Best Campgrounds near Owls Head, NY

The Adirondack region surrounding Owls Head, New York features a mix of established campgrounds and primitive sites within a landscape of forests and waterways. Pine Ridge Park Campsite in nearby Constable accommodates tents, RVs, and cabins with full hookup options, while Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites offer free dispersed camping along the northeastern shore. Meacham Lake Campground and Buck Pond Campground provide additional options within short driving distance. Several campgrounds in the area feature waterfront access, though amenities vary significantly between developed and primitive sites.

Most campgrounds in the Adirondack region operate seasonally from May through October, with limited winter access. The primitive sites at Jones Pond require no reservations but have a three-night maximum stay without permits. "The five primitive campsites along Jones Pond's northeastern shore are accessible by a two-track service road and are free to use on a first-come basis," notes one visitor. Many established campgrounds like Fish Creek Pond and Meacham Lake require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends. Cell coverage throughout the region is spotty, with visitors reporting only occasional bars of service even at larger campgrounds. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with cool evenings common even during summer months.

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the region. Several reviews highlight the call of loons and scenic lake views as standout features. According to one camper at Fish Creek Pond, "At night you can see the lights of campers on the opposite bank and listen to the call of the loons." Pine Ridge Park Campsite receives high ratings for its family-friendly atmosphere and planned activities throughout the summer. Site privacy varies considerably across the region, with some campgrounds featuring well-spaced, wooded sites while others place campers in closer proximity. Fire regulations are standard at most sites, with fire rings provided at established campgrounds and designated primitive sites. Visitors commonly use these campgrounds as base camps for exploring nearby hiking trails, paddling routes, and historic sites in the Adirondack Park.

Best Camping Sites Near Owls Head, New York (99)

    1. Meacham Lake Campground

    7 Reviews
    Rainbow Lake, NY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 483-5116

    $20 - $40 / night

    "We spent a week here and didn't have a lakeside site, but one of the small ones on the stream. Great place to visit. If you do score a lakeside site, your views will be spectacular!"

    "One side of the lake is a bit crowded and can get rowdy. This side has flush toilets and showers. There are waterfront sites here."

    2. Pine Ridge Park Campsite

    11 Reviews
    Malone, NY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 358-4125

    "This campground has the best staff you can find in northern New York. The whole time they are open they have activities planned for the kids all summer long."

    "Security is offered which makes parents feel safe for their kids to be rinning around. Campers help each other out and always a good time. Friends become family!! Must experience it to believe it."

    3. Buck Pond Campground

    8 Reviews
    Onchiota, NY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 891-3449

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Our site was tucked back into some trees and you couldn't see any other sites from it. To look around, it was as if we had all of the Adirondacks to ourselves!"

    "wonderful place to get away from it all"

    4. Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday

    44 Reviews
    Wilmington, NY
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 946-7878

    "Close to hiking trails, Whiteface Mt Parkway & Lake Placid. Nice, helpful staff. It is NOT wheelchair accessible. There are steep steps to the office, no grab bars in the bathrooms."

    "Very large and busy campground, close to Lake Placid and other cool activities to take in. Pros- hot showers, convenient laundromat, you are guided to your site by staff on golf carts."

    5. Deer River Campsite

    1 Review
    Owls Head, NY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 483-0060

    6. High Falls Park Campground

    1 Review
    Malone, NY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 497-3156

    7. Fish Creek Pond Campground

    33 Reviews
    Tupper Lake, NY
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 891-4560

    $22 - $40 / night

    "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"

    8. Iron City RV Park

    1 Review
    Lyon Mountain, NY
    15 miles
    Website

    $30 / night

    "Located far out in nature, the views are breathtaking. Owner was really nice and helpful."

    9. Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites

    3 Reviews
    Rainbow Lake, NY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 897-1200

    "There is a hand launch for small boats/kayaks to access the pond near the entrance. Site #1 is near the entrance and near the road."

    "It took me about two hours 45 minutes and well worth the drive, I first stopped at site four and fully set up my Truck tent and the rest of camp, awesome location."

    10. Babbling Brook RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Malone, NY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 358-4245

    $30 - $55 / night

    "Located near river."

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Recent Reviews near Owls Head, NY

431 Reviews of 99 Owls Head Campgrounds


  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    North Beach Campground

    Ok for the night

    It’s basically a public park with beach access. The views on the beach are absolutely beautiful. No frills sites.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Horseshoe Lake

    NY Designated Camping

    Along Co 421, by Horseshoe Lake, there are 10-11 designated campsites. Most have fire pits.

    Road is rough but easily doable if you take it slow.

    As it’s a forest, the sites are pretty shaded, so solar and Starlink may present challenges. Slight AT&T at earlier sites.

  • Robert K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites

    awesome place

    I came from the Albany area. It took me about two hours 45 minutes and well worth the drive, I first stopped at site four and fully set up my Truck tent and the rest of camp, awesome location. You can walk down to the water, which is only a small ledge and enough space to put a chair, me and my German Shepherd were walking around the trails and we found site five which was absolutely beautiful and right on the water, I mean right on the water. I went back to site for packed up a bunch of stuff into the truck and left the truck tent in there since it takes about 30 minutes to take up and down, I had walked the road a couple of times to see if I could get my truck down there, definitely need four-wheel-drive, but it is possible to get your truck down there and I did, set up camp there spent the rest of the day the night and all of the next day. Absolutely beautiful the dog loved the water being right there, I definitely love this place. This is my first campsite that I found using the app highly recommend.

  • X
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Carry Falls Recreation Area

    Quite, not high quality.

    Thai place is very cute, quiet, and not a lot of people frequent. The bathrooms are kind of “rundown” they are old and they use composing toilets with no showers and one sink located outside of the facility. It is NOT FREE they charge 16.00 a night. Located on an inlet of the man made lake. Water access, quiet, not busy, small, gives small town feel. Comes with picnic table and fireplace. We had site 6 and fit our 30 ft camper with 4 cars.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Little Green Pond

    Peaceful spots under the pines

    12 designated camping spots. Some require driving down a bumpy access road that can be muddy after a rain. Sites are on the Pond. Pond has a small beach to swim. Tree covered sites.

  • C
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Camp Whiteface Mountain

    Awesome Adirondack Campground

    If you want a nice camping spot for exploring the Adirondacks this is it. Nestled in the trees by the Ausable River its a convenient place to explore the area.  20 minutes from downtown Lake Placid at the base of Whiteface mountain. 2 hours away is Montreal or Burlington VT.

  • Nicole S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 26, 2025

    Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday

    The Great Outdoors!!!

    The KOA was recently moved from a different location, so some pictures see on a Google search are no longer the location. This newly acquired property has 2 sides, the mountain side and river side you can choose when booking they are about 1/4 mile away from one another. This campground is very maintained. The campground on the mountain side has a playground, huge store, gem mining, arcade (which needs some love), hiking trails and a common area with some games. They have cabins, tent site areas, and huge wooded camper sites. The mountain side in general is my ideal campground full of trees and nature. The bathrooms were always clean and shower areas had great water pressure. The river side is new and on the side of the river but has you baking in the sun 🌞 there is no trees at all for shade. And there is no separation between you and the next person. There is only camper sites on that side. On the river they have a small place to put in kayaks and wade in water. They have a jumping pad on that side also. Both sides have the tractor driving around, pulling the kids around. The area is awesome with beach access along the river with a huge playground. Your at the bottom of whiteface mountain which is full of hikes and watering holes to swim in, lake placid downtown area is 20 mins away. Its a beautiful area. The girl working in the store Kyla rocked and her gf Jess who drove around on the golfcart and helping out everywhere were so fun. They lived on site and were such great people who made the trip more fun!!

  • Tami W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Birch’s Lakeside Campground and Marina

    4.85 stars

    I’d love to give the campground the full 5⭐️ that it deserves but there were a few things that need tending to. In spot 14 where we were located the wooden platform was a little rickety and the strip under door of the women’s restroom is very loose posing a tripping hazard since I’m disabled. But the staff at the store (which has everything you could ever want) was fantastic. The place was quiet and peaceful. Besides a few dogs running around with no leashes it was paradise. This place even has WiFi!!!

  • J
    Jul. 11, 2025

    Grand Isle State Park Campground

    Great family friendly park

    What a lovely state park! We had a huge campsite that was comfortable for 3 tents and 6 adults. The restrooms/showers are vintage but clean and functional. Showers are coin operated. It was a quiet, family friendly campground with a cute little beach and nature center with youth programs. The only small drawback is that the water front sites are overgrown with trees on the other side of a fence. You could see the water in some parts but not all of the site. Overall- a great place!


Guide to Owls Head

Camping near Owls Head, New York, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the nearby trails, including those around Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday. One reviewer mentioned, "There are plenty of hikes nearby to wear them out if you desire."
  • Water Sports: Enjoy kayaking and canoeing at Fish Creek Pond Campground. A visitor shared, "The sites are varied as to size and desirability... We enjoy kayaking, and there is plenty of access for that here."
  • Fishing: Cast a line in the waters around Rollins Pond Campground. A camper noted, "Great kayak and canoe access to a whole network of lakes in the St. Regis/Saranac area."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms. One review for Wilmington Notch stated, "The bathrooms are impressively clean and even have extra toilet paper if need be."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Fish Creek Pond Campground mentioned, "Our site was level and dry, as were the surrounding sites."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. A review for Pine Ridge Park Campsite said, "The whole time they are open they have activities planned for the kids all summer long."

What you should know:

  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A camper at Rollins Pond Campground advised, "Book campsites early."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Saranac Lake Islands, are more primitive and lack drinking water and electric hookups. A review noted, "Primitive camping with water access only."
  • Bug Spray is a Must: Campers have mentioned bugs can be an issue, especially in late spring. One visitor at Fish Creek Pond Campground said, "Pretty buggy during the last week of May."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with planned activities. A family at Pine Ridge Park Campsite mentioned, "The staff is always smiling and welcoming you into the campground."
  • Choose Campgrounds with Water Access: Kids love playing by the water. A reviewer at Rollins Pond Campground said, "Almost all the sites are lakefront."
  • Pack Games and Books: Keep kids entertained during downtime. A camper at Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday noted, "They had lots of activities to take back to the campsite for rainy days."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Wilmington Notch mentioned, "Sites are spaced out, but little privacy."
  • Be Prepared for Dusty Roads: Some campgrounds have gravel roads that can get dusty. A camper at Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday said, "The roads are really tight for big rigs."
  • Look for Dump Stations: Ensure your campground has a dump station if you're in an RV. A review for Fish Creek Pond Campground mentioned, "There is a three-lane dump station for your convenience if you are in an RV."

Camping near Owls Head, New York, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Owls Head, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Owls Head, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 99 campgrounds and RV parks near Owls Head, NY and 9 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Owls Head, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Owls Head, NY is Meacham Lake Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 7 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Owls Head, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Owls Head, NY.