P
Peter L.
Traveler
TravelerVanderwacker Mountain Wild Forest
Quiet fire rings with outhouse
Multiple small fire ring, camping spots with an outhouse down a trail by site 3.
Camping near Paul Smiths, NY
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Dispersed camping opportunities abound in the Adirondack region surrounding Paul Smiths, New York, with options ranging from primitive sites to developed campgrounds. The area includes notable locations such as Fish Creek Pond Campground and Buck Pond Campground, both offering waterfront camping experiences within short driving distance. Established campgrounds typically provide tent and RV sites with varying levels of amenities, while primitive options like Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites offer more secluded experiences. Little Green Pond provides additional dispersed camping options with designated sites situated on the water, particularly appealing for campers seeking quieter alternatives to the more developed facilities.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with typical openings from May through September or early October. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the Adirondacks, with cool temperatures even during summer months, particularly at higher elevations. Cell service is limited or non-existent at many campgrounds, especially at more remote sites like Jones Pond and Little Green Pond. Many primitive sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with maximum stay limits of three nights without permits. The access roads to primitive sites often require higher clearance vehicles, as noted by one camper who mentioned, "The two track access road is rough and all dirt," when describing Jones Pond.
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for many campgrounds in the Paul Smiths area, with several visitors highlighting the pristine lake and pond views. Many sites at Fish Creek Pond Campground sit just feet from the water, making them ideal for paddling enthusiasts. Privacy varies considerably between campgrounds, with Buck Pond offering more secluded sites compared to the more open layout at Fish Creek. A visitor to Buck Pond noted, "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!" Primitive sites generally provide greater solitude but fewer amenities, often limited to pit toilets and fire rings. Campground density also varies, with some locations allowing larger groups and multiple vehicles, while others are better suited for smaller camping setups.
Best Campgrounds near Paul Smiths (125)
1. Fish Creek Pond Campground
"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 Availability2. Rollins Pond Campground
"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 Availability3. Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve Campground
"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."
from $22 - $40 / night
Check Availability4. Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday
"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
"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!"
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability6. Meacham Lake Campground
"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."
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability7. Meadowbrook Campground
"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."
from $18 - $40 / night
Check Availability8. Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites
"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."
9. Mountain Pond Road
10. Little Green Pond
"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."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 34 min from Burlington, VT
- 1 hr 52 min from Glens Falls, NY
- 2 hrs 17 min from Watertown, NY
- 2 hrs 44 min from Utica, NY
Recent Camping Photos near Paul Smiths, NY
185 Photos of 125 Paul Smiths Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Mountain Pond Roadb
Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites
Adirondack Adventure BaseS
Buck Pond Campground
Meacham Lake Campground
Fish Creek Pond Campground
Donaldson's Campground
Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve Campground
Rollins Pond CampgroundF
Meadowbrook Campground
Ward Brook Campsite
Copperas Pond
Recent Reviews near Paul Smiths, NY
493 Reviews of 125 Paul Smiths Campgrounds
Kane W.
ScoutAusable Pines RV Park & Campground
Exploring And Camping
We wanted to visit Lake Placid but preferred bringing our RV instead of booking a hotel for the whole trip. We spent a full day around Lake Placid and the surrounding area, then drove back to Ausable Pines that evening. I liked having some separation between the busy sightseeing part of the day and where we were staying. The next morning we took our time making breakfast before heading out again. It gave the trip a nice balance between exploring and camping.
Harper R.ScoutAusable Pines RV Park & Campground
First Longer Trip
This was our first longer trip with our new fifth wheel and we were definitely nervous about taking it somewhere unfamiliar. We had plenty of room for our setup and having full hookups made the whole experience much easier than expected. By the end of the stay we were already talking about where to take it next.
- bbarbara S.Scout
Mountain Pond Road
Mountain Pond
Nice spots, clearly marked. Only if humans would practice leave no trace. Take all items you brought with you, out with you.
Maureen G.
GuideLake Durant Campground
Beautiful lakeside campground
Shadey lakeside campground with large sites, mine has easy lake access.
- Maureen G.Guide
Golden Beach Campground
Golden Sand Beach
Large sites, shade, beautiful beach,
Lennox H.ScoutAusable Pines RV Park & Campground
We Wanted To Spend A Few Days
We stayed here because we wanted to spend a few days exploring the Adirondacks without moving the RV every night. It worked perfectly for that. We headed out early each morning, explored somewhere new, and had our camper waiting for us when we got back.
- mmichel M.Scout
Weaver Acres
Hipcamp
This space is just off the road. It very flat water, power,sewer. Its Pack in pack out. 5 minutes walk from Tupper Lake. Bring your kayak they're hundreds of little lakes around this site.
- ddan H.Guide
Crown Point Campground
NY State park campground. Worth staying at
Good size campground with three loops. 2 shower / restroom facilities. Many of the sites are simply grass. There are a few gravel ones. The staff has no problem with driving on the or parking on grass. All sites have a firepit. Wood can be obtained locally. There is no store at the camp. There is only one dump station. There is a boat launch with limited trailer parking although when we stayed (Aug 2026) the water was only 18 in to 2 ft deep at docks. Heavily choked with vegetation. Shower facilities were clean enough but could use more attention, heavy cobwebs at lights, corners and edges of shower pretty dark with mold. Plenty of fresh water spigots throughout the camp. Camp is on the banks of lake Champlain, although only a couple sites have a lake view. Ruins of two pre-revolutionary war forts are within walking distance and offer a great introduction to life in the early 18th century. Fort Ticonderoga is a 30 min drive and will take most of the day to tour. Well worth the trip. Only 3 min drive to Vermont. I would stay again.
Guide to Paul Smiths
Camping sites near Paul Smiths, New York range from waterfront locations on ponds and lakes to forest sites tucked into the hemlock groves. The region sits at elevations between 1,500-1,700 feet, contributing to temperature variations that can drop 30 degrees from day to night even in summer months. Most primitive campgrounds operate from mid-May through early October, with water access serving as a primary attraction for paddlers.
What to do
Paddling expeditions: Little Green Pond offers 12 designated camping spots with easy water access for canoeing and kayaking. "You hear the word 'pond' and you might think of a small body of water however this 'pond' is massive. It's more like a lake," notes Amanda K. about Rollins Pond Campground.
Island camping adventures: For a more remote experience, paddle to island sites at Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve Campground. "I have camped at Saranac Lake Islands for two summers in a row. The first time, my children and I had an island and the second time we had a spot on a little peninsula. It's such a gorgeous place!" shares Joanna H.
Hiking trails: Access trails directly from some campgrounds without needing to drive. At Meadowbrook Campground, "There's a trail to Scarface that leaves from the campground. Like many of the towns in the area, Saranac has a hiking challenge. Complete 6 hikes in the area and earn a patch; Scarface is one of the 6," explains Jean C.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Many campers value sites directly on water. At Fish Creek Pond Campground, "The water is super shallow all along the shoreline. It's perfect for dogs, kids, and hanging out in the water. The bottom is sandy with some rocks, good to have water shoes but not essential," according to Oleńka S.
Privacy between sites: Buck Pond Campground offers more secluded sites compared to busier locations. "Sites are large enough to have an RV, a canopy, and a small tent, or several tents. There is a canoe/kayak rental at the campground as well as a beach," notes Danielle S.
Natural sounds: Campers frequently mention the peaceful sounds at night. At Rollins Pond Campground, Kristina L. appreciates "falling asleep to loons is priceless! We always have wildlife at our site. This past trip we had chipmunks, squirrels, ducks, and a crane."
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary widely: While some campgrounds offer modern facilities, primitive sites have basic amenities. At Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites, "There are two pit toilets, both primitive, one of which did not have a door when we visited," reports Dylan J.
Site accessibility considerations: Many primitive sites require specific vehicles or hiking in. At Jones Pond, "The two track access road is rough and all dirt. Site #1 is near the entrance and near the road. It is the only site that would be accessible for larger rigs such as an RV," according to Dylan J.
Frequently Asked Questions
What outdoor activities are available in Paul Smiths, NY?
What outdoor activities are available in Paul Smiths, NY?
Paul Smiths offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the year. In summer, enjoy paddling, fishing, and swimming in the region's numerous lakes and ponds. Hiking trails range from easy walks to challenging mountain climbs. Mountain biking is popular on local trails, while wildlife viewing opportunities abound. The area around Lake Durant Campground showcases spectacular fall foliage. Winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. Birch's Lakeside Campground and Marina provides boat rentals and water access for exploring the region's interconnected waterways.
Where can I find camping near Paul Smiths in the Adirondacks?
Where can I find camping near Paul Smiths in the Adirondacks?
The Adirondacks around Paul Smiths offer excellent camping options. Meacham Lake Campground provides drive-in access with reservable sites that accommodate RVs. For a more secluded experience, Rollins Pond Campground near Saranac Lake features waterfront sites. Both public and private options exist, with state campgrounds typically offering more primitive settings and private campgrounds providing additional amenities. Most campgrounds in the area are open from May through October, with peak season in July and August. Many sites can be reserved in advance, though some operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
What is Paul Smiths College known for?
What is Paul Smiths College known for?
Paul Smiths College is renowned for its environmental and natural resource programs, particularly forestry, wildlife, and natural resource management. Located in the heart of the Adirondacks near Buck Pond Campground, the college emphasizes hands-on outdoor education with its campus situated on Lower St. Regis Lake. The college maintains a strong focus on sustainability, hospitality management, and culinary arts programs. Its unique setting provides students with immediate access to 14,000 acres of college-owned lands that serve as living laboratories for environmental studies and outdoor recreation.
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