88 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping in the Oswegatchie area of New York's Adirondack region encompasses a range of options from developed facilities to remote backcountry sites. Cranberry Lake Campground provides established camping with amenities including electric hookups, showers, and toilets, while accommodating tents, RVs, and cabins. For those seeking more primitive experiences, Stillwater Reservoir and Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites offer dispersed camping opportunities with fewer amenities but greater solitude. Several campgrounds in the area feature waterfront access, including Birch's Lakeside Campground and Marina which provides boat-in camping options along with traditional drive-in sites.
The camping season generally runs from mid-May through mid-October, with most facilities closing during the colder months. Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with some campgrounds accessible via paved roads while others require travel on rough dirt or gravel roads. A review of North Lake Reservoir noted, "Extremely primitive, you must get off Rte 28, heading toward the old Buffalo Head restaurant and passed there, keep going another 30-40 minutes along a dirt/gravel road until you reach N Lake Rd." Cell service is limited or non-existent in many areas, particularly at more remote sites. Reservations are recommended for established campgrounds during peak summer months, while dispersed camping areas typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis with varying stay limits.
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the Oswegatchie region. Campers frequently mention the opportunity to observe wildlife, particularly loons, as a highlight of their experience. As one visitor to Brown Tract Pond Campground described, "Beautiful, peaceful large pond/small lake. Loons. Ducks and ducklings. Beaver." Many campgrounds provide boat launches or rentals, allowing visitors to explore the numerous lakes and waterways. Sites with lake views tend to fill quickly during summer weekends. While some campgrounds offer modern amenities including showers and electric hookups, others maintain a more rustic atmosphere with pit toilets and no utilities. The proximity to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and small Adirondack towns provides additional recreational options for visitors.
"This is a Great Lake for kayaking, clear and calm, lots of nooks and crannies to explore."
"Beautiful ADK campground with the whole lake to explore from the launch on site. Pros: canoe rentals on site, lakeside camp sites, hiking nearby, all-tent loop."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Birch's Lakeside Campground has all the amenities needed to enjoy a stay in upstate New York, a general store, laundry & propane on site keep everything you need right there! "
"This was the perfect spot located on Cranberry lake -They have everything you need at their lakeside store, including boat and kayak rentals!"
from $25 - $65 / night
Check Availability"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"
"We spent 3 nights backcountry camping on Catamount Island in Cranberry Lake and absolutely loved it! The sunsets from the island were truly incredible. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. "
"amazing lake for kayaking and boating. sites not crowded together."
"This is our go to area close to town but still just want to get away from it all. DEC is nice and stop and talk to the campers. There is a doc down the road for boats and fishing!"
"This is my second time camping at this location and I’ve enjoyed it so much. Not very well know and really quite however the training range can be a little loud at times."
"Out of all of the places that I have been in New York this is by far one of my favorite places to go"
"We usually head for the Adirondack lakes further down the road but it's still in the foot hills, close to our home and very pretty especially at sunset."
from $21 - $34 / night
Check Availability"Most of the campsites at Fish Creek Pond are along the waterfront, offering easy access to the pond. Some campers even build temporary docks that they leave behind for subsequent campers."
"Bike path, kayak rentals, close to Lake Placid Olympic center, Wild Center in Tupper Lake"
from $22 - $40 / night
Check Availability"Great getaway in upstate New York"
"This is one of the most family friendly resorts and a perfect weekend getaway for those living in other parts of New York State."
"As it isn't too far of a drive for us, it quickly became our go-to campgrounds for quite a while due to the mostly flat campground and who doesn't love hearing the slow trickle of water splashing close"
"It was generally quiet Memorial Day weekend, and we were able to snag a lakeside site with plenty of trees and space for our tent, SUV, and more."
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability"The entire campground is accessible, with gravel pack paths, and level sites. Charlie is the caretaker here and everyone says he is the nicest person you’ll meet. "
from $20 / night
ScoutVery nice campground, pool is awesome when it’s hot and, the water’s edge of the campground is beautiful, expect noise. Not a quiet place. From fellow campers to boats and sirens. No tru till station just a water line when you enter. Also check sites out was extremely up hill. Camper barely cleared.
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.
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.
RangerThe site we had was amazing, all sites are right on the water so they all may be just as nice. Ours was flat and easy to level a tent or camper.
The lake was beautiful, fun to swim in and fish in (caught perch, bass, white fish, bluegill, and crappie).
Beautiful trees and surrounding area has boat rentals.
The bathrooms were flush toilets which is a plus, but pretty gross otherwise.
Local store across the road has everything you’d need (fresh baked pizzas, ice, entire convenience store, wood, etc) and gives 4% discount for cash purchases.
ScoutNot very welcoming at night. Kinda creepy.
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.
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.
TravelerStill 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!
LegendThis review is for primitive backpack or paddle in camping alogn the breathtakingly beautiful Sagamore Lake. On the southwest corner of the lake is located the historic Camp Sagamore, one of the so-called Great Camps of the Adirondacks and which is now a comfortable lodge and camping retreat which hosts lifelong learning workshops on crafts and history throughout the year. If interested in visiting it, see this link: https://www.sagamore.org/
However, beyond the grounds of the Camp is the vast Blue Ridge Wilderness of the Adirondack State Forest Park which completely surround the lake. Adhacent to camp Sagamore is a parking lot for campers and hikers, which includes an outhouse, picnic table, launch for canoes or kayaks, and trailhead for hiking and backpacking. The trail encircles Sagamore lake is is about 3.8 miles long. There is primitive and dispersed camping all along the trail and and along shore and beyond as long as you practice Leave No Trace principles. This basically means no campsite amenities other than the glorious woods and lake, but you will have your pick of remote spots to pitch a tent without having to backpack for hours. The trail does attract a fair number of day use hikers or paddlers, but few campers. The trail is reasonable to tackle for beginning dispersed campers, with the added safety of being able to hike out to the Camp within a couple miles in case of emergency. Highly recommended!
The Oswegatchie region encompasses part of the western Adirondacks with elevations ranging from 1,300 to 2,500 feet. The area features a network of interconnected waterways and dense northern hardwood forests with numerous beaver meadows. Winter temperatures often drop below zero, while summer days typically reach the 70s and 80s with cooler nights that make camping near Oswegatchie, New York appealing from late spring through early fall.
Paddling extensive waterways: At Stillwater Reservoir, visitors can explore miles of pristine water. "We spent 3 nights backcountry camping on Catamount Island in Cranberry Lake and absolutely loved it! The sunsets from the island were truly incredible... In addition to many cool places to kayak from the island, there are a few hiking trails where you can land your boat and hike for a few hours," notes one camper.
Wildlife observation opportunities: Many sites offer excellent bird watching, especially for loons. At Rollins Pond Campground, visitors report, "WE love staying at Rollins Pond in a tent! Our family always meet friendly people and falling asleep to loons is priceless! We always have wildlife at our site. This past trip we had chipmunks, squirrels, ducks, and a crane. The time before, we had a family of loons!"
Winter recreation access: Unlike many Adirondack camping areas that close completely in winter, some Oswegatchie region campgrounds offer winter accommodations. "Close to skiing. Snowmobiling is the real reason to come here. Dry cabins or cottages with bath and shower are available. Snowmobile trails are accessible from the campground and seasonal rentals are available," reports a visitor to Old Forge Camping Resort.
Waterfront sites with sunrise/sunset views: Most campers cite waterfront access as a primary draw. At Higley Flow State Park Campground, one visitor noted, "We usually head for the Adirondack lakes further down the road but it's still in the foot hills, close to our home and very pretty especially at sunset... I came across the largest and most beautiful sounding loon early in the morning...perfect before we had to pack it up and leave."
Clean bathroom facilities: Many Oswegatchie area campgrounds maintain well-kept facilities. At Cranberry Lake Campground, campers report, "Camped for three nights. LOVED this place. The bathrooms are clean and there is plenty of hot water!" Another camper mentioned, "The bathrooms are kept tidy, the shower house is classic and clean."
Dark night skies for stargazing: The remote location provides exceptional star viewing. One camper at Birch's Lakeside Campground and Marina shared, "Star gazing is FANTASTIC!" Another noted, "This was the perfect spot located on Cranberry lake... we had the best view of the stars at night (we were there during a meteor shower)."
Limited cell service availability: Most campgrounds in the area have minimal to no connectivity. Pack paper maps and download any needed information before arrival.
Varying road conditions: Access roads range from paved highways to rough dirt tracks. For Green Pond - Bonaparte State Forest, visitors should note potential noise disturbances: "Not very well know and really quite however the training range can be a little loud at times."
Wildlife precautions needed: Bears are active in the region. One camper warned, "Sites are close together and beware of the bear. We had one or two in and around our camp site almost every nite. Heed the warnings and lock car doors and don't leave coolers or grills out."
Water level fluctuations: Some campers note changing water levels in reservoirs. "Since this river has many dams and is used for hydro power the water level can go up and down 2-3 feet from one day to the next. It didnt affect our kayaking fun, swimming or fishing and was intriguing."
Look for campgrounds with beach areas: Soft Maple Campground offers family-friendly swimming. "Soft Maple is a truly gorgeous small campground. Only about a dozen sites or so, first come first serve. Level sites for RVs or tent or hammock camping. Each site has a nice space with fire ring and picnic table. The beach is lovely and clean."
Consider accessibility needs: Several campgrounds offer accessible facilities. "The entire campground is accessible, with gravel pack paths, and level sites."
Choose sites with playground access: Some campgrounds offer recreational facilities for children. One Higley Flow visitor mentioned, "Really nice sites that are private and easy to back into. Great playground for the kids, hiking trails and more."
Look for campgrounds with kids' activities: Fish Creek Pond Campground offers structured activities. A visitor noted, "There is time for sailing canoeing motor boating including skiing. Fishing right off the banks of your site is a convenient way to fish as much as you like... Things to do for the kids like arts and crafts."
Check site leveling before booking: Many older Adirondack campgrounds have uneven sites. One camper at Rollins Pond noted, "While I have really enjoyed Rollins Pond, I would caution going prior to June unless you are prepared for varying weather. I have been up there pitching the tent in a t-shirt one day only to need to throw on a jacket the next day due to rain and even snow."
Plan for limited hookup availability: Most Oswegatchie area campgrounds have few or no hookups. A Fish Creek Pond visitor advised, "No w/e/s hookups at any of the sites, but there is a three-lane dump station for your convenience if you are in an RV."
Research road access for larger rigs: Some campgrounds have limited access for larger RVs. At Cranberry Lake, a visitor mentioned, "We stayed in site #45, right on the edge of the lake, with great kayak access... We did our usual reservation-less 'pull up and see what they have open' style of camping, but during the main season, this place is busy! You'll definitely need to plan ahead and make reservations."
Consider smaller campgrounds for more privacy: Smaller facilities may provide better experiences for RVers seeking solitude. One camper at Birch's Lakeside Campground shared, "This place has it all, especially being as remote as it is. (Laundry facilities, fishing, firewood, quaint general store for supplies and fuel)... The campers became our friends, they were all willing to help from the moment of our arrival."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Oswegatchie, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Oswegatchie, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 88 campgrounds and RV parks near Oswegatchie, NY and 18 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Oswegatchie, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Oswegatchie, NY is Cranberry Lake Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 22 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Oswegatchie, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 free dispersed camping spots near Oswegatchie, NY.
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