Campsite

For New Yorkers seeking a true departure from the modern world, Forked Lake Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. Located at the end of North Point Road in the town of Long Lake, this campground is managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and is celebrated for its commitment to preserving a remote, primitive atmosphere. Unlike many state parks where campers are packed into tight loops, Forked Lake is designed for those who value privacy and the sound of silence. The campground is situated on the eastern shore of the 1,248-acre Forked Lake, a body of water renowned for its irregular, pine-fringed shoreline and crystal-clear depths.

The defining characteristic of Forked Lake Campground is its accessibility model. While a small number of sites are available for traditional drive-up camping, the vast majority of the 80 campsites are accessible only by boat or by foot trail. This unique layout ensures a low-density environment where the "neighbors" are often located hundreds of yards away, screened by thick stands of hemlock and maple. From a New Yorker's perspective, it is the perfect local escape to trade concrete and sirens for the haunting call of the common loon and the crackle of a private campfire. It is a destination where the journey to the site—whether by paddling a canoe or hiking a narrow forest trail—is just as much a part of the adventure as the stay itself.

Location and accessibility are critical factors for planning a trip to Forked Lake. The facility is located at 1769 North Point Rd (officially accessed via 381 Forked Lake Campsite Lane), Long Lake, NY 12847. To reach the campground from the New York City or Albany areas, travelers typically take the Northway (I-87) to Route 28, passing through the scenic villages of Blue Mountain Lake and Long Lake. The final leg of the trip involves traveling down the winding North Point Road, a route that passes the famous Buttermilk Falls—a must-stop photo opportunity for any local traveler. Once you arrive at the main registration area, the road ends, and the wilderness begins.

Accessibility within the park varies significantly by site. Most visitors park their vehicles in the secure on-site parking lot and load their gear into boats at the gravel launch. The launch is specifically designed for small craft; while motorboats are permitted, the shallow and rocky nature of the shoreline makes it ideal for canoes, kayaks, and small rowboats. For those opting for a hike-in site, trails lead from the parking area to the various site loops. Because many sites are first-come, first-serve or require a significant carry-in of gear, it is strongly recommended that campers arrive well before dusk to navigate the water or trails safely.

The services offered at Forked Lake Campground are tailored to a "back-to-basics" philosophy, providing the essential infrastructure for safety and sanitation while avoiding the over-development found at commercial RV resorts. This is a place for campers who appreciate the "managed wilderness" approach. While you won't find electricity or Wi-Fi, you will find a dedicated staff and facilities that are maintained to ensure the environment remains pristine for future generations of Adirondack explorers.

• On-Site Boat Rentals: The campground offers daily rentals of canoes and rowboats, allowing visitors who don't own watercraft to access the remote island and shoreline sites.
• Bear Safety Infrastructure: Due to the active wildlife in the Adirondacks, the park provides heavy-duty metal food lockers at campsites to ensure a safe environment for both humans and bears.
• Sanitation Facilities: Maintained pit toilets (outhouses) are strategically located within the site loops, and potable water spigots are available at the main registration hub.
• Firewood Sales: Locally sourced firewood is available for purchase on-site, which is essential for complying with state regulations aimed at preventing the spread of invasive species.
• Picnic Amenities: Each designated site features a heavy-duty wooden picnic table and a stone or metal fire ring for cooking and warmth.
• Waste Management: The campground follows a strict "Carry-In, Carry-Out" policy for garbage, though a central recycling and disposal station is available near the entrance.

The features and highlights of Forked Lake Campground make it a standout for families and outdoor purists. One of the greatest highlights is the campground's reputation for being "Good for Kids." For a child, the experience of "canoeing to your own private kingdom" is an unforgettable adventure that builds confidence and a lifelong love for nature. The shallow areas near many campsites provide excellent spots for supervised wading and swimming, although it is important to note that there are no lifeguards on duty at this remote facility. The surrounding Sargent Ponds Wild Forest offers miles of hiking trails that are accessible directly from the campground, ranging from easy shoreline walks to more strenuous climbs.

• Premier Fishing: The lake is a haven for anglers, with healthy populations of brook trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and yellow perch.
• Wildlife Observation: The remote nature of the park makes it one of the best spots in Hamilton County to see beavers, river otters, and bald eagles.
• Spacious Sites: Reviewers frequently highlight the ability to fit multiple large tents on a single site, making it a viable option for larger families.
• Private Water Access: Almost all sites offer direct water access, allowing you to park your boat right at your "front door."
• Stargazing: With zero light pollution and wide-open views from the eastern shore, the night sky at Forked Lake is spectacular.

If you are planning to visit this Adirondack gem, it is important to have the correct contact information on hand. Reservations for the reservable sites (roughly half the park) can be made through the ReserveAmerica system, while other sites are handled on a first-come, first-serve basis at the booth. Given its popularity among New Yorkers during the summer months, calling ahead to check site availability is always a wise move.

• Address: 1769 North Point Rd (Forked Lake Campsite Ln), Long Lake, NY 12847, USA
• Campground Phone: (518) 624-6646
• Regional Office Phone: (518) 648-5616
• Dates of Operation: Generally open from mid-May through Labor Day weekend.

What is worth choosing when it comes to Forked Lake? For the modern New Yorker, choosing this campground is a vote for an authentic lifestyle. It is worth choosing for the sense of accomplishment that comes with self-sufficiency. There is a deep satisfaction in paddling your gear across a glassy lake at dawn, setting up a camp that is entirely hidden from the road, and spending an evening with no distractions other than the fire and the stars. It is worth choosing for the high-quality, spacious sites that provide a level of privacy you simply cannot find at more accessible "car-camping" locations.

Furthermore, Forked Lake is worth choosing because it offers a "choose your own adventure" level of difficulty. If you want a more convenient stay, you can snag one of the few drive-in sites. If you want a true wilderness immersion, you can paddle three miles to a remote shoreline site that feels like the edge of the world. For families, for fishermen, and for those who simply need to disappear into the woods for a while, Forked Lake Campground remains one of the most prestigious and beloved camping destinations in the entire New York state park system.