Buck Pond Campground

Star4.62
130 reviews
1339 County Route 60, ONCHIOTA, New York, 12989, United States
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,736 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

114 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens New York State Department of Environmental Conservation site

Official Website
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Buck Pond Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$20 fee for kayak rentals per day. Campsites may have variable fees depending on amenities.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.62

Top-Rated

Based on 130 reviews

148 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietspacioushiking

"User reviews of Buck Pond Campground suggest a strong appreciation for its natural beauty, seclusion, and recreational activities. However, concerns were raised about dated and occasionally poorly maintained facilities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1339 County Route 60, ONCHIOTA, New York, 12989, United States

Buck Pond Campground

1339 County Route 60, ONCHIOTA, New York, 12989, United States

Driving directionsFrom Adirondack Northway (I-87), Northbound: Take Exit 30, then take Route 73 north to Lake Placid. Take Route 86 through Lake Placid and Saranac Lake to Gabriels. In Gabriels, take Franklin County Road 60 6 miles to Buck Pond. From Adirondack Northway (1-87), Southbound: Take Exit 38, then take Route 374 west to the Route 3 junction. Take Route 3 and turn right on Franklin County Road 60. Follow the road 5.5 miles to Buck Pond. From Tupper Lake: Take Route 30 North to Paul Smiths. Turn right on Route 86 and drive about 4 miles. In Gabriels, turn left onto County Route 60.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, but users should exercise caution when pulling trailers through Saranac Lake due to narrow roadways. Some seasonal closures may occur.
Nearby places
Lake Placid (25 miles), Paul Smiths (12 miles), Saranac Lake (approximately 20 miles).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, gas, and essentials available in Saranac Lake
convenience store within 10 miles.

Best Time to Camp at Buck Pond Campground

Experience the Adirondacks' dramatic seasonal transformations at Buck Pond. Spring awakens the forest with warming temperatures and refreshing rains that fill the air with the scent of pine and earth. Summer brings perfect paddling weather with comfortable temperatures ideal for long days on the water. As autumn approaches, prepare for nature's grand finale of colors. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, where freezing temperatures create a crystalline world perfect for those seeking true wilderness solitude.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Lush summer scenery but reports of mosquitoes, crowds and strained facilities in peak season.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 17% in NY

Autumn foliage and quieter conditions make fall especially attractive here.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Top 20% in NY

Spring 'awakens the forest'; quieter paddling and hiking as trails reopen make it appealing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round; snowmobiling/off-season visits mentioned but services are limited.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: July 1 through Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round, but from July 1 through Labor Day, only 14 cumulative nights are permitted.

About Buck Pond Campground

Escape to Buck Pond Campground, where pristine Adirondack wilderness meets serene waterways in perfect harmony. This hidden gem invites adventurers to paddle across mirror-like ponds at dawn, cast lines into fish-filled waters, and trek through trails where every turn reveals another breathtaking vista. Whether you're seeking a spacious site for family gatherings or an intimate spot tucked among towering pines, Buck Pond delivers the authentic Adirondack experience with sites that range from cozy hideaways to generous spaces perfect for larger groups.
Buck Pond Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including primitive, tent, and RV camping.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Check-out
11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights per permit.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Buck Pond Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, including canoeing, kayaking, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The beach is inviting and provides good views of the surrounding mountains. The campground's location along an abandoned railroad bed also makes it a great spot for biking.
HikingHiking trails are available, including a walking path along the old D&H railroad bed, which is about 1.25 miles to Kushaqua/Mud Pond Road. Nearby mountains like St. Regis and Debar offer excellent hiking opportunities with stunning views.
FishingFishing is a popular activity at Buck Pond. Major species include northern pike, yellow perch, and brown bullhead. Additional species in nearby Lake Kushaqua include black bass and rainbow trout.
SwimmingThe sand beach at Buck Pond has a bathhouse and is available for swimming during designated hours when a lifeguard is on duty. However, the beach is not always well-maintained, according to user reviews.
BikingBiking is highly rated by users. The campground's large area and nearby rail trail make it suitable for bicycling, including for children. Some trails are more rugged and suitable for mountain bikes.
BoatingRowboat, canoe, and kayak rentals are available. Boating opportunities are plentiful with access to Buck Pond and Lake Kushaqua.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight at Buck Pond. Visitors have reported seeing loons, eagles, and even a Barred Owl hunting. The area provides a rich natural experience.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes and deer flies can be bothersome during summer months. Limited cell phone reception throughout the campground.

Weather at Buck Pond Campground

Reviews

4.6
130 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Buck Pond Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Buck Pond Campground suggest a strong appreciation for its natural beauty, seclusion, and recreational activities. However, concerns were raised about dated and occasionally poorly maintained facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 130 reviews

What Campers Love

- Stunning views and natural seclusion - Opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing - Quiet and spacious campsites - Friendly and helpful staff - Reasonable rates for kayak rentals
Based on 130 reviews

Common Concerns

- Outdated and poorly maintained bathrooms - Fire pits in need of repair - Limited cell phone reception - Beach and bathhouse maintenance issues
Based on 130 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring bug spray and nets - Reserve waterfront sites for the best views - Carry essential bathroom supplies such as soap and toilet paper - Plan your GPS route in advance due to limited cell coverage
Based on 130 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight the lush environment, but also note issues with mosquitoes and crowded facilities during peak season. Early and late season visits tend to offer quieter experiences but may...
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Based on 130 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'The kayaking here is amazing! $20 for 24 hours. So peaceful and lots of places to explore.' - 'At night we saw a Barred Owl hunting a mouse from only a few feet away. It was a big highlight of the...
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Based on 130 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Site #18: Spacious with trees for hammocks - Site #59: Limited privacy, but manageable by switching to nearby site #60 - Site #65: Private and wooded, with neighbors two sites away - Island Sites...
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Based on 130 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible sites are available, but strict rules require at least one mobility-impaired camper per reservation.
Based on 130 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome with proof of rabies vaccination. However, some users reported unenforced rules regarding pets, such as dogs being allowed on the beach.
Based on 130 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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