How much does camping cost at Fish Creek Pond Campground?

Camping fees at Fish Creek Pond Campground range from $22-$35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Fish Creek Pond Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Fish Creek Pond 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.

Can I see photos of campsites at Fish Creek Pond Campground before I book?

Yes! Fish Creek Pond Campground has 2 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Fish Creek Pond Campground?

Fish Creek Pond Campground is open June through August.. 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 Fish Creek Pond Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Fish Creek Pond Campground?

Fire policies at Fish Creek Pond Campground: Campfires restricted to fireplaces provided; only dead and down wood may be used for fuel.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Fish Creek Pond Campground?

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

How many campsites does Fish Creek Pond Campground have?

Fish Creek Pond Campground has 305 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Fish Creek Pond Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Fish Creek Pond 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 Fish Creek Pond Campground?

Fish Creek Pond Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Fish Creek Pond Campground

4.59

410 reviews

4523 State Route 30, SARANAC LAKE, New York, 12983, United States

Family FriendlySummer Destination

Featured in:Beach Camping New York#1 Group Camping New York#1 Fishing Camping New York#1 +12 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,624 ft

Price

$22 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

305 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,624 ft

Price

$22 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

305 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Fish Creek Pond Campground

$22.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The fee range is $22 to $35, depending on the type of campsite and season. Additional fees may apply for extra vehicles or for premium waterfront...

Premium Site Fee$35.00

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Campground Map

4523 State Route 30, SARANAC LAKE, New York, 12983, United States

Fish Creek Pond Campground

4523 State Route 30, SARANAC LAKE, New York, 12983, United States

Nearby places

Lake Placid (25 miles), Tupper Lake (15 minutes), Saranac Lake (9 miles)

Nearby supplies

A general store outside the campground offers essentials, and groceries can be purchased at Tupper Lake (15 minutes) or Saranac Lake (25 minutes).

Driving directionsFrom the Northway (I-87) northbound: Take Exit 30, Route 9 North, to Rte. 73; go north to Lake Placid. Take Route 86 North through Saranac Lake to Rte. 186 West; then take Rte. 30 South 9 miles to Fish Creek Pond. From the Northway (I-87) southbound: Take Exit 38, Rte. 374 West, to Rte. 3 West, to Saranac Lake. From Saranac Lake, take Rte. 186 West; then take Rte. 30 South 9 miles to Fish Creek Pond. From I-81: Take Exit 48, Rte. 342 East, to Rte. 3 & 30; take Rte. 30 North to Fish Creek Pond.

Road access is generally good for major vehicles but traffic levels can be high during peak seasons, especially the main loop roads. The roads are not particularly large and may be challenging for RVs or trailers over 30 feet.

Weather at Fish Creek Pond Campground

Best Time to Camp at Fish Creek Pond Campground

Summer delivers the warmest conditions for water activities. Daytime highs run mid-60s to upper-70s°F, with cool nights dropping to 45-60°F. The water is calm and clear for swimming, canoeing, and fishing. Beach time is comfortable throughout the day. Weekends get crowded, so book early. Autumn brings brilliant foliage and crisp air. Winter opens the campground to hardy cold-weather campers. Spring means wildflowers and rushing streams, but expect mud.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Quieter than summer and Adirondack foliage enhances scenery; fewer crowds reported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June through August.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round but peak camping is from June to August.

About Fish Creek Pond Campground

Fish Creek Pond Campground sits in the Adirondack Park near Saranac Lake, offering 305 sites spread across waterfront loops at 1,624 feet elevation. Most sites have direct water access and sandy beaches. Sites run $22-$35 per night. It's a busy, social campground with strong amenities but limited privacy between sites.

Fish Creek Pond Campground mainly offers traditional tent camping, RV camping without hookups, and a limited number of group camping options. Cabins and luxury accommodations are not available.

Historical Significance

For over seventy years, Fish Creek Pond has been the flagship DEC campground in New York, drawing families who return to the same sites season after season. Grandparents teach grandchildren to fish in the spots where they learned decades ago.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the warmest conditions for water activities. Daytime highs run mid-60s to upper-70s°F, with cool nights dropping to 45-60°F. The water is calm and clear for swimming, canoeing, and fishing. Beach time is comfortable throughout the day. Weekends get crowded, so book early. Autumn brings brilliant foliage and crisp air. Winter opens the campground to hardy cold-weather campers. Spring means wildflowers and rushing streams, but expect mud.

ElevationSet within the gentle rolling terrain of the central Adirondacks, the campground offers an accessible wilderness experience without extreme elevation challenges.

Natural Features and SceneryNatural sand shoreline along Fish Creek Pond and Square Pond with forested campsites, water access for most of the 355 sites, shallow sandy bottom shoreline ideal for kayaks, canoes, swimming, and children. Paved road loops around three ponds for biking, pristine rivers and ponds accessible to motorized and non-motorized boats[1][2][3][5].

Geological RegionFish Creek Pond rests in the ancient heart of Adirondack Park, where billion-year-old mountains have been sculpted by time into a paradise of interconnected waterways and forests. This geological masterpiece showcases the classic Adirondack landscape – crystalline lakes carved by glaciers, dense pine and hardwood forests climbing gentle slopes, and a network of streams and ponds that create a paddler's dream. The region's unique geology has gifted the campground with its signature sandy shores and the clear, clean waters that define the Adirondack experience.

Scenic Views“I feel alive when I arrive and look over the water, beautiful” - User review. Another camper stated, “The views are great, just note that everything you bring will get sandy at some waterfront sites.”

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer hotel-style accommodation or glamping facilities.

Programs & ActivitiesPrograms include nature hikes, crafts, and live entertainment at the amphitheater, especially during the summer.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

From 2 PM until 9 PM.

Check-out

10 AM.

Stay Limit

Amaximum stay of 14 nights is allowed during peak seasons.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Limited to 6 individuals per campsite.

Groups

Group sites accommodate up to 6 people and allow up to 2 tents or 1 RV and a tent.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are arranged in loops around the ponds. Most are waterfront but close together with little vegetation between them. Sites accommodate two tents or one RV up to 40 feet and a tent, though maximum lengths vary by site.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the campground's official website or via phone.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is limited and varies during peak season due to the campground's popularity.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations are subject to forfeiture of fees, especially if the cancellation occurs within the first night of a reservation.

AccessibilityThere are accessible sites, but at least one person in the party must be mobility impaired to use them. Accessibility reviews are mixed, with some facilities noted as outdated.

Site SizeSites are large enough to accommodate two tents or one hard-wheeled camping unit and a tent. Maximum equipment length varies, with some sites accommodating up to 40 feet.

PrivacySites offer limited privacy, with many being close together and lacking tree cover. Some campers noted that creek-side sites are more secluded.

Total Campsites305 campsites

Recommended SitesSites above 130 offer better privacy and size while creekside sites like C12, C13 are suitable for smaller groups seeking quiet.

Best CampsitesWaterfront sites (most of 355 sites, 332 directly on lakeshore) for water access and docking; low 130s sites narrower but waterfront spots offer more space despite slope; sites vary in size and privacy[3][5].

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Amenities available

Fish Creek Pond Campground is noted for its exceptional number of waterfront campsites, a natural sand shoreline, and pristine waters. The campground offers various recreational and practical amenities, including a boat launch, hiking trails, volleyball courts, basketball areas, and a shower building. Facilities are clean but outdated. "The bathrooms are far from luxurious," a user review stated. Some sites are affected by noise and proximity to neighbors, and amenities like showers may require long walks or drives to access.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational activities at Fish Creek Pond Campground are plentiful, with options for both land and water-based fun. Popular activities include fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, swimming, and biking. Wildlife viewing and beach activities are also highlighted.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMotorized boat traffic can create noise and waves; occasional bear sightings due to food left unattended.

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 PolicyCampfires restricted to fireplaces provided; only dead and down wood may be used for fuel.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM.

Emergency ServicesHospital and emergency services available within 10 miles in Saranac Lake.

Trash & RecyclingCentralized recycling and garbage facilities require campers to dispose of waste in clear plastic bags. There are limited dumpster options, causing inconvenience for some campers.

Water FeaturesAlmost all sites are waterfront, offering direct access to Fish Creek Pond, Square Pond, and connected water bodies.

Camp HostFriendly and helpful rangers frequently mentioned in reviews.

Cell CoverageNo specific information on cell phone reception or carriers from sources.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.6

410 reviews

Top-Rated

Fish Creek Pond Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Fish Creek Pond Campground are overwhelmingly positive, praising the natural beauty, waterfront access, and variety of activities. However, issues such as outdated facilities, lack of privacy, and high traffic are commonly noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 410 reviews

What Campers Love

Finest Adirondack campground with lakeside community atmosphere, easy water access, clean facilities, friendly staff, daily vendors, boating/swimming paradise; ruined other campgrounds for some...

Based on 410 reviews

Common Concerns

Outdated restroom and shower facilities are a recurring complaint. Limited privacy and crowded conditions during peak season are also noted.

Based on 410 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 14 is described as small and less private. Sites 134 and higher are considered less crowded and more spacious.

Based on 410 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Limit to 6 people per site, 2 tents or 1 unit +1 tent, 2 vehicles max (extra fees for more); must be occupied by person 18+; accessible sites require mobility impaired member; some campers build...

Based on 410 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busy during the summer, with crowded conditions and high boat traffic. Fall offers a quieter experience. Winter camping is possible but less popular.

Based on 410 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Virtually all sites are waterfront, hence its huge popularity." - Wayne Clark. "The campground is busy and wraps all the way around the lake." - Mark Woolley. "Just love it, been going since 1960."...

Based on 410 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible sites are available, but the condition of restroom facilities limits their usefulness.

Based on 410 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is pet-friendly with leash requirements. Pets are not allowed on the beach or in facility structures.

Based on 410 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Families and paddlers who want direct lake access without hauling gear far: most sites are steps from Fish Creek Pond, the sandy beach is supervised for swimmers, and the interconnected ponds are ideal for canoes and kayaks. Sites 134 and up tend to be more spacious and less pack

Skip if

Privacy matters to you, or you're bringing a rig that needs hookups. There are no water, electric, or sewer connections, the shower building draws a crowd and gets mixed reviews for upkeep, and peak-season weekends feel more like a neighborhood than a campground.

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Rollins Pond Campground

4523 STATE ROUTE 30, SARANAC LAKE, New York, 12983, United States

Rollins Pond Campground sits on the eastern shore of its 442-acre namesake pond, deep in New York's Adirondack Park near Saranac Lake. The 258-site campground offers a mix of waterfront and interior sites, with most providing water access for paddlers. Fees run $20-40 per night, and sites accommodate rigs from 10 to 40 feet depending on location.