Located in the heart of the Adirondacks, Tupper Lake sits at approximately 1,600 feet elevation within a transitional hardwood forest zone. The area experiences true four-season camping with summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F during the day and dropping to 50-55°F at night, making insulated accommodations like yurts especially valuable during spring and fall seasons.
What to do
Paddling network access: From Rollins Pond Campground, kayakers and canoeists can connect to multiple waterways. "Great kayak and canoe access to a whole network of lakes in the St. Regis/Saranac area," notes Jeffrey B., who appreciates the secluded atmosphere after traveling through the busier Fish Creek campground.
Swimming at natural beaches: Brown Tract Pond Campground offers swimming from a sandy shoreline with no motorized boats allowed. "There is a small beach for if you don't get a waterfront campsite," explains Angela, who recommends renting canoes or kayaks if you want to explore the pond.
Hiking to Whiteface: Stay at Draper's Acres for direct trail access. "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," shares Nancy W., who found this convenient for morning hikes with her dog.
Remote water exploration: Stillwater Reservoir offers island camping for those with boats. Sam T. reports, "My wife and I kayaked to Long Island and stayed for a weekend. It was quiet and had the whole island to our self. Would recommend if you want to break away from technology because you get zero service out there."
What campers like
Yurt accommodations: At Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks, yurt camping near Tupper Lake provides a balance of comfort and immersion. "The kids loved the gem mining and train rides!! We enjoyed the water view and the staff was so nice to us!" shares Gayle S., highlighting the family-friendly amenities at this yurt-equipped campground.
Waterfront access: Many campers value lakefront sites at Rollins Pond Campground. "It was nice splashing around in the water right at our campsite. Even better was watching the sun set over it," Amanda K. writes, adding that the pond "is massive. It's more like a lake."
Wildlife viewing: Campers frequently mention hearing and seeing wildlife. "WE love staying at Rollins Pond in a tent! Our family always meet friendly people and falling asleep to loons is priceless!" explains Kristina L., who adds, "We always have wildlife at our site. This past trip we had chipmunks, squirrels, ducks, and a crane."
Stargazing opportunities: The lack of light pollution creates exceptional night skies. "As the sun sets and the stars come out, you'll look up and suddenly realize just how small you are as you stare at the heavens and see the Milky Way," John E. observes about Brown Tract Pond Campground.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have limited or no connectivity. "No cell service or WiFi. No hookups," reports Lawrence L. about Brown Tract Pond. At Buck Pond Campground, however, Mara S. notes "Great cell reception with Verizon; what more do you need."
Seasonal considerations: The area experiences variable spring conditions. Alex G. cautions about Rollins Pond: "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."
Road conditions: Some campgrounds require travel on unpaved roads. Monica F. notes about Brown Tract Pond: "Easiest access is from Raquette Lake. From the west you will drive over 5 miles on a dirt road (slow going if towing)."
Bear safety protocols: Some campgrounds have strict food storage policies. "Odd bear rules that basically make you pack up your site when not in use, unless you have a trailer or RV. No bear proof lockers to help out like federal campgrounds," mentions Lawrence L. about Brown Tract Pond.
Tips for camping with families
Ice cream options: Several campgrounds offer sweet treats. "Ice cream truck every night," mentions surfycampers about Rollins Pond, while Trina W. recommends Buck Pond because "There was an ice cream place not far away, with a long line, and it was the best ice cream we had all summer!"
Kid-friendly water access: Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake provides a beach area for children. "I was absolutely impressed with the restrooms, dishwashing station, and beach area," Tigan W. notes, adding that "despite rather high density of sites they are well designed and the campground is quiet and dark at night for good rest!"
Playground availability: Some campgrounds offer play areas. Nicole S. describes Lake Placid/Whiteface Mtn KOA: "The campground on the mountain side has a playground, huge store, gem mining, arcade (which needs some love), hiking trails and a common area with some games."
Yurt camping for temperature control: For families with small children, yurt camping around Tupper Lake provides temperature stability. "Got a bit cold in the early morning, so we turned on the heat," notes Steve A. about the yurt's heating system at Spacious Skies, highlighting how these structures can extend the camping season.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday, there are two distinct camping areas. Nancy W. advises: "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."
Road navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have tight turns for larger RVs. Nancy W. observes: "One bad thing about this park is that you have to pay high fees for visitors... Another ding for us was that there were lots of tree limbs that needed to be trimmed. Maneuvering through the park was pretty tight for us."
Waterfront RV options: Jennifer O. recommends Draper's Acres: "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." This provides RVers with scenic options while maintaining convenience.
