Best Campgrounds near Wilmington, NY

Wilmington, New York serves as a gateway to Adirondack camping with diverse accommodation options in the surrounding area. Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday, Wilmington Notch Campground, and several other established campgrounds offer a mix of tent, RV, and cabin sites. Located near Whiteface Mountain and the Ausable River, these campgrounds provide convenient access to outdoor recreation in the Adirondack High Peaks region. Most established sites include basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire pits, and access to restroom facilities, while some offer electric hookups and water for RVs.

Access to camping areas varies seasonally, with most campgrounds operating from May through October. Roads are generally well-maintained and accessible by standard vehicles. "This is a typical KOA with lots of sites and people. Loved how close it was to Lake Placid, Wilmington, and other great Adirondack towns. Especially loved the proximity to the AuSable River which provided amazing fly fishing," noted one camper. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the Adirondacks, with cool evenings even during summer months. Cell service may be limited at more remote sites. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak summer season and holiday weekends, particularly for sites with electrical hookups or premium waterfront locations.

The camping experience near Wilmington balances natural surroundings with proximity to recreation opportunities. Campers frequently mention the convenient location for accessing hiking trails, fishing spots, and mountain biking routes. Wilmington Notch Campground receives particular praise for its location near the Ausable River and Whiteface Mountain. According to visitor feedback, "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." Sites vary in privacy levels, with those surrounded by trees offering more seclusion than open field arrangements. Traffic noise can be noticeable at campgrounds situated near main roads, while more secluded options provide a quieter experience but may have fewer amenities.

Best Camping Sites Near Wilmington, New York (154)

    1. Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday

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

    "This is also listed as the North Pole Wilmington KOA. Medium size KOA, quiet, sires were a little bigger than most KOAs. Close to hiking trails, Whiteface Mt Parkway & Lake Placid."

    "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. Wilmington Notch Campground

    11 Reviews
    Wilmington, NY
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 946-7172

    $18 / night

    "We stayed at Wilmington Notch for a night prior to backpacking. It has a great location (beside Whiteface) and is open to both tent campers and RVs."

    "The campsite is just down the road from Whiteface Mountain, a few fly shops, and many fishing access sites and hiking trails, and is about 15 minutes from Lake Placd."

    3. Draper’s Acres

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

    $30 - $40 / night

    "Some if the sites are rather close to each other, and the proximity to the road was noticeable but my white noise app dealt with that while I slept. Prices were more than fair for what was provided."

    "We had a full hookup, pull through site surrounded by trees. There was some road noise during the day but it was nice and quiet at night. The bathhouses looked very "rustic" but we didn't use them."

    4. Meadowbrook Campground

    10 Reviews
    Ray Brook, NY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 891-4351

    $18 / night

    "This is a very basic campground situated in a small village in the Adirondacks – situated between Saranac Lake and Lake Placid. "

    "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."

    5. Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve Campground

    15 Reviews
    Saranac Lake, NY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 891-2841

    $22 - $40 / night

    "Outhouse was a little rough around the edges, but doable. Town is close by for ice and things. Our island had 4 other campsites on it and we barely saw or heard our neighbors."

    "This lake is so peaceful and the remote islands that are only accessible by boat make this spot really special. It's a gorgeous place to get away from everything and to really connect to nature."

    6. Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake

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

    $25 - $55 / night

    "Despite the lake being frozen over, the views just steps away from our lean to were gorgeous. The staff were really friendly and someone is available 24/7 in case you run into issues."

    "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."

    7. Taylor Pond

    3 Reviews
    Wilmington, NY
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 647-5250

    $16 / night

    "Its definitely way out there, and the beauty is worth the drive! Very nice primitive style campground :)"

    "Long skinny lake can be windy and rough. Boat launch is rough"

    8. Camp Whiteface Mountain

    1 Review
    Wilmington, NY
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 946-7705

    $39 / night

    "Nestled in the trees by the Ausable River its a convenient place to explore the area.  20 minutes from downtown Lake Placid at the base of Whiteface mountain. 2 hours away is Montreal or Burlington VT."

    9. Buck Pond Campground

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

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Our site was tucked back into some trees and you couldn't see any other sites from it. To look around, it was as if we had all of the Adirondacks to ourselves!"

    "wonderful place to get away from it all"

    10. Copperas Pond

    1 Review
    Lake Placid, NY
    5 miles
    Website

    "The campground by Copperas Pond is up a trail in the Sentinel Range Wilderness Area. The hike up to the campground was pretty rocky and steep, but not that long."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 154 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Wilmington, NY

612 Reviews of 154 Wilmington Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Horseshoe Lake

    NY Designated Camping

    Along Co 421, by Horseshoe Lake, there are 10-11 designated campsites. Most have fire pits.

    Road is rough but easily doable if you take it slow.

    As it’s a forest, the sites are pretty shaded, so solar and Starlink may present challenges. Slight AT&T at earlier sites.

  • Laura W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Rogers Rock Campground

    Roger's Rock

    It was a pretty good park. Wooded nicely. Big lots where we were. Down near the water the sites were pretty crammed together Not parked in a row like an RV park.

  • Robert K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites

    awesome place

    I came from the Albany area. It took me about two hours 45 minutes and well worth the drive, I first stopped at site four and fully set up my Truck tent and the rest of camp, awesome location. You can walk down to the water, which is only a small ledge and enough space to put a chair, me and my German Shepherd were walking around the trails and we found site five which was absolutely beautiful and right on the water, I mean right on the water. I went back to site for packed up a bunch of stuff into the truck and left the truck tent in there since it takes about 30 minutes to take up and down, I had walked the road a couple of times to see if I could get my truck down there, definitely need four-wheel-drive, but it is possible to get your truck down there and I did, set up camp there spent the rest of the day the night and all of the next day. Absolutely beautiful the dog loved the water being right there, I definitely love this place. This is my first campsite that I found using the app highly recommend.

  • X
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Carry Falls Recreation Area

    Quite, not high quality.

    Thai place is very cute, quiet, and not a lot of people frequent. The bathrooms are kind of “rundown” they are old and they use composing toilets with no showers and one sink located outside of the facility. It is NOT FREE they charge 16.00 a night. Located on an inlet of the man made lake. Water access, quiet, not busy, small, gives small town feel. Comes with picnic table and fireplace. We had site 6 and fit our 30 ft camper with 4 cars.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Little Green Pond

    Peaceful spots under the pines

    12 designated camping spots. Some require driving down a bumpy access road that can be muddy after a rain. Sites are on the Pond. Pond has a small beach to swim. Tree covered sites.

  • K
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Mount Philo State Park Campground

    Hidden gem!

    Great little campground at a beautiful state park. The campground had widely spaced wooded sites and was exceptionally quiet. Very well-maintained! Recommend nearby Charlotte town beach for swimming ($10 for non-residents).

  • M
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Brookwood RV Resort

    Nice Campground

    Well maintained campground. Shop onsite with all you can possibly need. Beautiful pool. And easy access to Fort Ticonderoga, restaurants in town and Lake George area.

  • E
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Indian Brook Reservoir

    Family of 4 tent camping

    I mistakenly assumed they had drive up campsites. They do not. It was a 15 minute hike to the site, so pack light. If you have a kayak, you can transport your stuff over. Site was gorgeous and private, right on the reservoir. Really lovely setting!

  • Snooz H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Shelburne Camping Area

    Oh My God. NO!

    Electricity would not work. We got an error on our control panel that said stop! Power source is not correct! Dan, one of the owners, said that somebody must have tried to hook a 50 amp into the 30 amp. box. He went about a half block to check breaker said that it was not flipped but it was wobbling pretty loose in there.

    My husband is a licensed electrician and of course had his own testing equipment. It showed 25 amp coming out of it. So he said move to spot 50. Well before we moved our vehicle, we went down there and checked it. He took off before we could. And guess what the exact same problem. We did not even hook into the second one. (#50)
    So he proceeded to tell us that it was our equipment that had gone bad. Even though we never plugged into spot 50!

    I had planned on one night thank God! He did refund our $52. we had to drive down the road and try to find someplace else at 7:00 in the evening. Another thank God, the Walmart about 10 or 15 miles down the road would allow overnight.

    So we are now on our way to our next location which is about a 7 hour drive. We are just hoping that they did not damage our equipment. It has been extremely stressful if you go there you better watch out!


Guide to Wilmington

Camping near Wilmington, NY, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the nearby trails, especially around the Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday. One reviewer mentioned, "There are plenty of hikes nearby to wear them out if you desire."
  • Water Activities: Enjoy kayaking or swimming at Fish Creek Pond Campground. A visitor shared, "Every site has water access, and the water is super shallow all along the shoreline."
  • Fishing: The Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve is perfect for fishing enthusiasts. One camper noted, "Boat access only, primitive camping, book campsites early."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate cleanliness, especially at places like Grand Isle State Park Campground. A reviewer stated, "The cleanliness of the facilities was excellent."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Moosalamoo Campground. One visitor remarked, "Sites are generously spaced out."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the stunning views at Rogers Rock Campground. A review highlighted, "The views out the camper were just amazing."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Smugglers Notch State Park Campground, have fewer amenities. A camper mentioned, "No amenities, no Wi-Fi."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for noise at busy campgrounds. One visitor at Lake George Escape Campground noted, "It was nice just not as relaxing and quiet as I would have liked."
  • Wildlife: Campers should be aware of wildlife in the area. A review from Fish Creek Pond Campground mentioned, "The bottom is sandy with some rocks, good to have water shoes but not essential."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids, like the Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday. One family shared, "They had lots of activities to take back to the campsite for rainy days."
  • Check for Dog Parks: If you’re bringing pets, check for dog parks. A reviewer at Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday mentioned, "The dog park was very small."
  • Choose Family-Friendly Sites: Look for campgrounds that cater to families, like North Beach Campground. One camper noted, "A very short and easy drive right outside of Burlington."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your chosen campground has the right hookups for your RV. The Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday offers electric hookups, which is a plus.
  • Be Prepared for Bugs: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially in May at places like Fish Creek Pond Campground. One camper advised, "There were quite a few bugs."
  • Know Your Route: Some campgrounds, like Lake George Escape Campground, have confusing road layouts. A visitor mentioned, "The roads in the park are confusing because none are parallel or perpendicular."

Camping Wilmington, NY, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Wilmington, NY campgrounds?

Campgrounds in the Wilmington area offer a range of amenities to enhance your camping experience. Meadowbrook Campground provides basic but essential amenities with each site featuring a picnic table and open fire grill. The outer ring sites offer excellent privacy thanks to trees and shrubs creating natural boundaries. At Pine Ridge Park Campsite, you'll find family-friendly facilities with planned activities for children throughout the summer season and a reading area for kids. Most campgrounds in the region provide water access, toilet facilities, and fire rings, while some offer electric hookups for RVs, shower facilities, and camp stores. Proximity to natural attractions is a common amenity across Wilmington area campgrounds.

When is the best season for camping in Wilmington, NY?

Summer (June through August) is the prime camping season in Wilmington, offering warm temperatures perfect for enjoying outdoor activities. Ausable Point Campground is particularly lovely during this period, with opportunities for water activities, hiking, and beach walking. Fall (September-October) brings spectacular foliage colors to the Adirondacks, making it a magical time to visit. Lake Durant Campground showcases early fall colors by early September, with crisp, cool mornings enhancing the camping experience. Many campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through October, with some closing after Columbus Day weekend. Winter camping is limited, as most facilities close due to harsh weather conditions and heavy snowfall that the region experiences.

Where are the best campgrounds in Wilmington, NY?

Wilmington offers several excellent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Wilmington Notch Campground is ideally located beside Whiteface Mountain with campsites arranged in a circle, making it perfect for both tent campers and RVs seeking a convenient stopover. For those wanting a private campground experience, Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday offers quieter sites that are more spacious than typical KOAs, with helpful staff and proximity to hiking trails, Whiteface Mountain Parkway, and Lake Placid. The area surrounding Wilmington also offers access to numerous Adirondack campgrounds, making it an ideal base for exploring the region's natural beauty.