Eighth Lake Campground

For outdoor enthusiasts across New York, the Adirondack Park represents a vast sanctuary of natural beauty and recreational opportunity. Nestled deep within this wilderness near the charming hamlet of Inlet is Eighth Lake Campground, a destination that has welcomed generations of campers since it first opened to the public in 1935. Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), this campground is situated on the southeast shore of the 314-acre Eighth Lake, with several additional sites bordering the nearby Seventh Lake. It is a place where the air smells of balsam and pine, and the evening silence is often punctuated only by the haunting call of a loon or the hoot of a distant owl.

Eighth Lake Campground is widely celebrated for its sense of traditional Adirondack "camp" life. Unlike modern, paved RV resorts that can feel crowded and commercial, this facility preserves a rugged, forested atmosphere. The sites are large and well-screened by mature timber, offering a level of privacy that local New Yorkers often seek when escaping the density of more populated regions. Whether you are pitching a tent on the soft leaf litter of the forest floor or backing a 40-foot RV into a shaded nook, the campground provides a scenic and tranquil base for exploring the Fulton Chain of Lakes. Its rich history, including its early development by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), adds a layer of heritage to every stay, making it a cornerstone of the North Country camping experience.

Eighth Lake Campground is located at 1353 NY-28, Inlet, NY 13360, USA. This central Adirondack location puts it approximately five miles northeast of the village of Inlet and just a short drive from Raquette Lake. For New York residents traveling from the Capital Region, Syracuse, or the Mohawk Valley, the drive along State Route 28 is a scenic highlight in itself, offering sweeping views of mountains and sparkling water. The campground entrance is well-marked and serves as a major trailhead and access point for the surrounding Moose River Plains Wild Forest.

Accessibility is a priority at Eighth Lake, ensuring that all New Yorkers can enjoy the lakefront environment. The facility features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, and specifically designed wheelchair-accessible restrooms. While the terrain is naturally hilly and forested, the main thoroughfares and key facility areas like the picnic grounds and boat launch are designed to accommodate visitors with mobility needs. On-site parking is available at every campsite, providing convenience for families traveling with significant gear. For those planning a day trip, the day-use area offers easy access to the sandy beach and picnic facilities without the need for an overnight reservation.

Eighth Lake Campground provides a comprehensive suite of services and amenities designed to support a multi-day wilderness excursion. While the park maintains a "dry camping" philosophy—meaning there are no individual water or electric hookups—it offers centralized facilities to ensure a comfortable stay. The services provided include:

• 126 large, forested campsites suitable for both tents and RVs up to 40 feet in length.
• Dedicated picnic areas equipped with heavy-duty picnic tables and fireplaces for outdoor cooking.
• Public restroom facilities and a centralized shower building featuring hot water.
• A hard-surface boat launch capable of trailer-launching powerboats and sailboats onto Eighth Lake.
• Canoe and kayak rentals available on-site for exploring the interconnected waters of the Fulton Chain.
• A trailer dump station and a recycling center to support responsible RV travel.
• Seasonal firewood and ice sales to keep your camp running smoothly.
• The Junior Naturalist Program, an educational initiative perfect for children ages 5 to 13.

The highlights of Eighth Lake Campground revolve around its unique geography and the abundance of recreational activities available right at your doorstep. From the shoreline to the mountaintops, there is no shortage of features to enjoy:

• Excellent fishing opportunities for lake trout and smallmouth bass, with special salmon ponds located adjacent to the campground.
• A beautiful sandy beach with a designated swimming area, frequently patrolled by campground staff for safety.
• Direct access to the Bug Lake Trail, which leads hikers past scenic interior ponds and connects to the Black Bear Mountain trail system.
• Pet-friendly policies that allow well-behaved dogs to accompany their owners on the trails and at the campsites.
• Spacious, private sites that offer significantly more room than typical private campgrounds, allowing for a peaceful and "non-crowded" feel.
• Proximity to the village of Inlet, where campers can find local shops, restaurants, and the famous Arrowhead Park.
• Winter snowmobile access, as the campground trails connect to a vast regional network of groomed snowmobile routes.

For more information or to inquire about site availability during the peak summer season, you can reach the campground office directly. Please note that while staff are on-site during the operating season, reservations are typically managed through the centralized New York State booking system.

Address: 1353 NY-28, Inlet, NY 13360, USA

Phone: (315) 354-4120

Mobile Phone: +1 315-354-4120

Eighth Lake Campground is worth choosing because it offers an authentic, large-scale wilderness experience that is increasingly rare in the modern world. For the New York local, it represents the ideal middle ground between primitive backcountry camping and the over-development of luxury RV resorts. The sheer size of the campsites ensures that you are never "on top" of your neighbors, preserving the quiet and privacy that is essential for a relaxing getaway. Furthermore, the ability to launch a boat or rent a canoe directly from the facility provides instant access to some of the most beautiful waters in the Adirondacks, all for a very affordable state camping fee.

What truly makes Eighth Lake worth the trip is the versatility of the experience. It is a fantastic choice for families thanks to the sandy beach and the Junior Naturalist Program, but it is equally rewarding for the serious angler or the avid hiker looking to tackle the nearby High Peaks or the Moose River Plains. While the facility maintains its vintage charm, the combination of hot showers, clear lake views, and the friendly community of fellow outdoor enthusiasts makes it a reliable favorite. If you are looking for a place where you can see the stars clearly at night, hear the loons at dawn, and enjoy a perfectly roasted marshmallow over a crackling fire, Eighth Lake Campground is an unbeatable New York destination.

Would you like me to provide a list of recommended local restaurants in Inlet or suggest some specific hiking trails near the campground that offer the best views of the Fulton Chain?