Ausable Point Campground

- 3346 Lakeshore Drive, Peru, NY 12972

Introduction / Overview: Your Natural Sanctuary on the Adirondack Coast

For New Yorkers seeking a true, uncompromised escape to the great outdoors, Ausable Point Campground represents an essential destination on the Adirondack Coast. Located in Peru, NY, this campground offers a unique setting where the majestic Adirondack Mountains meet the vast waters of Lake Champlain. It is operated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), ensuring a focus on preserving the natural beauty and providing a genuine, rustic camping experience.

Ausable Point is uniquely situated on a peninsula that juts into Lake Champlain, boasting an impressive natural sand shoreline that is a rarity in the region. The atmosphere here is intentionally no-frills, appealing to campers—from tent enthusiasts to those with smaller RVs and trailers—who value scenic beauty and water access over extensive luxury amenities. With over 120 campsites available, it serves as a fantastic base camp for exploring the entire northern region of the Empire State, from the historic Lake Champlain islands to the deep wilderness of the Adirondack Park.

The campground is lauded for its peaceful setting and the incredible opportunities it provides for water recreation and wildlife observation. Whether you're a family looking for a safe, large beach area for the kids, or an avid paddler hoping to launch directly onto the lake, Ausable Point offers a pristine, high-value experience that has become a beloved tradition for local New York campers.

Location and Accessibility: A Northern Gem Near Major Hubs

Ausable Point Campground is located at 3346 Lakeshore Drive in Peru, NY 12972, placing it conveniently close to the major I-87 corridor, making it an accessible drive from the Capital Region, Central New York, and even the greater New York City area for those planning a longer road trip. The campground is nestled just south of the city of Plattsburgh, which offers all the necessary modern conveniences, supplies, and dining options—a perfect blend of seclusion and practicality for your camping trip.

The site's unique geography—a peninsula surrounded by water—provides a distinct "shoreline camping" feel. To the west, the campground borders the Wickham Marsh Wildlife Management Area, an 862-acre sanctuary of wetlands and forest. This proximity guarantees exceptional birding and hiking opportunities right outside your tent flap. Additionally, the location is a gateway to the region’s historical and recreational treasures, including the iconic Ausable Chasm and the Olympic village of Lake Placid, which is approximately 45 miles away.

Accessibility notes for potential campers: The sites are generally suitable for tents and RVs up to approximately 40 feet in length. While it’s designed to be a primitive experience, its close relationship with the state highway system ensures that getting to and from the campground is straightforward, a crucial factor when planning a trip to a secluded corner of the state.

Services Offered: Clean, Essential, and Community-Focused

Ausable Point Campground focuses on providing clean, essential services that support a rustic camping trip without compromising comfort or safety. While the site emphasizes a ‘no-frills’ style—meaning the majority of sites do not include electrical hookups—it delivers on the necessities that make a trip enjoyable.

• Restrooms and Showers: Basic amenities include flush toilets and hot showers. While some facilities are noted to be dated, they are available to all campers.
• Sanitary Stations: A trailer dump station and a recycling center are available on-site for RV and trailer use.
• Water Access: Water hydrants are available throughout the loops for drinking and cooking needs.
• Recreation Areas: A large day-use area features a huge sand beach, a playground for children, and picnic tables, often under the shade of trees.
• Boating Access: A car-top boat launch allows campers to easily put canoes, kayaks, and small non-motorized boats into Lake Champlain.
• Supplies: Firewood and ice are typically available for purchase directly from the campground staff, which is a key convenience for local campers.
• ADA Accessibility: The day-use area, including the access path to the beach and some facilities, is designed to be wheelchair accessible.

Features / Highlights: Lakeside Views and Adirondack Adventures

The major draw of Ausable Point is its genuinely beautiful, water-centric features. The campground’s setting is the star, offering several unique highlights that differentiate it from other New York camping locations.

• Waterfront Sites: A key feature highly coveted by seasoned campers is the selection of waterfront sites, many of which provide direct beach or lake access and breathtaking, unobstructed views across Lake Champlain.
• Natural Sand Beach: The beach in the day-use area is expansive, consisting of natural sand and a gentle slope into the water, making it ideal for sunbathing and swimming (note: check for current lifeguard availability, as this can vary).
• Paddling Paradise: Sites along the Ausable River or Lake Champlain shoreline are perfect for paddlers, with easy launches for kayaks and canoes to explore the coast and nearby wildlife areas.
• Windsurfing Area: The 'Stone Jetty' area is specifically designated and known as an excellent spot for windsurfing and sailboarding due to the unique wind patterns on the lake.
• Wickham Marsh WMA Access: The immediate proximity to the Wickham Marsh Wildlife Management Area offers easy access to hiking trails, a viewing platform, and some of the best birdwatching opportunities on the Adirondack Coast.
• Views of Valcour Island: On a clear day, campers can enjoy spectacular views of Valcour Island and Garden Island (locally known as "Battleship Island"), a location associated with the first major sea battle of the American Revolution.

Contact Information

For reservations and the most up-to-date information on seasonal operations, site availability, and current regulations, New York residents should contact the campground directly or utilize the state’s official park reservation system.

• Address: 3346 Lakeshore Drive, Peru, NY 12972, USA
• Phone (Campground Office): (518) 561-7080
• Mobile Phone (Direct Contact): +1 518-561-7080
• Reservations: As an official New York State DEC Campground, reservations are highly recommended, especially for those desirable waterfront sites, which often book up nine months in advance.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Ausable Point Campground is perfectly suited for New York residents seeking a quintessential, high-quality Northern New York outdoor experience. Its location on Lake Champlain provides an accessible "ocean-like" feel—with vast water views and a huge sandy beach—without requiring a trip to the coast. This unique blend of lake, marsh, and mountain environment is rare and invaluable.

For New York families, the spacious sites, the large beach, and the nearby playground offer a fantastic, affordable option for creating summer memories. The no-frills nature of the camping—meaning no electric hookups at many sites—actively encourages campers to disconnect, embrace the true essence of nature, and engage in self-reliant activities like paddling, hiking, and cooking over a fire ring. It serves as a necessary, quiet retreat and a cultural gateway to the historical and natural wonders of the Adirondack Coast and the entire Champlain Valley, solidifying its place as a cherished local favorite.

Ausable Point Campground

3346 Lakeshore Drive, Peru, NY 12972, USA