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Map showing campground location near Otter Lake, New York
Camper submitted image from North Lake ResevoirView 23 Photos
FacilitiesMap showing campground location near Otter Lake, New York

North Lake Resevoir

4 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Free camping on North Lake Reservoir requires a bit of advance planning. Sites must be registered at a numbered log near the entrance, and reaching the campground means driving 30 to 40 minutes along a dirt and gravel road off Route 28. No four-wheel drive is needed, but the distance from services makes self-sufficiency essential. Expect no cell service, no running water, and no electrical hookups. Toilets are available at some sites, and most have fire rings. Pets and alcohol are permitted. The season runs May through October.

Around 25 primitive sites are dispersed along the lakeshore, ranging from drive-in spots to walk-in sites requiring a half-mile or more on foot. The sites closest to the water give direct lake access, and several reviewers note that the surrounding trees provide solid shade cover. The area sits within Black River Wild Forest, and those who enjoy paddling or fishing will find the lake a central draw. Quietness is noted by campers who have stayed here, with the main sounds being boats on the water and loon calls in the early morning.

Insect pressure is worth factoring into trip timing. One reviewer who visited in June reported a significant biting fly problem, noting that high-DEET repellent for both skin and clothing made the difference between an unpleasant stay and an enjoyable one. Mosquitoes are also a factor in warmer months. Campers who want to explore the broader region can find campgrounds near Otter Lake as a reference point for staging trips in the area. Nicks Lake Campground is another DEC-managed option in the region for those who want amenities not available here.

Pack out all trash, bring insect repellent rated for biting flies, and arrive with enough water for your stay.

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Map & DirectionsNorth Lake Resevoir is located in New York near Otter Lake

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

43.5221348578485 N
74.94827488134422 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - North Lake Resevoir

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4 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the primitive lakefront sites offering excellent privacy and natural beauty. Common feedback included basic facilities like fire rings and outhouses, plus the benefit of free camping. Several visitors noted insect issues requiring quality repellent during summer months.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Mar. 31, 2026

So Beautiful and Peaceful

Still quite a bit of snow at the entrance once I got past that it was easy site are perfect right on the water with a little out house across. Breathtaking views!

Site4
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of North Lake Resevoir by Sierra W., March 31, 2026
  • Review photo of North Lake Resevoir by Sierra W., March 31, 2026
  • Review photo of North Lake Resevoir by Sierra W., March 31, 2026
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jun. 25, 2025

Beautiful if you have biting fly repellent

The Campsite itself is really great: -at least half of the Sites are car accessible -you don’t need 4WD (gravel road) -nice lake and nature -many sites have fireplaces and outhouses -it’s free

What’s really bad: We were here in June and there was an invasion of biting flies. There were so many that you couldn’t stand still for 5 seconds and it was just not enjoyable. I also think this is a general thing in this area not just at this campsite.

Then we got a really good mosquito repellent (from Walmart) for skin and one for clothing and now we finally can enjoy this stay. (It’s important that you get a high quality one with high deet percent, the others don’t work)

You need to register and camp at a numbered site

No cell service

Take your trash with you!

Site8
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of North Lake Resevoir by Joel M., June 25, 2025
  • Review photo of North Lake Resevoir by Joel M., June 25, 2025
  • Review photo of North Lake Resevoir by Joel M., June 25, 2025
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jul. 22, 2023

Over night stay

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

Site9
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of North Lake Resevoir by Tate T., July 22, 2023
  • Review photo of North Lake Resevoir by Tate T., July 22, 2023
  • Review photo of North Lake Resevoir by Tate T., July 22, 2023
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Sep. 8, 2018

North Lake Reservoir

Not that they would do this place any justice, but I sincerely wish I had pictures. Unfortunately my last visit here was before smart phones were so commonplace. North Lake Reservoir is one of the Adirondack Park’s best kept secrets. Extremely primitive, you must get off Rte 28, heading toward the old Buffalo Head restaurant and passed there, keep going another 30-40 minutes along a dirt/gravel road until you reach N Lake Rd.

The DEC-run facility offers about 25 primitive sites along North Lake. There is a campers log where you can sign in at the entrance and the sites are dispersed along a long dirt road. A few are drive-in, while many you must park and walk-in. These sites are primitive-no tables, no facilities or running water. Best of all, no generators or electrical hookups for those of us in it to truly be in nature.

I don’t recall the site number, but we had about a 1/2-3/4 mile hike along a narrow path to the site. It was completely worth it- the site was large and right on the water, completely surrounded by trees and shade. The only sounds came from the occasional boat across the lake and loon calls in the morning.

Coming here has absolutely been one of my favorite experiences. If you’re adventurous and up for the challenge and seclusion, I highly recommend checking out North Lake Reservoir!

Month of VisitJuly
Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is North Lake Campground located in New York?

North Lake Reservoir is located in the Adirondack Park region of New York. It's accessible via Route 28, and is considered one of the hidden gems of the area. The campground is situated in a remote, pristine setting that offers true Adirondack wilderness camping. Its secluded location contributes to its quiet atmosphere and natural beauty.

Is camping allowed at North Lake in the Adirondacks?

Yes, camping is allowed at North Lake in the Adirondacks. The campground features primitive sites, many with fire rings. Approximately half the sites are car accessible via a gravel road that doesn't require 4WD. Some sites include outhouses/privies for convenience. Notably, camping here is free. The campground offers a true Adirondack wilderness experience with basic amenities in a beautiful natural setting.

What recreational activities are available at North Lake Reservoir?

North Lake Reservoir offers excellent opportunities for swimming and fishing in its beautiful lake setting. The surrounding natural area is perfect for hiking and wildlife observation. Campers can enjoy peaceful relaxation by the water, photography opportunities, and stargazing in the evenings due to minimal light pollution. The pristine environment makes it ideal for nature appreciation and outdoor recreation in a tranquil setting.

What do reviews say about North Lake Campground?

North Lake Campground is highly regarded for its pristine natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the clean facilities, quiet environment, and availability of fire rings at most sites. The campground offers a mix of car-accessible and more remote sites, providing options for different camping preferences. Be aware that cell service is limited to nonexistent in the area. While the location is beautiful year-round, visitors in June should prepare for potential biting flies. The free camping and beautiful lake setting make it a hidden gem in the Adirondacks.

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