Campgrounds
GOING PUBLIC
THE ADIRONDACKS is rich in Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) campgrounds, some of the most convenient and cost-effective options for woodsy getaways. Choosing a favorite is highly subjective—often a happy blend of personal preferences and family traditions—but what follows is a sampling of likely contenders. For those new to the scene, a couple of tips: regional state campground use has soared in the last few years. Sites can be booked up to nine months in advance (newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com) and waterfront locations are snapped up at lightning speed. Plan accordingly. If you don’t end up getting the spot of your dreams on your first visit to a campground, do some recon while you’re there: scan for sites that fit your camping style and needs and note them on the map you get at check-in for future reference. Find a full list of Adirondack campgrounds at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7825.html.
(Long Lake, 80 sites, pit toilets, boat rentals) used to be an off-the-radar darling, but it’s become more popular in recent years—including with the ursine crowd, so be sure to use the onsite bear boxes and don’t bring food into your tent. Still, compared to some larger camping hubs, this place has a mellow
