How much does camping cost at Nicks Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Nicks Lake Campground range from $35-$45/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Nicks Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Nicks Lake Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Nicks Lake Campground?

Nicks Lake Campground is open July 1 - Labor Day.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Nicks Lake Campground?

Yes, Nicks Lake Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Nicks Lake Campground?

Cell phone service at Nicks Lake Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Nicks Lake Campground have?

Nicks Lake Campground has 112 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Nicks Lake Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Nicks Lake Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Nicks Lake Campground?

Nicks Lake Campground offers: Showers, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Nicks Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Nicks Lake Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Nicks Lake Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Nicks Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Nicks Lake Campground: Fires must be contained within designated fireplaces. Dead and downed wood may be used. Chainsaws and cutting live trees are prohibited.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.74

219 reviews

278 BISBY ROAD, OLD FORGE, New York, 13420, United States

Family FriendlyPeace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping New York#1 Spring Camping New York#1 Tent Camping New York#1 +12 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,841 ft

Price

$35 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

112 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Nicks Lake Campground Direct Line Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,841 ft

Price

$35 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

112 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Nicks Lake Campground Direct Line Official Website

Get Directions

Nicks Lake Campground

$35.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees for campsites range from $35 to $45 depending on site type and amenities. Additional charges may apply for extra vehicles or pets.

Standard Site Fee$35.00

Premium Site Fee$45.00

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3153693314

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

278 BISBY ROAD, OLD FORGE, New York, 13420, United States

Nicks Lake Campground

278 BISBY ROAD, OLD FORGE, New York, 13420, United States

Nearby places

Old Forge: 1.5 miles, approximately 5 minutes driving.

Nearby supplies

Old Forge, approximately 1.5 miles away, offers grocery stores, fuel stations, camping supplies, and other essentials.

Driving directionsFrom NYS Thruway: Take Exit 31 at Utica, Route 12 North to Alder Creek, and Rte 28 to Old Forge. Turn right at the Post Office, and follow the Nicks Lake Campground signs 1.5 miles to the campground entrance. From Watertown: Take Route 12 South to Alder Creek, then Route 28 to Old Forge. Turn right at the Post Office, and follow the Nicks Lake Campground signs 1.5 miles to the campground entrance. From Blue Mountain Lake: Take Route 28 to Old Forge, turn left at the Post Office, and follow the Nicks Lake Campground signs 1.5 miles to the campground entrance.

Roads leading to the campground are paved and accessible year-round, though potential challenges may include sharp turns and signage reliance.

Weather at Nicks Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Nicks Lake Campground

Summer brings the warmest conditions for swimming and paddling, with daytime highs in July and August typically 70-80°F and nights 50-60°F. Trails thaw completely for hiking and biking, and wildlife viewing peaks. Weekend crowds spike around July 4 and through August, so book early. Autumn turns the forest gold and crimson with crisp air and morning lake mist. Winter covers everything in snow. Spring brings wildflowers and runoff, but also rain showers.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Peak season: warm days for swimming/paddling, full facilities and many positive summer reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: July 1 - Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open year-round, with peak season from July 1 through Labor Day.

About Nicks Lake Campground

Nicks Lake Campground sits at 1,841 feet in the Adirondacks near Old Forge, with 112 sites spread across five loops. The campsites are well-separated by trees, and reviews consistently mention the privacy. Fees run $35-$45 per night, with tent, RV, primitive, and cabin options. Cell service holds at 2-3 bars most of the time.

Nicks Lake Campground supports various accommodation options, including primitive camping, RV camping, and tent sites. Cabins are also available for rent.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the warmest conditions for swimming and paddling, with daytime highs in July and August typically 70-80°F and nights 50-60°F. Trails thaw completely for hiking and biking, and wildlife viewing peaks. Weekend crowds spike around July 4 and through August, so book early. Autumn turns the forest gold and crimson with crisp air and morning lake mist. Winter covers everything in snow. Spring brings wildflowers and runoff, but also rain showers.

ElevationElevation data is not explicitly provided.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies terrain shaped by billion-year-old granite and the last ice age. Exposed outcroppings poke through dense boreal and deciduous forest. White pines mixed with sugar maples and hardwoods. Nicks Lake itself is a glacial remnant with calm water and occasional beaver activity. White-tailed deer browse at dawn, black bears forage at a distance, and loons call across the water. The geology here represents one of North America's oldest mountain ranges, where northern and southern forest species overlap.

Geological RegionSet within the ancient Adirondack Mountains, Nicks Lake Campground showcases the raw beauty of one of North America's oldest geological formations. The rugged terrain tells a billion-year story through exposed granite outcroppings, glacially carved valleys, and the pristine lake itself—a remnant of the last ice age. Dense boreal and deciduous forests blanket the rolling hills, creating a diverse ecosystem where northern and southern species converge. This unique geological setting provides not just stunning scenery, but a living classroom of natural history at every turn.

Scenic ViewsCampers can enjoy views of Nicks Lake, forest landscapes, and occasional sightings of wildlife like loons, bald eagles, and deer.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground offers small cabins for rent, as noted in a user review: 'Lots of camp sites and small cabins to rent.'

Programs & ActivitiesThe campground features a Junior Naturalist Program for children and a nature trail with 14 educational stations.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

From 2 PM until 9 PM.

Check-out

10 AM.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay allowed is 14 consecutive nights. From July 1 through Labor Day, cumulative stays are limited to 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Limited to 6 individuals maximum per campsite.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutFive paved loops (A-E) run through dense forest. Sites are spacious enough for multiple tents or RV-plus-tent setups, with trees providing separation between neighbors. No electrical hookups, so bring a generator if you need one. Reviews mention the dump station has low water pressure.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made directly through the campground's office, phone, or official site.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up/first-come-first-served sites are available but subject to availability and early fill patterns during peak seasons.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not explicitly stated but fees may be forfeited if the reservation is not claimed by 9 PM on the first day.

AccessibilityMany facilities, including the trails and restrooms, are handicapped accessible, ensuring inclusivity for guests with mobility impairments.

Site SizeCampsite sizes vary, allowing for equipment lengths up to 40 feet in some loops (e.g., Loop E and Loop D). Most sites are spacious and can accommodate multiple tents or a combination of hard-wheeled camping equipment and tents.

PrivacySites are generally spacious and well-separated by trees. User reviews consistently highlight the privacy offered, with one reviewer stating, 'The campsites are also nicely spaced from one another, offering needed privacy.

Total Campsites112 campsites

Recommended SitesLoops C, D, and E are best suited for RVs and campers seeking larger, more private sites.

Best CampsitesLoops C, D, and E get recommended in reviews for better ambiance and spacing, especially for RVs. Site #112 has lakeside views. Loops D and E can fit rigs up to 40 feet. Waterfront sites are limited and book fast.

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Amenities available

Nicks Lake Campground offers a wide range of amenities designed to enhance the camping experience for visitors. Campers can make use of tent and trailer sites, a picnic area with a pavilion, tables, and fireplaces; restrooms and hot showers; a ball field, volleyball net, and playground. A trailer dump station and recycling center are also available. For recreation, the site features a sand beach with a swimming area and bathhouse, hiking trails, and a nature trail with 14 educational stations. Most facilities are handicapped-accessible.

Showers

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

At Nicks Lake Campground, visitors can engage in a variety of recreational activities. Options include swimming, fishing, bicycling, volleyball, softball, and participating in a children's Junior Naturalist Program. There are also several hiking trails, including a nature trail with educational stations and a trail that circles the lake.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSafety risks include potential bear activity, slippery trails, and tree hazards during storms.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyFires must be contained within designated fireplaces. Dead and downed wood may be used. Chainsaws and cutting live trees are prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are strictly enforced from 10 PM to 7 AM.

Emergency ServicesOld Forge has nearby emergency services including police stations, medical facilities, and fire departments within 1.5 miles of the campground.

Trash & RecyclingA recycling station is present at the campground. One review noted, 'The recycling and garbage site was well organized.'

Water FeaturesLocated on Nicks Lake, offering recreational opportunities such as kayaking, canoeing, and swimming.

Camp HostOn-site rangers are available and helpful, ensuring campground rules and safety measures are implemented.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is generally reliable, with users mentioning that they typically receive 2-3 bars. However, there are occasional spots with weaker signals.

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.7

219 reviews

Top-Rated

Nicks Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews frequently praise the campground for its privacy, cleanliness, and the quality of its facilities. Many visitors highlight the peaceful atmosphere and variety of recreational activities.

Review Summaries

Based on 219 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the well-maintained and clean facilities, the spacious and private campsites, and the range of available activities such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. Several users also...

Based on 219 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the lack of electrical hookups, limited water pressure at the dump station, and some campsites being too close together near the lake. A few users also mentioned the inconvenience...

Based on 219 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Loops C, D, and E are highly recommended for RVs, while loops A and B are more suited for tent camping. Site 112 by the lake was noted as 'very quiet and relaxing.'

Based on 219 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend booking well in advance due to high demand, especially for lakeside sites. Bringing generators is advised for RV campers, as there are no electrical hookups. Some users suggest...

Based on 219 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with many reviewers appreciating the warm weather and opportunities for outdoor activities. However, some visitors noted that the beach may close on specific days...

Based on 219 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'The campsites are primitive but large and separated by woods.' - 'The bathrooms and showers are clean and upkept.' - 'A fantastic place to canoe or kayak—no motors allowed.' - 'The lake itself is...

Based on 219 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground is described as well-suited for visitors with disabilities, with handicapped-accessible trails and facilities.

Based on 219 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, but they must be leashed, controlled, and cannot be left unattended. Dogs are not allowed in certain areas, such as the playground and beach.

Based on 219 reviews

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Go if

Families with kids do especially well here: the paved loops keep bike traffic safe, the sand beach has lifeguards, and the Junior Naturalist Program fills rainy afternoons. Kayakers and canoe campers get a calm, motorboat-free lake. Book loops C, D, or E for RVs, and grab site 11

Skip if

No electrical hookups anywhere on the property, so power-dependent RV setups mean running a generator, which annoys neighbors and is a recurring complaint. Waterfront sites are few and book fast. The dump station has known low water pressure, so plan accordingly if that matters t

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