
Nicks Lake Campground and Day Use Area
Serene Adirondack escape with a beautiful lake, spacious wooded sites, and clean facilities. Perfect for families and nature lovers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful lake and cooler temps

Nicks Lake Campground and Day Use Area
Best Time
Peaceful lake and cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Serene Adirondack escape with a beautiful lake, spacious wooded sites, and clean facilities. Perfect for families and nature lovers.
"Such a wonderful place to camp!! Me and my family got a few sites and enjoyed a few days here and loved every minute!"

🐻 Be Bear Aware!
Bear activity is common. Store food properly and be vigilant, especially at night.
🛶 Paddle Paradise
The calm lake is ideal for kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding. Bring your own gear!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Nicks Lake Beach
Lakeside
A clean, inviting beach perfect for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the scenic lake views.

Spacious, Wooded Campsites
Throughout campground
Enjoy privacy and a connection with nature on well-spaced, clean, and wooded camping lots.

Proximity to Old Forge
Short drive from campground
Conveniently located near Old Forge for easy access to supplies, dining, and local attractions.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Adirondack Wilderness
Plan for Adventure & Relaxation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Help with boat
🐻 Be Bear Aware!
Bear activity is common. Store food properly and be vigilant, especially at night.
🛶 Paddle Paradise
The calm lake is ideal for kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding. Bring your own gear!
Tent camping suggestions
Tent camping with close water parks or splash pads.
🚗 Easy Access to Town
Old Forge is just a short drive away for groceries, restaurants, and amenities.
🛏️ Clean Facilities
Restrooms and facilities are consistently reported as clean and well-maintained.
NY weekend getaway?
Tips
from all over the internet
🐻 Be Bear Aware!
Bear activity is common. Store food properly and be vigilant, especially at night.
🛶 Paddle Paradise
The calm lake is ideal for kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding. Bring your own gear!
🚗 Easy Access to Town
Old Forge is just a short drive away for groceries, restaurants, and amenities.
🛏️ Clean Facilities
Restrooms and facilities are consistently reported as clean and well-maintained.
🌲 Wooded & Private Sites
Enjoy ample space and privacy between campsites, surrounded by nature.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nicks Lake Campground is praised for its beautiful, clean lake, spacious and private wooded campsites, and well-maintained facilities. Visitors love the serene atmosphere and convenient location near Old Forge. Some note the lack of a camp store and occasional bear activity as minor drawbacks.
"Nicks Lake Campground – Adirondack Perfection
We had a great three-night stay at Nicks Lake Campground. Our site was perfectly situated, with just the right amount of space between neighbors for a peaceful, private feel. The lake itself is gorgeous—calm, scenic, and perfect for a quiet paddle or just soaking in the view.
One of the best parts is the location: just a quick hop into Old Forge for supplies or a meal, and right around the corner from McCauley Mountain. The bathrooms were impressively clean and well-maintained, making the stay even more comfortable.
I can’t wait to come back with the mountain bike and hit the trails in the area."
Aaron Smith
"We enjoyed our time at Nicks Lake and camping here. The ADK’s are a magical destination that we love to visit at least once a year. The campground itself was really clean and there was plenty of space between the camping lots. We had a pretty large amount of people camping together when we visited both with tents and campers so there was a lot of space ."
Whitley Slocum
"Such a wonderful place to camp!! Me and my family got a few sites and enjoyed a few days here and loved every minute! The staff is so welcoming and helpful and it’s just beautiful! The facilities were nice as well!"
Sierra Dawn Aumell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nicks Lake Campground is located in the Adirondack Park. It's accessible by car via NY-28. Many visitors use GPS, but it's wise to have a map as cell service can be spotty in the Adirondacks.
Public transportation options directly to Nicks Lake Campground are limited. It's best to drive your own vehicle or rent one. The nearest major towns with more transit options are further afield.
From Albany, NY, it's about a 3-hour drive. From Syracuse, NY, it's approximately 2.5 hours. From Montreal, Canada, it's around a 4-hour drive.
Roads leading to the campground are generally well-maintained, especially NY-28. However, be prepared for winding roads typical of mountainous regions. During winter months, check road conditions for snow and ice.
Ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are unlikely to be readily available for direct transport to Nicks Lake Campground due to its remote location. It's recommended to arrange your own transportation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, advance reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season (summer and fall foliage). You can typically book through the New York State Parks reservation system.
The day-use area typically opens in the morning and closes at dusk. Specific hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to check the official New York State Parks website for the most current information.
Camping fees vary based on the type of site and season. Expect rates to be competitive for Adirondack campgrounds. Check the reservation system for exact pricing.
Yes, there is usually a day-use fee for accessing the beach and picnic areas. This fee is typically per vehicle.
It's advisable to have both cash and card options available. While many facilities accept cards, having cash can be useful for smaller fees or in case of technical issues.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include swimming at the beach, fishing, boating (kayaking, canoeing), hiking on nearby trails, picnicking, and enjoying the natural scenery.
While there are trails within the campground, many abundant hiking trails are in the surrounding Adirondack area, easily accessible from Nicks Lake.
No, there is no camp store directly at Nicks Lake Campground. You'll need to bring all your supplies or drive to Old Forge for shopping.
Reviews consistently mention that the restrooms and showers are clean and well-maintained, contributing to a comfortable stay.
Cell service can be unreliable within the campground and surrounding Adirondack Park. Wi-Fi is generally not available. Download offline maps and important information.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the town of Old Forge is a short drive away and offers various dining options, from casual eateries to sit-down restaurants.
Absolutely! Most campsites are equipped for cooking with fire pits or grills. Remember to follow all fire regulations and bear safety guidelines.
Yes, the day-use area and campground offer designated picnic spots, perfect for enjoying meals outdoors.
Old Forge has a range of options including pizza, burgers, seafood, and classic American fare. It's a good place to stock up on groceries too.
No, there are no food services or a camp store within Nicks Lake Campground. All food and dining needs must be met by bringing your own or visiting nearby Old Forge.
📸 📸 Photography
The lake itself offers stunning reflections, especially during sunrise and sunset. The wooded campsites provide opportunities for nature photography.
Early mornings and late afternoons (golden hours) provide the best light for landscape and nature photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
The beach area provides a wide view of the lake. Exploring the edges of the campground and nearby trails can reveal hidden scenic spots.
Keep an eye out for various bird species, deer, and of course, bears (from a safe distance!). Remember to use a telephoto lens for wildlife.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check with the New York State Parks department for current rules regarding drone operation in state campgrounds and parks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎣 Anglers and Boaters
🌲 Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Bear Encounters
Respecting wildlife means maintaining a safe distance if you encounter a bear. Never feed them, as this habituates them to humans and can lead to dangerous situations for both bears and people. If a bear approaches your campsite, make noise and appear large to deter it. Following these guidelines ensures a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone, allowing you to appreciate the wild nature of the Adirondacks responsibly.
Family Fun and Activities
Beyond the immediate campground amenities, the surrounding Adirondack region boasts numerous kid-friendly hikes. These trails often feature gentle inclines and rewarding views or natural features that capture children's imaginations. The proximity to Old Forge also means easy access to family attractions like the Enchanted Forest Water Park and The Wild Center, making Nicks Lake a great base for a broader family vacation.
The Appeal of the Adirondack Lakes
Beyond Nicks Lake, the region is dotted with numerous other lakes and waterways, offering ample opportunities for exploration. Whether you're looking for a serene morning paddle or a leisurely afternoon swim, the lakes provide a central element to the Adirondack camping experience. The clear waters and surrounding forests create a picturesque setting that many visitors find incredibly restorative.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit