Best Campgrounds near Loon Lake, NY

Camping spots near Loon Lake, New York sit within the Adirondack Park at approximately 1,500 feet elevation, where summer temperatures average 75-80°F during the day and can drop to 50°F at night. The region features both state and private camping facilities with varying levels of amenities, many requiring advance reservations from May through October. Most campsites in the area have sandy, level surfaces with mixed pine and hardwood forest cover.

What to do

Water access activities: The Saranac Lake Islands campground offers multiple activities from boat-in sites. One camper noted, "There are lots of loons, toads and fish. Next time we would downsize our gear our use a motorized boat." Another visitor mentioned that "we rented a motorboat to get to our own private little peninsula on the middle saranac."

Hiking opportunities: Taylor Pond Campground connects to multiple trails in the High Peaks region. The camp host is described as "spectacular and it is extremely well maintained for a primitive area." For a shorter walk, Wilmington Notch Campground features "a steep trail at the back of the campground that leads down to the falls in Wilmington Notch and an easier trail along the Ausable river."

Ice cream stops: Multiple campgrounds mention nearby ice cream shops worth visiting. A camper at Buck Pond mentioned, "There was an ice cream place not far away, with a long line, and it was the best ice cream we had all summer!" At Rollins Pond, "an ice cream truck and firewood truck make the rounds (ice cream truck may just be on weekends)."

What campers like

Lake access: Fish Creek Pond Campground visitors appreciate direct water access. "Almost all the sites are lakefront. Great kayak and canoe access to a whole network of lakes in the St. Regis/Saranac area," notes one camper. Another mentions, "We had a waterfront site and were able to sit on the beach and watch the sunset, kayak at our leisure, and swim."

Privacy levels: Site selection matters for privacy in Adirondack campgrounds. At Meacham Lake, "One side of the lake is a bit crowded and can get rowdy. This side has flush toilets and showers... The other side of the campground is completely different, and a bit hidden. No flush toilets or showers, simply outhouses at each site."

Wilderness experiences: Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites offers free camping with minimal facilities. A camper explained, "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."

What you should know

Campground layouts: At Meacham Lake, "There are two distinct sections of this campground– the 'Resort' section and the '100-Acre Woods' section. We stayed in site #73 of the 100-Acre section and would highly recommend staying in this area as opposed to the other. This section has tall shad trees and much more space between sites than the resort area."

Site accessibility: Rollins Pond Campground requires planning: "You have to go all the way through the fairly busy Fish Creek campground to get into Rollins Pond on a dead end road, so don't forget the groceries." At Jones Pond, "The two track access road is rough and all dirt. There are two pit toilets, both primitive, one of which did not have a door when we visited."

Weather preparedness: Temperature fluctuations are common in the Adirondacks. One camper warned about Rollins Pond: "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."

Tips for camping with families

Bicycle-friendly options: Fish Creek Pond is noted for "lots of kids biking and a nice trail behind the sites to walk or run." Another camper mentioned, "We loved riding bikes, ice cream truck every night. Ice and firewood available."

Swimming conditions: Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday offers multiple swimming options: "On the river they have a small place to put in kayaks and wade in water. They have a jumping pad on that side also." Another visitor noted, "There is an accessible trail from the back of the campground to an amazing waterfall on the west branch of the Ausable River and plenty of spots to trout fish/swim."

Activity options: The Lake Placid KOA provides organized activities. A visitor reported, "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." Another noted, "Both sides have the tractor driving around, pulling the kids around."

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Most Adirondack campgrounds have limited hookups. At Meadowbrook Campground, "There are no hookups, electric or water. There is wood for sale when the office is open, a dump station and it has showers." A Fish Creek Pond visitor warned, "No hookups, so a bit trickier for rv's, but being right on the water makes it worth it."

Site selection considerations: RV site selection requires research. A camper at Buck Pond advised, "Some sites do have an uphill driveway lined with trees. If you have an RV, looking at the site on ReserveAmerica.com might be the way to go." At Wilmington Notch, "The roads are really tight for big rigs. Between the trees, rocks, and low hanging branches, you have to take it really slow."

Road conditions: Access roads vary between campgrounds. At Jones Pond, "Site #1 is near the entrance and near the road. It is the only site that would be accessible for larger rigs such as an RV." At Lake Placid KOA, "Roads in the park are gravel and were very dusty, especially with all the speed demons in the campground."