Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains at an elevation of about 1,200 feet, Upper Jay offers access to hiking trails that connect to the Adirondack High Peaks wilderness. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, making proper cold-weather gear essential for off-season camping. The area sits within the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park, with several campgrounds offering varying levels of amenities.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Near Wilmington Notch Campground, trails lead to impressive water features. "There is an accessible trail from the back of the campground to an amazing waterfall on the west branch of the Ausable River and plenty of spots to trout fish/swim. A mile down the road is flume falls trails, which leads to a great swimming hole and various height choice cliff jumping," explains Zachary M.
Winter activities: Unlike many seasonal operations, Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake remains open year-round. "My boyfriend and I visited in late March when there was still a decent amount of snow on the site. Despite the lake being frozen over, the views just steps away from our lean to were gorgeous," notes Kayla M., who camped there during winter.
Water exploration: Many local campgrounds provide direct water access. "We tented here while exploring the Adirondacks and Lake Placid. It was a fairly priced and good place to stay," shares Laura L. about her experience. Some campers even enjoy island camping: "We had an island and the second time we had a spot on a little peninsula. The campsites were well maintained and nicely isolated."
What campers like
Quiet camping zones: Most campers appreciate the tranquility of certain sites. "We stayed in site #73 of the 100-Acre section and would highly recommend staying in this area as opposed to the other. This section has tall shad trees and much more space between sites than the resort area," writes Nancy W. about Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday.
Tent site privacy: Draper's Acres offers good separation between different camping types. "The camp ground is beautiful right on the lake...very family oriented great for water sports or biking with kids," explains Thomas B. Another camper adds, "This site has good tent sites that are separate from RV area and rental cabins. Very reasonable rates and friendly staff."
Budget-friendly options: Value for money matters to campers. "It's a great home base for Lake Placid area and Whiteface Mountain. Great clean bathrooms with free hot showers. Clean and quiet campground. 15 minutes to downtown lake placid," shares Megan B. Most state-operated campgrounds maintain lower rates than private facilities while still offering essential amenities.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Timing affects your experience significantly. "We try to make an annual trip here in late September, after the throngs of summer crowds have left. If you enjoy leaf-peeping, I recommend the last week of September when the colors and the mountains are just gorgeous!" advises Cyndi B. about Fish Creek Pond Campground.
Road conditions: Access roads vary widely in quality. "The 'road' into the campground is more like a goat trail, with numerous washouts and uneven rocks and dirt," warns Brian P. Another camper cautions, "Road going in is very rough use extreme caution on a motorcycle with street tires."
Bathroom facilities: Standards vary considerably between campgrounds. "Bathrooms are a bit run down but great value for how much it costs! I took my own TP (you never know with some parks) and I am glad I did," advises Meag F. State-run facilities typically provide basic amenities while private campgrounds often offer more modern facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Best activities for kids: Many dog-friendly campgrounds near Upper Jay also cater to families. "The welcome center and store are so cute, sites are well maintained amid everyone is super friendly. There is a secret we discovered the last day. Walk to the back of the campground to the Ausable river, go down the path about 500 ft. There is an awesome swimming hole," shares Laura T.
Safety considerations: Choose sites with kid-friendly water access when traveling with little ones. "The water is super shallow all along the shoreline. It's perfect for dogs, kids, and hanging out in the water. The bottom is sandy with some rocks, good to have water shoes but not essential," notes Oleńka S.
Entertainment options: Dog-friendly camping areas typically include amenities the whole family can enjoy. "There is a huge range of sites from full hook-up campsites to rental cabins and cottages. And, in typical KOA fashion, the park busy with lots of activities," reports Nancy W. Look for campgrounds with playground equipment, recreational fields, and easy hiking trails suitable for children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some pet-friendly campgrounds near Upper Jay present challenges for RVs. "RV site 8 is so out of level that we couldn't get our Airstream level unless we put 10" of blocking under both axles," warns Brian P. about his experience at Ausable Chasm Campground.
Campsite selection advice: Many experienced RVers recommend researching specific sites before booking. "The sites are varied as to size and desirability, not all are level for trailers and RVs, so do some research ahead of time to find the spot that is perfect for you," advises Cyndi B. Some campgrounds provide detailed site information online.
Rig size considerations: Larger vehicles face navigation challenges in some areas. "The roads are really tight for big rigs. Between the trees, rocks, and low hanging branches, you have to take it really slow. I recommend unhooking your tow car at check-in so you are free to back up," suggests Nancy W.
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