Tent camping opportunities near Paul Smiths, New York extend into the northern region of the Adirondack Park, which contains over 6 million acres of protected wilderness. The area sits at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 feet, creating diverse microclimates within short distances. Several primitive camping options require bear canisters due to increased black bear activity from May through October.
What to do
Paddling exploration: Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites offers access to a scenic pond perfect for small watercraft. One camper noted, "There is a hand launch for small boats/kayaks to access the pond near the entrance," making it easy to get onto the water directly from camp.
Mountain summit hikes: The wilderness campgrounds near Heart Lake serve as gateways to several High Peaks. As one visitor to Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake shared, "You can hike Algonquin, Iriquois, Wright Peak, and Mt. Jo all right from the campground." These trails range from the beginner-friendly 2.6-mile Mt. Jo loop to the challenging 14-mile Algonquin Peak trail.
Backcountry overnight trips: For more remote tent camping near Paul Smiths, MacIntyre Brook Falls campground provides access to Algonquin Peak with convenient water sources. A camper described it as "Great campsite going up toward Algonquin peak. Just a bit before the MacIntyre Brook Falls. Easy to collect water at the falls."
What campers like
Island camping privacy: Tent campers particularly enjoy the seclusion at Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve Campground, where sites require boat access. One camper shared, "Huge sites, a lot of privacy (nearest campsite in most cases is not even visible)." Another noted, "Beautiful site. Quite a climb up to the actual site. Great swimming from site. Found a great rock to jump from."
Proximity to multiple trails: The strategic location of some sites provides access to multiple hiking destinations. At Feldspar Lean-to, one camper appreciated that "If you're coming from Marcy Dam by way of Lake Colden, this campsite is a great spot to stop for the night on the way to Mt. Marcy."
Free primitive camping options: Several free campsites exist in the region, including Middle Pond Campsite on Floodwood Road. A visitor observed, "This campsite is a first come first serve site located along Floodwood Road. The site sits on Middle Pond. Beautiful location but this campsite is popular during the summer months."
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: Bear-resistant containers are mandatory in many backcountry areas. At Ward Brook Campsite, located at the base of Seymour Mountain, facilities include "a nice lean-to, fire pit, picnic table, and a privy," but proper food storage is essential.
Seasonal traffic patterns: Weekday camping typically offers more solitude than weekends. A camper at Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake observed, "We found the weekdays to be best for 'camp days' given there were few people—weekends are PACKED and there were more than a couple of party sites."
Rough access roads: Roads leading to many tent camping areas in Paul Smiths require careful navigation. One motorcyclist warned about access to Heart Lake: "Road going in is very rough use extreme caution on a motorcycle with street tires."
Tips for camping with families
Multi-day basecamp strategy: Setting up at a central location allows for varied daily activities. At Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake, a family reported, "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."
Site selection for kids: Choose campsites with natural features that entertain children. At Jones Pond, one camper mentioned, "Site #4 is very large and could be occupied by a large group and multiple vehicles. It is accessible by car/suv/truck. Site #4 is near the water and has a fire ring and access to the water."
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations require extra clothing layers year-round. A camper at Saranac Lake Islands advised, "Bring warm clothing for nights; temps can drop 30 degrees in hours."
Tips from RVers
Limited large rig options: Most primitive sites aren't suitable for larger RVs. At Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites, "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."
Road condition awareness: Access roads to many campgrounds require high clearance vehicles. One camper at Jones Pond noted, "The two track access road is rough and all dirt," limiting accessibility for some RVs without proper ground clearance.
Advance planning for services: Limited hookups require self-sufficiency. Most primitive tent camping areas near Paul Smiths have no electricity, water hookups, or dump stations, requiring campers to plan accordingly for power and water needs.
