Best Campgrounds near Rainbow Lake, NY

Rainbow Lake in New York's Adirondack region provides access to several established campgrounds and primitive sites. Fish Creek Pond Campground and Rollins Pond Campground near Saranac Lake offer tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with lakefront options. Little Green Pond provides dispersed camping opportunities for those seeking a more rustic experience. The area features a mix of state-operated facilities and private campgrounds, with most developed sites concentrated along Route 30 between Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake.

Camping seasons typically run from May through October, with most facilities closing after Indigenous Peoples' Day weekend. Winter conditions make many access roads impassable without specialized equipment. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months, particularly for waterfront sites which fill quickly. The region experiences significant black fly activity in late spring, while summer evenings can be cool even during July and August. Cell service varies throughout the area, with better coverage near towns and limited connectivity in more remote locations. According to one visitor, "The early morning was pretty chilly, but watching the fog lift from the lake was worth the chill. The site I had was pretty secluded and the park was kept in great shape."

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, with many campers highlighting the scenic lake views and water access. Saranac Lake Islands Campground, accessible only by boat, maintains some of the highest ratings among area campgrounds. Several visitors noted the quality of sunrises and sunsets over the water as standout experiences. Campgrounds closer to towns like Saranac Lake and Lake Placid provide convenient access to amenities but may experience more road noise. A camper noted that at Meadowbrook Campground, "you can hear the sounds of the city (cars, leaf blowers, and other things that remind you that you are not truly in the woods)," but appreciated that "it is conveniently located between two awesome places and is relatively inexpensive."

Best Camping Sites Near Rainbow Lake, New York (131)

    1. Fish Creek Pond Campground

    33 Reviews
    Tupper Lake, NY
    15 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. Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday

    44 Reviews
    Wilmington, NY
    18 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."

    3. Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve Campground

    15 Reviews
    Saranac Lake, NY
    12 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. Buck Pond Campground

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

    $20 - $40 / night

    "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!"

    "wonderful place to get away from it all"

    5. Rollins Pond Campground

    20 Reviews
    Tupper Lake, NY
    16 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."

    6. Meacham Lake Campground

    7 Reviews
    Rainbow Lake, NY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 483-5116

    $20 - $40 / 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."

    7. Meadowbrook Campground

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

    $18 / night

    "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. Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites

    3 Reviews
    Rainbow Lake, NY
    1 mile
    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 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. Wilmington Notch Campground

    11 Reviews
    Wilmington, NY
    17 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."

    10. Little Green Pond

    1 Review
    Lake Clear, NY
    10 miles

    "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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 131 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Rainbow Lake, NY

563 Reviews of 131 Rainbow Lake Campgrounds



Guide to Rainbow Lake

Camping near Rainbow Lake, 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: There are numerous trails nearby, perfect for exploring the stunning landscapes. One camper mentioned, "We went and hiked the mountain, which was amazing," highlighting the great hiking options around the Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday.
  • Water Activities: Enjoy kayaking or swimming at places like Fish Creek Pond Campground. A visitor raved, "This is a gorgeous campground on the banks of Fish Creek Pond... perfect for dogs, kids, and hanging out in the water."
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds are near lakes and rivers, making them ideal for fishing. One review noted, "Beautiful state campground in the heart of the Adirondacks. Well maintained, peaceful with wonderful fishing," about Cranberry Lake - DEC.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A visitor at Rollins Pond Adirondack Preserve said, "The bathrooms are old, but cleaned every morning."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One camper at Lake Eaton Campground mentioned, "The water sites are nice with a lot of them having lake access."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. A review for Pine Ridge Park Campsite stated, "The whole time they are open they have activities planned for the kids all summer long."

What you should know:

  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A camper at Wilmington Notch advised, "Definitely make reservations in advance during the summer!"
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A visitor at Draper’s Acres noted, "The campground itself isn’t great; there is not much in it."
  • Road Noise: Some campgrounds are close to roads, which can be noisy. A camper at Draper’s Acres mentioned, "Yes, there is road noise. Trade off for the closeness to ADK trailheads."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds that offer planned activities. A parent at Pine Ridge Park Campsite said, "The staff is always smiling and welcoming you into the campground."
  • Choose Campgrounds with Water Access: Kids love playing in the water. One camper at Fish Creek Pond Campground shared, "Every site has water access, and the water is super shallow all along the shoreline."
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Having games on hand can keep kids entertained. A visitor at Rollins Pond mentioned, "We always have wildlife at our site... falling asleep to loons is priceless!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at AuSable Chasm Campground noted, "RV site 8 is so out of level that we couldn't get our Airstream level unless we put 10" of blocking under both axles."
  • Be Prepared for Dusty Roads: Some campgrounds have gravel roads that can get dusty. A visitor at Wilmington Notch mentioned, "The roads are really tight for big rigs... you have to take it really slow."
  • Plan for Limited Hookups: Not all campgrounds have full hookups. A camper at Cranberry Lake - DEC said, "There are no utilities... but the staff is super diligent and helpful."

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Rainbow Lake, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Rainbow Lake, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 131 campgrounds and RV parks near Rainbow Lake, NY and 13 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Rainbow Lake, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rainbow Lake, NY is Fish Creek Pond Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 33 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Rainbow Lake, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 free dispersed camping spots near Rainbow Lake, NY.