Lake Placid and the Adirondack region offer luxury camping options typically available from May through mid-October, with some sites open year-round. Located at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 feet, the area experiences warm summer days with cool evenings, making it ideal for glamping close to Redford, New York. Many upscale camping accommodations provide electric hookups, hot showers, and fire rings with access to local hiking trails and water activities.
What to do
Waterfront exploration: At AuSable Chasm Campground, campers can enjoy various water-based activities. One visitor noted, "3 night stay, tent camping on a site with water and electric. The campground is within minutes of Ausable Chasm, which offers great hiking trails and rafting/tubing."
Mountain hikes: The trails behind the 100-Acre Woods section at Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday provide direct access to nature without requiring transportation. As one reviewer explained, "Behind the 100-Acre section are trails that lead to Whiteface Mountain so you don't have to get in the car to start a hike. My dog loved running through the woods and there were a couple of small streams where she could get a drink of water."
Urban exploration: Luxury camping near Lake Placid provides easy access to Burlington, Vermont via the Lake Champlain ferry. From Cumberland Bay State Park Campground, visitors can take "a narrated tour on Ethan Allen ferry on Lake Champlain" and explore the "artsy town" nearby, according to campers who extended their stay to enjoy these attractions.
What campers like
Separate camping areas: The distinct sections at many Adirondack glamping sites provide varied experiences. At Buck Pond Campground, "This camp ground gives you very remote feeling in the heart of the ADK's. From this 'base camp' you have a lot of options to explore other parts of the ADK's," explains one visitor who gave the location five stars.
Beach access: Premium waterfront locations provide immediate swimming and recreation options. At Meacham Lake Campground, "It's split into 2 sides. The west side is way cooler, less bugs and more views. The east side is RV/camper heaven," reports one visitor who enjoyed the lakeside offerings.
Relative privacy: Many luxury camping options provide secluded sites despite their proximity to amenities. A camper at Buck Pond Campground shared, "We camped here with our 3 youngest children. They had a wonderful time exploring, and it was as peaceful as any spot I've been! Our site was tucked back into some trees and you couldn't see any other sites from it."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most high-end camping facilities in the Adirondacks operate from mid-May through early October. Meacham Lake Campground specifically runs "May 19 to October 9," while AuSable Chasm Campground operates "May 27 - Oct 14."
Varied terrain: Site conditions can differ significantly, even within the same campground. One Meacham Lake visitor warned, "We camped on site 188 for 3 nights and really enjoyed having our own private 'beach,' however, we it was extremely boggy! The campground had put down sheets of plywood to help, but still the ground was so soggy that the plywood had eventually 'soaked away.'"
Connectivity limitations: Cell service and internet access vary throughout the region. A visitor to Meacham Lake noted, "There is no cell or internet there," which can be either a drawback or benefit depending on your glamping expectations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Draper's Acres provides family-friendly amenities close to premium attractions. A visitor noted, "Nice field, swings and small playground for kids. Close to hiking and Lake Placid!"
Multiple accommodation options: Families can choose from various lodging types based on their needs. At Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday, there are "Multiple different types of sites to accommodate all forms of camping. Family-friendly," according to a satisfied camper.
Swimming opportunities: Many upscale camping locations feature beaches or pools. At Cumberland Bay State Park Campground, visitors appreciate that it's a "State park with bay beach large grassy sites very close to Canada," making it ideal for families looking to combine luxury camping with water recreation.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: When booking luxury RV sites, research the specific layout. At Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday, "There are two distinct sections of this campground–the 'Resort' section and the '100-Acre Woods' section. We stayed in site #73 of the 100-Acre section and would highly recommend staying in this area as opposed to the other. This section has tall shad trees and much more space between sites than the resort area."
Hookup verification: Test electrical connections before setting up completely. One camper at Draper's Acres mentioned, "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."
Seasonal pricing advantages: Some locations offer off-peak discounts. For example, at North Beach Campground in October, "you get a second night free!" This can make luxury camping more affordable during shoulder seasons when weather remains pleasant.
