85 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Old Forge, New York spans a wide spectrum, from full-service RV sites with 50-amp electrical connections and sewer hookups to primitive tent camping in the backcountry of Adirondack Park. Campgrounds like Nicks Lake Campground and Old Forge Camping Resort provide amenities such as showers, electric hookups, and boat launches, while more remote options like Moose River Plains offer primitive camping with fewer facilities. Many sites sit along lakes and ponds, creating opportunities for water-based recreation. The area includes both state-operated facilities with standardized amenities and privately managed resorts with additional services. Camping styles range from tent-only areas accessible by boat or foot to full-service RV sites with 50-amp electrical connections and sewer hookups.
Reservations are essential during the peak season from late May through early October, with most state campgrounds operating on a May to September schedule. As one camper noted, "We typically book 1 year prior for the cottages" at Old Forge Camping Resort. Weather conditions can vary dramatically, with visitors reporting "beautiful 80 degree summer days in May, and snowfall also in May." Cell service remains spotty throughout the region, with stronger signals in towns like Inlet and Old Forge proper. Many campgrounds feature wooded sites that provide natural privacy, though lakefront locations fill quickly. Access roads to more remote areas like North Lake Reservoir require slow driving on dirt and gravel surfaces, sometimes necessitating high-clearance vehicles.
Lakefront camping represents a significant draw throughout the region. Campers consistently mention the value of securing waterfront sites for activities like kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. According to one visitor at Nicks Lake, the campground "provides a nice balance between the hustle and bustle of Main Street and the tranquility of the Adirondacks." Wildlife sightings, including deer and occasionally bears, enhance the camping experience. Site sizes vary considerably across campgrounds, with some locations like Golden Beach featuring "massive sites" where "we typically travel in a group with 2 or 3 30' trailers, and often it seems like we could all fit on one site with plenty of room to spare." Fall brings spectacular foliage, with early color changes appearing by early September, though temperatures drop significantly, especially in the mornings.
"My family and I have been visiting Old Forge Camping Resort for 20+ years."
"We stayed at the Old Forge Camping resort during the Moosefest. The campground is close to a lot of paddling opportunities and even has a small lake in the campground."
"Great campground with nice sites and access to other areas in the ADK ... easy hikes up Bald Mountain or Rocky Point."
"some sites not very flat. amenities: firewood regulations. lake. nature trail. swimming. some loops with no showers. canoe rental. other attractions: Old Forge. I would go back again."
from $22 / night
Check Availability"We loved our stay at Limekiln Lake! We had site 270, which was close enough to walk down to the boat launch at night to look at the stars (and the Milky Way!)"
"a small water passage off the lake leads you to a beautiful queit kayak trip through lily pads ans if you follow it leads to a beaver dam. My son loved it."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Well maintained and has beach access to river."
"The boys were never bored and loved walking around the camp site. We stayed for 2 nights .. if work would have allowed we would have stayed longer."
"Would recommend if you want to break away from technology because you get zero service out there"
"It's first come first serve so best to find another place if you intend to drive up to your campsite. The drive up campsite had an outhouse though so that was nice"
"The campground stretches between 2 lakes (Seventh and Eighth Lakes) and also has hiking trails with access to another lake (Bug Lake) and pond (Eagles Nest.)"
"Large campground with access to 2 beautiful lakes"
from $22 / night
Check Availability"There’s a sign-in box at the entrance, for purposes of gauging usage and also for emergencies. Each site is marked with a little yellow number placard."
"Plenty of campsites available, ranging from exposed/near the road to secluded/tucked away. All seemed to include an outhouse."
"While in a rustic location at a distance from the main road, amenities do include picnic tables and firerings, flush toilets as well as privvies, and a trailer dump station 9but no hooksups) Sites are"
"Beautiful, peaceful large pond/small lake. Loons. Ducks and ducklings. Beaver. Canoes($20/day) and kayak rentals. Firewood for sale ($9?) or gather downed wood. Fishing."
from $18 / night
Check Availability"other attractions: hiking. theme park near (off island). I would go back again."
"It was a few days before 4th of July so it was a very busy time to be in 4th lake making the lake very choppy. A lot of our stuff got wet due to big waves from boats crashing into our kayaks."
from $18 - $40 / night
Check Availability"North Lake Reservoir is one of the Adirondack Park’s best kept secrets."
"Still quite a bit of snow at the entrance once I got past that it was easy site are perfect right on the water with a little out house across. Breathtaking views!"
TravelerWe had a wonderful weekend at the camp! The kids loved swimming and it was very beautiful at night ! There were places close to get things we forgot overall very nice . One thing was the quiet hours are from 10pm to 7am and around midnight it was pretty loud and my kids had a hard time sleeping but overall it was great !
GuideMy boyfriend and I rented out cabin 26 at this camping resort and it was very worth it ! Our cabin was right next to the bathroom/shower facility. We also had a very spacious cabin with a fire pit outside.
GuideVery nice night spent at Winona State Forest with my boyfriend and our dog, Michelob. Lots of horseflies and mosquitoes but big spray did help and the fire. We have a truck bed tent we used for this trip and a canopy tent to put all of our stuff under. Each site does have a fire pit of some sort.
ScoutWe are hiking the northville placid trail and left a car here for a resupply, spent a night, quiet campground, excellent showers that were super clean and appear to be new.
GuideThis place is ab awesome getaway. It was so peaceful and quiet, not like some of the other campgrounds. The new owners are trying to make it all natural nature. They have a small trail around the campground, where you can see the creek and narure. While we were there, I saw 2 beautiful pheasants and rabbits. It was just what we needed, a nice quiet getaway and we will be back
ScoutThe sites are wooded, with cement fire places and picnic tables. Lake access is easy by public access points or from lakeside sites. It is clean, has showers and flush toilets, and water filling and dump station.
Negatively, the sites are close together. RV's fit lengthwise, but there is little privacy in the width direction. Also, generators run constantly during the day. There is no way to enjoy the sounds of nature or any sense of peace and quiet.
TravelerThe campground facilities are very outdated. That's most likely due to the majority of "campers" having RV's and not needing to use the facilities. The restrooms/dish sink area Only having Cold water to wash up hands & dishes, the 1 and Only shower area for All 3 Loops reminded me of being in a horror film...full of dead insects everywhere, ther are signs posted letting you know its gonna take about 5 minutes to semi-heat up, and the shower spray directly on the floor vs staying contained withvh
GuideI've stayed here twice, once in 2024 and again in 2026, both on Memorial Day Weekend. In 2024 I woke to the sound of loons but did not hear them in 2026.
This is a large campground on the shores of Cranberry Lake with access to many hiking trails and other activities. Quite a few of the sites are lakefront but they seem to book up fast. Most of the sites are spaced out fairly well although a few are close and will result in you seeing & hearing everything your neighbors are doing. However, they are mostly designed well and blend into the environment. A few seem like afterthoughts and are right on the road, so you'll want to choose carefully.
Dumpsters are in the center of the campground near the bathhouse, which has hot showers. There is a sandy beach area near the entrance of the campground and a volleyball area near the dumpsters/bathhouse.
It's a beautiful area and is mostly quiet. Other campers were respectful and didn't play loud music although a few talked loudly late into the night. There are lots of trailer camping sites, so you should expect to hear generators although most people were considerate and only ran them in the daytime.
This is a great campground for exploring the Adirondack Mountains. The town of Cranberry Lake seems mostly dead so don't plan on eating in restaurants nearby.
GuideWe've stayed here half a dozen times, usually for an evening along our camping trips. We did stay an extra day once to do some of the activities available.
It's a bit of a haul to get to the campground and the first time we were sure that we had missed a turn as we left Herkimer and headed up smaller and more winding roads to the campground. The turn off to the campground comes up fast and is quite sharp so be on the lookout for it.
The campground has many sites including back in and pull through. Not the largest of sites, but lots of green space to give the campground a park like feel. Some camp sites are right along the West Canada Creek. You can swim/wade in it, in addition to riding rafts along it.
There is a working "diamond" mine at the campground where you can try your hand at mining, or just buy some of the crystals that someone else did the work to get. There is a nice restaurant open most days (we have always managed to miss the days that it's open) in addition to stands near the mine that sell hot dogs and burgers.
There is a nice, large pool. In the park like area around it they have stands that sell mixed drinks, and others that sell ice cream and other deserts. The camp store is medium-large and has supplies, food, souvenirs (including Herkimer Diamond), etc.
Camping spots near Old Forge, New York range from lakefront state facilities to remote forest campsites across the 6 million acre Adirondack Park. The region sits at elevations between 1,800-2,200 feet, creating cooler microclimates compared to surrounding lowlands. Most campgrounds open from mid-May through early October, with some wilderness sites accessible year-round during winter snowmobile season.
Paddling on quiet lakes: At Limekiln Lake Campground, the amber-colored water creates unique paddling opportunities. "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 one camper who enjoyed multiple water activities from their site.
Wildlife viewing: The forests surrounding Stillwater Reservoir offer excellent wildlife observation. "We saw Bald Eagles and Loons, enjoyed swimming, canoing and paddleboarding with the family," shares a visitor. Many sites provide direct lake access for quiet observation of waterfowl.
Stargazing from campsites: Clear nights reveal spectacular night skies away from light pollution. A camper at Brown Tract Pond Campground describes: "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."
Spacious sites for groups: Many campgrounds feature unusually large camping areas. A visitor to Golden Beach Campground mentioned their site was "spacious, with room for two cars, 4 kayaks, and two tents" and noted the park has "massive sites" where multiple camping units can fit comfortably.
Secluded camping options: For those seeking privacy, the forest roads of Moose River Plains lead to well-spaced primitive sites. "Well spread out sites. Privy, fire pit, and picnic table at most sites," reports one camper, with another noting "sites are numbered, flat, and contain a picnic table, fire ring, and privy."
Motor-free lakes: Several ponds restrict motorized vessels, creating peaceful environments for paddlers. According to a visitor at Brown Tract Pond, "There are no motorboats allowed on the lake, so the water is perfect for paddling." Another camper adds that "when it's quiet hours, the only thing you hear is nature and the occasional crackle of someone's fire."
Bear safety requirements: Bears frequent many campgrounds in the region. "Heed the warnings regarding keeping cars and camper locked keep food and cooler secure," advises one camper at Old Forge Camping Resort. Another mentions that "we had one or two in and around our camp site almost every night."
Remote access considerations: Some sites require difficult approaches. Moose River Plains features "a 23 mile access Moose River Plains road" and another camper notes you should "take it slow and you should get through with any vehicle, but I would recommend only high clearance 8" plus vehicles."
Limited services: Cell coverage varies significantly. One camper notes "No cell service or WiFi" at Brown Tract Pond while another at Limekiln Lake mentions "the campground has pay phones where all in-state numbers are free to call."
Seasonal pest challenges: Black flies can be problematic in late spring. A camper at Limekiln Lake warned "Black flies are brutal in end of May beginning of June" while another at Moose River Plains found "Terrible bug season at the moment (6/12-6/15) with the black flies."
Easy-access water activities: Kid-friendly water options abound at several campgrounds. One visitor to HTR Adirondacks described how teens "spent almost every waking moment in the water" and "were having so much fun swimming and riding their inner tubes down the creek with little rapids."
Playground facilities: Some campgrounds offer additional recreation areas. "It has a pretty little pond for swimming and paddle boats, a short hiking trail around the pond," notes a camper at Old Forge Camping Resort, which also features "a volleyball court, playground and even a lake to fish or rent paddle boards."
Campground transportation: At busier times, transportation services help families avoid parking hassles. "There is a bus from the campground that takes you to enchanted forest safari, which is a great way to avoid parking," reports a camper at Old Forge Camping Resort.
Advance reservations essential: Popular family sites fill quickly, especially waterfront locations. "Book early and get a site right on the water!" advises a camper about Limekiln Lake, while another at Golden Beach notes "Book early cause they fill up fast."
Electric reliability varies: Power infrastructure at some campgrounds struggles with high demand. At HTR Adirondacks, one RVer reported "our power kept kicking off" because "they do not have enough power for all of the campsites they have."
Size restrictions matter: Large motorhomes face access challenges on forest roads. "This is NOT a place for big rigs," warns an RVer about HTR Adirondacks, explaining "The roads and turns are not wide enough for a 45' rig even with the tow disconnected."
Campsite surface conditions: Weather impacts site quality, especially for heavier RVs. An RVer noted HTR Adirondacks has "lots [that] are also not gravel and not level. Ours was dirt and mostly mud and even with our leveling jacks down, we could not level due to the mud and lack of a gravel base."
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of camping accommodations are available at Old Forge Camping Resort?
Old Forge Camping Resort offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different camping preferences. The resort provides traditional camping sites for tents and RVs, with amenities that make it a perfect weekend getaway for families. There are also cabin options available for those seeking more comfortable accommodations. The resort features a welcome center stocked with essentials like firewood and other supplies. The property includes a small lake for paddling and water activities. This diverse range of options makes it suitable for both rugged campers and those looking for more comfortable facilities in the Adirondacks.
Is RV and tent camping available in Old Forge?
Yes, both RV and tent camping options are widely available in the Old Forge area. Eighth Lake Campground in nearby Inlet accommodates both RVs and tents, offering affordable state park rates compared to private facilities. The campground includes amenities like showers, bathrooms, and a dump station for RVs. Delta Lake State Park Campground is another option at the Adirondack foothills that welcomes both RVs and tents while keeping you within reach of civilization. Most campgrounds in the region cater to both camping styles, with varying levels of hookups and amenities depending on the specific location.
Are there waterfront camping options in Old Forge?
Yes, the Old Forge area offers several excellent waterfront camping options. Golden Beach Campground features massive sites in the Adirondack foothills with beautiful waterfront access. For a more intimate waterfront experience, Birch's Lakeside Campground and Marina offers lakeside sites with convenient amenities including a general store, laundry, and marina facilities. The area also offers additional water-adjacent options like Alger Island Adirondack Preserve, which is accessible by boat and provides a more secluded waterfront camping experience.
What are the best campgrounds near Old Forge, NY?
The Old Forge area offers several excellent camping options. Nicks Lake Campground is highly rated for its wooded sites with good privacy, proximity to Old Forge, and balance of convenience and tranquility. Many sites are right on the lake, making it perfect for families. Old Forge Camping Resort is another top choice, known for being extremely family-friendly with a visitor center offering supplies and a small lake within the campground. Both provide easy access to local attractions, including hiking trails, paddling opportunities, and the charming town of Old Forge, which maintains its authentic Adirondack character without excessive development.
Keep Exploring
