Adirondacks Offer Camping like no Other

Campsites within a 35-mile drive of Plattsburgh


Story by Adam Colver

The sound of crashing waves, chirping crickets in the warm summer air, a starlit sky to gaze endlessly into the night, and a blazing campfire. This is a scene you may find at one of any one of the 8,355 campsites in New York State.

"The properties are open year-round, and we like the public to enjoy the parks," said Kevin Keefe, New York State Parks administrator, Thousand Island Region.

Wildlife preservation is important for the public to understand. It is important to obey the park's rules and regulations while visiting, said Keefe. "Patrons need to respect the wildlife and not disrupt the flora while visiting," Keefe said.

These New York campsites are a few of many in the Adirondack Park region: Cumberland Bay State Park, AuSable Point State Park, Macomb Reservation State Park, Poke-O-Moonshine State Park, and Taylor Pond State Park.

Cumberland Bay State Park

Rate per night: $13 regular site, Waterfront $17, Electric $23
Amenities: Hot showers, electric sites, playgrounds/fields, pets, and pavilions
Address: 152 Cumberland Head Rd. Plattsburgh, N.Y. 12901
Distance from Plattsburgh: 5 miles

Waterfront view from Cumberland Bay State Park
This is a picture of one of the waterfront sites on looking Lake Champlain.

Photo by Adam Colver

This campsite resides on Lake Champlain's west shore with a half-mile sand beach. If you want to be as close as possible to the water, Cumberland Bay State Park should be your destination this summer.

There are a total of 152 campsites on the property to accommodate either tents or trailers. The campsites are fairly close together, so you will not get the feeling you are alone out there. If you desire to be right on the water, waterfront sites are available for $17 that offer a scenic lake view. According to Gilbert Snide, Cumberland Bay State Park employee, if you need electricity for your RV or trailer, electrical sites are $23 a night.

According to the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the park saw just over 24,000 campers this past fiscal year. The park will open the weekend before Memorial Day and will remain open until Columbus Day.

AuSable Point State Park

Rate per night: $18
Amenities: Hot showers, flush toilets, trailer dump station, recycling center
Address: 3346 Lake Shore Rd. Peru, N.Y. 12972
Distance from Plattsburgh: 13 miles

This campsite rests on the shore of Lake Champlain and has access to a natural sand beach.

Ausable Point Campsite
A campground at AuSable Point.

Photo courtesy of Department of Environmental Conservation web site

AuSable Point borders a wildlife management area that offers a hiking trail to venture on. Water access is available for canoes and kayakers. Wind surfing is popular at AuSable Point and has a designated area called "Stone Jetty."

Boats are welcome and a launch can be found only three miles from the campground. Fishing is popular on Lake Champlain, so when you bring your boat, bring the fishing equipment, as well.

There is no available playground like other campsites offer, but there is a basketball court, and three golf courses nearby.

This campsite has been operating since 1966 and will open May 19. AuSable offers a more secluded camping experience because it is in the woods and not off a main road like the Cumberland Bay State Park. The only cars that can be heard are the ones around the campsite.

Macomb Reservation State Park

Rate per night: $13
Amenities: Hot showers, dumping station, electric sites, pets, playground, and pavilions
Address: 201 Campsite Rd. Schuyler Falls, N.Y. 12985
Distance from Plattsburgh: 12 miles

This wilderness atmosphere campsite offers a great experience for the first-timer or a seasoned camper. Located deep in the woods, wildlife roams while you spend a night in nature.

"The properties are open year round, and we like
the public to enjoy the parks."

The park is located on Davis Pond, a man-made reservoir. Activities include boating, swimming, playing fields, and nature and hiking trails.

Davis Pond
This is Davis Pond that resides at the Macomb State Reservation Park.

Photo courtesy of New York State Office of the Parks and Historic Preservation

Fishing is popular at Davis Pond in the park, and the nearby Salmon River. Only non-motorized boats are allowed on the pond, which can be rented for fishing and recreational use.

The park is open year- round, and in the wintertime the park is used by cross-country skiers and ice fisherman on the pond. According to the NYS office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation attendance study from April 1, 2006, to March 31, 2007, each year, 30,000 individuals visit the park.

Enjoy the wilderness at Macomb Reservation State Park starting in mid-May. Be the first to get your reservation.

Poke-O-Moonshine State Park

Rate per night: $12
Amenities: Hot showers, recycling center, hiking, rock climbing
Address: 135 Rt. 9 Keeseville, N.Y. 12944
Distance from Plattsburgh: 23 miles

This campsite is located at the base of Poke-O-Moonshine Mountain and offers amenities for the hiker and rock climber that are otherwise lacking at other sites.

The hiking trail is 1.2 miles and has scenic views of the Adirondacks, Canada, Lake Champlain, and the Green Mountains of Vermont throughout.

Cliffs of Poke-O-Moonshine Mt.
The famous rock cliffs on Poke-O-Moonshine that attract rock climbers from all over.

Photo courtesy of Department of Environmental Conservation web site

Rock climbers looking for a challenge will not be disappointed with the mountain. The rock face of Poke-O-Moonshine can be extremely dangerous and only advanced climbers should attempt it. Certain routes may be closed because the peregrine falcons nest in the mountain ledges. Routes that bring climbers close to the nest site are closed from April to mid-August. This species is endangered and any disruption can alter the birds breeding patterns.

There are 25 campsites for tents and RV's up to 30 feet. All sites include a fireplace and a picnic table.

Poke-O-Moonshine offers a surreal wildlife experience in the heart of the Adirondacks. Poke-O-Moonshine will be open for the season May 19.

Taylor Pond State Park

Rate per night: $12
Amenities: Water spigots, Outhouses
Address: 1865 Silver Lake Rd. AuSable Forks, N.Y. 12912
Distance from Plattsburgh: 31 miles

If you're looking the real "roughing-it" camping experience Taylor Pond will not disappoint. There are no showers and no flush toilets; it is deep in the backwoods where fishing and nature observation are the most popular aspects of the park.

Taylor Pond is a 10-acre developed campground surrounded by 8,000 acres of Wild Forest state land. Thirty sites are available, and five are boat access-only sites.

Taylor Pond campsite
Campsite on the edge of Taylor Pond.

Photo courtesy of Department of Environmental Conservation web site

Small tents to 30-foot RV's are welcome at the site.

Fishing is popular and the pond is full of trout. Taylor Pond is 4 miles long and a little more than 800 acres in size. Boats are available for rental during your stay, and motorboats, rowboats, and canoes can be launched on site. There is a "no swimming" area so a boat may be necessary to really enjoy the pond.

A 12-mile snowmobile trail goes around the pond for hiking and observing nature. The campground is popular to nature reservists who can view loons, osprey, and eagles along the trail. You can experience this "rough-it" style of camping starting May 19.

These campsites are all within a 35-mile drive from Plattsburgh, New York, and will open in mid-May for the season until Labor Day weekend or later. So whether you'd like to rough it or enjoy everyday amenities while in the wilderness, you'll find just what you're looking for at a New York State Parks campiste.

Where is your favorite place to camp in the Adirondacks?

 

Things to bring on your trip

Items that would be helpful to you while camping in the Adirondacks vary on the site you choose. Here's some suggestions:

-Clothing for warm weather and cold weather, and two pairs of shoes
-Personal amenities (i.e. toothbrush, shampoo, soap, deodorant, pain killers)
-Towels and washcloths
-Bug repellent and sunscreen
-Food (b
e wise in your choice- cold food needs to stay cold)
-Can opener
-Aluminum foil
-Plates, cups, and silverware
-If you plan on doing some hiking, bring a compass
-Lighter fluid or newspapers to start your campfire
-Do not transport firewood. Buy from local sources and if you do transport it, burn all of it before you leave
-Flashlight with extra batteries
-Camping lanterns
-Swiss army knife
-First aid kit
-Trash bags
-Zip lock bags
-Toilet paper
-Dish soap, sponge or multi-purpose towel
-Propane or charcoal grill (along with charcoal of course)
-Matches or lighter
-Tent (and a tarp for underneath), inflatable mattress/pump, pillows, sleeping bags, extra blankets
-Hammer or axe
-Money/credit card/license/AAA card if possible/medical cards
-Folding chairs and table
-Camera to capture the memories
-Games such as cards or your favorite board game from home
-Paper and a pen or pencil
-Backpack

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