Larry B.
Scout
ScoutWeaver Acres
Great setting. We were there by ourselves, so very quiet place to view the sky. The hookups were 50A only, no 30A connection, so we just used a conversion to 20A.
Tent Camping near Raquette Lake, NY
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The Adirondack wilderness surrounding Raquette Lake, New York offers diverse tent camping options ranging from established campgrounds to remote backcountry sites. Tioga Point Campground provides boat-in tent sites along the lakeshore, operating from May 19 to September 4, while Cedar River Entrance Camping features waterside tent sites with basic amenities. Seventh Lake Primitive Camping presents free walk-in tent sites for those seeking a more rustic experience. Alger Island Adirondack Preserve, accessible only by boat, offers secluded tent camping with pit toilets and lean-tos available at some sites.
Most tent campsites in the Raquette Lake region feature natural surfaces with minimal grading, requiring campers to select level spots for comfortable sleeping. Bear-proof food containers are essential in many areas, particularly in the High Peaks Wilderness where black bear activity is common. Pit toilets are available at established campgrounds, while primitive tent camping areas require proper waste disposal techniques. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with temperature drops of 30 degrees possible even in summer months. Sites at higher elevations may experience significant wind and colder overnight temperatures compared to lakeside locations.
Tent campers frequently report exceptional privacy at water-access sites. According to reviews, Cedar River Entrance Camping offers "beautiful surroundings" with sites positioned "by the water in the woods," featuring picnic tables, fire rings, and outhouses. North Lake Reservoir Campground provides 32 tent sites around the lake, with some walk-in sites directly on the shoreline. One visitor noted that Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off offers private tent camping despite its proximity to the road, with "plenty of space for multiple tents" and trees suitable for hammocks. Backcountry tent camping areas like Lake Colden require proper preparation, including water filters and camp stoves, as fires are prohibited in some high-elevation zones. Weekday arrivals are recommended during summer months, as popular tent-only sites fill quickly on weekends.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Raquette Lake (27)
1. Tioga Point Campground
"Needless to say that it is tough to get the travel trailer across the lake if you go make sure you charcoal up a stick and write your name in the lean to watch out for the neighborly bears"
"This definitely saves some space in your boat. Pets are allowed!"
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $18 / night
2. Seventh Lake Primitive Camping
"We happened upon it on our way to the seventh lake campground and ended up staying for two nights. We accessed the sites by water on a canoe trip."
3. Cedar River Entrance Camping
"Stayed at site number 5, I think. It was by the water in the woods just a little bit. Picnic table, fire ring and several outhouses nearby. Beautiful surroundings. "
4. Alger Island Adirondack Preserve
"sites: boat only access. bring water. pack in/ pack out. lean to at sites. secluded. amenities: pit toilets. other attractions: hiking. theme park near (off island). I would go back again."
"It was a few days before 4th of July so it was a very busy time to be in 4th lake making the lake very choppy. A lot of our stuff got wet due to big waves from boats crashing into our kayaks."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $18 - $40 / night
5. North Lake Reservoir Campground
"32 sites all around the lake. Some are walk in right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, and clean."
"We got there after dark and it was beautiful to wake up to the view of the lake. Car camped, but there was enough room for a tent."
6. Francis Lake
"Great for swimming, kayaking, and a gorgeous place to wake up next to the water. There are two access points to the water, the more hidden point is where you hike in for camping."
7. Adirondack Mennonite Camping Associates Inc
"Beaver Camp (or, officially Adirondack Mennonite Camping Assoc.), is a classic summer youth sleep-away camp on Beaver Lake."
8. Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve Campground
"You'll need a boat or canoe (rentals available in Saranac Lake). Sites have tables, fire rings, and outhouses. You'll need a tent, bag, pad, cooking equipment, etc."
"All campsites have picnic tables, firepits/grills, and privies. Saranac Lake Marina has great rental boats. I even think the dogs look forward to these camping trips."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 - $40 / night
9. Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake
"There’s no explaining the views around here. The mountains are beautiful, Lake Placid is beautiful, and this campsite is amazing."
"Rode in on a motorcycle late at night expecting to not be able to get in, but you can take a parking pass and drop an envelope with your fee at the entrance booth. $15 for a full day $8 after 1PM."
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $55 / night
10. Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off
"This site is campsite 6 and very private (I believe there must be others located close by). The site has it’s own private road. A car is not reccomended."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 19 min from Utica, NY
- 1 hr 21 min from Glens Falls, NY
- 1 hr 47 min from Watertown, NY
- 2 hrs 35 min from Burlington, VT
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Raquette Lake, NY
26 Photos of 27 Raquette Lake Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Raquette Lake, NY
509 Reviews of 27 Raquette Lake Campgrounds
- BBob A.Scout
Lake Placid Volunteer Fire Dept.
Lake Placid volunteer fire dept campground
Basic hook ups with grass cover sites next to a road that had some traffic but didn’t disturb us at night. A good price comparatively.
- DDwight F.
GuideMoffitt Beach Campground
Many waterfront sites,bathrooms clean.
Got a super site almost level with the water. Went for a swim. Oddly, the lake has no plant life, but a sand bottom. Lots of ducks. Many people enjoying the shallow warm water on kayaks and such. Most sites level. The bathrooms did not offer hot water, or any way to dry your hands .They were clean, and enough to go around. The showers on the other hand were quite distant. A 5 minute walk . But clean, and plentiful. I guess better that than dirty and close by? No hiking trails is a letdown, but here its all about the lake.
Maureen G.
RangerLake Durant Campground
Beautiful lakeside campground
Shadey lakeside campground with large sites, mine has easy lake access.
- Maureen G.Ranger
Golden Beach Campground
Golden Sand Beach
Large sites, shade, beautiful beach,
- 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.
MJ W.GuideSacandaga Campground — Adirondack Preserve
Very nice!
Had a great time. The sites are very spacious. Bathrooms and showers fine. Very pretty. Learned this is a BIG lake, for motor boats, not really for kayaks.
- MJ W.Guide
Fish Creek Pond Campground
My new favorite place!
This was one the the best camping experiences yet. The sites are great, right on the water with easy access to get Kayaks in. Loons on the lake wake you, so peaceful and beautiful. Plenty of room between neighbors. You can hang out in a floatie in front of you site, or kayak down the awesome creek. Bathrooms okay, showers clean with hot waters, but you do have to drive to them. Can’t wait to go back next year.
- KKatie M.
TravelerHTR Adirondacks
Beautiful spot, close to neighbors
Beautiful and well kept campground. Stayed right on the river and was beautiful. Full hookups was nice. Nice campground if you have kids. Only downside is you are very close to the site next to you.
Guide to Raquette Lake
Tent camping options near Raquette Lake in the Adirondack Park of New York include several boat-access and primitive locations. Tioga Point Campground requires water access by boat and offers lean-to style campsites along the shoreline where tents are optional. Seventh Lake Primitive Camping provides dispersed tent sites in a natural setting, with access possible via hiking trails or water routes. Cedar River Entrance Camping features more remote tent sites with basic amenities in a heavily forested setting.
Most tent sites in the Raquette Lake region provide limited facilities with pit toilets being the most common amenity. Fire rings and picnic tables are available at established locations like Cedar River, but more primitive areas require campers to bring all necessary gear. Potable water is rarely available; water filtration equipment is essential when camping near lakes and streams. Several campgrounds, including Tioga Point, maintain a pack-in/pack-out policy for waste. During summer months, sites fill quickly, especially on weekends, so midweek arrivals offer better site selection. Seasonal access typically runs from May through September, though primitive areas remain open year-round for experienced winter campers.
The secluded nature of tent camping in this region creates unique wilderness experiences. "The campground is very secluded and there are lean-to style campsites. You don't have to bring a tent unless you want to. This definitely saves some space in your boat," notes one camper about Tioga Point. Boat-access sites provide exceptional privacy and typically feature waterfront locations ideal for swimming, fishing, and paddling. Walk-in tent sites at areas like Seventh Lake offer a middle ground between developed campgrounds and true backcountry camping. Many sites are shaded by mature forest canopy, creating cool retreats during summer heat. Wildlife sightings are common, with visitors frequently reporting deer, small mammals, and occasionally bears, necessitating proper food storage. The terrain varies from flat shoreline sites to more rugged inland areas requiring careful tent placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Raquette Lake, NY?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Raquette Lake, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Raquette Lake, NY is Tioga Point Campground with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Raquette Lake, NY?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Raquette Lake, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 27 tent camping locations near Raquette Lake, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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