State camping in Hamilton County

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has numerous campgrounds throughout New York, but in the Adirondack Park we have some of the finest. Below you can find the ones within the Hamilton County Region and choose which ones will be best for you.

Booking your site

There are a couple things that you can do to get a spot in one of these locations - and just swinging in is one of them, but if you want to secure that perfect site it's best to go online and book your spot. First thing you'll want to do is peruse the options that appeal to you. Are you an island camper? Looking for super kid-friendly? Want to be close to a town? Oh, the options.

Firewood and Invasive Species Prevention

Before you rush off to find that perfect spot though, I have to explain the firewood transport law for invasive species protection. According to the NYSDEC website, "a regulation is in effect that prohibits the import of firewood into New York unless it has been heat treated to kill pests. The regulation also limits the transportation of untreated firewood to less than 50 miles from its source if bought or gathered in New York." DEC also states on their website: That by transporting firewood, you could be spreading diseases and invasive insects that can quickly kill large numbers of trees. Help Stop the Spread and obey the Firewood Regulation:

• It is best to leave all firewood at home - please do not bring it to campgrounds or parks.
• Get your firewood at the campground or from a local vendor - ask for a receipt or label that has the firewood's local source.

If you choose to transport firewood within New York State:

• It must have a receipt or label that has the firewood's source and it must remain within 50 miles of that source.
• For firewood not purchased (i.e. cut from your own property) you must have a certificate of origin. Only firewood labeled as meeting New York's heat treatment standards to kill pests (kiln-dried) may be transported into the state and further than 50 miles from the firewood's source.

To read more about invasive species that threaten our forest go to NYSDEC.

15 state campsites rest within the borders of Hamilton County, more than any other county, that's almost as much as all the other counties combined! I have listed these below by region for you to browse through. Maps and more details can be found on their websites. To give a simpler overview I kept my breakdowns to what and where, but that should help start the decision making process.

LONG LAKE REGION

Lake Eaton
• Located off Route 30 in Long Lake this campground rests on the shores of Lake Eaton. Here you can enjoy a peaceful relaxing paddle on the waters or fish for that big story. Hiking trails for Goodman, Coney and Owls Head are just minutes away.
• 135 tent and trailer sites, picnic area with tables and fireplaces, flush toilets, hot showers, trailer dump station, recycling center, and mobility impaired accessibility, boat and canoe rentals (daily).

Forked Lake
• Resting off Forked Lake Road you can enjoy a very peaceful getaway on the Shores of Forked Lake. Many sites require you to walk in or access by boat, but a few are roadside - those go pretty quickly. Enjoy fishing in the Raquette River or a hike in the Sargent Ponds Wild Forest.
• 80 campsites, picnic area with tables and fireplaces, pit toilets, boat launch, firewood sales, DEC canoe and boat rentals.

RAQUETTE LAKE REGION

Tioga Point
• This campground is only accessible by boat from Raquette Lake or North Point Road. Expect a quiet, primitive, campground with no potable water. A foot trail to Sargent Ponds leaves from the campground for hiking opportunities.
• 15 lean-tos, 10 tent sites, firewood sales, picnic tables, and fireplaces.

Brown Tract Pond
• This quiet and scenic campground is like a dream getaway for wilderness. Several trails are just minutes away including Shallow Lake, and West Mountain. Located on Lower Brown Tract Pond, you'll have a peaceful retreat with your canoe or kayak, no motorboats allowed.
• 90 tent and trailer sites, picnic area with tables and fireplaces, flush toilets, trailer dump station, and recycling center.
Golden Beach
• This "golden beach" is nearly that. A wonderful sand beach on the Shore of Raquette Lake will entice you to swim in the cool waters, and maybe even throw a hook out in the evening for some bullhead. Trails to Death Falls, and Grass Pond are only minutes away. Short foot trails also leave the campground to access other small beaches on the lake.
• 205 tent and trailer sites, picnic area with tables and fireplaces, flush toilets, hot showers, trailer dump station, recycling center, mobility impaired accessibility, sand beach, swimming area, bath house, hiking trails.

INLET REGION

Eighth Lake
• Located on Eighth Lake you have the convenience of hiking trails in and around the campground as well as ample paddling opportunities. A short drive to the main street of Inlet is only a rock-skip away to enjoy the treat of an ice cream cone and a day on the town.
• 126 tent and trailer sites, picnic area with tables and fireplaces, flush toilets, hot showers, trailer dump station, recycling center, mobility impaired accessibility, firewood sales, sand beach, swimming area, picnic area, DEC canoe and boat rentals, hiking trails.
Limekiln Lake
• Resting off Route 28 between Raquette Lake and Inlet rests this gem of a campground. A short drive will get you deep into wilderness as you explore the Moose River Plains and hike the secluded trails that lie within.
• 271 tent and trailer sites, picnic area with tables, fireplaces, and pavilion rental, flush toilets, hot showers, trailer dump station, recycling center, mobility impaired accessibility, sand beach, swimming area, bath house, nature trail, small boat launch, canoe rentals.

BLUE MOUNTAIN LAKE REGION

Lake Durrant
• Located just south of Blue Mountain Lake you'll findthis campground resting on the Shores of Lake Durrant. Lake Durrant is one of the most photographed and picturesque lakes in the park. Remain quiet and you could see a moose strolling on the shores. Hop onto the Northville/Placid Trail right from the campground or drive a couple minutes to hike back to Cascade Lake, Castle Rock, or Blue Mountain.
• 61 tent and trailer sites, picnic area with tables and fireplaces, flush toilets, hot showers, trailer dump station, recycling center, firewood sales, mobility impaired accessibility, sand beach, boat launch, bath house, hiking trails.

INDIAN LAKE REGION

Indian Lake Islands
• Only accessible by boat, you will be far away from automobile traffic when you call an island home for the weekend. Lakeside trails offer access to immediate hiking opportunities, so consider Baldface Mountain a nice stroll for the afternoon. There are boat launches located on Lewey and Indian Lakes. These are primitive sites.
• 55 campsites, picnic areas with tables and fireplaces, pit toilets, firewood sales, pay telephone, hiking trails.
Lewey Lake
• Rest on the Shores of Lewey Lake and be awoken by the call of the loons through the morning mist. Hiking trails leave from the campground, but many others like Snowy Mountain are only minutes away.
• 207 campsites*, picnic area with tables and fireplaces*, flush toilets/hot showers*, trailer dump station, recycling center, firewood sales, sand beach, swimming area, bath house, boat launch and hiking trails. (*Some designated as accessible for the mobility impaired.)

SACANDAGA LAKE REGION

Sacandaga
• On one of the largest lakes in the park sits this state campground. If you love fishing and motor boating, along with camping, this is the place for you.
• 143 campsites*,  picnic area with tables and fireplaces*, hot showers/flush toilets*, firewood sales, trailer dump station, boat launch on back side of Algonquin Lake, recycling center, pay telephone. (*Some designated as accessible for the mobility impaired.)

SPECULATOR REGION

Moffitt Beach
• Boy, the sunsets and sunrises from here are spectacular so don't forget your camera. You will be minutes from several short to extended hiking adventures as well as a wonderful opportunities to take in some lovely waterfalls along the rivers.
• 261 campsites*, picnic area with tables and fireplaces*, picnic pavilion rental, hot showers/flush toilets (one women's and one men's, designated as accessible for the mobility impaired), trailer dump station, recycling center, boat launch, sand beach, bathhouse, swimming area, firewood sales, and pay telephone. (*Some designated as accessible for the mobility impaired.)

PISECO REGION

Note: Point Comfort and Little Sand Point Campgrounds have been consolidated into one new campground, the Piseco Lake Campground and Day Use Area. Both campgrounds are now referred to as "loops" within Piseco Lake Campground.

Point Comfort
• This campground sits on the Shores of Piseco Lake where paddling is ample and there are nice opportunities for short hikes and day outings. Like the sounds of loons? You won't be disappointed.
• 76 campsites, sand beach, boat launch, picnic area, vault toilets, recycling center, firewood sales, bathhouse.

Little Sand Point
• Also resting on Piseco Lake, you'll find Little Sand Point. Boasting similar amenities, either campground will offer a stellar time.
• 78 campsites, sand beach, boat launch, flush and vault toilets, firewood sales, pay telephone, trailer dumping station, recycling center, hot showers.

Poplar Point
• This is the third campground on this popular southern lake in the Adirondacks. Poplar Point is only about a third of the size of the other two, so if you really want to camp at this one, you better book early.
• 21 campsites, picnic area, boat launch, vault toilets, recycling center at Little Sand Point, sand beach, firewood sales, bath house.

Ready to start planning your camping vacation? We thought so! See you soon...