Best Glamping near Upper Jay, NY

Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday stands out among glamping destinations in the Adirondack region with canvas cabins and glamping accommodations offering a balance between rustic charm and modern comfort. The property provides climate-controlled units with comfortable bedding, electricity, and private outdoor spaces for enjoying the mountain scenery. Some accommodations feature kitchenettes, while others focus on creating a boutique camping experience with upscale touches. One guest shared, "The sites are huge. We fit two camper vans, two tents and put up a 20x20 rain tarp on Site 5. The site was freshly raked when we got there, and the leftover wood was stacked next to the fire pit." Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake also offers premium glamping options with exceptional views and access to pristine natural settings without sacrificing comfort.

Heart Lake serves as an ideal basecamp for exploring the High Peaks region with hiking trails directly accessible from the glamping accommodations. Guests can enjoy kayaking and canoeing on the lake, stargazing from private decks, and seasonal guided nature walks led by local experts. The eco-friendly glamping structures incorporate sustainable design elements including solar lighting and low-impact construction. Most units are strategically positioned to maximize both privacy and scenic views of the surrounding mountains. According to a camper, "This is a Class A 5⭐️ Campsite! We were super close to the office, store, snacks, laundry & activities. This campsite has concierge service that will help you out with any of your wants/needs." Winter glamping options remain available at select locations with heated accommodations and proximity to regional skiing at Whiteface Mountain.

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Best Glamping Sites Near Upper Jay, New York (33)

    1. Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday

    44 Reviews
    Wilmington, NY
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 946-7878

    "I have done tent, cabin and t.v. camping here. a lot of family activity in my favorite place. the outdoor choices are plenty, but the campground is slipping trying to be too much and seems to let the infrastructure"

    "Very large and busy campground, close to Lake Placid and other cool activities to take in. Pros- hot showers, convenient laundromat, you are guided to your site by staff on golf carts."

    2. Draper’s Acres

    10 Reviews
    Lake Placid, NY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 523-9322

    $30 - $40 / night

    "Great campground with secluded sites most with woods behind each site, especially the tent area. The RV and tent camping is well separated and there are different kinds of RV space available as well."

    "We really enjoyed our experience here and the location to the high peaks couldn’t be better. The staff was great!"

    3. Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake

    9 Reviews
    Lake Placid, NY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 523-3441

    $25 - $55 / night

    "There’s no explaining the views around here. The mountains are beautiful, Lake Placid is beautiful, and this campsite is amazing."

    "It has some trail heads on the grounds and so much to do on the area it located. There’s a beautiful lake here for doing all sorts of things at."

    4. AuSable Chasm Campground

    11 Reviews
    Keeseville, NY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 834-9990

    "Upon arrival, the front desk clerk was very nice and helpful. We found our way to the tent sites, nestled in the very back corner which for us was exactly what we like."

    "3 night stay, tent camping on a site with water and electric. The site we had was quite large, I had booked an end site (#73) hoping it would be big!"

    5. Buck Pond Campground

    8 Reviews
    Onchiota, NY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 891-3449

    $20 - $40 / night

    "We didn't see any sites with electricity and there is one outlet in the bathroom area (I plugged my coffee percolator into this outlet every morning). "

    "It’s perfectly secluded, but still not far from Lake Placid. You do have to travel a little ways (6-10 miles) for a grocery store, but the view is worth it. I highly recommend this beautiful place."

    6. North Beach Campground

    27 Reviews
    Burlington, VT
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 862-0942

    $37 - $100 / night

    "Sites 1 to 16 are close to each other.

    Sites 113 to 119 are bad. Very close to each other. No redeeming qualities.

    Sites have 30 amp electric and water but might need a longish cord or hose."

    "The water/electric sites in the middle of the campground were a bit snug."

    7. Button Bay State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Westport, VT
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 475-2377

    "We selected it because it was nearby for our second outing with our new (used) R-Pod camper. Turns out it's a wonderful park."

    "There is a pool for swimming, paved roads are good for bikes & scooters, pavilion for activities, lake for swimming & fishing and hiking trails."

    8. Shelburne Camping Area

    16 Reviews
    Shelburne, VT
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 985-2540

    "We were near the pool (didn't feel warm, so we didn't partake) and office."

    "Called them same day from Capital Region Welcome Ctr in NY, about 3 hrs away (below Albany). They had a full hook up, pull-thru corner space for us."

    9. Rollins Pond Campground

    20 Reviews
    Tupper Lake, NY
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 891-3239

    $20 / night

    "As it isn't too far of a drive for us, it quickly became our go-to campgrounds for quite a while due to the mostly flat campground and who doesn't love hearing the slow trickle of water splashing close"

    "With the coronavirus concerns, they have made changes to their cleaning schedules and social distancing rules.  While there this year, my site was right across from one of the bathrooms. "

    10. AuSable River Campsite

    1 Review
    Keeseville, NY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 834-9379

    "Monday thru Friday visit, site was close to restrooms, River access across street. A little buggy due to water. Flat site. Restrooms although well attended to, could use a good power wash."

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Glamping Reviews near Upper Jay, NY

287 Reviews of 33 Upper Jay Campgrounds


  • T
    Sep. 1, 2018

    Little River State Park Campground

    One super state park campground for the entire family

    This is the only campground in the area I will stay at. It has so many benefits, I may not be able to do it justice in this review. The sites are huge. We fit two camper vans, two tents and put up a 20x20 rain tarp on Site 5. The site was freshly raked when we got there, and the leftover wood was stacked next to the fire pit. Picnic table easily seats 8. Lots of bathrooms around the park, each with showers. Firewood and Ice, along with some necessities are available at the office. Cell phone service is touchy depending on where you are in the park. There is fresh water available. Lots of activities to do here, from the Nature Center and hiking trails to seriously wicked mountain biking trails designed by Mr. Knight overlooking the reservoir where boating of all kinds is allowed. And the fishing in the river below is quite stellar. There's even an abandoned town up on top of the mountain for younto check out.

  • Andrea T.
    Aug. 7, 2018

    Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday

    was great, slipping some.

    I have done tent, cabin and t.v. camping here. a lot of family activity in my favorite place. the outdoor choices are plenty, but the campground is slipping trying to be too much and seems to let the infrastructure slip. it is owned by corporate KOA and it shows that the making money is more important than making it a home away from home that I use to love.. still will come back

  • Linsey S.
    Sep. 6, 2021

    Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday

    Great Campground, Full Amenities

    Spent 3 days, 2 nights here from a Wednesday-Friday. Very large and busy campground, close to Lake Placid and other cool activities to take in. Pros- hot showers, convenient laundromat, you are guided to your site by staff on golf carts. Cons- tent sites aren’t given much privacy, on the days we stayed we were put very close to the main building when we requested a spot near the back away from the busy area, kids allowed to run and yelling and screaming WELL after quiet hours.

  • Beau B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2018

    Mount Philo State Park Campground

    Great little park

    What a great little park! apparently this is the first state park in Vermont. Only 8 campsites so try to book early. Nice trails that lead to scenic views of Lake Champlain. Bathrooms and showers were clean. Showers were quarter operated, 50 cents for 5 minutes. Firewood sold on site. Sites are well groomed and have a fire pit and picnic table.

  • DeAnna V.
    Aug. 22, 2024

    Rogers Rock Campground

    Worst Campground We Have Ever Been To

    Absolute worst campground we have ever been to(and we do a TON of camping in state parks both in NY and out of state and private campgrounds as well). When we arrived our site was covered in trash and the picnic table was in the site next to ours with old propane tanks sitting on them. Beer bottle caps and cigarette ends were EVERYWHERE on our site, crushed cans and bottles scattered around, tons of garbage throughout the site(plastic spoons, cardboard pieces, plastic wrappers, a huge metal pipe, etc.) We spent the first half hour there cleaning up all the trash on our site and we didn't even get it all. All of the sites next to us had just as much trash in them as well and were never cleaned up the duration of our stay either. When walking around we noticed tons of other sites with garbage left in them too. I don't think any of the sites are checked after checkout and if they are they are definitely not cleaned up at all after check out. We stayed on the'other side of the road' and the bathrooms were absolutely disgusting and falling apart. They were never cleaned at all during our stay(although we seen workers sitting in the golf cart goofing around and talking several times instead of actually cleaning the bathrooms). The only thing the workers did was add toilet paper(and not even enough because there were several times we went and there was no toilet paper). We were there 5 nights and the trash can wasn't emptied once and none of the garbage or toilet paper on the floor was ever picked up. There was also poop smeared across the wall and door in the one stall and poop all over one of the other toilets that was like that our whole stay as well. Mirror was literally tapped together with black tape, there was only one faucet handle and locks on the stall were broken. We had to go across the street into the other side of the campground to shower and the showers were absolutely disgusting. Black mold covered the shower curtains, was all in the lights and on the lower and higher sections of walls and it smelled like mildew. It was gross and cannot possibly be safe. This is definitely a party campground and no quiet hours are enforced. People were up partying, drinking and blasting music literally all night. It's such a shame because the location of this campground is amazing and it has the potential to be a great campground but we will never go back. We have never been to any campground this dirty, unkempt and with workers who literally just don't care or do their jobs. Such a disappointment. Wish I had seen all the other bad reviews before going.

  • Deborah W.
    Oct. 1, 2021

    North Beach Campground

    Nice location

    Excellent location due to proximity to north beach that offers beautiful views of the Adirondacks across Lake Champlain. The campground is adjacent to paved Burlington bike / walking trail with easy access to the trail and beach. The only sites with electric are RV sites that are packed in more than we prefer. Bath rooms are ok, but showers need deep cleaning or replacement. Bath house is vented but not heated so it’s rather cold in October. Hot water is just warm.

  • Drew H.
    Aug. 27, 2024

    Scaroon Manor Campground

    Excellent views on the lake

    We stayed in the rustic campground right down the road from the main campground. We parked in a lot and walked about 5 minutes to the campgrounds on the lake. They were beautiful and well kept, even had a small pile of fire wood for us.

    The site had a relatively nice outhouse, a picnic table, a fire pit and a grate for grilling. It was right on the lake. There were a ton of other people in the main campground but only one other camper in the rustic area. $25 a night to camp.

    There was some noise from the highway but not too bad. Coyotes were howling all night and definitely heard some around our campground.

  • Mary Elisabeth D.
    Jun. 5, 2022

    Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday

    Amazing

    This is a Class A 5⭐️KOA Campsite! We arrived late and Jox & his sweet wife helped us manuever our RV into our pull through site B05. We were super close to the office, store, snacks, laundry & activities. Our site was a “ dirt” site that had a picnic table and fire pit with full hook ups. This campsite has concierge service that will help you out with any of your wants/needs. Great site in nature’s finest.

  • Natalie N.
    Jul. 25, 2018

    Draper’s Acres

    Campground with options

    Great campground with secluded sites most with woods behind each site, especially the tent area. The RV and tent camping is well separated and there are different kinds of RV space available as well. The showers are a bit gross, but free. The cabins look nice but a little close together. They don’t pick up the phone right away so call a few times to get ahold of someone. We had water/electric for a trailer at $35 a night in perfect location between Keene Valley and Lake Placid. Sites were clean and the fire pits were beautiful! We camped in site 45 and were pleasantly left alone.


Guide to Upper Jay

Upper Jay sits in the Adirondack High Peaks region at approximately 1,200 feet elevation with the AuSable River flowing through its heart. The area experiences four distinct seasons with winter temperatures often dropping below freezing and summer days typically reaching the 70s and 80s. Many camping options in the area remain open year-round, unlike typical Adirondack facilities that close after leaf-peeping season.

What to do

Hiking nearby mountains: The area surrounding Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake offers exceptional trail access. "You can hike Algonquin, Iriquois, Wright Peak, and Mt. Jo all right from the campground," shares Hannah O. For those seeking less challenging options, "you can sit and chill by the lake, hike a mountain or hike around the lake," according to cj J.

Water activities on local ponds: At Rollins Pond Campground, paddlers find motor-free waters perfect for exploration. "If you bring a canoe (or rent one) you can access a vast network of ponds and streams," notes Olaf D. The restriction on motorized boats creates a peaceful experience, as Mark B. confirms: "Great sites and access point to nice canoeing waters. Moter boats restricted and sites are very wooded."

Yurt camping Upper Jay, New York: Several campgrounds near Upper Jay offer yurt accommodations as alternatives to traditional tent or cabin camping. These semi-permanent structures provide more comfort than tents while maintaining a connection to the surrounding forest. The Adirondack yurt camping experience typically includes raised platforms, canvas walls, and woodstoves for cooler nights.

What campers like

Private, secluded sites: At Draper's Acres, the separation between different camping types enhances the experience. "Great campground with secluded sites most with woods behind each site, especially the tent area. The RV and tent camping is well separated," reports Natalie N. Sierra K. adds: "The sites are pretty secluded. They did have a few lean to sites also."

Swimming options: Button Bay State Park Campground features both lake access and a swimming pool. "The park has swimming pool with life guard," mentions M.A.D. P., while Clay A. notes the "beautiful sunset overlooking the lake." Many families appreciate having multiple swimming options depending on weather and water conditions.

Shoulder season value: Late fall and early spring camping near Upper Jay offers reduced crowds and seasonal beauty. "We tented here late in the season so it was very quiet," reports Sierra K. about Draper's Acres. The availability of year-round yurt camping in Upper Jay provides comfortable alternatives when temperatures drop too low for traditional tent camping.

What you should know

Road conditions: Access to some sites requires careful driving. At Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake, Max warns: "Road going in is very rough use extreme caution on a motorcycle with street tires." This applies to many Adirondack campgrounds where unpaved roads may become rutted after rain.

Weather variability: Be prepared for rapid temperature changes, especially in spring and fall. "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," advises Alex G. about Rollins Pond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Upper Jay, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Upper Jay, NY is Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday with a 4.4-star rating from 44 reviews.

What is the best site to find glamping camping near Upper Jay, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 33 glamping camping locations near Upper Jay, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.