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.
Description
Forked Lake Campground's remoteness, in beautiful surroundings and on well-planned grounds, offer campers a terrific wilderness experience. Large, well-forested, campsites offer wonderful privacy; most are accessible by boat and/or foot trail. The campground offers water-focused recreational opportunities, including canoeing, boating, and fishing.
CAMPGROUND SPECIFIC INFORMATION
- Sites 3-34 and 63-78 and 69A are boat and or trail access. Sites 35 to 62 are accessible only by boat.
- Due to black bears in the area, food lockers are provided for all campers (except drive to sites). They measure 18"X18"X4' pack accordingly.
- Due to the nature of this facility, it is strongly recommended that you arrive in time to reach your site before dark.
- There is a carry in, carry out garbage policy in effect.
WHEN YOU ARRIVE - You must sign for your own site. Have your equipment with you and be ready to camp when you register. Names of all campers on a site must be listed on the permit at time of registration.
CHECK-IN TIME - From 2pm until 9p.m. Campers must register for their campsite by 9:00 p.m. on the first night of their reservation or the campsite will be subject to re-rental and all fees will be forfeited.
CHECK-OUT TIME - 11:00 a.m. on your departure date.
OCCUPANCY - Limited to 6 individuals per campsite and 2 tents or 1 unit of hard wheeled camping equipment and 1 tent. Only 2 vehicles permitted on any campsite. Extra vehicles will be required to park in a designated area (additional fees will apply).
AGE REGULATIONS - Campsites must be registered and occupied by a responsible person 18 years of age or older.
LENGTH OF STAY - Your camping permit can be issued for a maximum of 14 nights. From July 1 through Labor Day only 14 cumulative nights will be permitted at any campground.
QUIET HOURS - From 10 p.m. until 7 a.m., and are strictly enforced. Violators of this policy may be evicted.
GENERATORS - The use of generators may be limited to no more than 5 hours per day and fall between the hours of 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily. If the use of a generator is deemed unreasonably loud by the facility staff, then individual use of a generator may be prohibited/limited.
FIRES - Must be built in fireplaces provided. Only dead and down wood may be used for fuel. No chainsaws are allowed in campgrounds, and cutting down trees, alive or dead, is prohibited.
FIREARMS - Are not allowed in campgrounds except during the Fall and Spring hunting seasons. Firearms must not be discharged within campground boundaries at any time.
ACCESSIBLE SITES - At least one member of the camping party staying on the site must be mobility impaired (i.e., in a wheelchair or uses a walker) or the camping party may be turned away at the campground.
SWIMMING - Is allowed at campgrounds with supervised bathing areas during designated hours when a lifeguard is on duty. Please note that there may be times when lifeguards are unavailable, and for the safety of our customers, these beaches will not be open and swimming will be prohibited. Not all campground locations offer swimming, to inquire please contact the campground directly.
PETS - Are allowed with proof of a currently valid rabies vaccination in the form of a current year's tag or a certificate issued by the veterinarian. Campers can walk dogs on a leash no longer than six feet as long as the animal is under control. Dogs cannot be left unattended and are not allowed in facility structures, on the beach, or in day use areas.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
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 CampgroundForked Lake Campground is located in New York
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
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites 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
- 1 hr 32 min from Glens Falls, NY
- 2 hrs 9 min from Utica, NY
- 2 hrs 28 min from Burlington, VT
- 2 hrs 28 min from Watertown, NY
















