Sierra W.
Traveler
TravelerNorth Lake Resevoir
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!
Best Campgrounds near Star Lake, NY
Star Lake in New York's Adirondack region provides access to multiple camping environments, from developed campgrounds to backcountry sites. Cranberry Lake Campground offers tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with amenities like showers and toilets, while Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites provide more primitive camping experiences on islands and remote shorelines. The area includes both state-operated facilities and private campgrounds such as Birch's Lakeside Campground and Marina, which features full hookups for RVs alongside tent sites.
Road conditions and seasonal availability significantly impact camping options in the region. Most developed campgrounds operate from mid-May through mid-October, with some closing after Labor Day. "We spent 3 nights backcountry camping on Catamount Island in Cranberry Lake and absolutely loved it! The sunsets from the island were truly incredible," noted one visitor about the dispersed camping options. Cell service remains spotty throughout the area, with better coverage in nearby towns like Star Lake and Tupper Lake. Many campgrounds require advance reservations during peak summer months, while backcountry sites on Cranberry Lake operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations necessary.
Waterfront access represents a major draw for campers in the Star Lake region. Cranberry Lake offers opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, with several campers mentioning the excellent water clarity and abundant wildlife. A camper described the experience: "Whether it's playing in the water or in the playground, this place is awesome to bring your children." Visitors frequently mention loon sightings and calls as highlights of their camping experience. The area's mixed-use campgrounds balance accessibility with natural settings, though some reviewers note that lakeside sites fill quickly. For those seeking more solitude, the backcountry sites provide greater privacy but require additional planning and sometimes boat transportation to access.
Best Camping Sites Near Star Lake, New York (88)
1. Cranberry Lake Campground
21 ReviewsCranberry Lake, NY11 milesWebsite+1 (315) 848-2315$20 / night
"The campground reminded us of summer camp on the lake, as it seemed frozen in time. Each site has a picnic table and open grill and all sites are non-electric."
"This is a Great Lake for kayaking, clear and calm, lots of nooks and crannies to explore."
2. Birch’s Lakeside Campground and Marina
6 ReviewsCranberry Lake, NY11 milesWebsite+1 (315) 848-4500$25 - $65 / night
"Birch's Lakeside Campground has all the amenities needed to enjoy a stay in upstate New York, a general store, laundry & propane on site keep everything you need right there! "
"This was the perfect spot located on Cranberry lake -They have everything you need at their lakeside store, including boat and kayak rentals!"
3. Stillwater Reservoir
9 ReviewsOld Forge, NY18 milesWebsite+1 (315) 785-2239"Would recommend if you want to break away from technology because you get zero service out there"
"It's first come first serve so best to find another place if you intend to drive up to your campsite. The drive up campsite had an outhouse though so that was nice"
4. Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites
2 ReviewsCranberry Lake, NY12 milesWebsite"We spent 3 nights backcountry camping on Catamount Island in Cranberry Lake and absolutely loved it! The sunsets from the island were truly incredible. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. "
"amazing lake for kayaking and boating. sites not crowded together."
5. Green Pond - Bonaparte State Forest
2 ReviewsHarrisville, NY16 milesWebsite+1 (315) 376-3521"This is our go to area close to town but still just want to get away from it all. DEC is nice and stop and talk to the campers. There is a doc down the road for boats and fishing!"
"This is my second time camping at this location and I’ve enjoyed it so much. Not very well know and really quite however the training range can be a little loud at times."
6. Fish Creek Pond Campground
33 ReviewsTupper Lake, NY35 milesWebsite+1 (518) 891-4560$22 - $40 / night
"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."
"Bike path, kayak rentals, close to Lake Placid Olympic center, Wild Center in Tupper Lake"
7. Higley Flow State Park Campground
6 ReviewsSouth Colton, NY24 milesWebsite+1 (315) 262-2880$17 - $30 / night
"Out of all of the places that I have been in New York this is by far one of my favorite places to go"
"We usually head for the Adirondack lakes further down the road but it's still in the foot hills, close to our home and very pretty especially at sunset."
8. Old Forge Camping Resort
19 ReviewsOld Forge, NY31 milesWebsite+1 (315) 369-6011"Great getaway in upstate New York"
"This is one of the most family friendly resorts and a perfect weekend getaway for those living in other parts of New York State."
9. Rollins Pond Campground
20 ReviewsTupper Lake, NY33 milesWebsite+1 (518) 891-3239$20 - $40 / 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."
10. Soft Maple Campground
1 ReviewCroghan, NY19 miles$20 / night
"The entire campground is accessible, with gravel pack paths, and level sites. Charlie is the caretaker here and everyone says he is the nicest person you’ll meet. "
Recent Camping Photos near Star Lake, NY
173 Photos of 88 Star Lake Campgrounds
Paul B.
Birch’s Lakeside Campground and Marina
Sally
Cranberry Lake Campground
Shari G.
Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites
Amandalynn P.
Green Pond - Bonaparte State Forest
Taylor H.
Lake Bonaparte Marina & Campground
Geoff W.
Stillwater Reservoir
Elizabeth B.
Francis Lake
Donna S.
Natural Bridge/Watertown KOA
Elizabeth P.
Higley Flow State Park Campground
John E.
Brown Tract Pond Campground
Jason W.
Old Forge Camping Resort
Melissa T.
Lake Eaton Campground
Recent Reviews near Star Lake, NY
430 Reviews of 88 Star Lake Campgrounds
Janet R.
LegendSagamore Lake primitive camping, Adirondacks Blue Ridge wilderness
Beautiful backpack /paddle camping in the Adirondack Blue Ridge wilderness
This review is for primitive backpack or paddle in camping alogn the breathtakingly beautiful Sagamore Lake. On the southwest corner of the lake is located the historic Camp Sagamore, one of the so-called Great Camps of the Adirondacks and which is now a comfortable lodge and camping retreat which hosts lifelong learning workshops on crafts and history throughout the year. If interested in visiting it, see this link: https://www.sagamore.org/
However, beyond the grounds of the Camp is the vast Blue Ridge Wilderness of the Adirondack State Forest Park which completely surround the lake. Adhacent to camp Sagamore is a parking lot for campers and hikers, which includes an outhouse, picnic table, launch for canoes or kayaks, and trailhead for hiking and backpacking. The trail encircles Sagamore lake is is about 3.8 miles long. There is primitive and dispersed camping all along the trail and and along shore and beyond as long as you practice Leave No Trace principles. This basically means no campsite amenities other than the glorious woods and lake, but you will have your pick of remote spots to pitch a tent without having to backpack for hours. The trail does attract a fair number of day use hikers or paddlers, but few campers. The trail is reasonable to tackle for beginning dispersed campers, with the added safety of being able to hike out to the Camp within a couple miles in case of emergency. Highly recommended!
- Janet R.Legend
Brown Tract Pond Campground
Backwoods at Brown Tract Pond
This is a small rustic state forest off the beaten track, remote from but not too far from the village of Inlet in the Adirondacks. It is smaller than some of the other are forest campgrounds, and more quiet and peaceful. While in a rustic location at a distance from the main road, amenities do include picnic tables and firerings, flush toilets as well as privvies, and a trailer dump station 9but no hooksups) Sites are spacious and private and well shaded. You can paddle and fish right here, with lots of good hiking in the area. Fairly easy to get to from the Utica area, and with reasonably close access to a quaint Adirondack village, but still providing a remote expereince at the edge of the wilderness.
Note: just 3.5 miles from the campground is the very nique and special Ferd's Bog reserve. There is a floating boardwalk into the trail, under the shadow of Cascade Mountain. Myriad unique boreal plants for view by botany fans, about a 1.2 hike in and back, and easy trail access from nearby Uncas Road, more info here: https://cnyhiking.com/FerdsBogTrail.htm
- Janet R.Legend
Cranberry Lake Campground
Camping at Cranberry Lake
This has been one of my favorite campgrounds and I have camped there many times over the last several decades. Always well maintained, but peaceful state forest campground with spacious sites, many right on the water. There is an official beach, but the water sites really have their own access for canoes and nice swimming. The water is crystal clear, sunsets magnificent, canoeing and hiking opportunities abound, and even on a "busy" summer weekend the campground is quiet and the fellow campers are low key and respectful. For a tent camper, this is an ideal location and I love it. Fire ring, even tenting spot, picnic tables, etc. There are numerous accessible campsites, a shower building, and regular restrooms as well as privvies. Small trailers can fit and their is an RV dumpstation, but this is not a campground for big rigs and hookups. The campground is a little off the beaten path and in the further reaches of the Adirondacks for most campers, and the vicinity is one of the largest and most pristine areas in the ADK wilderness. Come well supplied with groceries and camping needs as there isnt much nearby. The SUNY Forestry school maintains a Ranger school at nearby Wanakena on the west side of the lake, and a Field Biology station on the south side of the lake. Nice hiking in the area
- Janet R.Legend
Golden Beach Campground
Semi-remote along the South Bay
The Golden Beach campground has two sections: one is the main campground, with the usual state forest amenities including bathrooms, showers and beach, shared with a couple hundred campsites along the east side of Racquette Lake. However, the campground also manages a string of more remotely placed campsites located along the shor of the south bay of Racquette Lake, removed from the main campground and its amenities but with much more space between sites and direct access to the lake. They also are clustered in small spurs directly accessible to Rt 28, which has pluses and minuses. For me, these quieter more rustic sites are preferable, especially with the easy access for canoeing right on the lake. Picnic table, tent site, parking spot and fire ring are all provided, right along the beautiful lake. The smallest spur has only 2 campsites, which is perfect when you want a quiet spot! Big trees, peace and quiet, beautiful Adirondack experience, also not too far from the main campground and many hiking trails in the area
Marc D.
GuideOld Forge Camping Resort
Very large camping resort
This is a surprisingly large facility with multiple options, including cabins, tent, and RV sites. We were there in late October on a Saturday night when they were having a big Halloween festival, so very crowded but festive environment. Everybody packed up and left the following morning.Close to the town of old Forge and Lakes. Beautiful area.
- CChuck W.Traveler
Swan Bay Resort - The 1000 Islands Premier RV Park & Marina
Great Stop
Great camp. Easy in and out for big rigs. Right on the St. Lawrence River. Many amenities to include 3 bay R.V. wash as well as car wash. Nice sites and some on the water with docks and a boat ramp.
- RRebecca B.Guide
Horseshoe Lake
NY Designated Camping
Along Co 421, by Horseshoe Lake, there are 10-11 designated campsites. Most have fire pits.
Road is rough but easily doable if you take it slow.
As it’s a forest, the sites are pretty shaded, so solar and Starlink may present challenges. Slight AT&T at earlier sites.
- David H.
ScoutEel Weir State Park Campground
Clean and vary nice area on river
I love how it has great fishing and nice camp sites even let's you bring a boat nice clean showers and bathroom can easily find firewood near by as well..
Guide to Star Lake
Camping spots near Star Lake, New York exist within the western Adirondack region at elevations ranging from 1,400 to 1,800 feet. Winter temperatures often drop below zero, while summer brings mild days averaging 75-80°F with cooler nights. Most primitive camping sites in this area remain snow-covered until late April, with black flies typically emerging in May and persisting through early June.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing on Cranberry Lake: Multiple access points allow for day trips exploring the lake's 55 miles of shoreline. Birch's Lakeside Campground and Marina offers boat and kayak rentals for visitors without their own equipment. "We thoroughly enjoyed out time here, there were kids on site, boat rentals and extremely nice seasonal campers.. The campers became our friends, they were all willing to help from the moment of our arrival, even shared fishing spots on the lake!" notes one camper.
Hiking the trail network: The region features numerous trails ranging from easy to challenging. Stillwater Reservoir connects to several hiking paths. "The Curtis Pond hike was our favorite and there are some incredible beaver dams along the way," mentions a visitor. Most trails are well-marked but require proper footwear due to seasonal mud.
Stargazing opportunities: Limited light pollution creates exceptional viewing conditions. "Star gazing is FANTASTIC!" reports a camper at Birch's Lakeside Campground and Marina. The best viewing occurs after 10 pm when most campground activity quiets down. Some campgrounds enforce quiet hours starting at 9 pm.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. "The bathrooms are clean and there is plenty of hot water!" reports a camper from Cranberry Lake Campground. Another visitor notes, "The showers with hot water, which is timed and high pressure."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings provide opportunities to observe native wildlife. A camper at Higley Flow State Park Campground shares, "I came across the largest and most beautiful sounding loon early in the morning...perfect before we had to pack it up and leave." Animal sightings occur most frequently near dawn and dusk.
Varied campsite options: The region offers sites with different terrain and privacy levels. One camper describes Green Pond as a "Free well kept camp site" while another notes of Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites, "Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Ours had an extensive pile of dry wood, too." Most campgrounds open sites for reservation 9 months in advance.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies widely throughout the region. For emergencies, reliable service exists primarily in town centers. Most campgrounds advise downloading maps and information before arrival.
Site accessibility concerns: Terrain challenges affect some campgrounds. A reviewer of Rollins Pond Campground cautions, "The campground is hilly, so we drove to the nearby showers and garbage." Many sites require advance planning for mobility issues.
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns impact camping conditions. "I would caution going prior to June unless you are prepared for varying weather. I have been up there pitching the tent in a t-shirt one day only to need to throw on a jacket the next day due to rain and even snow," warns a Rollins Pond visitor. Most campgrounds experience heaviest use from late June through August.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access for children: Several sites offer family-friendly swimming areas. "The beach front area is great for families! Sites are fairly secluded!" reports a visitor to Cranberry Lake Campground. Another camper explains that Soft Maple Campground has "a beach [that] is lovely and clean."
Playground availability: Some campgrounds provide recreational facilities. A Higley Flow State Park visitor shares, "Great playground for the kids, hiking trails and more." Playgrounds typically close at dusk, and parents should bring insect repellent for children.
Family-friendly activities: Campgrounds often offer organized programs. "Whether it's playing in the water or in the playground, this place is awesome to bring your children," notes a Higley Flow visitor. Weekends typically feature more scheduled activities than weekdays.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Not all campgrounds offer full services. One camper at Rollins Pond notes, "No hookups, so a bit trickier for rv's, but being right on the water makes it worth it." RVers should verify hookup options when booking.
Dump station locations: Several campgrounds provide waste disposal facilities. A visitor to Old Forge Camping Resort mentioned the "welcome center has everything you need" while a Cranberry Lake reviewer noted a "brand new sewer dump area for folks who need it." Most dump stations require payment of a small fee for non-campground guests.
Site leveling considerations: Terrain affects setup requirements. "While I have really enjoyed Rollins Pond, I would caution going prior to June unless you are prepared for varying weather," advises one camper. Another notes that "not all [sites] are level for trailers and rv's, so do some research ahead of time to find the spot that is perfect for you."
Frequently Asked Questions
What facilities are available at Star Lake Campground?
What facilities are available at Star Lake Campground?
Star Lake campgrounds typically offer basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. For more comprehensive facilities, Birch's Lakeside Campground and Marina features a general store, laundry facilities, and propane on site. Some public campgrounds in the Star Lake area, like Eighth Lake Campground, provide showers, bathrooms, and dump stations. Most campgrounds maintain several sites with varying levels of privacy, with outer ring sites often offering more seclusion due to surrounding trees and shrubs.
How do I reserve a campsite at Star Lake?
How do I reserve a campsite at Star Lake?
To reserve a campsite at Star Lake, you'll generally need to book through New York State's reservation system for public campgrounds. Reservations can typically be made up to 9 months in advance. Rollins Pond Campground near Saranac Lake offers a reservation system that's representative of the region's booking process. For private campgrounds like Old Forge Camping Resort, you can make reservations directly through their welcome center or website. During peak summer months, especially weekends, advance reservations are highly recommended as campgrounds fill quickly.
What recreational activities are available at Star Lake?
What recreational activities are available at Star Lake?
Star Lake offers numerous recreational activities typical of Adirondack lakes. Water activities include swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Golden Beach Campground is known for spectacular sunset views over similar lakes in the region. Hiking opportunities abound on nearby trails, while Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites provide access to more remote wilderness experiences with incredible sunset views. Many campgrounds in the area feature boat launches, swimming areas, and access to hiking trails. During fall, the changing foliage creates stunning scenery for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
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