Golden Beach Campground

Nestled on the southeast shore of the majestic Raquette Lake, Golden Beach Campground stands as a premier destination for New Yorkers seeking a true Adirondack wilderness experience. As a facility managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), it offers a blend of rugged natural beauty and essential modern amenities. The campground is famous for possessing one of the largest natural sandy beaches in the area, providing a stunning vista of the 5,935-acre lake. For local residents, this park serves as a gateway to the central Adirondacks, where the air is crisp, the forests are dense, and the water is remarkably clear. Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat to disconnect or an active family vacation filled with water sports, Golden Beach delivers a versatile outdoor setting.

The atmosphere at Golden Beach is uniquely "Adirondack," characterized by towering pines and spacious sites that offer a sense of privacy rarely found in more suburban parks. Raquette Lake itself is the largest natural lake in the Adirondack Park, boasting over 99 miles of shoreline and numerous historic "Great Camps" that can be viewed from the water. For the local camper, the appeal lies in the variety of environments available; one can choose a site deep in the woods for total seclusion or opt for one of the coveted lakeside spots where the beach is just a few steps from your tent or trailer. The park's commitment to maintaining the natural integrity of the land while providing a safe, kid-friendly environment makes it a recurring favorite for generations of New York families.

Location and accessibility are key components of the Golden Beach experience. Situated at RR 28 in Raquette Lake, NY 13436, the campground is easily accessible via NYS Route 28, a major scenic artery through the Adirondack Park. For those traveling from the southern or central regions of New York, the drive is a beautiful transition into the mountains. The campground features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a paved parking lot, ensuring that the beauty of the Adirondacks is available to everyone. Once inside the park, on-site parking is provided, and the layout is designed to accommodate various types of camping equipment, from small tents to large RVs.

While the setting is remote, the park is designed with modern accessibility in mind. The entrance, parking areas, and key facilities like the restrooms are all wheelchair accessible. Free parking is available for day-use visitors as well as registered campers. For those bringing larger vehicles, the park offers specific sites that can accommodate trailers up to 30 feet in length, though it is important to check individual site dimensions when booking through the state reservation system. The proximity to the hamlet of Raquette Lake, just three miles to the west, adds a layer of convenience, providing access to local restaurants, boat rentals, and general stores for last-minute supplies.

Services offered at Golden Beach Campground ensure that your stay is comfortable without stripping away the authentic feel of camping. The DEC staff is highly professional, maintaining the grounds and facilities to a high standard. While this is a "dry camping" facility with no electric hookups at the sites, it does offer essential services for RV owners and tent campers alike. The emphasis here is on self-sufficiency and traditional woodcraft, supported by the following facility services:

• RV Water Hookups: Central water spigots are available throughout the campground for filling tanks.
• Waste Management: A trailer dump station and a comprehensive recycling center are located on-site for guest use.
• Sanitation: The park features modern flush toilets and hot showers, which are a welcome luxury after a long day of hiking or swimming.
• Picnic Facilities: A designated day-use picnic area is equipped with tables and stone fireplaces, perfect for group gatherings.
• Supplies: Firewood and ice are typically available for purchase on-site to ensure campers follow local safety and environmental regulations.
• Payment Options: For added convenience, the park accepts major credit and debit cards for registration and on-site purchases.

The features and highlights of Golden Beach are centered on its incredible shoreline. The 1,150-foot sandy beach is the crown jewel of the facility, providing a safe and expansive area for sunbathing and swimming. Unlike many other mountain lakes that feature rocky entries, Golden Beach lives up to its name with soft sand that extends into the shallow swimming area, making it exceptionally good for children. Beyond the beach, the park serves as a hub for recreational activities that showcase the best of the New York wilderness.

• Boating and Paddling: A boat launch is available on-site for small motorboats, canoes, and kayaks, offering access to nearly 100 miles of shoreline exploration.
• Hiking and Biking: The park features its own internal trails, and it is located near world-class hiking in the Blue Ridge Wilderness and Pigeon Lake Wilderness.
• Fishing: Raquette Lake is a premier fishing destination, home to lake trout, brook trout, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch.
• Pet Friendly: Dogs are allowed at the campground, provided they are leashed and have proof of rabies vaccination, allowing the whole family to travel together.
• Wildlife Viewing: The quiet, forested sites are perfect for spotting local wildlife, from Adirondack loons and bald eagles to white-tailed deer.
• Kid-Friendly Hikes: Many of the surrounding trails are well-graded and suitable for younger children, fostering a love for the outdoors at an early age.

For those ready to plan their next Adirondack excursion, Golden Beach Campground can be reached through the following contact details. Because this is one of the most popular state-run campgrounds in the region, reservations—especially for lakeside sites—are highly recommended through the New York State Parks reservation system.

• Physical Address: RR 28, Raquette Lake, NY 13436, USA.
• Phone: (315) 354-4230.
• Mobile Phone: +1 315-354-4230.
• Reservations: Available via the ReserveAmerica platform or by calling the New York State camping line.

What is worth choosing when it comes to Golden Beach? For the local New Yorker, the answer lies in the park’s perfect balance of seclusion and activity. Choosing Golden Beach means choosing a site where your morning alarm is the haunting call of a loon across the water. It is worth choosing for the expansive beach, which is undoubtedly one of the finest in the entire Adirondack Park, providing a safe and beautiful space for children to play. The park's policy of rotating and rehabilitating sites ensures that the ground remains lush and the facilities stay in good repair, reflecting a high level of care from the DEC staff.

Furthermore, the campground's proximity to historic sites like Great Camp Sagamore and the Adirondack Experience Museum in Blue Mountain Lake adds a layer of cultural richness to your trip. You are not just camping; you are immersing yourself in the history of the "Forever Wild" New York landscape. For those who value a quiet, respectful camping community, Golden Beach’s strictly enforced quiet hours and professional management create an environment where you can truly relax. Whether you are launching a kayak for a sunset paddle or roasting marshmallows over a stone fireplace, Golden Beach Campground offers an authentic, high-quality experience that represents the best of New York’s natural heritage.