Nicks Lake Campground

Star4.78
219 reviews
278 BISBY ROAD, OLD FORGE, New York, 13420, United States
Family FriendlyPeace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,841 ft

Price

$35 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

112 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

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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
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$45.00
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

4.78

Top-Rated

Based on 219 reviews

279 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioushikingstaff

Some mention

noise

"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."

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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

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.
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.

Best Time to Camp at Nicks Lake Campground

Each season paints Nicks Lake in dramatically different hues. Summer arrives with sun-drenched days perfect for lake activities, while evenings bring that signature Adirondack coolness ideal for gathering around the campfire. Autumn transforms the surrounding forests into a tapestry of gold and crimson, accompanied by crisp air and morning mist rising from the lake. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for those seeking solitude. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and rushing streams, though rain showers remind visitors to pack accordingly.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Peak season; popular for swimming, paddling, hiking and warm-weather activities.

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

Adirondack foliage and quiet forest setting imply strong fall appeal.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Should offer wildlife and quiet spring visits though trails/amenities may be limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round but peak season is summer; few winter-specific services described.

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

Nestled deep within the Adirondack wilderness, Nicks Lake Campground offers an escape where the only sounds competing with crackling campfires are loons calling across pristine waters. Thoughtfully spaced campsites ensure privacy while you reconnect with nature through endless outdoor adventures. Days here unfold with refreshing swims in crystal-clear waters, peaceful kayak explorations around hidden coves, casting lines for native fish, and discovering forest trails that wind through towering pines and ancient hardwoods.
Nicks Lake Campground supports various accommodation options, including primitive camping, RV camping, and tent sites. Cabins are also available for rent.
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Best Campsites

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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.

Amenities available

Showers
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cabin Lodging

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.
HikingHiking trails at the campground include a nature trail with 14 educational stations and a challenging trail that circles the lake. One reviewer described the trail as having sharp hills, muddy parts, and large tree roots, adding that 'it winds a bit, so be prepared.'
FishingFishing is a popular activity at the lake. One user mentioned, 'Good for fishing bass,' and others noted seeing people fishing off a footbridge near the lake's inlet.
SwimmingSwimming is permitted in a designated area with a sand beach and bathhouse. However, swimming is only allowed when lifeguards are on duty, and the beach may close if lifeguards are unavailable.
BikingBiking is frequently mentioned as a favored activity, with users appreciating the paved roads and loop layout that minimizes traffic. One user noted, 'The loop layout keeps the traffic down to a minimum so the kids can ride their bikes.'
BoatingBoating is limited to non-motorized options due to a prohibition on motorboats in the lake. Several users highlighted the excellent kayaking and canoeing opportunities, with one stating, 'The lake is fantastic for canoeing or kayaking, with no motors allowed.'
Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings are commonly reported, including loons, bald eagles, chipmunks, and deer. A reviewer shared, 'We saw and heard loons, plenty of deer, and many vocal songbirds.'
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Policies & Safety

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

Weather at Nicks Lake Campground

Reviews

4.8
219 reviews
Top-Rated
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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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

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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Last updated January 5, 2026
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