Stillwater Reservoir offers remote camping without typical developed amenities. Most of the 40+ sites require boat access, with only one site accessible by car. The reservoir experiences seasonal water level fluctuations, creating varied shoreline conditions throughout the camping season. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during the day, dropping to 50-60°F at night.
What to do
Paddle to private beach sites: At Stillwater Reservoir, most campsites require boat transportation to reach them. "This was my 3rd trip to Stillwater in 3 yrs and it gets better each time! Next year we took a canoe to our site, it was July, warm weather, warm water and the bugs were not terrible, we were at Site 1, secluded in a cove, not a lot of traffic," reports one regular visitor.
Experience the night sky: The remote location offers exceptional stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. At Jacques Cartier State Park Campground, the waterfront sites provide unobstructed views. A camper at Stillwater mentions the isolation creates a complete technology break: "My wife and I kayaked to Long Island and stayed for a weekend. It was quiet and had the whole island to our self. Would recommend if you want to break away from technology because you get zero service out there."
Wildlife observation: The Adirondack region hosts diverse wildlife including loons, bald eagles, and beaver. "We saw Bald Eagles and Loons, enjoyed swimming, canoing and paddleboarding with the family. It was so peaceful with our site #37 accomodating 20 members of the family plus 3 dogs!" shared a visitor to Stillwater Reservoir.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Brown Tract Pond Campground offers direct water access with no motorboats allowed. "This campground is peaceful and lovely. There are no motorboats allowed on the lake, so the water is perfect for paddling. There is a small beach for if you don't get a waterfront campsite," notes one visitor. The campground rents canoes for $20 per day.
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds provide good separation between campsites. At Brown Tract Pond, "We stayed on a non-waterfront site and there was a lot of space between us and neighbors." The campground maintains natural vegetation buffers for privacy.
Family-friendly amenities: Kring Point State Park Campground features dedicated swimming areas and a playground. "It has a little beach area and great rock cliffs to jump off and swim! The fishing is also awesome, my husband caught a pike and small mouth bass his first day!" shares an enthusiastic camper. Most sites at Kring Point include waterfront access with designated swimming areas.
What you should know
Limited facilities at wilderness sites: Many sites have minimal amenities. At Stillwater Reservoir, "You should bring water or something to filter it from the reservoir. I believe all the site have privy boxes on them." Cell service is virtually nonexistent at more remote locations.
Seasonal variations affect access: Water levels can change dramatically between seasons. "The season had had unusually low water all over and it left a really unusual landscape on the beach to explore," notes a Stillwater camper about spring conditions.
Bear precautions required: At Brown Tract Pond Campground, strict food storage rules apply. "No bear proof lockers to help out like federal campgrounds. Will not be back until we get a trailer or RV," cautions one tent camper. All food and scented items must be secured in vehicles when not in use.
Reservation timing matters: The most desirable sites book quickly. "We've camped here every year but it's getting difficult to get in here... It's so nice it's hard to reserve, because people grab it nine months in advance!" explains a Kring Point regular visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Look for interactive nature options: Eel Weir State Park Campground offers both fishing and wildlife watching from campsites. "Favorite thing is the family of owls that inhabit the trees that you see every night," reports one camper. Sites directly on the Oswegatchie River provide the best wildlife viewing.
Consider glamping near Newton Falls: For families seeking upgraded comfort, several options exist. Francis Lake offers tent platforms with enhanced amenities. Nearby Beaver Camp provides "weekend and week long programming for youth and families, or site rental of cabins and platform tents is available, as well as day use access to the beach and high ropes course."
Evening entertainment: Some campgrounds feature regular evening activities. "We loved riding bikes, ice cream truck every night. Ice and firewood available. Close store for goods," mentions a Rollins Pond visitor. Eel Weir campers note that "on Saturdays a ice cream truck rolls through after dinner!"
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Swan Bay Resort offers full hookups but at premium rates. "What I spent here for 2 nights I could have stayed a week at a KOA, so I did pay for those beautiful river sunsets." RV sites with water views typically cost $85-95 per night, with standard sites around $65-75.
Weather considerations for awnings: The Adirondack region experiences unpredictable winds. At Swan Bay, a seasonal camper "mentioned that he lost three awnings to the wind. So, don't leave your awning out when you leave your camper and beware of winds if you want to be on the water."
Off-season benefits: Lower rates and fewer crowds make shoulder season camping appealing. "We arrived on a weekend and it was pretty busy but loved it during the week when everybody left and things were quieter. Our site was a 'Passport America' site so we got a great nightly rate of $42 which is half of the regular nightly rate," explains a Swan Bay visitor.
