Nicks Lake Campground & Day Use Area - Image 1
1 / 3

Nicks Lake Campground and Day Use Area

4.7
·319 reviews·Old Forge, United States

Serene Adirondack escape with a beautiful lake, spacious wooded sites, and clean facilities. Perfect for families and nature lovers.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Peaceful lake and cooler temps

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Nicks Lake Campground & Day Use Area - Image 1

Nicks Lake Campground and Day Use Area

Best Time

Summer mornings

Peaceful lake and cooler temps

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Serene Adirondack escape with a beautiful lake, spacious wooded sites, and clean facilities. Perfect for families and nature lovers.

4.7
(319 reviews)

"Such a wonderful place to camp!! Me and my family got a few sites and enjoyed a few days here and loved every minute!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🐻 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!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Nicks Lake Beach

Nicks Lake Beach

Lakeside

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

Spacious, Wooded Campsites

Spacious, Wooded Campsites

Throughout campground

Enjoy privacy and a connection with nature on well-spaced, clean, and wooded camping lots.

Proximity to Old Forge

Proximity to Old Forge

Short drive from campground

Conveniently located near Old Forge for easy access to supplies, dining, and local attractions.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Adirondack Wilderness

Nicks Lake Campground offers a serene escape with spacious, wooded sites and a beautiful lake. Expect clean facilities and friendly staff, but be bear-aware! Pack accordingly and enjoy the natural beauty.

Plan for Adventure & Relaxation

This spot is perfect for families seeking kid-friendly hikes and natural beauty, with easy access to Old Forge for supplies. While there's no camp store, the beach and playground are highlights.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Peaceful lake and cooler temps
Crowd
Medium
When
Late summer afternoons
Why
Golden hour on the lake
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Help with boat

🐻 Be Bear Aware!

Bear activity is common. Store food properly and be vigilant, especially at night. Reddit

🛶 Paddle Paradise

The calm lake is ideal for kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding. Bring your own gear! Reddit

reddit.com

Tent camping suggestions

reddit.com

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. Reddit

🛏️ Clean Facilities

Restrooms and facilities are consistently reported as clean and well-maintained. Reddit

reddit.com

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. Reddit

🛶 Paddle Paradise

The calm lake is ideal for kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding. Bring your own gear! Reddit

🚗 Easy Access to Town

Old Forge is just a short drive away for groceries, restaurants, and amenities. Reddit

🛏️ Clean Facilities

Restrooms and facilities are consistently reported as clean and well-maintained. Reddit

🌲 Wooded & Private Sites

Enjoy ample space and privacy between campsites, surrounded by nature. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(319 reviews)

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

Beautiful, clean lake
Spacious, private sites
Clean facilities

What People Dislike

No camp store
Bear activity

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, there is usually a day-use fee for accessing the beach and picnic areas. This fee is typically per vehicle. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Activities include swimming at the beach, fishing, boating (kayaking, canoeing), hiking on nearby trails, picnicking, and enjoying the natural scenery. Reddit

While there are trails within the campground, many abundant hiking trails are in the surrounding Adirondack area, easily accessible from Nicks Lake. Reddit

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. Reddit

Reviews consistently mention that the restrooms and showers are clean and well-maintained, contributing to a comfortable stay. Reddit

Cell service can be unreliable within the campground and surrounding Adirondack Park. Wi-Fi is generally not available. Download offline maps and important information. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

Absolutely! Most campsites are equipped for cooking with fire pits or grills. Remember to follow all fire regulations and bear safety guidelines. Reddit

Yes, the day-use area and campground offer designated picnic spots, perfect for enjoying meals outdoors. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The lake itself offers stunning reflections, especially during sunrise and sunset. The wooded campsites provide opportunities for nature photography. Reddit

Early mornings and late afternoons (golden hours) provide the best light for landscape and nature photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Reddit

The beach area provides a wide view of the lake. Exploring the edges of the campground and nearby trails can reveal hidden scenic spots. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Nicks Lake Campground is a hit with families! The clean beach and playground are big draws for kids, offering plenty of fun right at the campground. Reddit Many families appreciate the spacious campsites, giving children room to play. The area also offers kid-friendly hiking trails nearby, perfect for little legs. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and be prepared for potential bear sightings by securing all food properly. Reddit

🎣 Anglers and Boaters

For those who love to fish or explore by water, Nicks Lake is an ideal spot. The lake provides a calm environment for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding, allowing you to discover hidden coves and enjoy the scenery from the water. Reddit Anglers will find opportunities to cast a line in the lake's waters. While there are no boat rentals on-site, bringing your own watercraft is highly recommended to fully experience the lake. Reddit

🌲 Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers

Nature lovers will find Nicks Lake Campground a perfect base. The wooded campsites offer a true immersion in the Adirondack environment. The area is rich with abundant hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging treks, catering to all fitness levels. Reddit Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, including birds and deer, and always be mindful of bear activity. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Bear Encounters

Nicks Lake Campground is situated in the heart of the Adirondacks, a natural habitat for black bears. Visitors frequently report bear sightings, with warnings often given upon check-in. It's crucial to practice proper food storage by using bear-resistant containers or your vehicle's trunk, and never leave food or scented items unattended. Keep your campsite clean and dispose of trash promptly in designated bear-proof receptacles. Reddit

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. Reddit

Family Fun and Activities

Nicks Lake Campground is a fantastic destination for families, offering a blend of relaxation and adventure. The beach is a major draw, providing a safe and clean area for kids to play in the water and build sandcastles. Adjacent to the beach is a playground, ensuring entertainment for younger visitors. Reddit

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. Reddit

The Appeal of the Adirondack Lakes

The Adirondack Park is renowned for its pristine lakes, and Nicks Lake is no exception. The lake itself is described as gorgeous, calm, and scenic, making it perfect for a quiet paddle or simply enjoying the tranquil atmosphere. Visitors often highlight the opportunity for peaceful kayaking or canoeing, taking in the natural beauty from the water. Reddit

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. Reddit

You may also like