Forked Lake Campground

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation manages Forked Lake Campground within the Adirondack State Forest, where campers access sites by boat, foot, or vehicle along rough access roads. This established campground accommodates RVs up to 20 feet with electric, water, and sewer hookups available at $18 per night during its May through September season.

All campsites sit directly on the lake's shoreline, providing immediate water access for fishing and paddling activities. The forested terrain includes both open areas and dense tree cover, with widely spaced sites offering privacy between camping groups. Each primitive site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and pit toilet, though several reviewers note maintenance issues with facilities.

Black flies present significant challenges during late spring and early summer months. "Bugs were bad in late June, you would get eaten alive by black flies," reports one camper who experienced peak insect season. Wildlife encounters occur regularly, with bears active throughout the area requiring proper food storage in provided bear boxes.

The campground's boat-in access allows paddlers to reach waterfront sites via canoe or kayak, while some sites feature individual docks. For additional camping options in the region, campers can explore campgrounds near Long Lake. This destination works best for experienced campers comfortable with primitive conditions and seasonal insect activity.

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Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

DEC Campgrounds: Same-day reservations will be allowed until 5pm on day of arrival at all DEC campgrounds. Reservations can be made online or through the Reserve America Call Center: 1-800-456-2267. Walk-ins will not be permitted.

RV Road Trip Guides

Location

Public Campground

Forked Lake Campground is located in New York

Detail location of campground

Directions

Forked Lake Public Campground can be reached by leaving State Routes 28N and 30 at Deerland and driving southwest on County Roads 3 (North Point Rd) and 20 (Forked Lake Campsite Lane) to the east shore of Forked Lake.

Address

381 Forked Lake Campsite Road
Long Lake, NY 12847

Coordinates

43.90500038 N
74.52500075 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups

Drive Time


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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

9 Reviews

Numerous guests pointed out the beautiful lakefront setting and spacious primitive sites accessible by boat or hike. A common theme was severe black fly problems during peak season and poor maintenance throughout the campground.

Reviewed Jan. 28, 2025

Best of both worlds

Great private campsites you hike/paddle in to. Sites have a bear box and privy on site

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Sep. 26, 2023

Truck camping heaven

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

Site76
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Forked Lake Campground by Noah D., September 26, 2023
  • Review photo of Forked Lake Campground by Noah D., September 26, 2023
  • Review photo of Forked Lake Campground by Noah D., September 26, 2023
Reviewed Oct. 19, 2021

Primative camping on lakefront

Primative, badly maintained, tent sites. Widely spaced. All sites on lake front. Canoe rentals available for paddling to sites. Some sites having their own docks. Very heavy bugs. Primative old pit toilets at each site. Be advised, this is bear country. Campground managent very poor, uncaring.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Sep. 8, 2020

Best Primative Camping

We were unfortunately able to get a spot on the lake, also due to us having dogs that aren’t fond of riding in kayaks yet. We ended up camping out right past spot 6 on North Point Road. Loved it. Us and the dogs. Primitive camping at Forked Lake is always the best.

  • Review photo of Forked Lake Campground by Karolee G., September 8, 2020
Reviewed Apr. 27, 2019

Wild

This campground was beautiful. We boated in to our site with a kayak and a canoe with our supplies. We went during peak black fly season and got eaten alive though and decided to pack it up early. There was a bear den close to our site that was pretty cool.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Forked Lake Campground by Caitie S., April 27, 2019
  • Loons and campfire
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Reviewed Jun. 30, 2016

Bugs

Bugs were everywhere which made for a bad time, DONT GO LATE JUNE. Otherwise a nice place with primitive sites on the water. Wouldn't return in June again.

  • Review photo of Forked Lake Campground by David B., June 30, 2016
  • Review photo of Forked Lake Campground by David B., June 30, 2016
  • Review photo of Forked Lake Campground by David B., June 30, 2016
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jun. 28, 2016

Bad

Bugs were bad in late June, you would get eaten alive by black flies. Water was a nice temperature but everything was terrible from the bugs

  • Review photo of Forked Lake Campground by Meike  W., June 28, 2016
  • Review photo of Forked Lake Campground by Meike  W., June 28, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Forked Lake Campground?

Forked Lake Campground offers primitive lakefront camping with basic facilities. Each site features a pit toilet/privy, picnic table, and bear box for food storage. Some sites have their own docks. Canoe rentals are available for accessing boat-in sites, as many require paddling to reach. No electricity or running water is provided. The campground maintains a truly rustic experience with sites spaced well apart for privacy, though maintenance may be inconsistent. Remember this is bear country, so proper food storage is essential.

What are visitors saying in Forked Lake Campground reviews?

Forked Lake Campground receives mixed feedback with many visitors praising its beautiful lakeside setting and private campsites. Campers particularly appreciate the spacious, widely-spaced sites along the waterfront and excellent night visibility. However, seasonal challenges include severe black fly infestations, especially in late June, which have significantly impacted some visitors' experiences. Maintenance concerns have been noted by some campers, though the natural surroundings and wildlife viewing opportunities remain highlights. Many visitors enjoy the paddling opportunities on the lake and appreciate the primitive camping experience.

Are there photos available to preview Forked Lake Campground before visiting?

Yes, photos of Forked Lake Campground are available through the official New York State DEC website and various camping platforms including The Dyrt. These images showcase the lakefront sites, surrounding forest, and water access points. For the most current visual preview, check the New York State Parks reservation system where official campground photos are typically posted. Visitor-submitted photos on camping websites can provide additional perspectives of specific sites, especially the boat-in locations and the natural setting.