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.
Camping near Ray Brook, NY
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Ray Brook, New York sits at the heart of the Adirondack region, offering a strategic base for exploring nearby Lake Placid and Saranac Lake. Meadowbrook Campground, located directly in Ray Brook, provides a convenient location between these popular destinations with standard amenities including picnic tables, fire pits, and shower facilities. Within a 20-mile radius, campers find diverse options ranging from full-service RV parks like Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday to boat-access primitive sites at Saranac Lake Islands. The region supports various camping styles including tent camping, RV sites with hookups, rustic cabins, and backcountry options like the hike-in sites at Marcy Dam. State-managed campgrounds predominate, offering more affordable rates than private facilities.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from May through September, with a few year-round exceptions. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for summer weekends and during fall foliage season. As one camper noted, "The early morning was pretty chilly, but watching the fog lift from the lake was worth the chill." Weather can change rapidly in the Adirondacks, with cool nights even during summer months. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with better coverage near towns and limited or no service in more remote areas. Road conditions are generally good near Ray Brook, but accessing some of the more remote campgrounds may require high-clearance vehicles. Many campgrounds feature boat launches, making water access convenient for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.
Waterfront sites consistently receive the highest ratings from visitors, particularly those offering views of lakes and mountains. According to a recent review of Meadowbrook Campground, "It's an average campground, but has a really good location between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake." Some campers note road noise at campgrounds near main routes, while others appreciate the convenience of being able to walk to nearby amenities. Privacy levels vary significantly between campgrounds and even within the same facility. Sites on outer loops or those surrounded by trees typically offer more seclusion. Morning wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly for birds like loons, are frequently mentioned in reviews. Facilities at state campgrounds are functional but sometimes dated, with varying levels of maintenance reported across different properties.
Best Campgrounds near Ray Brook (160)
1. 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."
2. 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 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. 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 Availability5. 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 Availability6. Draper’s Acres
"Some if the sites are rather close to each other, and the proximity to the road was noticeable but my white noise app dealt with that while I slept. Prices were more than fair for what was provided."
"We had a full hookup, pull through site surrounded by trees. There was some road noise during the day but it was nice and quiet at night. The bathhouses looked very "rustic" but we didn't use them."
from $30 - $40 / night
Check Availability7. Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake
"Despite the lake being frozen over, the views just steps away from our lean to were gorgeous. The staff were really friendly and someone is available 24/7 in case you run into issues."
"The lean to I had was right on the lake and on the edge of the campground. It's a bit of a trek to a bathroom but well worth it."
from $25 - $55 / night
Check Availability8. Wilmington Notch Campground
"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."
from $18 / night
Check Availability9. Buck Pond Campground
"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"
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability10. Lake Placid Volunteer Fire Dept.
"This is a mostly dirt camper parking lot with full hook-ups next to the fire station. There is no shade for sites 1-13 and little shade for the rest."
from $40 - $55 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 1 hr 30 min from Burlington, VT
- 1 hr 31 min from Glens Falls, NY
- 2 hrs 14 min from Watertown, NY
- 2 hrs 41 min from Utica, NY
Recent Camping Photos near Ray Brook, NY
261 Photos of 160 Ray Brook Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Meadowbrook Campground
Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve CampgroundK
Copperas Pond
Ward Brook Campsite
Draper’s AcresA
Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake
Wilmington Notch Campground
Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites
Camp Whiteface MountainJ
Donaldson's Campground
Fish Creek Pond Campground
Lake Colden
Recent Reviews near Ray Brook, NY
723 Reviews of 160 Ray Brook Campgrounds
- WWinston D.Scout
Ausable Pines RV Park & Campground
Campground For Dinner
Having the river and Adirondacks nearby made for a really nice change of scenery. We spent our days exploring and came back to the campground for dinner and a fire.
Matt T.
GuideHorseshoe Lake
Great Lake view
A few sites around the lake all seem to have good to great view of the lake. Ours was nice but next to a house no one was there! However The site had lots of room! The road was mildly rough. But nothing worth complaining about it’s dispersed camping! There was a few loons making noise great spot.
- ZZachary M.Scout
Ausable Pines RV Park & Campground
Whole Trip Alot Easier
We were looking for somewhere to stay while checking out Ausable Chasm and this worked out really well. Easy drive over, then back to the camper in the afternoon. Made the whole trip alot easier.
- LLeo B.Scout
Ausable Pines RV Park & Campground
Hard To Leave
We only planned on staying a few nights but ended up adding another week. Once we got settled in, it was hard to leave.
- WWill W.Guide
North Beach Campground
Car camped
Car camped on Sunday of Columbus Day weekend in October. This was their closing weekend and lots of spaces were available. Stayed in tent circle loop and it was almost empty. Great access to lake shore and bike path. Walked back toward marina and town in the evening and ran in the morning the other direction going out to Rock Point. Didn’t use the shower facilities. The bathroom near our loop only had sinks and toilets and was fine.
- AAdina W.
TravelerLake Durant off Old Route 28
Amazing Spot
This area has two drive-up camping spots each with a picnic table and fire pit. One site is on the lake side of the small road which had very few other drivers. This lakeside spot has small paths to access the shore and decent shade. The other site, about a quarter mile down the road, is tucked into the woods and feels more private. It has a more open view of the lake and paths across the road to access the water. This site is a little muddier in rainy weather and gets more sun.
Some road noise from the highway here but amazing view of the stars at night!
These sites have no running water or bathrooms, however there is both a gas station and port-a-potty about two miles east, though both sites have some woods access that give you privacy (though any waste should be packed out as this area is surrounded by water).
Suprisingly good AT&T coverage, between one and three bars. Sometimes slow but eventually loads.
There is also a boat trailer parking/unloading area between the two sites.
The old route 28 & 30 road is very gravely and uneven - drive slow!
Holly M.ScoutAusable Pines RV Park & Campground
Nice Spot To Use
Came here with our fifth wheel and had plenty of room for everything. Nice spot to use as a home base while exploring the Adirondacks.
- JJames T.Scout
Ausable Pines RV Park & Campground
Settled In No Time
Having full hookups made this trip so much easier. Pulled in, got everything connected and we were basically settled in no time.
Guide to Ray Brook
Ray Brook sits at 1,720 feet elevation in the central Adirondacks, experiencing typical mountain climate patterns with temperature swings of 30+ degrees between day and night, even in summer. Campgrounds in this area range from developed facilities with full amenities to remote island sites accessible only by watercraft, offering varied terrain from sandy lakeshores to densely wooded settings.
What to do
Swimming and water activities: Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve Campground offers excellent water access with multiple swimming spots. "We kayaked into our campsite, #15. It took 3 trips to bring in all our gear. Beautiful site. Quite a climb up to the actual site. Great swimming from site. Found a great rock to jump from. Lots of loons, toads and fish," notes Angela.
Hiking local trails: Trails range from easy to challenging within 5-15 miles of Ray Brook. Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake provides direct access to multiple trailheads. As one camper explains, "You can hike Algonquin, Iriquois, Wright Peak, and Mt. Jo all right from the campground."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer prime opportunities for spotting native wildlife. "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. about her experiences at Rollins Pond Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Several waterways near Ray Brook provide fishing access for various species. "We kayaked before, and found the biggest drawback was impossible to bring a lot of food and a cooler. Bought a small aluminum boat with a motor and now can bring a lot more gear," notes Kelly H. about fishing at Saranac Lake Islands.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Direct water access consistently ranks as a top feature for campers near Ray Brook. "We had a waterfront site and were absolutely delighted to be able to sit on the beach and watch the sunset, kayak at our leisure, and swim," reports Amie C. about her stay at Rollins Pond Campground.
Remote camping options: Many visitors prefer the seclusion available at certain campgrounds. "Loved this campground. Pretty much had an entire island to ourselves and got to enjoy the beautiful saranac lake," writes Erin T. about Saranac Lake Islands.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds with well-maintained amenities receive positive feedback. "The bathrooms were always clean and shower areas had great water pressure," notes Nicole S. after staying at Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday.
Accessibility to towns: The convenience of nearby services appeals to many campers. "We have a rather large rig (36 ft fifth wheel plus the truck) & while fish creek is notoriously a tent only/small rig campground we fit perfectly & our site has cell service! 10/10!" reports Bella S. about her stay at Fish Creek Pond Campground.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds near Ray Brook fill quickly during peak seasons. "We stayed at Wilmington Notch for a night prior to backpacking. It has a great location (beside Whiteface) and is open to both tent campers and RVs... Definitely make reservations in advance during the summer!" advises Maggie F.
Temperature variations: Be prepared for significant temperature drops at night. "Bring warm clothing for nights; temps can drop 30 degrees in hours," warns Jerry M. about camping at Saranac Lake Islands.
Cell service reality: Draper's Acres offers "Great cell reception with Verizon; what more do you need," according to Mara S., but service varies dramatically throughout the region depending on terrain and proximity to towns.
Site selection considerations: Some sites offer more seclusion than others, even within the same campground. "The campsites are close, so if you're looking for more separation, nearby Rollins is a better option," suggests Evan W. about Fish Creek Pond Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Biking-friendly locations: Fish Creek Pond Campground offers excellent biking opportunities. "This is a clean, well maintained campground. It was a little crowded but surprisingly quiet for the number of people. Lots of kids biking and a nice trail behind the sites to walk or run," reports Emma B.
Kid-friendly swimming areas: Shallow water access makes some sites particularly suitable for children. "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," explains Oleńka S. about Fish Creek Pond.
Entertainment options: Some campgrounds offer organized activities for children. "They have cabins, tent site areas, and huge wooded camper sites. The mountain side in general is my ideal campground full of trees and nature... They have a jumping pad on that side also. Both sides have the tractor driving around, pulling the kids around," details Nicole S. about the Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday.
Island camping adventure: Older children enjoy the novelty of boat-access sites. "Love this place! There's something novelty about getting in a boat and paddling to your island for the week! We went off season so camping was free! Brought our dog and he had a blast exploring the island at his own whim," shares Molly G.
Tips from RVers
Site access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "The roads are really tight for big rigs. Between the trees, rocks, and low hanging branches, you have to take it really slow. I recommend unhooking your tow car at check-in so you are free to back up," warns Nancy W. about Wilmington Notch Campground.
Hookup availability: Only certain campgrounds offer full services for RVs. "We had a full hookup, pull through site surrounded by trees. There was some road noise during the day but it was nice and quiet at night," reports Jennifer O. about Draper's Acres.
Dump station locations: Know where dump stations are located if staying at primitive sites. "We didn't see any sites with electricity and there is one outlet in the bathroom area (I plugged my coffee percolator into this outlet every morning)," shares Danielle S. about Buck Pond Campground.
Size restrictions: Many campgrounds near Ray Brook have limitations for larger rigs. "We had a water/electric for a trailer at $35 a night in perfect location between Keene Valley and Lake Placid. Sites were clean and the fire pits were beautiful!" notes Natalie N. about her experience at Draper's Acres.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ray Brook campground located?
Where is Ray Brook campground located?
Ray Brook is situated in upstate New York in the Adirondack region. For nearby camping options, Meadowbrook Campground is located in a small village between Saranac Lake and Lake Placid. This area puts you in the heart of the Adirondacks with access to multiple lakes and outdoor recreation opportunities. The surrounding region features numerous campgrounds within short driving distances of major attractions like Lake Placid, making it an ideal base for exploring the Adirondack Park.
What amenities are available at Ray Brook campground?
What amenities are available at Ray Brook campground?
While specific Ray Brook amenities aren't detailed in reviews, nearby Birch's Lakeside Campground and Marina offers comprehensive facilities including a general store, laundry facilities, and propane on site. Many Adirondack campgrounds in the region provide picnic tables, fire grills, and bathrooms with showers. Eighth Lake Campground nearby features boat launches, hiking trails, fishing access, swimming areas, showers, bathrooms, and dump stations. Most campsites in the area offer good privacy with trees and shrubs separating sites.
How much does it cost to camp at Ray Brook campground?
How much does it cost to camp at Ray Brook campground?
Camping fees in the Ray Brook area vary by campground type and amenities. State park campgrounds in the Adirondacks like Cumberland Bay State Park Campground are typically more affordable than private campgrounds. New York State campgrounds in the region generally charge between $18-30 per night for basic sites. Lake Durant Campground, another public option in the Adirondacks, offers reasonably priced camping with standard state park rates. Prices may vary by season, with peak summer months commanding higher rates than spring or fall.
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