Camping in the Adirondacks, New York

Guide to Some of the Best Campgrounds in New York State's Premier Resort Area

The Adirondacks are the premier resort area of New York State, with nearly 100 campgrounds in the region. Since the choices are overwhelming, here's a quick guide to some of the best:

The Adirondacks Lake Region: Deer River Campsite, Duane Center, N.Y.

Located on a private lake, Deer River Campsite costs from $28 per night for a basic campsite up to $60 per night for a larger cabin. Deer River has a rustic atmosphere, with swimming, fishing and boating in the lake, and numerous nature trails for biking and bird watching. Deer River is near White Pine Camp, a historical landmark that was Calvin Coolidge's summer retreat.

The Lake George Region: Lake George Escape Campground, Lake George, N.Y.

Lake George Escape Campground is in the southern Adirondacks in the resort town Lake George. Lake George Escape costs approximately $60 per night for a campsite with full utilities, or $245 per night for a large log cabin. Lake George Escape has a resort atmosphere, with swimming on the lake or in two private pools, numerous water sports, an arcade, movies, and a free shuttle into town. Nearby attractions include Prospect Mountain and Fort William Henry, immortalized in James Fennimore Cooper's "Last of the Mohicans."

The Lake Placid Olympic Region: Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA, Wilmington, N.Y.

This KOA franchise is located along the Ausable River near Lake Placid. Rates range from $25 per night for a basic campsite to $42 per night for a fully loaded RV campsite. Amenities include a pool, playground, game room, mini golf, movies, and water sports on the river. This KOA is near Whiteface Mountain, the steepest mountain east of the Rockies, and the Lake Placid Olympic sites.

The Champlain Region: Port Kent Campsite, Port Kent, N.Y.

Port Kent Campsite overlooks Lake Champlain, home of New York State's answer to the Loch Ness Monster, Champ. Rates are between $17-$35 nightly. Port Kent offers a large swimming pool with bathhouse, a playground, and numerous walking paths. This campground is near Ausable Chasm, known as "the Grand Canyon of the East," and the ferry to Burlington, VT.