the outdoor experience. At Draper's Acres, glamping accommodations feature water and electricity hookups, with cabin options surrounded by woods for privacy. Glamping amenities in the region typically include hot showers, laundry facilities, and recreational areas with playgrounds and swings. Meacham Lake Campground offers reservable sites with big-rig-friendly options. Many glamping sites provide fully-equipped kitchenettes, climate control, comfortable beds with linens, WiFi access, and outdoor amenities like fire pits, grills, and access to water activities. Some luxury offerings include on-site dining options, guided excursions, and concierge services.
What is the typical cost of glamping in Lake Placid compared to traditional camping?
Glamping in Lake Placid typically costs 3-5 times more than traditional camping, with prices reflecting the enhanced amenities and comfort. While standard tent sites at Rogers Rock Campground might run $25-40 per night, glamping accommodations start around $100-150 nightly for basic options. Premium glamping experiences at AuSable Chasm Campground can exceed $250-300 per night for luxury cabins or specialized accommodations with full amenities. Pricing varies seasonally, with peak summer and fall foliage seasons commanding premium rates. Many sites offer weekday discounts or extended-stay rates that can reduce the nightly cost by 10-20%. Most glamping options require minimum stays during peak periods.
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