Tent camping in Old Forge, New York centers within the western Adirondack region at approximately 1,700 feet elevation. Campsites stretch across a network of interconnected lakes known as the Fulton Chain, where summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F. Winter brings heavy snowfall, limiting primitive camping opportunities to late spring through early fall when most sites become accessible.
What to do
Paddle to secluded sites: Alger Island Adirondack Preserve requires visitors to transport all gear by kayak or canoe across Fourth Lake. "Sites: boat only access. Bring water. Pack in/pack out. Lean to at sites. Secluded," notes Benjamin C. The state park only permits car-top boats, making this a destination for paddlers comfortable with open water navigation.
Explore nearby waterways: Tioga Point Campground offers boat-in camping with access to multiple connecting lakes. "You can only reach this campground by boat. The campground is very secluded and there are lean-to style campsites. You don't have to bring a tent unless you want to," explains Carrie J., noting this saves valuable boat space.
Day hike from base camp: Cedar River Entrance Camping provides access to surrounding trail systems. Matthew D. reports, "Several trails nearby. Would recommend. Also would recommend traveling further in if you are looking for more sites." Many campers establish a basecamp here before exploring the surrounding wilderness areas on foot.
What campers like
Waterfront proximity: Francis Lake offers direct lake access for swimming and paddling. Elizabeth B. describes it as "totally gorgeous, perfectly clean, and quiet. Room for two or three tents, two fire circles and has an outhouse. Great for swimming, kayaking, and a gorgeous place to wake up next to the water."
Natural swimming areas: North Lake Reservoir Campground features 32 sites positioned around a clean, swim-friendly lake. "Some are walk in right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, and clean," reports J B., who recommends a specific approach: "Make sure to take a left at the start of the lake, the right is all private road and you will have to turn around."
Privacy between sites: Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off offers secluded tent sites despite proximity to access roads. Taylor A. explains, "The site has its own private road. You can hear cars from the site but the cars can't see you. The site is mostly shaded. There is a river down the hill from the campsite which helps keep it fairly cool at night."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most primitive sites around Old Forge operate from mid-May through early September. Official campgrounds like Alger Island follow a specific season - "May 19 to September 4" according to park information. Fall camping requires additional preparation for colder overnight temperatures.
Water transportation challenges: Sarah B. from Alger Island warns about Fourth Lake conditions: "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." Weekends and holidays bring increased boat traffic.
Variable site conditions: Taylor A. cautions about Cod Pond: "The ground may look flat but when sleeping, definitely is not. The bugs were terrible." Many primitive sites lack level tent pads, requiring careful site selection upon arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Structured camp programs: Adirondack Mennonite Camping Associates offers organized activities for children. Elizabeth B. describes it as "a classic summer youth sleep-away camp on Beaver Lake. Swimming, canoes, and a high ropes course, gathering around the campfire to end the day. Weekend and week long programming for youth and families."
Drive-in convenience: North Lake Reservoir provides easier access for families with young children. Ashlee C. notes, "Car camped, but there was enough room for a tent. Fire pit at the site and a bathroom across the way from the first site." Sites closest to facilities reduce walking distance for bathroom trips.
Wildlife awareness: Several campgrounds report wildlife encounters. Lee W. advises Tioga Point visitors to "watch out for the neighborly bears," suggesting proper food storage is essential when camping with children in this region.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups: RV camping near Old Forge typically means primitive conditions without full hookups. Most primitive sites accommodate smaller rigs under 25 feet on unpaved, uneven surfaces. North Lake Reservoir accepts RVs but provides no electric, water, or sewer connections.
Road conditions: Josie W. cautions about Cod Pond access: "Easy to access via a short dirt road, but also easy to miss. Site was big enough to pull our mid-size SUV down, but we did have to back out in the morning; not enough room to turn around." Many access roads remain unpaved and narrow, requiring careful navigation.
