Camping spots near Star Lake, New York exist within the western Adirondack region at elevations ranging from 1,400 to 1,800 feet. Winter temperatures often drop below zero, while summer brings mild days averaging 75-80°F with cooler nights. Most primitive camping sites in this area remain snow-covered until late April, with black flies typically emerging in May and persisting through early June.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing on Cranberry Lake: Multiple access points allow for day trips exploring the lake's 55 miles of shoreline. Birch's Lakeside Campground and Marina offers boat and kayak rentals for visitors without their own equipment. "We thoroughly enjoyed out time here, there were kids on site, boat rentals and extremely nice seasonal campers.. The campers became our friends, they were all willing to help from the moment of our arrival, even shared fishing spots on the lake!" notes one camper.
Hiking the trail network: The region features numerous trails ranging from easy to challenging. Stillwater Reservoir connects to several hiking paths. "The Curtis Pond hike was our favorite and there are some incredible beaver dams along the way," mentions a visitor. Most trails are well-marked but require proper footwear due to seasonal mud.
Stargazing opportunities: Limited light pollution creates exceptional viewing conditions. "Star gazing is FANTASTIC!" reports a camper at Birch's Lakeside Campground and Marina. The best viewing occurs after 10 pm when most campground activity quiets down. Some campgrounds enforce quiet hours starting at 9 pm.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. "The bathrooms are clean and there is plenty of hot water!" reports a camper from Cranberry Lake Campground. Another visitor notes, "The showers with hot water, which is timed and high pressure."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings provide opportunities to observe native wildlife. A camper at Higley Flow State Park Campground shares, "I came across the largest and most beautiful sounding loon early in the morning...perfect before we had to pack it up and leave." Animal sightings occur most frequently near dawn and dusk.
Varied campsite options: The region offers sites with different terrain and privacy levels. One camper describes Green Pond as a "Free well kept camp site" while another notes of Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites, "Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Ours had an extensive pile of dry wood, too." Most campgrounds open sites for reservation 9 months in advance.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies widely throughout the region. For emergencies, reliable service exists primarily in town centers. Most campgrounds advise downloading maps and information before arrival.
Site accessibility concerns: Terrain challenges affect some campgrounds. A reviewer of Rollins Pond Campground cautions, "The campground is hilly, so we drove to the nearby showers and garbage." Many sites require advance planning for mobility issues.
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns impact camping conditions. "I would caution going prior to June unless you are prepared for varying weather. I have been up there pitching the tent in a t-shirt one day only to need to throw on a jacket the next day due to rain and even snow," warns a Rollins Pond visitor. Most campgrounds experience heaviest use from late June through August.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access for children: Several sites offer family-friendly swimming areas. "The beach front area is great for families! Sites are fairly secluded!" reports a visitor to Cranberry Lake Campground. Another camper explains that Soft Maple Campground has "a beach [that] is lovely and clean."
Playground availability: Some campgrounds provide recreational facilities. A Higley Flow State Park visitor shares, "Great playground for the kids, hiking trails and more." Playgrounds typically close at dusk, and parents should bring insect repellent for children.
Family-friendly activities: Campgrounds often offer organized programs. "Whether it's playing in the water or in the playground, this place is awesome to bring your children," notes a Higley Flow visitor. Weekends typically feature more scheduled activities than weekdays.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Not all campgrounds offer full services. One camper at Rollins Pond notes, "No hookups, so a bit trickier for rv's, but being right on the water makes it worth it." RVers should verify hookup options when booking.
Dump station locations: Several campgrounds provide waste disposal facilities. A visitor to Old Forge Camping Resort mentioned the "welcome center has everything you need" while a Cranberry Lake reviewer noted a "brand new sewer dump area for folks who need it." Most dump stations require payment of a small fee for non-campground guests.
Site leveling considerations: Terrain affects setup requirements. "While I have really enjoyed Rollins Pond, I would caution going prior to June unless you are prepared for varying weather," advises one camper. Another notes that "not all [sites] are level for trailers and rv's, so do some research ahead of time to find the spot that is perfect for you."
