Searching for the best camping near Wanakena, NY? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Wanakena is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Discover great camping spots near Wanakena, reviewed by campers like you.
Cranberry Lake Campground features an accessible picnic area, rest rooms, shower house, accessible tent and RV campsites and an accessible fishing pier. It is located in a picturesque wooded setting alongside Cranberry Lake.
One of the largest remote lakes in the Adirondacks and it's proximity to 50,000 acres of wilderness, intermingled with 50 miles of well developed trails makes Cranberry Lake the outdoor enthusiasts perfect vacation spot. Whether it's fishing, boating or just laying back and enjoying your well deserved vacation, Cranberry Lake is the spot for you. The lake has been stocked with trout in the past and many of the ponds, streams and rivers support excellent trout fishing. The perfectly formed forest canopy in the campground provides excellent shade on hot summer days while the undergrowth provides excellent privacy for campers. From Cranberry Lake to other Adirondack Campgrounds requires only a short trip on a major highway.
The 6,700-acre Stillwater Reservoir is located in the western Adirondacks, and provides undeveloped, remote camping on both islands and along the shoreline. The Reservoir offers a multitude of recreational possibilities including remote wilderness camping, canoeing, boating, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. The area receives considerable use during each of the four seasons.
During recent years, popularity of the Stillwater Reservoir has greatly increased. In an effort to alleviate some of the problems and preserve remote camping opportunities, campers are now required to use only designated sites, along the shoreline or to camp at least 150 feet inland from high-water mark. The high-water mark is generally that point where the sand beaches end and the forested or vegetative area begins.
Camping on sand beaches is no longer permitted. Camping within 150 feet of the high-water mark is limited to 46 sites designated and marked by the department. Camping beyond the 150 feet limit, as in past years, is relatively unrestricted. The intention here is to move camper use back from the water's edge to less fragile sites. The only exception is to the north of the Reservoir, which is in the Five Ponds Wilderness, where group sizes are limited to nine people or less.
Camping beyond the 150-foot perimeter remains relatively unrestricted, except for five Ponds Wilderness. That is, persons may use any site or open area for camping, provided it is more than 150 feet from the high-water mark, roads, trails or any other body of water. Furthermore, campers must comply with department regulations governing the use of state lands. These regulations will be posted at the registration booth at the Forest Ranger Headquarters and may also be found on the reverse side of the Interior Use Camping Permit. As the designated sites become filled, users are urged to camp within the Independence River Wild Forest Area on the south.
Campfires are allowed, but only dead and downed fuel may be used. The use of trail stoves is encouraged because of limited supplies of wood.
135 tent and trailer sites, picnic area with tables and fireplaces, flush toilets, hot showers, trailer dump station, recycling center, mobility impaired accessibility, boat and canoe rentals (daily).
Lake Eaton campground offers a number of secluded sites, canoe, rowboat and kayak rentals and a blacktopped roadway for biking and walking enthusiasts. An interpretive nature trail is located along the northern boundary of the campground. There are numerous hiking opportunities nearby including one trail head that begins within the campground and serves three designated trails. Seaplane rides are available only a mile away in the nearby village of Long Lake which is a quintessential Central Adirondack town, and has been a hub of activity since the mid-nineteenth century.
The Old Forge Camping Resort is a year-round campground nestled on Lake Serene amid the Adirondacks Mountains in Old Forge, New York State.
This versatile campground provides heated cabins and cottages as well as RV and tent sites. Boat rentals, a camp store, outdoor games, playground and friendly, helpful staff guarantee you a delightfully memorable camping experience.
We are located next door to Enchanted Forest Water Safari waterpark for splashing summer fun. Take advantage of our year-round Adirondack lodging package offers and themed special events. Bring your groups to regenerate with meetings, team-building, special events, and occasions and you will agree that there is nothing like New York State camping!
Seasonal Campground, Marina and General Store located on Cranberry Lake. At most sites we have Full Hookups including 30/50/water and sewer. We also have 20A tent or pop up camper sites. If you have a boat, bring it! We have nightly slips available as well. Come explore the 3rd largest lake in the Adirondack State Park. Don't have a boat? We rent Canoes, Kayaks, SUP Boards and Pontoon/Motorized Boats. Reservations in advance are recommended. Also offer, Propane Fill station, Gasoline, Wood, Ice, Laundry Mat. Visit us online to learn more.
$30 - $50 / night
Located on the shore of the beautiful 5,935 acre Raquette Lake the 207 campsite Golden Beach Campground offers many opportunities for enjoying the Central Adirondack Mountains. Boating on Raquette Lake provides the opportunity to explore the 99 miles of shoreline with views of some historic Adirondack Great Camps , fish for the varied species of fish including lake and brook trout, small mouth bass and perch to name a few. Motorboats, rowboats and canoes are allowed. There is a shallow boat launch available for small and cartop boats and canoes. Golden Beach offers one of the largest natural beaches in the area. Swimming is allowed when lifeguards are on duty. Bring your picnic basket and enjoy lunch in our picnic area adjacent to the beach.
$20 / night
Located in the Black River Wild Forest, this campground has 112 campsites, picnic area, a large beach with lifeguards and more than 5 miles of hiking trails. The park abuts a 205-acre shallow lake closed to motor boats, which makes this serene location great for canoeing, kayaking, or swimming. And don't forget that fish pole, because the fishing is great too. If paddling around at dusk trolling for that lunker bass or brown trout, listening to the sound of the loons, and watching the sun set sounds a little too relaxing for you then how about a modern ADA Accessible playground for the little ones, volleyball, horseshoes, basketball and more than 3 miles of paved roads for the biker or jogger. Whatever you choose to do with your time here, take time out to observe the abundant wildlife. Whitetail deer are everywhere and friendly.
Just minutes away you can enjoy a chairlift ride to the top of McCauley Mountain to view Fulton Chain of lakes or drive into Old Forge and visit the multitude of shops and fine restaurants along Main Street. And once you visit Old Forge, you will have to spend at least one day at the Enchanted Forest / Water Safari.
Whether your day is filled with one of the many activities available here or you chose to just sit back and enjoy the campfire, you can always start or end your day with a hot shower in one of our brand-new state of the art ADA Accessible restrooms. Amenities
112 tent and trailer sites, picnic pavilion rental, picnic area with tables and fireplaces, flush toilets, hot showers, ball field, trailer dump station, recycling center, mobility impaired accessibility, sand beach, swimming area, bathhouse, playground, nature trail with 14 educational stations, hiking trails, fishing, bicycling, volleyball, basketball, and softball.
Featured Activities
Boating two colorful kayaks in the water
No motor boats allowed. Rowboats and canoes allowed.
Fishing
Fish in the area include: brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout, bass, white sucker, yellow perch, brown bullhead, common sunfish, golden shiner, blacknose dace, creek chub, and common shiner.
Hiking
The Nicks Lake Trailhead can be accessed within the campground. The Nicks Lake Trail provides access to the 122,000+ acre Black River Wild Forest and it's extensive trail system.
Swimming
Designated swimming areas are available at some DEC facilities. Based on staffing, some of these facilities may have limited swimming hours/days. For the safety of our customers, swimming will only be permitted when a lifeguard is on duty. Beach hours will be posted at facilities with swimming. To inquire, please contact the campground directly.
Cranberry Lake Campground features an accessible picnic area, rest rooms, shower house, accessible tent and RV campsites and an accessible fishing pier. It is located in a picturesque wooded setting alongside Cranberry Lake.
One of the largest remote lakes in the Adirondacks and it's proximity to 50,000 acres of wilderness, intermingled with 50 miles of well developed trails makes Cranberry Lake the outdoor enthusiasts perfect vacation spot. Whether it's fishing, boating or just laying back and enjoying your well deserved vacation, Cranberry Lake is the spot for you. The lake has been stocked with trout in the past and many of the ponds, streams and rivers support excellent trout fishing. The perfectly formed forest canopy in the campground provides excellent shade on hot summer days while the undergrowth provides excellent privacy for campers. From Cranberry Lake to other Adirondack Campgrounds requires only a short trip on a major highway.
135 tent and trailer sites, picnic area with tables and fireplaces, flush toilets, hot showers, trailer dump station, recycling center, mobility impaired accessibility, boat and canoe rentals (daily).
Lake Eaton campground offers a number of secluded sites, canoe, rowboat and kayak rentals and a blacktopped roadway for biking and walking enthusiasts. An interpretive nature trail is located along the northern boundary of the campground. There are numerous hiking opportunities nearby including one trail head that begins within the campground and serves three designated trails. Seaplane rides are available only a mile away in the nearby village of Long Lake which is a quintessential Central Adirondack town, and has been a hub of activity since the mid-nineteenth century.
The Old Forge Camping Resort is a year-round campground nestled on Lake Serene amid the Adirondacks Mountains in Old Forge, New York State.
This versatile campground provides heated cabins and cottages as well as RV and tent sites. Boat rentals, a camp store, outdoor games, playground and friendly, helpful staff guarantee you a delightfully memorable camping experience.
We are located next door to Enchanted Forest Water Safari waterpark for splashing summer fun. Take advantage of our year-round Adirondack lodging package offers and themed special events. Bring your groups to regenerate with meetings, team-building, special events, and occasions and you will agree that there is nothing like New York State camping!
Request to BookSeasonal Campground, Marina and General Store located on Cranberry Lake. At most sites we have Full Hookups including 30/50/water and sewer. We also have 20A tent or pop up camper sites. If you have a boat, bring it! We have nightly slips available as well. Come explore the 3rd largest lake in the Adirondack State Park. Don't have a boat? We rent Canoes, Kayaks, SUP Boards and Pontoon/Motorized Boats. Reservations in advance are recommended. Also offer, Propane Fill station, Gasoline, Wood, Ice, Laundry Mat. Visit us online to learn more.
$30 - $50 / night
Located on the shore of the beautiful 5,935 acre Raquette Lake the 207 campsite Golden Beach Campground offers many opportunities for enjoying the Central Adirondack Mountains. Boating on Raquette Lake provides the opportunity to explore the 99 miles of shoreline with views of some historic Adirondack Great Camps , fish for the varied species of fish including lake and brook trout, small mouth bass and perch to name a few. Motorboats, rowboats and canoes are allowed. There is a shallow boat launch available for small and cartop boats and canoes. Golden Beach offers one of the largest natural beaches in the area. Swimming is allowed when lifeguards are on duty. Bring your picnic basket and enjoy lunch in our picnic area adjacent to the beach.
$20 / night
Stayed here one night and it was super quiet and dark 8pm until we woke up. I hammocked right next to the water of Cranberry Lake. It has showers with hot water, which is timed and high pressure. Checkout was at 10am
There are many outhouses, a picnic table, and a fire ring close by. beautiful surroundings of geometry dash lite.
This place is really amazing it's like https://tunnelrush3.com so. Cool and fresh, how enjoyable.
Easy drive and nice for a free spot in the Adirondacks. Super private sites, we’ll spaced. Gave us some weird vibes though, these woods definitely have a strange energy about them.
Stayed here with a group of friends at site #4. Was a great spot and lots of room for our 4 tents/3vehicles. It was over the July 4th week, so very busy and found people would just walk through your campsite. Which of course would make our dogs bark at them. Also a lot of people just walking the road, so privacy can really be hit or miss. A lot of people have their dogs off leash as well. One of the rangers stopped by and sure did have a big chip on his shoulder. Overall would stay again, but would maybe instead stay at site 5 or over at a short hike in spot along Jones Pond rd. Overall a great place, just wish people would have more respect when around others campsites.
Took me five hours to drive there but finally made it. It was nice and peaceful. I will go there again
The roads are through the campground are very tight making backing into a spot very difficult. There was very little grass around the sites, mainly dirt. They also charge for every extra activity. In general just too tight for my liking.
We stayed at Meadowbrook over Memorial Day weekend in 2024. It's an average campground, but has a really good location between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake.
Our site had the standard DEC picnic table and fire pit. There are showers (the hot water was broken the day we were there, but the attendant said we could go to nearby campgrounds to use theirs), toilets, and water spigots. I had decent Verizon signal.
The sites were clean, but the fire pit was showing its age. We stayed in site 37, which was a bit more private and surrounded by trees. The sites in the two loops closest to Rte 86 (#1-13, 27-34, and 51-62) were much closer together, and some didn't have trees between sites. Even at our more "isolated" site, we could still see our neighbors.
The bathroom was actually one of the nicest I've seen in a DEC campsite; it looked like it had recently been rebuilt.
There are positives and negatives about the location. On the plus side, there's ice cream and places to eat within walking distance. We also forgot lunch for our hike the next day and were able to walk to a convenience store to grab supplies. And if you're doing things in Lake Placid and Saranac, the location is tough to beat. On the minus side, there's a bit of road noise and some of the campsites looked like they had great views of a parking lot.
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. I went to a accessible campsite near the dam so I can pull stuff i needed from my car. The restaurant in the town had great food, the staff were nice, and had two cute dogs!
I've just recently started camping in the ADKs and love this campground. it is huge, clean and well maintained. There are a surprising amount of bathhouses and a trash facility on the way out. All sites have fire pits and some have enough trees for hammocks, but it is easier if you have a hammock stand. I used my Tensa4.
Moose River Plains is an amazing place to camp. there are so many sites. the only issue is it is getting a little overused and people need to clean up after themselves more.
The main road through is a little rough, take it slow and you should get through with any vehicle, but I would recommend only high clearance 8" plus vehicles. Every site has a pit house and fire ring.
Cool, free camping in the Adirondacks. The road to get here is ok, definitely manageable in a smaller RV, you’d just have to take it slow. We did fine in our 26ft class c. 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. Each site has such a different layout, but each one has a picnic table, fire pit, and your very own, surprisingly clean, outhouse. We only stayed here one night, in site 121A, but I’d recommend staying longer than that, if only because the road to the camp sites is so long.
There isn’t much hiking or walking paths around here, but the roads aren’t very busy so you can walk along those to get to the hiking trails that are here. I don’t believe the trailheads had any parking space, so watch for that on your way in if you want to drive to the hike.
No cell service
Reservations 5183900930 Support the Fire Department! Kind of an open lot, but surrounded by Adirondack beauty. Bathroom in Fire Department available , no shower. Close to downtown restaurants and Olympic sights
Stayed in a campground for one night just so I could hike Mount Marcy in the morning! It was 40 dollars a night and it has a great hot shower and flush toilet. The area was perfect!
On the Blueberry trail not far from the Ward lean-to.
Very close to the trail to Seward, Donaldson and Emmons.
Lean-to, privy, fire pit, table, and water around.
Great campsite with a nice lean-to.
Fire pit, picnic table, and a privy.
A bit further you will find some tent spots too.
Plenty of water around.
we came here for a night and stayed at the camp 76 by the lake. it was beautiful. definitely top 5 best campgrounds we have ever been to. they had a picnic bench and an outhouse in good condition. great visibility at night and of the lake
This is a gorgeous campground on the banks of Fish Creek Pond and Square pond close to Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake.
Very site has water access, and 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. Sites 65-100 get a great view of the sunset! Our site was level and dry, as were the surrounding sites. There’s not much brush on the sites and there are lots of old, tall trees, so I had tons of places to put up our dogs tie out, my hammock, and the clothes line.
There were clean bath houses everywhere and one shower building on the west side of Square Pond. I was surprised by the number of bathrooms, you’ll never be far from one while camping here.
Over all, one of my favorite camping weekends ever, it was a gorgeous spot for water sports and great for a run or bike ride. Don’t sleep on this spot!
Plenty of campsites available, ranging from exposed/near the road to secluded/tucked away. All seemed to include an outhouse. The forest is vast and inviting… only wish there were more connecting trails from the campsites. Expect a slow and bumpy ride in - but keep your eyes peeled for the massive & incredible ravens flying by!
Spent this weekend on a "full hookup site" in our class A motorhome. We used a surge protector when plugging in to electric. It wasn't long before our power kept kicking off. We contacted the office and a staff member came and advised us that they do not have enough power for all of the campsites they have and we should not have our hot water on electric. Until we get our LP fixed that is all we have so no hot water the whole weekend and our power kept kicking off the entire weekend. When we left the sewer backed up on our site when we emptied out tanks. The staff is not friendly and our site was mostly mud. Just an FYI before you go. Wish I knew these things before I made reservations.
Tons of free campsites and lean-to everywhere.
Some with picnic tables and fire area.
First arrive type!
I camped while hiking the full CL50 loop.
You can also swim or go fishing!
Total Shi!-Hole.
First let me start by saying that we are not new to rv parks or camping. We average about 10,000 miles a year in our coach.
This particular trip is 5,000 miles over 23 days and 18 campgrounds.
We are a “big rig”. 45 ft Class A with a 16ft tow.
This is NOT a place for big rigs.
We had booked a water front lot, full hookup and their most expensive lot. About $75 for the night.
The roads and lot signs are scarce and other than handing us a very inaccurate map of the property, we were on our own.
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.
Wide enough for travel trailers and 5th wheels but not a large class a.
The lots are also not gravel and not level. Ours was dirt and mostly mud and even with our leveling jacks down, we could not level due to the mud and lack of a gravel base.
Ours (lot 134) was filthy. Food, cigarette butts, trash and dog shit. Not to mention a pile of mulch. Maintenance seems non existent.
ZERO prep or cleanup was done on the site.
Water pressure good but water reaks of chlorine. DO NOT drink the water. Made the mistake of using it for morning coffee. So much chlorine its like pool water.
Internet very good. Only positive thing that I can say.
Power sucks. 30amp only but not truly providing that. We kept blowing the breaker and noted our lights flickering. We can easily run on 30amp. This is typical of an overbuilt park with not enough power for the campers onsite.
Once we were in and set, we first noted that other campers were cutting through our lot to get to the river. A constant flow of kids, adults and inner tubs all walking through our site.
We then went to walk our dogs and had numerous encounters by dogs not on leashes. We could not leave our dogs outside on their tether's due to worrying about unattended dogs.
The other thing is that cars and trucks were flying on the roads with no safe speed limit. It seems that they drop off tubers on the river near our lot and then the drivers fly out of here to go meet them downriver.
This is a low class dump made up of travel trailers, tent campers and fifth wheels. No maintenance, no enforced rules. No pride in the property or operation.
Not a place for large coach owners or seasoned RVrs who know how the rest of the country is.
We will not be back and strongly advise any Class A big rig owners to avoid.
32 sites all around the lake. Some are walk in right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, and clean. Make sure to take a left at the start of the lake, the right is all private road and you will have to turn around.
We only stayed for one night on a spur of the moment camping trip for our birthday, and we were blown away with how nice it was. Beautiful area, very clean, quiet, fire rings at most sites, privies / out houses at some of the sites. Important note there is limited to no cell service here. "10/10 would camp here again" -The girlfriend
One lean-to and 3 campsites.
2 near the lean-to across the bridge.
1 on the other side.
There's also a privy.
It's far out and the only way to access is by hiking.
Mostly seasonal nice and quiet. Basic sites with amenities. Very roomy and spacious.
Great campsite going up toward Algonquin peak.
Just a bit before the MacIntyre Brook Falls.
Easy to collect water at the falls.
It's on a side trail (left side).
Bear canisters required.
Camping near Wanakena, New York, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to paddle on serene lakes or hike through lush forests, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Wanakena, New York, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a perfect getaway for nature lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Wanakena, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Wanakena, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 97 campgrounds and RV parks near Wanakena, NY and 16 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Wanakena, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Wanakena, NY is Cranberry Lake - DEC with a 4.9-star rating from 15 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Wanakena, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Wanakena, NY.
What parks are near Wanakena, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Wanakena, NY that allow camping, notably White Mountain National Forest and Green Mountain National Forest.
