Stillwater Reservoir offers primitive camping across 40+ sites in the Adirondack region near Wanakena, New York. Most sites require boat access, with only one drive-in campsite available. The reservoir sits at approximately 1,680 feet elevation, creating cooler nighttime temperatures even during summer months.
What to do
Kayaking on Francis Lake: Access the hidden entry point where a small stream runs under footbridges out to the lake. At Francis Lake, one camper noted it's "totally gorgeous, perfectly clean, and quiet. Room for two or three tents, two fire circles and has an outhouse. Great for swimming, kayaking, and a gorgeous place to wake up next to the water."
Fishing from shore: The Oswegatchie River provides excellent fishing opportunities. At Eel Weir State Park Campground, campers can enjoy "good fishing" with sites right on the water. One visitor mentioned a unique feature: "Favorite thing is the family of owls that inhabit the trees that you see every night."
Eclipse viewing: The dark skies and open water areas make this region excellent for astronomical events. One camper who visited Stillwater Reservoir for the solar eclipse shared: "a 20 mile ride of just woods on a bumpy road. Pretty cool! Surprisingly the place wasn't that populated as I expected it to be."
What campers like
Island camping: Multiple reservoirs and lakes offer island camping opportunities. At Stillwater Reservoir, one visitor described "site 10, an island site with a large sandy beachfront, we borrowed a motor boat to get there this year and brought plenty of gear for 4 days."
Technology break: The limited connectivity creates a genuine wilderness experience. One camper at Stillwater Reservoir described kayaking to Long Island: "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."
Wildlife viewing: The wetlands and forests provide habitat for diverse wildlife. At Buck Pond Campground, campers report a "secluded" experience where "it was as if we had all of the Adirondacks to ourselves!"
What you should know
Water levels vary seasonally: Reservoir and lake water levels can fluctuate significantly. A Stillwater Reservoir visitor noted: "The season had had unusually low water all over and it left a really unusual landscape on the beach to explore."
Limited supplies: Stock up before arrival as few stores exist within the immediate area. At Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake, campers appreciated the "onsite convenience shop" but mentioned it's the "perfect distance from Lake Placid proper for an enforced retreat with the option to reconnect."
Bear safety regulations: Some campgrounds have strict food storage rules. One camper at Brown Tract Pond Campground observed: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Consider cabin glamping in Wanakena, New York: For families not ready for tent camping, several sites offer cabin options. Meacham Lake Campground has "2 campgrounds in one" where "one side of the lake is a bit crowded and can get rowdy. This side has flush toilets and showers." The other side offers more seclusion.
Check accessibility: Some luxury glamping sites near Wanakena feature easier access. One visitor at Eel Weir noted there are "about 35 spots all non electric, many on the water of the oswegatchie river. There is shower and rest rooms. A small boat launch area. A new playground in 2017."
Plan for variable weather: Weather can change rapidly in the Adirondacks. A camper at Rollins Pond Campground shared: "It's been years since I've stayed at Rollins pond, mostly because of the long drive. But this year we decided we needed to revisit. We had a waterfront site and were absolutely delighted."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most sites offer minimal or no hookups. At Rollins Pond Campground, one RVer noted: "No hookups, so a bit trickier for RV's, but being right on the water makes it worth it."
Access challenges: Many roads leading to campgrounds are unpaved or rough. An RVer at Wilderness Campground advised: "Beware of the roads coming in. 40MPH is too fast for these torn up roads."
Dump station availability: Plan waste management carefully. A camper at Rollins Pond appreciated that "free HOT showers, and all of the neighbors are so quiet it was like being alone when sitting by the fire."
