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Campgrounds surrounding Thendara, New York in the Adirondacks provide a mix of developed facilities and more remote options for outdoor recreation. The area features several established campgrounds including Nicks Lake Campground with wooded tent and RV sites, and HTR Adirondacks (formerly Singing Waters) which offers cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping. Many sites throughout the region provide access to lakes and rivers for paddling and swimming, with some campgrounds restricting motorized boats to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.
Several campgrounds in this Adirondack region operate seasonally, typically from mid-May through early October, with precise dates varying by location. Nicks Lake Campground runs from May 19 to October 9, while others like Brown Tract Pond and Alger Island operate on shorter seasons ending in early September. Road access varies throughout the area, with some campgrounds requiring navigation on narrower forest roads. Larger RVs may face challenges at certain locations, as noted in visitor feedback: "This is NOT a place for big rigs. We damaged our rig getting to our lot. The roads and turns are not wide enough for a 45' rig even with the tow disconnected to make turns."
Waterfront campsites represent a highly sought-after feature at many Adirondack campgrounds in the Thendara area. Nicks Lake receives consistently positive reviews for its lakeside camping and tranquil setting. A camper observed that "Though just moments away from the heart of Old Forge, Nicks Lake provides a nice balance between the hustle and bustle of Main Street and the tranquility of the Adirondacks." Wildlife viewing opportunities enhance the camping experience, with deer sightings common at certain campgrounds. The region's natural setting also supports hiking on nearby trails and paddling opportunities, with several campgrounds offering canoe and kayak rentals. Visitors particularly appreciate the wooded privacy between sites at locations like Nicks Lake, where the forest provides natural screening between camping areas.
"Great getaway in upstate New York"
"This is one of the most family friendly resorts and a perfect weekend getaway for those living in other parts of New York State."
"Great campground with nice sites and access to other areas in the ADK ... easy hikes up Bald Mountain or Rocky Point."
"I love camping anywhere where there is a lake. I love kayaking, so normally if there is a lake nearby, then I always bring my kayak."
from $22 / night
Check Availability"We loved our stay at Limekiln Lake! We had site 270, which was close enough to walk down to the boat launch at night to look at the stars (and the Milky Way!)"
"a small water passage off the lake leads you to a beautiful queit kayak trip through lily pads ans if you follow it leads to a beaver dam. My son loved it."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Well maintained and has beach access to river."
"The boys were never bored and loved walking around the camp site. We stayed for 2 nights .. if work would have allowed we would have stayed longer."
"Would recommend if you want to break away from technology because you get zero service out there"
"It's first come first serve so best to find another place if you intend to drive up to your campsite. The drive up campsite had an outhouse though so that was nice"
"The campground stretches between 2 lakes (Seventh and Eighth Lakes) and also has hiking trails with access to another lake (Bug Lake) and pond (Eagles Nest.)"
"Large campground with access to 2 beautiful lakes"
from $22 / night
Check Availability"There’s a sign-in box at the entrance, for purposes of gauging usage and also for emergencies. Each site is marked with a little yellow number placard."
"Plenty of campsites available, ranging from exposed/near the road to secluded/tucked away. All seemed to include an outhouse."
"other attractions: hiking. theme park near (off island). I would go back again."
"It was a few days before 4th of July so it was a very busy time to be in 4th lake making the lake very choppy. A lot of our stuff got wet due to big waves from boats crashing into our kayaks."
from $18 - $40 / night
Check Availability"North Lake Reservoir is one of the Adirondack Park’s best kept secrets."
"Still quite a bit of snow at the entrance once I got past that it was easy site are perfect right on the water with a little out house across. Breathtaking views!"
"While in a rustic location at a distance from the main road, amenities do include picnic tables and firerings, flush toilets as well as privvies, and a trailer dump station 9but no hooksups) Sites are"
"Beautiful, peaceful large pond/small lake. Loons. Ducks and ducklings. Beaver. Canoes($20/day) and kayak rentals. Firewood for sale ($9?) or gather downed wood. Fishing."
from $18 / night
Check Availability
TravelerWe had a wonderful weekend at the camp! The kids loved swimming and it was very beautiful at night ! There were places close to get things we forgot overall very nice . One thing was the quiet hours are from 10pm to 7am and around midnight it was pretty loud and my kids had a hard time sleeping but overall it was great !
GuideMy boyfriend and I rented out cabin 26 at this camping resort and it was very worth it ! Our cabin was right next to the bathroom/shower facility. We also had a very spacious cabin with a fire pit outside.
GuideVery nice night spent at Winona State Forest with my boyfriend and our dog, Michelob. Lots of horseflies and mosquitoes but big spray did help and the fire. We have a truck bed tent we used for this trip and a canopy tent to put all of our stuff under. Each site does have a fire pit of some sort.
ScoutWe are hiking the northville placid trail and left a car here for a resupply, spent a night, quiet campground, excellent showers that were super clean and appear to be new.
GuideThis place is ab awesome getaway. It was so peaceful and quiet, not like some of the other campgrounds. The new owners are trying to make it all natural nature. They have a small trail around the campground, where you can see the creek and narure. While we were there, I saw 2 beautiful pheasants and rabbits. It was just what we needed, a nice quiet getaway and we will be back
ScoutThe sites are wooded, with cement fire places and picnic tables. Lake access is easy by public access points or from lakeside sites. It is clean, has showers and flush toilets, and water filling and dump station.
Negatively, the sites are close together. RV's fit lengthwise, but there is little privacy in the width direction. Also, generators run constantly during the day. There is no way to enjoy the sounds of nature or any sense of peace and quiet.
TravelerThe campground facilities are very outdated. That's most likely due to the majority of "campers" having RV's and not needing to use the facilities. The restrooms/dish sink area Only having Cold water to wash up hands & dishes, the 1 and Only shower area for All 3 Loops reminded me of being in a horror film...full of dead insects everywhere, ther are signs posted letting you know its gonna take about 5 minutes to semi-heat up, and the shower spray directly on the floor vs staying contained withvh
GuideI've stayed here twice, once in 2024 and again in 2026, both on Memorial Day Weekend. In 2024 I woke to the sound of loons but did not hear them in 2026.
This is a large campground on the shores of Cranberry Lake with access to many hiking trails and other activities. Quite a few of the sites are lakefront but they seem to book up fast. Most of the sites are spaced out fairly well although a few are close and will result in you seeing & hearing everything your neighbors are doing. However, they are mostly designed well and blend into the environment. A few seem like afterthoughts and are right on the road, so you'll want to choose carefully.
Dumpsters are in the center of the campground near the bathhouse, which has hot showers. There is a sandy beach area near the entrance of the campground and a volleyball area near the dumpsters/bathhouse.
It's a beautiful area and is mostly quiet. Other campers were respectful and didn't play loud music although a few talked loudly late into the night. There are lots of trailer camping sites, so you should expect to hear generators although most people were considerate and only ran them in the daytime.
This is a great campground for exploring the Adirondack Mountains. The town of Cranberry Lake seems mostly dead so don't plan on eating in restaurants nearby.
GuideWe've stayed here half a dozen times, usually for an evening along our camping trips. We did stay an extra day once to do some of the activities available.
It's a bit of a haul to get to the campground and the first time we were sure that we had missed a turn as we left Herkimer and headed up smaller and more winding roads to the campground. The turn off to the campground comes up fast and is quite sharp so be on the lookout for it.
The campground has many sites including back in and pull through. Not the largest of sites, but lots of green space to give the campground a park like feel. Some camp sites are right along the West Canada Creek. You can swim/wade in it, in addition to riding rafts along it.
There is a working "diamond" mine at the campground where you can try your hand at mining, or just buy some of the crystals that someone else did the work to get. There is a nice restaurant open most days (we have always managed to miss the days that it's open) in addition to stands near the mine that sell hot dogs and burgers.
There is a nice, large pool. In the park like area around it they have stands that sell mixed drinks, and others that sell ice cream and other deserts. The camp store is medium-large and has supplies, food, souvenirs (including Herkimer Diamond), etc.
Adirondack campgrounds near Thendara, New York provide diverse camping experiences from primitive to developed sites. Located in the western Adirondack Park at approximately 1,700 feet elevation, the region features a mix of state and private campgrounds with varying seasons. Most campgrounds operate between mid-May and early October, with some extending later depending on weather conditions.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Old Forge Camping Resort, many campers report close wildlife encounters. "Although I didn't camp here and I only spent the day, I really enjoyed myself! It's absolutely beautiful with a huge lake! Also, the deer are incredible friendly and will walk right up to you," shares Sarah F.
Paddling on motorboat-free waters: Brown Tract Pond Campground offers peaceful paddling without motorboat noise. "The campground is on nicks lake and it is the only establishment on the lake. No other camps, houses or businesses. It is too shallow for motors so kayaks and canoes only which makes it very calm and peaceful. It also makes it easier to hear the loon calls," notes Caitie S. about nearby Nicks Lake.
Stargazing at secluded sites: The dark skies at Stillwater Reservoir provide exceptional stargazing. "We stayed on site 270, which was close enough to walk down to the boat launch at night to look at the stars (and the Milky Way!) but a little too far to walk to the beach," writes Lena L. about their experience at Limekiln Lake.
Island camping experiences: Alger Island Adirondack Preserve provides a unique island camping opportunity. "To get to the campground, you must paddle. The state park allows only car top boats. We kayaked all of our gear out to the island," explains Sarah B., highlighting the adventure of accessing this campsite near Thendara.
Waterfront sites: Many campgrounds feature lakeside sites that allow campers to launch directly from their campsite. "The best park in ADK. If your lucky enough to get a water site it's even better. We camp here for two weeks every year in July," shares Kim M. about Brown Tract Pond.
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently mention the secluded feel of sites. "Dense words between campsites," notes Dani T. about Limekiln Lake, while another camper describes Eighth Lake: "A calm and peaceful campground with multiple driving loops separated by a generous amount of forest."
Bear safety procedures: Black bear activity requires proper precautions at most camping areas around Thendara. "Sites are close together and beware of the bear. We had one or two in and around our camp site almost every nite. Heed the warnings and lock car doors and don't leave coolers or grills out," warns Becky M.
Seasonal insect issues: Plan for insects during summer months. "We were here in June and there was an invasion of biting flies. There were so many that you couldn't stand still for 5 seconds and it was just not enjoyable," reports Joel M. about North Lake Reservoir.
Primitive facilities at many locations: Many sites have minimal amenities. "No hookups. No onsite showers (can use another Golden Beach Campground showers a few miles away.) No cell or internet. Maybe wifi near entrance?" explains Monica F. about Brown Tract Pond Campground.
Beach access for swimming: Many campgrounds include swimming areas ideal for families. "The beach is manned by a lifeguard until 6pm and is very well maintained. We love brining the kids here without worrying about loud crazy campers up until all hours of the night," Jeremy H. shares about Nicks Lake.
Playground options: Some campgrounds offer play areas for children. "The grounds are a wonderful option for families, not only hosting a number of amenities (i.e. campers beach, hiking trails), but providing opportunities to observe the local wildlife," notes Rachel P.
Rental equipment availability: Several campgrounds rent watercraft for family activities. "There is a bus from the campground that takes you to enchanted forest safari, which is a great way to avoid parking. Would recommend 100%," advises Carlyne F. about Moose River Plains.
Power limitations: Some campgrounds have electrical issues for larger rigs. "Spent this weekend on a 'full hookup site' in our class A motorhome. We used a surge protector when plugging in to electric. It wasn't long before our power kept kicking off," reports LL J. about HTR Adirondacks (formerly Singing Waters).
Access challenges: Many roads to campsites are rough or narrow. "The road to get here is ok, definitely manageable in a smaller RV, you'd just have to take it slow. We did fine in our 26ft class c," notes Laura M. about Moose River Plains.
Site leveling conditions: RV campers should prepare for uneven sites. "The lots are also not gravel and not level. Ours was dirt and mostly mud and even with our leveling jacks down, we could not level due to the mud and lack of a gravel base," warns Mark B.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there RV hookups at Thendara Station?
Thendara Station itself doesn't offer dedicated RV hookups. However, nearby Birch's Lakeside Campground and Marina provides full RV amenities including hookups, with convenient access to a general store, laundry facilities, and propane on-site. Another excellent option for RVers is DevilDoc Campsites, which accommodates RVs and provides a convenient location for exploring the Adirondacks. When planning your RV trip to the Thendara area, it's advisable to reserve sites in advance, especially during peak summer and fall foliage seasons, as the limited number of full-hookup sites in the region can fill quickly.
What camping options are available in Thendara, NY?
Thendara and the surrounding area offer diverse camping options for all preferences. Old Forge Camping Resort provides a family-friendly environment with excellent amenities and is perfect for those wanting a complete camping resort experience. For more budget-friendly options, state park campgrounds like Delta Lake State Park Campground offer well-maintained sites with amenities including showers, bathrooms, and dump stations while still being close to civilization. Private options range from full-service resorts to more rustic experiences. For those seeking privacy, dispersed camping can be found in nearby state forests. Most campgrounds in the area are seasonal, typically operating from May through October.
What hiking trails are accessible from Thendara?
Thendara provides access to several excellent hiking trails in the Adirondack region. The area near Eighth Lake Campground offers well-maintained hiking trails with connections between Seventh and Eighth Lakes, providing beautiful forest and lake views. For more diverse hiking options, explore trails near Lake Durant Campground where early fall brings spectacular foliage colors. Many trails in the region vary from beginner-friendly walks to more challenging day hikes, with most offering scenic views of lakes, forests, and occasional wildlife sightings. The Adirondack Park surrounding Thendara features hundreds of miles of interconnected trails suitable for various experience levels.
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