Camping around Owls Head, New York offers a diverse range of experiences in the northern Adirondack region at approximately 1,500 feet elevation. The area features sandy terrain interspersed with small streams and ponds, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 50-80°F. Winter camping options are limited, with most sites closing after Columbus Day as temperatures can drop below freezing at night.
What to do
Paddle the waterways: Rollins Pond Campground connects to a network of lakes perfect for kayaking and canoeing. "We loved renting canoes/kayaks and exploring the lake," notes a visitor to Rollins Pond Campground. The pond is larger than its name suggests, with one camper describing it as "massive... more like a lake" with multiple waterfront sites.
Hike nearby trails: The area around Draper's Acres offers excellent access to major Adirondack trailheads. "Great location for major trailheads and near by lake placid keene," reports one camper at Draper's Acres. The campground's central position makes it a practical base for exploring the region's trails, though visitors should note its proximity to roads.
Swim in natural settings: Meacham Lake provides opportunities for waterfront relaxation. "Love this campground, nice big spots, I was on the water which made my trip," shares a camper at Meacham Lake Campground. The campground is split into two distinct sides, with the west side offering more secluded experiences and lake views.
What campers like
Separated camping areas: Meacham Lake Campground features two distinct camping experiences. "It's split into 2 sides. The west side is way cooler, less bugs and more views. The east side is RV/camper heaven," explains one visitor. The west side offers a more primitive experience with outhouses, while the east side provides flush toilets and showers.
Privacy between sites: Buck Pond Campground offers secluded sites that create a remote feeling. "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!" reports a camper at Buck Pond Campground. The campground maintains a natural buffer between sites.
Clean facilities: Cumberland Bay State Park maintains its amenities well. "This place was very well maintained. The bathrooms by the beach were clean (you don't see that everywhere, especially at a place with a high usage)," notes a visitor to Cumberland Bay State Park Campground. The park offers flush toilets and shower facilities that receive regular attention.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. "There is no cell or internet there," reports a Meacham Lake Campground visitor, making it important to download maps and information before arrival. This disconnection can enhance the wilderness experience but requires advance planning.
Site conditions vary by season: Some campgrounds have drainage issues during wet periods. At Meacham Lake, one camper noted, "We camped on site 188 for 3 nights and really enjoyed having our own private 'beach,' however, it was extremely boggy! The campground had put down sheets of plywood to help, but still the ground was so soggy."
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the region have limited operating seasons. Riverside Campground operates "May 1 to Sept 30," while Ausable Chasm Campground runs "May 27 - Oct 14." Winter glamping in Owls Head, New York requires advance research as many sites close after Columbus Day.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer specific features for children. "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," reports a visitor to Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday. Additional activities like tractor rides provide entertainment for younger campers.
Consider sites with easy water access: Campsites with beach access provide natural entertainment. At Cumberland Bay, a visitor noted, "This is a great place for the family. The playground is great. New bath house. Some sites with electric." The beach area offers swimming opportunities directly from the campground.
Check shower facilities: When camping with children, clean showers make a difference. A Buck Pond camper advised, "The shower could use an update and definitely bring some shoes to shower in and a mat/towel for the floor as it gets slippery when wet. The bathroom area has one sink with no shelving so carrying your necessities in a shower caddy especially when you have kids that need to brush their teeth."
Tips from RVers
Site selection is important: At Riverside Campground, RVers find "mostly Rv sites with full hook-ups and a few cabins nice facilities." The campground offers water and electric hookups, with campers noting the owners are "great, the rates low and the place clean and right on the river."
Consider road proximity: Some campgrounds have road noise issues. At Draper's Acres, a reviewer mentioned, "It was right off the highway and there was a lot of road noise. Also, the campground is literally in the middle of a neighborhood, which wasn't my favorite environment." However, the same campground offers "water/electric for a trailer at $35 a night in perfect location between Keene Valley and Lake Placid."
Hook-up availability: For those seeking luxury glamping in Owls Head, New York area, electricity access varies by campground. At Rollins Pond, a camper noted, "No hookups, so a bit trickier for RVs, but being right on the water makes it worth it." Plan accordingly if your glamping setup requires power, as not all sites offer electrical connections.
