Tent camping near North Creek, New York offers access to the western section of the Adirondack Park, where campers find themselves surrounded by over 2,000 square miles of forest preserve. Most dispersed sites in this region sit at elevations between 1,500-2,000 feet, creating cooler nighttime temperatures than surrounding areas. The area receives approximately 39 inches of rain annually, making waterproof gear essential even during summer months.
What to do
Paddle Lake George: Long Island Group — Lake George Islands provides access to one of the Adirondacks' premier paddling destinations. "Worth a trip from just about anywhere. Absolutely beautiful and you can't beat camping on an island," notes camper T K. Bring your own boat or rent one at nearby Bolton Landing.
Explore High Peaks trails: Ambitious hikers can use Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake as a gateway to multiple summit hikes. "You can hike Algonquin, Iriquois, Wright Peak, and Mt. Jo all right from the campground," explains Hannah O. Heart Lake serves as an ideal base for day hikes ranging from 1-8 miles in length.
Fish local waters: Cedar River offers productive trout fishing from spring through fall. "We ate fresh fish everyday. Great kayaking & hiking," shares Rebecca E. about her island camping experience. Most local waters require a New York State fishing license, available online for $25/annual or $5/daily for residents.
What campers like
Private sites: Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off features secluded tent spots away from crowds. "Decent site right off of the 'main' road. 'Main' because it was quiet. Easy to access via a short dirt road, but also easy to miss," reports Josie W. Most sites include natural barriers of trees or terrain features.
Island solitude: Escape the mainland crowds by camping on Lake George's island system. "We had a great spot on Long Island! Beautiful view, chill atmosphere, easy boat parking on the slip," shares Anastasiia T. Island sites typically require advance reservations during peak season (May-September).
Backcountry camping: Feldspar Lean-to provides wilderness tent sites accessible only by hiking. "One lean-to and 3 campsites. 2 near the lean-to across the bridge. 1 on the other side," explains Alex R. These sites require no reservations but operate on a first-come basis.
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: All backcountry campers must use proper food storage. "Use bear bins- and clean up your camp. You'll save the Bears lives and you'll be happier!" advises Mike F. about camping at Flowed Lands. Bear canisters are mandatory in most High Peaks Wilderness areas year-round.
Road conditions: Access roads to many dispersed sites require careful navigation. "Road going in is very rough use extreme caution on a motorcycle with street tires," warns Max about the approach to Heart Lake. Washouts and potholes are common after heavy rains, particularly in spring.
Seasonal timing: Glen Island Group — Lake George Islands operates from "May 19 to October 9," allowing for extended fall camping. Weekdays typically see lower occupancy rates at most area campgrounds. One camper noted, "I would recommend traveling further in if you are looking for more sites," suggesting exploring deeper into Cedar River for additional options.
Tips for camping with families
Choose established campgrounds: Stony Creek Family Campground provides family-friendly amenities. "It's a nice family ran campground. We love it here and plan to come back!" shares Elizabeth P. Their sites include electric hookups and shower facilities, making extended stays more comfortable.
Pack for temperature swings: Nighttime temperatures in the Adirondacks can drop significantly even in summer. "Despite a rainy week we made the most of the easily accessible mountains and the onsite convenience shop was helpful!" notes Tigan W. about their Heart Lake stay. Temperature differences between day and night can exceed 30°F.
Consider lake access: Camping near water provides built-in entertainment. "The campsite is close to the water, which makes for a great wake up call in the morning. I loved un-zipping my tent and seeing the lake first thing in the morning," explains Kari M. Most lakeside sites fill quickly during summer weekends.
Tips from RVers
Island camping limitations: Lake George islands accommodate smaller RVs only with advance boat transportation. "Definitely need a decent sized boat with a gas outboard to get there," Justin B. explains about his Glen Island experience. No standard RV hookups exist on the islands.
Campground amenities: While most North Creek area dispersed sites lack RV hookups, nearby established campgrounds offer basic services. The Cedar River Entrance area provides "picnic table, fire ring and several outhouses nearby," according to Matthew D., though no electric or water connections are available.
Site leveling challenges: Many Adirondack campgrounds feature uneven terrain. "Specifically, our site was fairly flat and most were like this but there were some that appeared to have a slope if you happened to be car camping," notes Alex & Lauren K. about Heart Lake. Bring leveling blocks for camper setups.
