149 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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!"
from $22 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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!!"
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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. "
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $15 - $25 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $22 - $40 / night
Check Availability"It’s the standard weird-ass New York thing where you have a site and you can park wherever the hell you want within it (so foreign to me), but you should spend some time with the map."
"Each campsite has it's own outhouse and you are close to the water so you can fish or park your boat by your campsite. Book early cause they fill up fast."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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"
ScoutWe have been seasonal campers for years. It is very quiet.I live around 7 minutes from this campsite and i will always come back. The owner talks to you no matter where you see him. He helps you out with anything you need. He is always busy doing something . If anything goes wrong on your campsite he is quick to fix it. I appreciate everything he is doing.
GuideSome sites have more privacy than others. Some are right on the river. There’s a good YouTube vid with walkthroughs of all the sites. Nice lil river running through the campground.
ScoutHad a site booked for Memorial Day weekend but had a complication to my 5th shoulder surgery in 2.5 years and had my 6th which was a 3rd attempt at rotator cuff repair in mid-May. Called to see if I could change my reservation since I cannot drive due to Dr.'s orders but no dice. Could care less and told me too late due to policy. Offered to provide doctors documentation but didn't matter. I did not ask for refund just to change the date. Rude, dismissive and unwilling to work with me. Sad that a family-oriented place is run this way. End result I am out over$600 and they are smiling. As a business owner myself I would be out of business if I treated my customers this way.
ScoutDEC has designated and constructed 12 camp sites in areas around Shelving Rock Road and Dacy Clearing Road. Camping will only be allowed at the designated campsites or more than 500 feet from the Shelving Rock and Dacy Clearing Roads.
GuideWe emailed twice and traveled five hours to only find out they have a list of dog breeds they don’t accept. The list has no rhyme or reason. Our 7 year old 95lb Great Dane was not allowed. Ridiculous
ScoutLong read, but so worth it! Below is the review that I posted last August after our vacation. Mind you, the vacation for my immediate family has been 10 years in a row and when I was a kid the same! The incident that happened was with our friends and therefore when I wrote the review, it stated what I witnessed! I was hoping that management changed and/ or they fixed the problems so I was willing to give it another try, I mean, this has been apart of my childhood and my children’s so why not! I called today, lady was super nice and helping me look through all the campsites because we come with so many people! I paid and then friends of ours called. After they called, our friends said that my reservation was cancelled. What??? So I called back thinking it was something on my end. I then had to wait for management to call back. Called back, and whoever I spoke with was extremely rude! She basically told me I was never welcome back and that the owners said so! Now mind you through this whole thing, I never talked to the owners. So do the owners only take one side of the story? I’m not even someone that this incident directly happened to! I said, well can I please speak to your manager or the owner. No, i am the manager, you are not welcome back. I told her that everyone in our party will probably cancel as well and her response was“I’m just waiting for 1 person to call me”! I said a few choice words and I hung up. CRYING. WHAT????? Are you discriminating me because of an issue you had with another camper???? I can’t believe what this has amounted to. So instead of dealing with your issues you just don’t allow people back? Instead of having the owner or management actually call and have a respectful, which was not had, conversation with someone you just brush it off! I have come to Herkimer longer than some of these people have worked there! I really don’t have words for how I feel. And to make matters worse I always go over my dad’s anniversary of his death, August 5, because this was his favorite place and now I can’t go and neither can my children. Great job herkimer diamond mines koa! I applaud you on your discrimination, disrespect and the lack of empathy you have for your campers! Especially the ones who have been a constant! I’m assuming Phil and his wife are still management, good luck! And to the campers that wish to go there, I really hope you enjoy yourselves because it truly is an amazing place. Unfortunately, my memories had to stop here! August 2025 This review is extremely hard for me to write, but what I had witnessed for a week of being there is disgusting& just simply not right. My family has been coming to Herkimer KOA for decades. Throughout the years, we have shown many other families this"gem"... or so we thought. This year was a bit different, there are new camp managers... This week I have witnessed human waste being sprayed all over campsites, management that discredits everything you say, management that thinks its okay to have charges on your bill that they cant even explain, ice cream cart that closes right before the last kid orders& leaves in tears, bathrooms that are disgusting! This is NOT THE HERKIMER I REMEMBER AS A KID! If you look on google, the owners of this campground is a family that has owned it for 50 years! That's amazing& kudos to them! But Phil, Phil is going to ruin every ounce of what they have worked so hard for!& being a business owner, you want management there representing YOU! Doing what YOU would do if you were there. Those owners should not be receiving mine& my friends reviews today if management did their job! Unfortunately, again very hard to say, we will not be returning if Phil is there.& I can honestly say, that the 14-20 families we bring every time, that spend thousands of dollars, will not be as well! Thank you Phil for ruining a vacation I personally held so close to my heart.& because you don't care about how you treat people& how you manage, you have lost years& years& years of loyalty.
TravelerStill quite a bit of snow at the entrance once I got past that it was easy site are perfect right on the water with a little out house across. Breathtaking views!
TravelerGreat spot, great location. FYI to anyone who comes in the winter, it's not plowed, so you may need to adjust your plans accordingly.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 149 campgrounds and RV parks near Lake Pleasant, NY and 20 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 20 free dispersed camping spots near Lake Pleasant, NY.
Keep Exploring
