Best Campgrounds near Old Forge, NY
The Adirondack region surrounding Old Forge, New York features a diverse range of camping environments within the larger Adirondack Park. Established 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.
