Bear Slide

- 1368 River Rd, Lake Luzerne, NY 12846

Introduction / Overview

For New York residents looking to unplug and immerse themselves in a more authentic, back-to-basics wilderness experience, the area around Bear Slide in Lake Luzerne, NY, offers a compelling retreat. Situated within the sprawling Lake George Wild Forest—a treasured part of the Adirondack Forest Preserve—Bear Slide is less of a typical commercial campground and more of a gateway to accessible backcountry and primitive camping. It provides designated, yet private, campsites along with access to a famous natural attraction: the Bear Slide itself, a natural rock waterslide on Buttermilk Brook.

This location is the ideal choice for local users who value privacy, minimal development, and the distinct quiet of the Adirondacks. Customer feedback strongly supports this unique appeal. As one reviewer noted, this spot is "Close, convenient," but still provides "Plenty of Privacy but not super remote." The flexibility to choose between designated sites and true backwoods camping is a significant draw, offering "the best of both worlds" for those who cherish seclusion but still want a well-defined starting point for their adventure.

The experience here is centered on unmediated nature, making it a favorite for hikers, day-trippers seeking a unique swimming hole, and campers prepared for a primitive setting. The focus is on the environment, the trails, and the nearby Hudson River Recreation Area, rather than on high-end amenities or organized resort activities.

Location and Accessibility

Bear Slide is officially located at 1368 River Rd, Lake Luzerne, NY 12846, USA. This address places it squarely in the southern foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, within the boundaries of the Lake George Wild Forest.

The location is particularly convenient for New Yorkers traveling from the Capital Region and downstate areas. It’s a manageable drive from major metropolitan areas, making it an excellent destination for extended weekend camping trips without requiring an arduous journey deep into the High Peaks region. The proximity to Lake Luzerne and the vibrant tourist hub of Lake George means that while the camping experience is primitive, town services, local dining, and additional attractions are never far away.

Access to the area is typically via River Road. While the campsites themselves are designed to be private, the trailhead to the Bear Slide—a short, easy to moderate hike—is clearly marked and accessible from a designated parking area near the address provided. This blend of remote feel with easy road access is a major asset for local campers.

Services Offered

In keeping with its character as a primitive camping area within the State Forest Preserve, the services at Bear Slide emphasize essential needs and environmental protection, encouraging a 'Leave No Trace' philosophy among campers.

• Primitive & Dispersed Camping: Offers designated, primitive campsites, with the opportunity for true backcountry/dispersed camping for those seeking maximum privacy, as long as all state regulations are followed.
• Site Privacy: Designated campsites are specifically noted by local users for offering significant privacy, a key feature that differentiates it from more crowded, developed campgrounds.
• Road Access and Parking: Provides parking areas to facilitate access to the campsites and the Bear Slide Trail.
• Basic Sanitary Facilities: A limited number of basic facilities, such as a porta-potty, are typically available near the trailhead for user convenience (though campers should be prepared for primitive conditions at their sites).
• Trail Access: The location serves as the trailhead for the Bear Slide Trail, which leads to the popular Buttermilk Brook natural waterslide.
• Hiking Opportunities: The area connects users to the wider network of trails within the Lake George Wild Forest, providing miles of marked paths for exploration.

Features / Highlights

The primary features of the Bear Slide area are its unique natural attractions and its provision of a quiet, undisturbed outdoor experience that is increasingly sought after by New York residents.

• Natural Waterslide: The highlight is the Bear Slide itself—a natural 50-foot waterslide on Buttermilk Brook (also known as Buttermilk Falls). This smooth, sloping rock face provides a unique, exhilarating way to cool off on a hot summer day (though users should be prepared to bring something slick to slide on).
• Water Recreation: Beyond the slide, Buttermilk Brook offers fun wading opportunities and small, shallow pools, perfect for an afternoon of refreshing water play. The nearby Hudson River Recreation Area also offers additional swimming, picnicking, and tubing spots.
• Easy-to-Moderate Hiking: The trail to the natural slide is a relatively short, uphill climb (about 0.8 miles roundtrip), making it accessible for families and casual hikers, requiring only about 30 minutes to complete the loop.
• Picnic Destination: The trail includes two picnic tables, establishing the Bear Slide location as a perfect afternoon picnic spot for day visitors and campers alike.
• Authentic Wilderness Feel: Reviewers praise the area for its remote, secluded atmosphere, despite its proximity to the road, ensuring a peaceful experience away from crowds.
• Adirondack Gateway: Serves as a great starting point for the 'ADK Gateway 8 Challenge' hikes and other regional attractions, including Prospect Mountain and the commercial offerings of Lake George.

Contact Information

As a primitive area within the State Forest Preserve, the primary phone number provided is typically for the regional New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) office, which manages the area.

Address: 1368 River Rd, Lake Luzerne, NY 12846, USA

Phone: (518) 623-1200

Mobile Phone: +1 518-623-1200

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Bear Slide is perfectly suited for New York State residents who feel a pull toward traditional, low-impact camping and appreciate the unique recreational offerings of the Adirondacks. It offers the rare combination of convenient access and genuine seclusion. For those who own camping gear and prefer to truly "rough it," the primitive nature of the designated and dispersed sites means fewer crowds and a deeper connection with the natural environment—a much-needed reset from city or suburban life.

Furthermore, the presence of the Bear Slide natural waterslide provides a highly unique recreational draw that is both memorable and exhilarating. This natural feature is a major incentive for local families and adventurers looking for a special summer experience that cannot be replicated at a highly developed resort. The ability to find a secluded spot, enjoy a campfire (where permitted), and know that a short hike can lead to a natural swimming and sliding adventure makes Bear Slide a prime, authentic, and easily accessible outdoor gem for New Yorkers.

Bear Slide

1368 River Rd, Lake Luzerne, NY 12846, USA