Redford, New York camping areas span elevations from 500 to 2,000 feet in the northeastern Adirondack foothills. Campsites experience temperature swings of 30-40°F between day and night, even in summer months. The region's geography creates varied camping microclimates with more sheltered forest sites and exposed lakefront locations.
What to do
Paddling adventures: At Taylor Pond, campers can enjoy water activities on a peaceful mountain lake. "Long skinny lake can be windy and rough. Boat launch is rough," notes one visitor, so prepare accordingly with proper equipment and check weather forecasts before launching.
Mountain biking trails: The trail system near AuSable Chasm Campground offers dedicated cycling paths. "I wish I had my bike!!! I didn't know that this was a biking campground and there were SO MANY trails," reports a camper who visited in October 2025. Trail difficulty ranges from beginner to advanced with routes spanning 5-15 miles.
Winter activities: Unlike most seasonal campgrounds, Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday operates year-round with winter accommodations. According to a visitor, the campground provides "multiple different types of sites to accommodate all forms of camping," making it suitable for cold-weather adventures near Whiteface Mountain's winter sports facilities.
What campers like
River access: Waterfront sites at Ausable Point Campground receive consistent praise from visitors. "Site was spacious and level with trees between other sites," notes a camper who stayed at site 98 on the river. River sites allow direct water access for fishing and paddling, though some require navigating natural features: "The only problem is u have to climb over logs to get to the water, from the riverside."
Camp store amenities: Several campgrounds offer on-site shopping options. At Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday, a reviewer mentions "the general store sells lots of different kinds of beer and has a few on tap." This eliminates the need for frequent supply runs to distant towns.
Well-maintained facilities: Cleanliness stands out at many of the best places to camp near Redford, New York. A visitor to Wilmington Notch Campground appreciated the "very clean facilities" and noted it's a "quick drive to all the stuff to do in Lake Placid." Basic amenities like showers and toilets are typically well-kept, with water spigots strategically placed.
What you should know
Weather variability: The Adirondack region experiences significant temperature fluctuations. A Taylor Pond visitor mentioned it's "definitely way out there, and the beauty is worth the drive," but this remoteness means preparing for isolated conditions and temperature swings.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. At Buck Pond Campground, one camper noted, "We pulled in on a Sunday afternoon with no reservations. We wanted 2 nights and had no issue getting a site," but this experience is uncommon, especially during summer weekends and holidays.
Site privacy varies: Campsite spacing differs significantly across locations. A Wilmington Notch visitor observed, "Campsites are nice but not huge and all in a circle so you are definitely seeing your neighbors," while another noted some campgrounds offer "very remote feeling in the heart of the ADK's."
Shower facilities: Shower availability and quality vary widely. Some campgrounds offer free showers, while others use coin-operated systems. One visitor to Wilmington Notch appreciated the "free showers," though some facilities may need "updating."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Family-friendly swimming opportunities exist at several campgrounds. A visitor to Grand Isle State Park Campground across Lake Champlain noted it was "a quiet, family friendly campground with a cute little beach and nature center with youth programs."
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas. Buck Pond Campground received praise from a family with three children: "They had a wonderful time exploring, and it was as peaceful as any spot I've been!" The campground's play structures provide entertainment for younger campers.
Campground activities: Structured programs exist at some locations. Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday offers organized events, with a visitor noting "the tractor driving around, pulling the kids around" and gem mining options that appeal to families with younger children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: RV campers should research specific site characteristics. At Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday, a reviewer advised, "There are two distinct sections of this campground– the 'Resort' section and the '100-Acre Woods' section... This section has tall shad trees and much more space between sites than the resort area."
Hookup availability: Electric, water, and sewer connections vary by campground. A visitor to Iron City RV Park mentioned the "owner was really nice and helpful" with hookup questions, though specific utility details should be confirmed before arrival.
Road conditions: RV access requires planning. A Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday visitor cautioned, "Roads in the park are gravel and were very dusty," while another noted "lots of tree limbs that needed to be trimmed. Maneuvering through the park was pretty tight for us and we had to take it really slow."
