Limekiln Lake Campground in the Adirondack region offers campers a mix of wooded and waterfront sites with varying levels of seclusion. The campground provides bear-resistant storage containers at each site to mitigate wildlife encounters. Black flies can be problematic, particularly during late May and early June, with some campers reporting them as "relentless" or "brutal" during these periods.
What to do
Paddle the clean waters: Limekiln Lake features remarkably clear water where visitors can see the bottom. The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone offers fishing ponds and paddleboat rentals as alternatives. "The lake this time of year is beautiful and clear and a very nice temperature for dunking in. There's a lot to explore out on the kayaks," notes Lena L.
Stargazing opportunities: The night sky visibility at Limekiln Lake is exceptional, with minimal light pollution. "We loved to walk down to the boat launch at night to look at the stars and the Milky Way," shares a camper. At Turning Stone, Jessica D. recommends "August during the meteor showers" as an ideal time for stargazing.
Explore nearby towns: The village of Inlet is less than 10 minutes from Limekiln Lake. According to Andrew M., "If you aren't big on hiking the village of inlet is less than a 10 minute drive and is quaint, cozy and has some of my favorite fudge!"
What campers like
Spacious, well-designed sites: Limekiln Lake Campground offers sites with good separation. "Our site was spacious, with room for two cars, 4 kayaks, and two tents. The site features a picnic table and a concrete fire pit," explains Lena L. Dani T. adds that there are "dense woods between campsites."
Seasonal wildlife viewing: Early summer visits provide unique nature observation opportunities. Anna G. reports, "Rented a canoe for the day and found a patch of carnivorous plants and got up close with several birds on the water."
Clean facilities: Despite high usage, bathroom facilities remain well-maintained at most area campgrounds. Frank M. notes that The Villages RV Park has "very pleasant and knowledgeable staff, well maintained and pleasantly arranged spaces. There were a lot of campers set up when we were there but we never felt crowded."
What you should know
Wildlife considerations: Black bears frequent the Limekiln Lake area. Kevin C. reports, "There is a minor bear problem but they didn't do much besides sniff around. Rangers were always right on top of things when one would wonder around and sure to chance them off."
Site selection strategy: Research specific sites before booking to ensure the best experience. Murat H. advises, "I was careful about the reservation and picked campsite 005 on reserveAmerica website. I wanted a spot next to the water so I could land our kayaks and canoes at the campsite."
Garbage disposal rules: The Villages at Turning Stone RV Park provides convenient trash disposal throughout the property. In contrast, Limekiln Lake has strict garbage policies with centralized collection only at the entrance, requiring campers to transport all waste to this single location.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: The layout of many local campgrounds allows for safe cycling. "Really nice park kids got to ride their bikes everywhere with minimal traffic," notes Jynee Z. about Limekiln Lake.
Plan for equipment rentals: Popular rental equipment often becomes unavailable during peak times. "If you're planning on running a kayak better do it early they sell out quick," advises a Limekiln Lake visitor.
Consider horse campgrounds near Lowville, New York: While dedicated equestrian camping options are limited directly in Lowville, several facilities within driving distance accommodate horses. Check with forest service offices for current trail and camping regulations for horse-friendly areas.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: RV campers have multiple options for full-service sites. Carl G. notes about The Villages, "All full hook up sites from full sun to full shade. Been coming here for 25+ years."
Site surface considerations: Many area RV parks feature paved pads, making leveling easier. "We had no problem getting a nice paved spot for our 34' class A," reports Frank M. about The Villages RV Park.
Noise factors: When selecting an RV site at The Villages, Michael O. advises, "The only real negatives would be the proximity to some railroad tracks, which can be somewhat active and very audible in some spots. You'll want to stay towards the south/front of the park if this kind of thing bothers you."