Best Campgrounds near Saranac Lake, NY

Saranac Lake camping ranges from family sites to more remote backcountry spots in the Adirondacks. Frontier Town Campground works well for families with its clean bathrooms and showers, and sits among old-growth trees that give good shade and privacy. The Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve can only be reached by boat or canoe, and the island campsites come with basic amenities like tables, fire rings, and outhouses. Summer is the main camping season when the weather is warm enough for swimming and hiking, though many campers come in fall to see the colorful leaves. Some of the more remote camping areas need vehicles with higher clearance, particularly in winter when snow builds up on access roads. Remember to check current road conditions before heading out. Bears and other wildlife are common in the area, so proper food storage is essential while camping. Saranac Lake has enough camping variety that it works for both first-timers and people who've been camping for decades.

Best Camping Sites Near Saranac Lake, New York (141)

    1. Fish Creek Pond Campground

    33 Reviews
    Tupper Lake, NY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 891-4560

    $22 - $40 / night

    "This is a gorgeous campground on the banks of Fish Creek Pond and Square pond close to Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake."

    "Most of the campsites at Fish Creek Pond are along the waterfront, offering easy access to the pond. Some campers even build temporary docks that they leave behind for subsequent campers."

    2. Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday

    43 Reviews
    Wilmington, NY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 946-7878

    "Close to hiking trails, Whiteface Mt Parkway & Lake Placid. Nice, helpful staff. It is NOT wheelchair accessible. There are steep steps to the office, no grab bars in the bathrooms."

    "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."

    3. Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve Campground

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

    $22 - $40 / night

    "I camped at Saranac Lake Islands for two summers in a row. The first time, my children and I had an island and the second time we had a spot on a little peninsula. It's such a gorgeous place!"

    "Pretty much had an entire island to ourselves and got to enjoy the beautiful saranac lake. We will be back!"

    4. Rollins Pond Campground

    20 Reviews
    Tupper Lake, NY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 891-3239

    $20 / night

    "As it isn't too far of a drive for us, it quickly became our go-to campgrounds for quite a while due to the mostly flat campground and who doesn't love hearing the slow trickle of water splashing close"

    "It was generally quiet Memorial Day weekend, and we were able to snag a lakeside site with plenty of trees and space for our tent, SUV, and more."

    5. Meadowbrook Campground

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

    "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."

    6. Wilmington Notch Campground

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

    $18 / night

    "Only about a hour and a half from the border of Canada. This is a great home base for Lake Placid area and Whiteface Mountain. Great clean bathrooms with free hot showers."

    "Great location, very close to Lake Placid and many different trails. The sites are closer together and not as much privacy in some sections, be sure to reserve to get a prime spot."

    7. Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake

    9 Reviews
    Lake Placid, NY
    13 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."

    8. Buck Pond Campground

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

    "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"

    9. Draper’s Acres

    10 Reviews
    Lake Placid, NY
    13 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."

    10. Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites

    2 Reviews
    Rainbow Lake, NY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 897-1200

    "There is a hand launch for small boats/kayaks to access the pond near the entrance. Site #1 is near the entrance and near the road."

    "It was over the July 4th week, so very busy and found people would just walk through your campsite. Which of course would make our dogs bark at them."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 141 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Saranac Lake, NY

657 Reviews of 141 Saranac Lake Campgrounds



Guide to Saranac Lake

Camping near Saranac Lake, New York, offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're into hiking, fishing, or just relaxing by the water, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful area.

What to do

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails around Saranac Lake. Many campers enjoy the nearby hiking trails, with one reviewer mentioning, "We went and hiked the mountain, which was amazing" at the Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday.
  • Water Sports: Kayaking and canoeing are popular activities. One camper at Fish Creek Pond Campground said, "Every site has water access, and the water is super shallow... perfect for dogs, kids, and hanging out in the water."
  • Fishing: The lakes around Saranac Lake are great for fishing. A long-time visitor to the Saranac Lake Islands noted, "I’ve been coming here every year for 15 years and look forward to the next trip the minute I leave."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Moosalamoo Campground mentioned, "This year they have all new pit toilets. They were very clean!"
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One reviewer at Moffitt Beach Campground said, "The sites are a good distance from each other. I highly recommend this site."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A guest at Rogers Rock Campground shared, "The views out the camper were just amazing."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Saranac Lake Islands, are primitive and lack basic amenities. A camper noted, "Primitive camping with water access only."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Popular spots can get busy. One camper at Old Forge Camping Resort remarked, "It feels too crowded and overused."
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. A visitor at Fish Creek Pond Campground mentioned, "There were clean bath houses everywhere," but also noted the presence of bugs.

Tips for camping with families

  • Plan Activities: Keep the kids entertained with planned activities. A parent at Lake George Escape Campground said, "There is a FULL schedule of themed activities for the kiddos, weekly."
  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. One reviewer at North Beach Campground said, "The campground is in an unbeatable location... a beautiful beach with great amenities."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on the kids, especially near water. A camper at Moffitt Beach Campground noted, "Everyone was respectful and the sites are a good distance from each other."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Old Forge Camping Resort mentioned, "The roads are very tight making backing into a spot very difficult."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Some campgrounds offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. A reviewer at Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday appreciated the "good wi-fi, clean bathhouses."
  • Be Prepared for Bugs: Bring bug spray, especially in warmer months. A camper at Fish Creek Pond Campground noted, "Pretty buggy during the last week of May."

Camping near Saranac Lake, New York, offers a unique blend of nature and adventure. With a little planning, you can enjoy everything this beautiful area has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Saranac Lake, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Saranac Lake, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 141 campgrounds and RV parks near Saranac Lake, NY and 12 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Saranac Lake, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Saranac Lake, NY is Fish Creek Pond Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 33 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Saranac Lake, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Saranac Lake, NY.

What parks are near Saranac Lake, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Saranac Lake, NY that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.