Rollins Pond Campground and Buck Pond Campground are located in the northern section of the Adirondack Park, where elevations range between 1,500 and 2,000 feet above sea level. The camping season typically runs from mid-May through early September, with average summer temperatures between 75-80°F during the day and 50-55°F at night. Many sites require reservations 9 months in advance for peak summer weekends due to high demand.
What to do
Kayaking network access: At Rollins Pond Campground, paddlers can access multiple connected waterways. "You have to go all the way through the fairly busy Fish Creek campground to get into Rollins Pond on a dead end road, so don't forget the groceries. Almost all the sites are lakefront. Great kayak and canoe access to a whole network of lakes in the St. Regis/Saranac area," notes Jeffrey B.
Mountain recreation: The Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday serves as a central base for hiking and mountain activities. According to Nicole S., "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."
Pond swimming options: Buck Pond offers swimming directly from some campsites. Dana M. reports, "We pulled in on a Sunday afternoon with no reservations. We wanted 2 nights and had no issue getting a site. Campground was fairly quiet although probably 3/4 or more full."
What campers like
Wildlife encounters: Campers at Rollins Pond appreciate the natural encounters. "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!" shares Kristina L.
Hot showers year-round: The Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake maintains facilities even in colder months. Kayla M. notes, "The staff were really friendly and someone is available 24/7 in case you run into issues. The bathrooms are really nice and warm, especially during the cold off season."
Site privacy levels: Meacham Lake Campground offers varying privacy options. "The West side of the campground is reserved for primitive tent campers with a few choice sites right on the water. These sites generally have tent platforms which is a good thing," explains Kristin G.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Weather can change rapidly, particularly in shoulder seasons. Alex G. from Rollins Pond advises, "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."
Cell coverage limitations: Not all campgrounds offer reliable connectivity. Mara S. at Draper's Acres notes, "No noisy neighbors even on a Saturday night. Great cell reception with Verizon; what more do you need."
Reservation timing: For popular sites, planning ahead is essential. Amie C. explains about Rollins Pond, "It's been years since I've stayed at Rollins pond, mostly because of the long drive. (I live 5 hours away) but this year we decided we needed to revisit."
Tips for camping with families
Ice cream options: Children enjoy the treats available at some locations. According to surfycampers at Rollins Pond, "Not super spread out but was definitely a beautiful spot. Near fish creek. We loved riding bikes, ice cream truck every night. Ice and firewood available. Close store for goods."
Nature programs: The Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake offers educational opportunities. Alex & Lauren K. share, "We stayed at the Heart Lake Campground for a week and a half utilizing it as our home base for adventures into the High Peaks Wilderness and the greater Adirondack region."
Budget-friendly showers: Many campgrounds provide free shower facilities. Brett N. notes about Draper's Acres, "The office sells firewood. Both bath houses were adequate, even containing shampoo and body wash. Staff was friendly."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For RVs at Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday, location matters. Nancy W. advises, "There are two distinct sections of this campground– the 'Resort' section and the '100-Acre Woods' section. We stayed in site #73 of the 100-Acre section and would highly recommend staying in this area as opposed to the other. This section has tall shad trees and much more space between sites than the resort area."
Terrain considerations: RV campers should note ground conditions when glamping near Paul Smiths, New York. Danielle S. warns about Buck Pond, "The sites are sandy and our site was mostly flat. Some sites do have an uphill driveway lined with trees. If you have an RV, looking at the site on ReserveAmerica.com might be the way to go."
Hook-up availability: Utility options vary significantly across campgrounds. Erin from Rollins Pond mentions, "No hookups, so a bit trickier for rv's, but being right on the water makes it worth it. We loved renting canoes/kayaks and exploring the lake."
