Camping in the southern Adirondacks near Long Lake occurs within a temperate climate zone with average summer temperatures reaching 75°F during the day and dropping to 50°F at night. Located at approximately 1,800 feet elevation, Long Lake sits within Hamilton County's wilderness region, which receives about 50 inches of precipitation annually. Most campsites require advance reservations during peak season from late June through early September.
What to do
Paddle the waterways: Brown Tract Pond Campground offers canoe rentals for about $20 per day with access to interconnected ponds. "As I sat having my coffee, watching steam rise from the pond, I listened to the distant calls of Loons," notes John E. from Brown Tract Pond Campground.
Hiking without driving: Access trails directly from your campsite at several locations near Long Lake. "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," shares Nancy W. from Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday.
Swimming in natural settings: Most campgrounds offer swimming areas without the crowds of public beaches. "The site we have stayed at almost exclusively has amenities very close by which is always handy, but you do get quite a bit of traffic nearby as such," says Alex G. from Rollins Pond Campground.
Visit historic sites: Take a day trip to nearby Olympic facilities or historic forts. "Ticonderoga offers some history and is worth a half-day visit. Lake Champlain isn't far away, either," explains Jean C. from Rogers Rock Campground.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural spacing at campgrounds in this region. "Our site was spacious and relatively private, flat, and shaded. The campground hosts came and checked on us once," notes Hannah O. from Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake.
Night sky viewing: Low light pollution creates exceptional stargazing opportunities. "As the sun sets and the stars come out, you'll look up and suddenly realize just how small you are as you stare at the heavens and see the Milky Way," shares John E. from Brown Tract Pond Campground.
Wildlife encounters: Campers frequently report wildlife sightings at their sites. "WE love staying at Rollins Pond in a tent! Our family always meet friendly people and falling asleep to loons is priceless! We always have wildlife at our site. This past trip we had chipmunks, squirrels, ducks, and a crane," reports Kristina L. from Rollins Pond Campground.
Waterfront access: Direct lake or pond access ranks high among camper preferences. "It's nice to close to the river, also you can rent boats from the registration. There are lots of facilities you can use, also it's close to few hiking trails," writes Maggie H. about Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday.
What you should know
Bear safety protocols: Some campgrounds have strict requirements for food storage. "Odd bear rules that basically make you pack up your site when not in use, unless you have a trailer or RV. No bear proof lockers to help out like federal campgrounds," cautions Lawrence L. from Brown Tract Pond Campground.
Limited cellular service: Most campsites have minimal connectivity. "Cell service is iffy," reports Lauren S. from Rogers Rock Campground, while other campers note complete disconnection at many sites.
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds require careful navigation. "Road going in is very rough use extreme caution on a motorcycle with street tires," warns Max from Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake.
Seasonal considerations: Weather can change rapidly, especially in shoulder seasons. "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. from Rollins Pond Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Boat rental options: Multiple campgrounds offer affordable watercraft rentals. "Canoe/Kayak Rentals" are available at Rollins Pond according to Amanda K., who adds there are "Beautiful sunsets over the lake" to enjoy together.
Alternative glamping near Long Lake: For families seeking more comfort, several campgrounds offer structured accommodations. "We stayed in a full hook-up site that was plenty long enough for our 45' RV and tow car," notes Nancy W. about Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday.
Swimming areas for children: Dedicated swim areas provide safer experiences for young campers. "They have a small beach for if you don't get a waterfront campsite," explains Angela from Brown Tract Pond Campground, adding "They have canoes and kayaks for rent as well."
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer developed play areas. "Great campground with spacious campsites. Clean bathrooms, unsure if there were showers. Great beach area for hanging out & water was clean," shares Bella J. from Stillwater Reservoir.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: RV sites vary significantly in size and privacy. "We were directed to our site across the street in the 100 Acre Wood and set up rather easily. Water pressure was good, road noise was minimal, sites are spaced apart well, enough mature tree growth for shade and hammock!" advises Kristine B. from Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday.
Road navigation challenges: Interior campground roads can be difficult for larger rigs. "One thing we noticed was that all the campers were clustered together while they could have been spaced out so there was an empty site between us and our neighbors," observes Nancy W. from Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday.
Utility connections: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. "Little sand point is just ok. There is nothing but campsites and RV sites. The RV sites are tiny and close together," warns Kathy S. from Little Sandpoint Campground.
Leveling requirements: Many sites require significant leveling. "Sites aren't particularly level or large," notes Jean C. about Rogers Rock Campground, important information for larger motorhomes or trailers.
