Best Campgrounds near Lake Pleasant, NY

The Adirondack region surrounding Lake Pleasant, New York features a mix of established campgrounds and more primitive sites within a landscape of forests and lakes. Lewey Lake Campground, located directly in Lake Pleasant, offers lakeside sites with amenities including showers, picnic tables, and boat access. Nearby Moffitt Beach Campground in Speculator provides similar facilities with several waterfront sites and dog-friendly areas. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access Indian Lake Islands Campground, which includes boat-in sites for those seeking more seclusion. The area's campgrounds typically accommodate both tent and RV camping, with many offering electric hookups, though primitive options exist for those seeking a more rustic experience.

Most campgrounds in the Lake Pleasant area operate seasonally from mid-May through early October, with weather conditions determining exact opening and closing dates. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends and holiday periods when sites fill quickly. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with spotty coverage at most campgrounds but stronger signals in nearby towns. As one visitor to Lewey Lake noted, "The lake is gorgeous and you can do a lot of different water activities. We spent all day Saturday on the water soaking up the sun." Early morning temperatures can be chilly even in summer, with fog often rising from the lakes at dawn.

Water access represents a major draw for campers in the Lake Pleasant region, with fishing, kayaking, and swimming opportunities available at most campgrounds. Sites closest to the water tend to be the most sought-after, with some campers booking up to a year in advance to secure prime locations. Hiking trails connect many campgrounds to the surrounding Adirondack wilderness, with varying difficulty levels. Wildlife sightings are common, with one camper at Lake Eaton Campground mentioning "bear sightings recently" near their site. The region offers a good balance of developed facilities and natural settings, with state-run campgrounds generally providing more affordable options than private resorts while still maintaining clean facilities and well-kept grounds.

Best Camping Sites Near Lake Pleasant, New York (145)

    1. Moffitt Beach Campground

    18 Reviews
    Lake Pleasant, NY
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 548-7102

    $22 / night

    "Lake Pleasant,NY is beautiful! There are several sites right on the lake and plenty of bathroom/showering cabins."

    "Site 9 is kinda weird- there is a big tank thing up there, quite close to the site. I wouldn’t stay at that site again.

    We checked out the other loops and found an abundance of really nice sites!"

    2. Lewey Lake Campground

    19 Reviews
    Speculator, NY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 648-5266

    $20 / night

    "Lewey Lake was such a great experience, I really can't wait to go back!"

    "There are a lot of options here, there are over 200 sites, scattered around Lewey and Indian Lakes."

    3. Little Sandpoint Campground — Piseco Lake

    9 Reviews
    Piseco, NY
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 548-7585

    $20 - $40 / night

    "The short but steep trail to Echo Cliffs within walking distance was my favorite part because it was so close and you could see Piseco Lake below."

    "Loved being right on the water and having access to trails from the camping area. Spots were large and wooded. Was very quiet and enjoyable!!"

    4. Indian Lake Islands Campground

    10 Reviews
    Speculator, NY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 648-5300

    $20 - $40 / night

    "I took my kayak to the Indian Lakes Island camping ground and had a great experience. All sites are boat in only and offer beautiful panoramic views of the lake and surrounding forests."

    "Last year we came to Indian Lake and fell in love with it, so this was my second trip."

    5. Sacandaga Campground — Adirondack Preserve

    6 Reviews
    Wells, NY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 924-4121

    $20 / night

    "Old growth abounds, surrounded by Maple, Oak, and massive White Pine making for an understory mostly clear of vegetation. Making for a secluded feel, but not claustrophobic."

    "The campsites are secluded, and the surrounding areas are beautiful."

    6. Point Comfort Campground — Piseco Lake

    3 Reviews
    Piseco, NY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 548-7585

    $20 - $40 / night

    "This tiny campsite is one of 3 DEC run campgrounds on the western shore of Pesico Lake.  It's a small facillity with small sites, but the staff was very friendly and willing to help. "

    7. DevilDoc Campsites

    14 Reviews
    Caroga Lake, NY
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 844-1591

    $15 - $25 / night

    "My buddy and I were looking for a campsite for a quick overnight stay before a bike trip around the Adirondacks, and this spot was a perfect fit."

    "He and his buddy, Rick, live on acres and acres of forested property, with my favorite campsites located at a seemingly magical pond surrounded by beautiful pine and birch trees."

    8. Northampton Beach Campground

    11 Reviews
    Northville, NY
    23 miles
    +1 (518) 863-6000

    $22 - $40 / night

    "MANY campsites with lakeside access, although do pay attention to the time of year as the water level can drop considerably over the summer. large swimming area and great fishing."

    "Lots of bike riding and walking. Couple nice general stores that are reasonably priced AND a miniature golf place right outside of the entrance."

    9. Fox Lair Campsites

    3 Reviews
    Bakers Mills, NY
    16 miles

    "The Fox Lair campsites are named for some abandoned facilities nearby, which I did not see but you can research how to visit them."

    "We came in when it was dark so we didn’t get to see our surroundings and it was slightly difficult to find but during the day it was very easy to tell that it was a campsite and as long as you get there"

    10. Cedar River Entrance Camping

    3 Reviews
    Speculator, NY
    18 miles

    "There are many outhouses, a picnic table, and a fire ring close by. beautiful surroundings of geometry dash lite."

    "Picnic table, fire ring and several outhouses nearby. Beautiful surroundings. There is a small landing to launch kayaks or canoes. A dam with some additional sites on the other side. "

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Recent Reviews near Lake Pleasant, NY

612 Reviews of 145 Lake Pleasant Campgrounds


  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Bear Slide in Lake George Wild Forest

    Night alone in my jeep

    It was rocky getting there but super super remote - zero service. Great space for my jeep and honestly you could fit a LARGE RV. There is a bathroom at the entrance. No fires because it’s super remote. Peaceful and almost untouched.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Horseshoe Lake

    NY Designated Camping

    Along Co 421, by Horseshoe Lake, there are 10-11 designated campsites. Most have fire pits.

    Road is rough but easily doable if you take it slow.

    As it’s a forest, the sites are pretty shaded, so solar and Starlink may present challenges. Slight AT&T at earlier sites.

  • T&J  F.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    West Canada Creek Campground

    Nice place, a little pricey

    Pros: clean campground, camp store, ice cream/pizza shack, shuttle to tubing, sites are pretty flat, pool is large and clean, quiet hours are enforced. Cons: $5 per dog "surprise" when we arrived. Even though we camped there 2 nights for 3 years in a row, $15 per person for the tubing shuttle seems steep; a discount or free would be nice for campers, as drop off points are just down the road. Sites are narrow.

  • C
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Lake George RV Park

    Best campground we’ve stayed at

    We’ve stayed here three times now and it never disappoints! Well maintained from the roads now to the gardens. They pay attention to every detail. Staff is super friendly and honestly seemed very happy to work there. Only complaint is we wished we lived closer so we could go more often. We will definitely be back!

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest

    Site 4

    Site 4 is magical, it is road side, but the view, and access to the river is great. There is a path right from the site. Occasionally you will get the yahoo that speeds by and makes a dust cloud but otherwise it’s great. There is zero Verizon cell service in the whole area. So plan accordingly,

  • Alex
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Lake Harris Campground

    Perfect Campsite

    The campsite has clean bathrooms. The campsite itself is more secluded and there wasn’t a lot of people or noise. It was intimate and quiet, no loud people or families. Honestly the perfect getaway.

  • Laura S.
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Schroon River Campsites Inc

    Not as described

    Stayed in cabin #84 for 2 nights. Dirty cabin. Worst part was the description which was “sleeps 4.” Queen bed also in description. Not a Queen bed, but rather, full. Only sheets for the bed were provided. Very small and uncomfortable futon plus an air mattress were the other choices for 2 sleepers. But, no bedding? You’re kidding…how does this sleep 4 if you don’t provide bedding? Towels were very thin. All in all, definitely NOT worth $300 per night. The same rate as a canon with 2 actual beds. I would not stay here again.

  • Meg T.
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Lee's Park Campground

    Surrendering to the flow

    About a month ago, with a major haze of FOMO from missing the SNHU tour opener shows, I decided I would just send it and started plotting the trip up from Boston with my 16-year-old brother in tow for the Phish SPAC run. I did a deep dive on this place as all I could find on the internet were many mixed reviews. I am a hardcore planner and this trip forced and allowed me to chill out about that as I had to detach from that mindset and literally surrender to the flow. With little to find online about what the actual inside of the campground looks like and some negative reviews I was skeptical but reassured by some of the good ones and after talking to a friend that has been before. I booked online and communication was efficient and I was able to pay on the portal ahead of time and provide my vehicle information to make check-in smoother. I have absolutely nothing but good things to say about Lee’s after spending my weekend there, the park staff was so awesome, the vibes were great, there was parking along the dirt pathed roads that ran through the park, and a band called The Reality Check Experiment even played pre and post-show sets on the park’s stage and even a little shakedown too. My only two qualms were purely trivial as the phone service specifically at night was difficult (but if you’re with your people you really don’t need your phone at all) and the first shuttle left at 5PM each night, so if you’re looking to hit the lot and have some time to take it slow there or get in to the venue real early, I’d recommend carpooling with a group or taking an Uber and taking the shuttle back. This place rocks so hard, it was a total extension of the shows and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I hope you ignore all the poor, outdated reviews from people that don’t know how to camp and whose problems with the park were just user error and freaking send it like I did too.


Guide to Lake Pleasant

Campsites near Lake Pleasant, New York sit at elevations between 1,700-2,000 feet, contributing to overnight temperatures that can dip into the 40s even during summer months. The region receives approximately 45 inches of annual precipitation, creating lush forest conditions throughout the camping season. Cell service remains inconsistent across most campground locations outside established towns, with T-Mobile coverage particularly limited.

What to do

Kayaking from your site: Many waterfront locations at Lewey Lake Campground allow campers to launch directly from their sites. As one visitor mentioned, "There are several sites right on the lake and you can pull your canoe or kayak right up to your site." Multiple bodies of water connect, providing full-day paddling options.

Rock hopping along streams: The Sacandaga River flows through Sacandaga Campground, creating opportunities for stream exploration. "The river flows right through the middle, giving a nice ambiance with the rush of the water. It also gives opportunities to rock hop up and downstream, a dip to cool off, or float downstream," notes one visitor who appreciated the natural water features.

Mountain biking nearby: Local forests offer extensive trail networks for cyclists. "The PeckHill state forest is close by for mountain biking. You can park at the trailhead on CR 101, or at Stump City brewing, to ride the trails," reports a visitor to DevilDoc Campsites, pointing to specific access points for riders.

What campers like

Private island camping: Indian Lake Islands Campground provides rare boat-in opportunities for complete seclusion. One camper shared, "A group of us put up two tents on a small, somewhat secluded, island on Indian Lake and had the time of our lives." Sites require 15-25 minute boat trips from the marina or ranger station.

Early morning fog views: Weather patterns in the area create distinctive morning conditions. A camper at Northampton Beach Campground noted, "Large sites on huge lake perfect for kayaking. Few bugs." The morning mist rising off Great Sacandaga Lake creates photography opportunities between 5-7am during summer months.

Stream-side sites: Campsites along moving water provide natural white noise. "We picked a site that is right along Sucker Brook. The sites 205-174 are all along the brook and the sound at night is really relaxing for sleeping," reported a visitor to Lewey Lake Campground who found the specific site numbers worth noting for future visitors.

What you should know

Sealed food containers required: Bear activity necessitates strict food storage protocols across the region. One camper at Lewey Lake warned, "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." Many campers report mice issues when food is left in vehicles without secure containers.

Primitive toilet facilities: Many smaller campgrounds have basic facilities. A visitor to Cedar River Entrance Camping observed, "There are many outhouses, a picnic table, and a fire ring close by." Expect vault toilets rather than flush facilities at more remote locations.

Unpredictable road conditions: Forest access roads can challenge some vehicles. "The sites are nearly impossible to find and slow down for off a highway, and you have no idea what the road situation could be like," cautioned a visitor about Fox Lair Campsites, suggesting high-clearance vehicles for certain areas.

Tips for camping with families

Accessible swimming areas: Little Sandpoint Campground on Piseco Lake provides designated beach areas. "Nice spot! The view from the campsites along the lake was beautiful," mentioned a visitor, adding that they found the campground easy to navigate with children because of "clean showers, flushing toilets, easy to find, and spaced out sites."

Miniature golf nearby: Family entertainment options exist just outside some campgrounds. "Such a great tranquil place with great sites, and so much to do. Kids have floated in the channel all day. Lots of bike riding and walking. Couple nice general stores that are reasonably priced AND a miniature golf place right outside of the entrance," noted a Northampton Beach visitor.

Kid-friendly campsites: Some locations specifically cater to families. "The beach is wonderful for kids but many sites have fantastic water access. The campground and its facilities are in good shape, bath houses are new and have the dishwashing station," explained a Lewey Lake visitor, highlighting facilities that simplify family camping logistics.

Tips from RVers

Site selection important: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. At Moffitt Beach Campground, a visitor warned, "We checked out the other loops and found an abundance of really nice sites! Sites have a fire pit as well as a picnic table." This camper specifically mentioned avoiding site 9 which has "a big tank thing up there, quite close to the site."

Water quality considerations: Mineral content can affect RV systems. A Sacandaga Campground visitor cautioned, "Water was pretty mineral laden and I would get chunks of scale in my water bottles filling up. Make sure to use a filter if filling a campers water system."

Limited cell service: Communication can be inconsistent. "I use T-Mobile and there is no cell phone or wifi service," reported a Lewey Lake camper, while others note Verizon typically provides better but still spotty coverage throughout the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Lake Pleasant located in New York?

Lake Pleasant is located in the southern Adirondack region of New York State, in Hamilton County. The area is surrounded by beautiful wilderness and is part of the larger Adirondack Park. Moffitt Beach Campground is situated right on Lake Pleasant, offering stunning views of this scenic body of water. Nearby communities include the town of Speculator and the hamlet of Lake Pleasant. The region serves as a gateway to numerous outdoor recreational opportunities within the Adirondack Mountains.

What amenities are available at Lake Pleasant campground?

Campgrounds around Lake Pleasant offer a variety of amenities for a comfortable outdoor experience. Moffitt Beach Campground provides several sites directly on the lake, multiple bathroom and shower facilities, and designated dog-friendly areas including a special beach section for pets. The sites are generally spacious, with some offering more seclusion than others. Most campgrounds in the Lake Pleasant area typically include basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water, and access to the lake for swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities.

What camping is available near Lake Pleasant, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lake Pleasant, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 145 campgrounds and RV parks near Lake Pleasant, NY and 19 free dispersed camping spots.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lake Pleasant, NY is Moffitt Beach Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 18 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 free dispersed camping spots near Lake Pleasant, NY.