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Best Campgrounds near Thendara, NY

375 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Thendara, New York (84)

    1. Old Forge Camping Resort

    19 Reviews
    Old Forge, NY
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 369-6011

    "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."

    2. Nicks Lake Campground

    17 Reviews
    Thendara, NY
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (315) 369-3314

    $22 / night

    "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."

    3. Limekiln Lake Campground

    12 Reviews
    Inlet, NY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 357-4401

    $20 / night

    "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."

    4. HTR Adirondacks

    7 Reviews
    Old Forge, NY
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 369-2700

    "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."

    5. Stillwater Reservoir

    9 Reviews
    Old Forge, NY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 785-2239

    "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"

    6. Eighth Lake Campground

    9 Reviews
    Raquette Lake, NY
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 354-4120

    $22 / night

    "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"

    7. Moose River Plains

    9 Reviews
    Raquette Lake, NY
    16 miles
    Website

    "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."

    8. Alger Island Adirondack Preserve

    2 Reviews
    Eagle Bay, NY
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 369-3224

    $18 - $40 / night

    "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."

    9. North Lake Resevoir

    3 Reviews
    Otter Lake, NY
    13 miles
    Website

    "North Lake Reservoir is one of the Adirondack Park’s best kept secrets."

    "The Campsite itself is really great: at least half of the Sites are car accessible -you don’t need 4WD (gravel road) -nice lake and nature -many sites have fireplaces and outhouses -it’s free

    What’s"

    10. Brown Tract Pond Campground

    7 Reviews
    Raquette Lake, NY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 354-4412

    $18 / night

    "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."

    "There are no motorboats allowed on the lake, so the water is perfect for paddling. There is a small beach for if you don't get a waterfront campsite. They have canoes and kayaks for rent as well."

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Recent Camping Photos near Thendara, NY

165 Photos of 84 Thendara Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Thendara, NY

375 Reviews of 84 Thendara Campgrounds

  • Marc D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Old Forge Camping Resort

    Very large camping resort

    This is a surprisingly large facility with multiple options, including cabins, tent, and RV sites. We were there in late October on a Saturday night when they were having a big Halloween festival, so very crowded but festive environment. Everybody packed up and left the following morning.Close to the town of old Forge and Lakes. Beautiful area.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Horseshoe Lake

    NY Designated Camping

    Along Co 421, by Horseshoe Lake, there are 10-11 designated campsites. Most have fire pits.

    Road is rough but easily doable if you take it slow.

    As it’s a forest, the sites are pretty shaded, so solar and Starlink may present challenges. Slight AT&T at earlier sites.

  • T&J F.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    West Canada Creek Campground

    Nice place, a little pricey

    Pros: clean campground, camp store, ice cream/pizza shack, shuttle to tubing, sites are pretty flat, pool is large and clean, quiet hours are enforced. Cons: $5 per dog "surprise" when we arrived. Even though we camped there 2 nights for 3 years in a row, $15 per person for the tubing shuttle seems steep; a discount or free would be nice for campers, as drop off points are just down the road. Sites are narrow.

  • X
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Carry Falls Recreation Area

    Quite, not high quality.

    Thai place is very cute, quiet, and not a lot of people frequent. The bathrooms are kind of “rundown” they are old and they use composing toilets with no showers and one sink located outside of the facility. It is NOT FREE they charge 16.00 a night. Located on an inlet of the man made lake. Water access, quiet, not busy, small, gives small town feel. Comes with picnic table and fireplace. We had site 6 and fit our 30 ft camper with 4 cars.

  • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Mayfair Campground NY

    Mostly for seasonals

    We called to make last minute reservations for a one night stopover enroute to Vermont. The person on the phone was friendly and accommodating to our needs. When we arrived after hours, the entrance was gated with a card reader access which we did not have a card for. We tried calling back several times but a recording said that the line was busy. Luckily, another camper let us in. There are no signs to direct you which way to go and the sites are poorly marked. With some help from friendly campers we were eventually able to find our site. The sites are have a poorly graveled parking spot and the ground is a little soft. Restrooms are basic and minimal, having a single toilet and sink, a tiny mirror and hand dryer, however it was fairly clean and functional. I was told that there are new owners and they are making improvements

  • Amandalynn P.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Green Pond - Bonaparte State Forest

    Great little spot to get away

    This is our go to area close to town but still just want to get away from it all. DEC is nice and stop and talk to the campers. There is a doc down the road for boats and fishing!

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest

    Site 4

    Site 4 is magical, it is road side, but the view, and access to the river is great. There is a path right from the site. Occasionally you will get the yahoo that speeds by and makes a dust cloud but otherwise it’s great. There is zero Verizon cell service in the whole area. So plan accordingly,

  • Alex
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Lake Harris Campground

    Perfect Campsite

    The campsite has clean bathrooms. The campsite itself is more secluded and there wasn’t a lot of people or noise. It was intimate and quiet, no loud people or families. Honestly the perfect getaway.

Guide to Thendara

Camping near Thendara, New York, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Many campgrounds, like Nicks Lake Adirondack Preserve, provide access to calm waters perfect for paddling. One visitor mentioned, "It is too shallow for motors so kayaks and canoes only which makes it very calm and peaceful."
  • Fishing: Campgrounds such as Indian Lake Islands Campground are great for fishing. A reviewer shared, "Everyone caught fish even the two-year-olds! Lots of bays and islands to explore."
  • Hiking: Trails abound in the area, with options for all skill levels. A camper at Cranberry Lake - DEC noted, "There is a very nice hike to the top of Bear Mountain and a beautiful view of the lake."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning landscapes. One happy visitor at Golden Beach Campground said, "The lake at the campground was fantastic and gave our pups a chance to swim."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, like Lake Eaton Campground, are praised for their cleanliness. A reviewer mentioned, "Amazing campground, very clean & spacious campsites. Crystal clear water."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate the helpfulness of the staff. A visitor at Moffitt Beach Campground remarked, "The staff is always friendly."

What you should know:

  • Busy Seasons: Some campgrounds can get crowded, especially during weekends. A camper at Delta Lake State Park Campground noted, "This campground got a 3/5 mainly because quiet hours are not enforced."
  • Site Selection Matters: Choosing the right site can make a big difference. One camper at Golden Beach Campground advised, "You should spend some time with the map. Site 158 is probably the dopest."
  • Wildlife Awareness: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. A visitor at Lewey Lake - DEC warned, "This is a bear area... you HAVE to keep all your food covered in a sealed container."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. A long-time visitor at Old Forge Camping Resort said, "This is one of the most family-friendly resorts."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. A camper at Nicks Lake Adirondack Preserve mentioned, "There is a great little swimming area and close access to a lot of activities for the kids."
  • Pack Snacks and Games: Keep the kids happy with snacks and games for downtime. A visitor at Limekiln Lake Campground suggested, "The campground is dog friendly, and our pup had a great time."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Old Forge Camping Resort noted, "The roads are through the campground are very tight making backing into a spot very difficult."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups if you need them. A visitor at Delta Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "We had outfitted our twelve passenger van with a bed and used the electric hookups for our fans and chargers."
  • Book Early: Popular spots fill up fast. A long-time visitor at Cranberry Lake - DEC advised, "Book early and get a site on the lake shore."

Camping near Thendara, New York, has something for everyone. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot for your next outdoor adventure!

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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