1 campground with availability this weekend
The Adirondack region surrounding Lake Placid, New York offers numerous tent camping options ranging from established campgrounds to remote backcountry sites. Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake provides tent campsites with amenities including showers and toilets, while Marcy Dam Backcountry Campsites offer more primitive tent camping experiences. The Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve Campground features boat-in tent sites on secluded islands, providing a unique wilderness experience within the Adirondack Park.
Many tent campgrounds in the Lake Placid area require specific access methods, with some sites accessible only by hiking, boating, or walking in from parking areas. Heart Lake provides drive-in tent sites with amenities including drinking water, showers, and flush toilets, while backcountry locations like Marcy Dam and Feldspar offer primitive tent camping with minimal facilities. Bear canisters are required at backcountry tent sites. The camping season varies, with many tent campgrounds open from May through October, though some backcountry tent sites remain accessible year-round, weather permitting.
The tent camping experience near Lake Placid provides direct access to numerous hiking trails and natural attractions. Walk-in tent sites at Heart Lake serve as a popular base camp for hikers accessing High Peaks trails, including Mount Marcy. Island tent sites on Saranac Lake offer exceptional privacy and separation from neighboring campers. Many backcountry tent campsites have fire restrictions, so campers should bring camp stoves instead. A camper at Saranac Lake Islands noted, "Huge sites, a lot of privacy - nearest campsite in most cases is not even visible." For tent sites at Heart Lake, a reviewer mentioned, "The campground is quiet and beautiful to stroll around and see the lake and nearby mountains."
"You'll need a boat or canoe (rentals available in Saranac Lake). Sites have tables, fire rings, and outhouses. You'll need a tent, bag, pad, cooking equipment, etc."
"All campsites have picnic tables, firepits/grills, and privies. Saranac Lake Marina has great rental boats. I even think the dogs look forward to these camping trips."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 - $40 / night
"I was absolutely impressed with the restrooms, dishwashing station, and beach area."
"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
"This campground is conveniently located near the trails for Mt. Marcy, Mt. Colden, and Avalanche Pass. Everything is first come first serve."
"The scenery was gorgeous and there were lots of nice hikes around."
"The view of the lake is stunning, and there's a quick walk down to the edge of the lake."
"The lake is gorgeous, although it wasn't as big as I thought it was going to be. I went late August, so I beat the initial summer rush, but there was still a good amount of people there."
"It's on a side trail (left side). Bear canisters required."
"One lean-to and 3 campsites. 2 near the lean-to across the bridge.
1 on the other side.
There's also a privy.
It's far out and the only way to access is by hiking."
"If you’re coming from Marcy Dam by way of Lake Colden, this campsite is a great spot to stop for the night on the way to Mt. Marcy."
"First and foremost, I had a black bear encounter at this location. Make sure that you remain bear aware and are taking the appropriate safety measures. "
"Lake Colden camping area is a spread out collection of campsites lean-tos surrounding the south side of Lake Colden in the High Peaks Wildnerness in Adirondack Park."
from $30 - $60 / night
"Fire pit, picnic table, and a privy. A bit further you will find some tent spots too.
Plenty of water around."
"On the Blueberry trail not far from the Ward lean-to. Very close to the trail to Seward, Donaldson and Emmons.
Lean-to, privy, fire pit, table, and water around."
"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."
"Jones Pond has five primitive campsites along its northeastern shore accessible by a two track service road. The sites are on a first come basis and are free to use."
ScoutFirst trip with our new RV and we were a little nervous about getting everything set up. Having full hookups made it way less complicated than we expected. Once we were settled, we just enjoyed the area and took a few day trips. Would definatly come back for another Adirondack trip.
ScoutWe came up for a quick Adirondack getaway and ended up spending most of our time outside. A little disc golf, some time by the pool, dinner at the site and plenty of walks with the dog. Pretty much everything we wanted out of the trip.
ScoutOne of the best parts for us was not having to pack up the RV every time we wanted to go somewhere. We stayed put and explored the Adirondacks from here. Lake Champlain, Ausable Chasm and a bunch of other spots were all easy to get to.
ScoutGreat setting. We were there by ourselves, so very quiet place to view the sky. The hookups were 50A only, no 30A connection, so we just used a conversion to 20A.
ScoutHaving the river and Adirondacks nearby made for a really nice change of scenery. We spent our days exploring and came back to the campground for dinner and a fire.
ScoutWe were looking for somewhere to stay while checking out Ausable Chasm and this worked out really well. Easy drive over, then back to the camper in the afternoon. Made the whole trip alot easier.
ScoutWe only planned on staying a few nights but ended up adding another week. Once we got settled in, it was hard to leave.
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.
ScoutCame here with our fifth wheel and had plenty of room for everything. Nice spot to use as a home base while exploring the Adirondacks.
Backcountry tent camping near Lake Placid, New York offers diverse options within the Adirondack Park's 6 million acres. Most campgrounds sit at elevations between 1,600-2,100 feet, with temperatures that can drop 30°F from day to night even in summer months. Water sources are plentiful throughout the region, with most backcountry sites requiring proper filtration equipment.
Paddle island campsites: At Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve Campground, camping requires boat transportation to your site. "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!" explains Sambath T.
Hike to remote mountain campsites: Set up camp at Feldspar Lean-to for access to Mt. Marcy trails. "Great campsite on the way to Mt. Marcy. If you're coming from Marcy Dam by way of Lake Colden, this campsite is a great spot to stop for the night," notes Seth K. "There's a good water flow for water that is safe to drink (suggest bringing iodine just in case)."
Fish mountain lakes: Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites offers free shoreline tent camping with fishing access. "Jones Pond has five primitive campsites along its northeastern shore accessible by a two track service road. The sites are on a first come basis and are free to use. You can stay a maximum of three nights without a permit," reports Dylan J.
Secluded island experiences: Tent campers appreciate the isolation at Saranac Lake Islands. "I camped at Saranac Lake Islands for two summers in a row. The first time, my children and I had an island and the second time we had a spot on a little peninsula. It's such a gorgeous place! The campsites were well maintained and nicely isolated," shares Joanna H.
Wilderness lean-tos: Traditional Adirondack shelters are popular for tent campers seeking partial protection. "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," explains cj J. about Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake.
Seasonal variations: Lake Placid tent camping experiences change dramatically by season. "My boyfriend and I visited in late March when there was still a decent amount of snow on the site. Despite the lake being frozen over, the views just steps away from our lean to were gorgeous. The bathrooms are really nice and warm, especially during the cold off season," writes Kayla M.
Bear safety requirements: Bear canisters are mandatory for backcountry tent camping in Lake Placid's High Peaks region. A camper at Lake Colden warns: "A quick note: I had a black bear encounter at this location. Make sure that you remain bear aware and are taking the appropriate safety measures. You're required to have a bear-proof container when camping in this area and you can find some for rent on your drive in."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best tent camping sites near Lake Placid, NY?
Lake Placid offers exceptional tent camping options for all experience levels. Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake provides secluded sites with stunning mountain views and lakefront lean-tos, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced campers. For a more backcountry experience, Marcy Dam Backcountry Campsites offer first-come, first-served tent sites and lean-tos with convenient access to popular hiking trails for Mt. Marcy and Mt. Colden. These sites fill quickly on summer weekends, so arrive early. Both locations provide the perfect base for exploring the Adirondack High Peaks region while enjoying the natural beauty of Lake Placid.
What amenities are available at Lake Placid tent campgrounds?
Tent campgrounds around Lake Placid offer varying levels of amenities. Cedar River Entrance Camping provides basic facilities including picnic tables, fire rings, and nearby outhouses. Sites are situated near water with small kayak/canoe launch areas. For more amenities, Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites offers five primitive sites along the northeastern shore with hand launches for small boats and kayaks. These free sites can accommodate multiple tents and vehicles but have limited facilities. Most backcountry sites in the region provide outhouses, fire rings, and access to natural water sources, though filtration is recommended. The more developed campgrounds may offer additional amenities like dishwashing stations and beach areas.
When is the best season for tent camping in Lake Placid?
The prime tent camping season in Lake Placid runs from late May through early October, with July and August being the busiest months. Lake Colden is open year-round but experiences peak visitation from June through September when weather conditions are most favorable. Early fall (September to mid-October) offers spectacular foliage viewing with fewer crowds. Flowed Lands provides stunning lake views and is particularly beautiful in early fall. Be prepared for potential black bear activity throughout the warm season by using proper food storage. Winter camping is possible for experienced adventurers but requires specialized gear and knowledge of cold-weather survival techniques.
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