Best Campgrounds near Paul Smiths, NY

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Paul Smiths. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Paul Smiths is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Paul Smiths. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Camping Sites Near Paul Smiths, New York (114)

    1. Fish Creek Pond Campground

    24 Reviews
    Tupper Lake, NY
    10 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"

    2. Rollins Pond Campground

    20 Reviews
    Tupper Lake, NY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 891-3239

    $20 / night

    "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."

    3. Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve

    15 Reviews
    Saranac Lake, NY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 891-2841

    $22 - $40 / night

    "Outhouse was a little rough around the edges, but doable. Town is close by for ice and things. Our island had 4 other campsites on it and we barely saw or heard our neighbors."

    "This lake is so peaceful and the remote islands that are only accessible by boat make this spot really special. It's a gorgeous place to get away from everything and to really connect to nature."

    4. Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday

    43 Reviews
    Wilmington, NY
    21 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. Buck Pond Campground

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

    "Buck Pond is a quiet, sublime campground about 20 minutes from Paul Smiths College.  The sites are sandy and our site was mostly flat.  Some sites do have an uphill driveway lined with trees. "

    "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!"

    6. Fish Creek Pond - DEC

    9 Reviews
    Tupper Lake, NY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 891-4560

    $22 / night

    "With around 300 campsites that surround the water, this remains one of the busiest campgrounds in the Adirondack Park."

    "We always go for a spot that has easy, shallow access to the lake, some are steeper to maneuver. The bathrooms are well kept, but very basic."

    7. Meadowbrook Campground

    10 Reviews
    Ray Brook, NY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 891-4351

    "This is a very basic campground situated in a small village in the Adirondacks – situated between Saranac Lake and Lake Placid. "

    "It's an average campground, but has a really good location between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake. 

    Our site had the standard DEC picnic table and fire pit."

    8. Meacham Lake Campground

    6 Reviews
    Rainbow Lake, NY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 483-5116

    $20 / 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."

    9. Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites

    2 Reviews
    Rainbow Lake, NY
    4 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 was over the July 4th week, so very busy and found people would just walk through your campsite. Which of course would make our dogs bark at them."

    10. Wilmington Notch

    11 Reviews
    Wilmington, NY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 946-7172

    $18 / night

    "Only about a hour and a half from the border of Canada. This is a great home base for Lake Placid area and Whiteface Mountain. Great clean bathrooms with free hot showers."

    "Great location, very close to Lake Placid and many different trails. The sites are closer together and not as much privacy in some sections, be sure to reserve to get a prime spot."

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Showing results 1-10 of 114 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Paul Smiths, NY

450 Reviews of 114 Paul Smiths Campgrounds



Guide to Paul Smiths

Camping near Paul Smiths, 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. Campers have enjoyed hiking around the area, with one reviewer mentioning, "We went and hiked the mountain, which was amazing," at the Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday.
  • Water Sports: Kayaking and fishing are popular activities. One camper at Fish Creek Pond Campground said, "This is a gorgeous campground on the banks of Fish Creek Pond... perfect for dogs, kids, and hanging out in the water."
  • Sightseeing: Visit local attractions like Lake Placid. A reviewer at Grand Isle State Park Campground noted, "We rode the bike causeway and took the bike ferry," highlighting the area's scenic routes.

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A camper at Old Forge Camping Resort noted, "The roads are very tight making backing into a spot very difficult."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for potential noise from other campers. One visitor at Rogers Rock Campground expressed frustration, saying, "People were up partying, drinking and blasting music literally all night."
  • Wildlife Precautions: Keep food secured to avoid unwanted animal visitors. A camper at Lewey Lake - DEC advised, "You HAVE to keep all your food covered in a sealed container."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. One parent at Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday mentioned, "I did miss the typical activities that KOA usually has."
  • Plan for Outdoor Fun: Bring games and outdoor gear. A camper at Fish Creek Pond Campground suggested, "There’s tons of places to put up our dogs tie out, my hammock, and the clothes line."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep everyone energized with easy snacks. A reviewer at Cranberry Lake - DEC said, "We love cranberry lake... listening to the waves as you fall asleep."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Old Forge Camping Resort warned, "Only 1 site was pull thru but it was so unleveled we could not put our jacks down."
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have narrow roads. One RV owner at Rogers Rock Campground noted, "This is definitely a party campground and no quiet hours are enforced."
  • Utilize Local Resources: Check for nearby services. A visitor at Lewey Lake - DEC mentioned, "It's about a 15-minute drive to either Speculator or Indian Lake."

Camping near Paul Smiths, New York, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Paul Smiths, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Paul Smiths, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 114 campgrounds and RV parks near Paul Smiths, NY and 12 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Paul Smiths, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Paul Smiths, NY is Fish Creek Pond Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 24 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Paul Smiths, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Paul Smiths, NY.

What parks are near Paul Smiths, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Paul Smiths, NY that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.