Pet friendly camping near Lake Placid, New York offers accommodations throughout the Adirondack Park's diverse terrain at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 feet. The region experiences significant seasonal temperature variations with summer daytime temperatures averaging 70-80°F and dropping to 40-50°F at night. Most campgrounds open from May through early October, with limited winter options available for cold-weather enthusiasts.
What to do
Explore backcountry waterways: The Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve Campground provides access to multiple connected lakes for paddlers. "We rented a motorboat to get to our own private little peninsula on the middle saranac. One of the coolest experiences I've ever had in my life- surrounded by nature- water, woods, birds and fishing for pike, bass and sunfish!" notes Sambath T.
Hike directly from camp: Several campgrounds offer trail access without driving. At Meadowbrook Campground, you can access the Scarface Mountain trail from the property. One reviewer mentions, "There's a trail to Scarface that leaves from the campground. Like many of the towns in the area, Saranac has a hiking challenge. Complete 6 hikes in the area and earn a patch; Scarface is one of the 6."
Visit Olympic attractions: Located near historic Olympic venues, campers can explore Lake Placid's winter sports heritage. "We used this campground as a basecamp to mountain bike on an awesome trail just outside of Saranac Lake, the Bloomingdale Bog trail. The following day, we did a quadrathlon that involved kayaking the length of Lake Placid, hiking to the summit of Whiteface Mountain, kayaking back, and then finished the day at Lake Placid Pub and Brewery for dinner," reports Shari G. from Meadowbrook Campground.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Many sites at Fish Creek Pond Campground feature direct water access. "Every spot has water access, and the water is super shallow all along the shoreline. It's perfect for dogs, kids, and hanging out in the water. The bottom is sandy with some rocks, good to have water shoes but not essential. Sites 65-100 get a great view of the sunset!" shares Oleńka S.
Privacy options: Buck Pond offers secluded sites for those seeking solitude with pets. "This camp ground gives you very remote feeling in the heart of the ADK's. From this 'base camp' you have a lot of options to explore other parts of the ADK's," notes Mark B. Another camper adds, "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!"
Island camping: For a unique pet-friendly experience, Saranac Lake Islands offers boat-in camping on private islands. "Loved this campground. Pretty much had an entire island to ourselves and got to enjoy the beautiful saranac lake. We will be back!" reports Erin T. Another camper adds, "Love this place! There's something novelty about getting in a boat and paddling to your island for the week!"
What you should know
Weather fluctuations: Mountain temperatures can change rapidly, even in summer. At Rollins Pond Campground, one camper advises: "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."
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds near highways experience traffic sounds. At Draper's Acres, a reviewer notes, "This campground was mediocre in my opinion. It was right off the highway and there was a lot of road noise. Also, the campground is literally in the middle of a neighborhood, which wasn't my favorite environment."
Bathroom facilities vary: Facilities range from basic to well-maintained across campgrounds. "The bathroom was actually one of the nicest I've seen in a DEC campsite; it looked like it had recently been rebuilt," notes a Meadowbrook visitor. Meanwhile, at Draper's Acres another camper states, "The bathhouses looked very 'rustic' but we didn't use them."
Tips for camping with families
Select family-friendly campgrounds: Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday caters specifically to families with children. "The KOA was recently moved from a different location... This campground is very maintained. 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," shares Nicole S.
Find child-friendly water access: Shallow shorelines provide safer swimming areas. A Fish Creek Pond visitor explains: "The water is super shallow all along the shoreline. It's perfect for dogs, kids, and hanging out in the water. The bottom is sandy with some rocks, good to have water shoes but not essential."
Plan for evening activities: Some campgrounds offer special features for children after dark. At Rollins Pond, a camper mentions, "An ice cream truck and firewood truck make the rounds (ice cream truck may just be on weekends)." Similarly, at Lake Placid KOA, Nicole S. adds, "Both sides have the tractor driving around, pulling the kids around."
Tips from RVers
Research site access carefully: Some campgrounds have challenging roads for large rigs. At Wilmington Notch Campground, a reviewer cautions, "The roads are really tight for big rigs. Between the trees, rocks, and low hanging branches, you have to take it really slow. I recommend unhooking your tow car at check-in so you are free to back up."
Check site dimensions: Not all "RV-friendly" sites accommodate larger vehicles. At Fish Creek Pond, a visitor shares: "We have a rather large rig (36 ft fifth wheel plus the truck) & while fish creek is notoriously a tent only/small rig campground we fit perfectly & our site has cell service! 10/10! Site 106!"
Consider generator restrictions: Most Adirondack campgrounds have limited generator hours or prohibit them entirely. At Rollins Pond, a camper notes, "No hookups, so a bit trickier for rv's, but being right on the water makes it worth it."
