Golden Beach Campground

Star4.48
151 reviews
ROUTE 28, RAQUETTE LAKE, New York, 13436, United States
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,814 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

160 campsites

Season

Open season is July ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

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Golden Beach Campground
$0.00 - $14.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping permits are issued for a maximum of 14 nights, valid from July 1 through Labor Day. Extra vehicles will incur additional fees.
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

4.48

Recommended

Based on 151 reviews

231 Google reviews

Most mentioned

waterlakebeachstaff

"Golden Beach Campground receives generally positive feedback for its natural beauty, diverse recreational activities, and overall serene environment. However, some users raise complaints about restroom maintenance, shower availability, and lifeguard staffing."

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Campground Map

ROUTE 28, RAQUETTE LAKE, New York, 13436, United States

Golden Beach Campground

ROUTE 28, RAQUETTE LAKE, New York, 13436, United States

Driving directionsFrom New York State Thruway (I-90), take Exit 31 at Utica; go north on Rte. 12 to Alder Creek; follow Rte. 28 through Old Forge and Inlet. The campground is about 4 miles east of Raquette Lake Village, on the left side of the road on Rte. 28. From the Adirondack Northway (I-87), take Exit 23 at Warrensburg; take Route 9 North to Route 28 West through Indian Lake and Blue Mountain Lake; the campground is about 8 miles west, on the right side of Rte. 28.
Well-connected via major highways such as Route 28 and New York State Thruway (I-90). Roads appear to be paved and accessible year-round.
Nearby places
Raquette Lake (3 miles west), Inlet (10-minute drive), Indian Lake (golf courses, distance not specified), Blue Mountain Lake (8 miles east).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel available in nearby villages. Exact locations not specified, but Raquette Lake and Inlet offer supplies and dining options.

Best Time to Camp at Golden Beach Campground

Summer transforms Golden Beach into an outdoor paradise, where warm sunshine filters through the canopy and gentle breezes carry the scent of pine. Perfect beach days give way to crisp evenings around the campfire, with temperatures cool enough for cozy sleeping bags and stargazing. When winter arrives, the landscape becomes a snow-globe wonderland—though camping gives way to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing adventures, as heavy snowfall and arctic temperatures create a dramatically different but equally stunning scene.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Open July 1–Labor Day; summer is peak with ideal beach, boating and swimming conditions.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground is open July 1–Labor Day; closed in fall.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground opens July 1; spring season not applicable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed in winter; winter recreation not provided by campground.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: July 1 through Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season is July 1 through Labor Day.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts stated.

About Golden Beach Campground

Nestled in the heart of the Central Adirondacks, Golden Beach Campground beckons those seeking an authentic wilderness escape. Here, pristine sandy shores meet crystal-clear waters, while towering pines whisper stories of the forest. Days unfold with endless possibilities—dive into refreshing swimming holes, explore winding hiking trails, cast a line into fish-filled waters, or simply let your boat drift across the lake as the sun paints the sky. This hidden gem promises the kind of privacy and tranquility that makes time slow down and memories last forever.
Golden Beach Campground offers a variety of camping experiences, including tent and trailer sites that cater to different preferences. Sites are grouped in loops, and the campground supports both private, secluded sites as well as more clustered arrangements.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 p.m.
Check-out
10:00 a.m.
Stay Limit
Amaximum of 14 nights is allowed.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Golden Beach Campground offers a diverse range of activities set against the stunning backdrop of the central Adirondacks. Activities include swimming, hiking, fishing, canoeing, powerboating, and picnicking. The area's sandy beach and Raquette Lake provide a hub for aquatic recreation, while the forested environment supports hiking and wildlife observation.
HikingThe campground includes hiking trails. Official descriptions emphasize the natural forested setting of the Adirondacks. Leonard Clark highlighted that 'there was so much to do here,' suggesting good opportunities for hiking and exploration.
FishingFishing is permitted, with Raquette Lake being home to various species such as lake trout, brook trout, smallmouth bass, and sunfish. Leonard Clark appreciated the fishing opportunities in the lake, calling it one of his favorite activities.
SwimmingSwimming is allowed at the sandy beach area when lifeguards are on duty. User reviews highlight the quality of the beach and swimming experience. For instance, Nam Cao pointed out that 'one of the beach areas is super shallow where it's safe for kids to play and swim.' However, there are complaints about limited lifeguard availability.
BikingCycling is allowed, but specific trails or terrain details are not mentioned. Amy NeMoyer noted a positive biking experience, stating, 'My son broke his chain on his bicycle and a young man from the staff came and fixed it!'
BoatingBoating is a popular activity at this campground. Leonard Clark mentioned enjoying canoeing on Raquette Lake. Powerboating and sailing are also supported as per the authoritative description.
Wildlife viewingThe forested setting of the campground offers opportunities for observing local wildlife. No specific species are highlighted in the reviews, but the natural environment suggests potential for diverse encounters.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential wildlife hazards include bears, as mentioned in user reviews. General caution advised.
Active AlertsNo active alerts stated.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredFood lockers available but details are sparse; highly recommended in bear country.

Weather at Golden Beach Campground

Reviews

4.5
151 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Golden Beach Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Golden Beach Campground receives generally positive feedback for its natural beauty, diverse recreational activities, and overall serene environment. However, some users raise complaints about restroom maintenance, shower availability, and lifeguard staffing.
Review Summaries
Based on 151 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers praise the scenic beauty, including breathtaking sunsets, the sandy beach, and the clear waters of Raquette Lake. Activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing are well-received, and the...
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Based on 151 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poor restroom cleaning, lack of toilet paper, limited shower availability, and insufficient lifeguard staffing. Noise from nearby Route 28 and lack of cell phone service are...
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Based on 151 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing bug spray, booking waterfront sites like 100 and 101 for privacy, and planning visits during less crowded periods. Others suggest avoiding sites near Route 28 due to noise.
Based on 151 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the peak season with crowded beaches and high activity. Spring and fall provide quieter experiences but may involve weather challenges. Winter data is not applicable to the campground's...
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Based on 151 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Bathrooms and showers are kept clean and you don’t have to wait for the water to heat up.' - Damian G 2. 'The BEST part of this area?? There’s NO CELL service! It’s awesome.' - Kim G 3. 'The...
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Based on 151 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 100 is noted for its size and privacy but is described as uneven and unsuitable for campers. Site 186 is praised for being remote and ideal for a tent setup. Conversely, site 91 is criticized...
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Based on 151 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground includes handicap-accessible sites, though specific user feedback on these features is limited.
Based on 151 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and reviews note the campground's pet-friendly nature, with campers appreciating the ability to bring their dogs.
Based on 151 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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