Camping near Ray Brook, New York sits at the heart of the Adirondack region at approximately 1,700 feet elevation with temperatures that can drop significantly after sunset even in summer. Located between the villages of Saranac Lake and Lake Placid, this area offers multiple state-operated campgrounds within a 30-minute drive radius that accommodate various camping styles from primitive tent sites to full RV hookups.
What to do
Kayaking the Saranac chain of lakes: Access multiple connected waterways from Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve Campground, where "we rented a motorboat to get to our own private little peninsula on the middle saranac. One of the coolest experiences I've ever had in my life- surrounded by nature- water, woods, birds and fishing for pike, bass and sunfish!"
Summit hikes from camp: Several campgrounds provide direct trail access without driving to trailheads. At Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake, "you can hike Algonquin, Iriquois, Wright Peak, and Mt. Jo all right from the campground." One camper noted its value as "a great basecamp for adventures into the High Peaks Wilderness."
Swimming in natural pools: The Ausable River offers several swimming spots within a short drive of Ray Brook. Near Wilmington Notch Campground, "a mile down the road is flume falls trails, which leads to a great swimming hole and various height choice cliff jumping."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds and lakes near Ray Brook hold various fish species. A camper at Buck Pond Campground described it as "a very peaceful place to go canoeing" with good fishing opportunities, while another mentioned the "beautiful water in the morning and nice clean sites."
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Many campers highlight the direct water access at Fish Creek Pond Campground, where "every spot has a great view" and most sites are lakefront. According to one camper, "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."
Vendor convenience: Several campgrounds feature traveling vendors. At Fish Creek, campers mention that "vendors of Wood, Ice Cream, Pasteries/baked goods, bait, and others come through the camp area once a day," saving trips to town for supplies.
Shower facilities: Despite being in remote settings, many campgrounds offer shower facilities. At Draper's Acres, "both bath houses were adequate, even containing shampoo and body wash" and they provide "free hot showers" according to reviewers.
Central location: Campgrounds near Ray Brook provide convenient access to the region's attractions. One camper stated Meadowbrook Campground's "best part is that it is conveniently located between two awesome places and is relatively inexpensive, so if you don't plan to spend much time in the campground itself, it's perfect."
What you should know
Campsite privacy varies significantly: Even within the same campground, site privacy can differ dramatically. At Rollins Pond Campground, "sites are spaced out, but little privacy" according to one camper, while another noted that "the sites are varied as to size and desirability, not all are level for trailers and rv's, so do some research ahead of time."
Road noise concerns: Several campgrounds sit near highways. At Draper's Acres, "it was right off the highway and there was a lot of road noise," though another camper mentioned "it was nice and quiet at night."
Limited cell service: Coverage varies by campground and carrier. While some sites report "great cell reception with Verizon," others have minimal or no service, particularly in more remote locations.
Reservation requirements: Many sites fill quickly during peak season. For Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites, sites are "on a first come basis and are free to use. You can stay a maximum of three nights without a permit."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly swimming: Fish Creek Pond stands out as "perfect for dogs, kids, and hanging out in the water" since "the water is super shallow all along the shoreline" making it safer for young swimmers.
Consider sites with biking options: Several campgrounds feature paved roads or trails suitable for children biking. One camper at Fish Creek noted it was "great for water sports or biking with kids" with "a lot of kids biking and a nice trail behind the sites to walk or run."
Book ahead for holiday weekends: Holiday periods fill quickly at pet-friendly campgrounds. One camper at Meadowbrook mentioned staying "over Memorial Day weekend in 2024" and finding it relatively quiet but noted "we were the only campers during our stay on a weekday," indicating the difference between weekday and weekend occupancy.
Check for camp activities: Some campgrounds offer organized activities for children. Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday features "a playground, huge store, gem mining, arcade (which needs some love), hiking trails and a common area with some games" according to a recent review.
Tips from RVers
Research site lengths and access: Many Adirondack campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. At Jones Pond, "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."
Check for hookup availability: Hookups vary widely between campgrounds. While Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday offers full hookups, one camper noted Meadowbrook's "amenities list is incorrect. There are no hookups, electric or water."
Plan for limited cell connectivity: Connectivity affects RVers who may work remotely. One camper specifically noted "Great cell reception with Verizon; what more do you need" at Draper's Acres, making it suitable for digital nomads.
Consider seasonal temperature swings: The Adirondack region experiences significant temperature variations. One camper advised, "bring warm clothing for nights; temps can drop 30 degrees in hours" even during summer camping trips.
