Tent camping near Westport, New York provides direct access to the eastern Adirondack Mountains, with elevations ranging from 100 feet at Lake Champlain to over 4,000 feet at nearby High Peaks. Many primitive sites sit along mountain brooks and streams that provide natural water sources for filtering. Camping options include both drive-up locations and remote backcountry sites requiring hikes of 2-7 miles to access.
What to do
Hike the Great Range: From Feldspar Lean-to, hikers can access Mount Marcy (5,344 ft) and nearby peaks. "If you're coming from Marcy Dam by way of Lake Colden, this campsite is a great spot to stop for the night on the way to Mt. Marcy. There's a good water flow for water that is safe to drink," notes camper Seth K.
Swimming in natural pools: Lillian Brook Campground offers cooling options during summer hikes. Alex R. shares: "You have the Lillian brook flowing right next to it. Clear water with big rock pool to swim in (COLD). You can collect the water but use a filter or tabs to be safe."
Scenic driving routes: Access roads near Heart Lake provide views but require careful navigation. "Road going in is very rough use extreme caution on a motorcycle with street tires," warns Max about the approach to Wilderness Campground.
What campers like
Quiet and privacy: Mount Philo State Park Campground offers secluded sites despite its small size. Drew Q. notes: "Sites 1, 6 and 8 are the best if you're only camping with those at your site as they're the most secluded and private. Sites 2 and 3 are more open, to both each other, and to those en route to the bathrooms."
Accessible views: Many campsites provide short hikes to viewpoints. A visitor to Mount Philo mentions: "Every night it's only a ten minute hike to the summit from where the sites are and you get to watch the sunset over Vermont and lake champlain as the sun falls behind the adirondack mountains."
High elevation camping: For experienced backpackers, Sno-Bird offers unique high-country sites. Devon E. explains: "Snowbird is the only campsite that is above 4000' in the park. The location is awesome for tackling the great range, but how muddy the sites are is a major con."
What you should know
Bear precautions: Bear-resistant food containers are required at many sites, not just recommended. At Heart Lake and surrounding areas, rangers check for proper food storage compliance.
Limited facilities: Most primitive sites offer minimal amenities. Mike F. importantly notes about South Meadow Campground: "NO FIRES ALLOWED!"
Seasonal limitations: While some sites are open year-round, winter access requires additional skills and equipment. Snowbird campsites become particularly challenging as Alex R. notes: "It's a very high campsite...So it's windy and colder at night."
Water availability: Natural water sources require treatment. At Lillian Brook, campers advise: "You can collect the water but use a filter or tabs to be safe."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection matters: Choose tent sites based on proximity to facilities and activities. At Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake, Hannah O. recommends: "Our site (#10) was spacious and relatively private, flat, and shaded. The whole campground was quiet and beautiful to stroll around and see the lake and nearby mountains."
Beach options: For families wanting swimming options, look beyond your campsite. A Mount Philo camper suggests: "Recommend nearby Charlotte town beach for swimming ($10 for non-residents)."
Lean-to alternatives: Families with young children might prefer lean-tos over tent sites during unpredictable weather. "Lean to camping at it's best! The lean to I had was right on the lake and on the edge of the campground. It's a bit of a trek to a bathroom but well worth it," shares cj J. about Heart Lake.
Bathroom considerations: Toilet facilities vary widely between established and primitive sites. Heart Lake offers "two wash houses with showering and bathroom amenities that are cleaned weekly," while backcountry sites typically provide only basic privies.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most Adirondack camping areas near Westport have significant RV limitations. At Adirondack Acres Trail and Camps, Samuel B. notes: "If you have a good 4x4 and some driving skills, you can reach the river with your car. You will drive in what looks like an enchanted forest."
Road conditions: Access roads to many campgrounds feature rough terrain and tight turns. The approach to Heart Lake Wilderness Campground is notoriously rough, with campers frequently mentioning the need for high-clearance vehicles.
Alternative options: For RVers, established campgrounds with designated RV sites in nearby Lake Placid or Keene Valley provide better access than trying to navigate to primitive sites.
