Brown Tract Pond Campground

- Browns Tract Rd, Inlet, NY 13360

For New Yorkers seeking a true, unadulterated Adirondack experience away from the bustling crowds, the Brown Tract Pond Campground is often whispered about as one of the region's best-kept secrets. Operated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), this facility is nestled on the tranquil, eastern shore of 146-acre Brown Tract Pond, providing a remote and exceptionally quiet setting in the heart of the Central Adirondacks, near the hamlet of Inlet.

Unlike some of the larger, more developed campgrounds, Brown Tract Pond offers a distinctly primitive camping atmosphere while still providing essential modern amenities. The emphasis here is on natural serenity and privacy. Many of the campground’s ninety available sites are large, well-forested, and strategically separated, giving campers a sense of seclusion even during peak season. This campground is a haven for those who prioritize the sounds of nature—the chirping of birds and the gentle lapping of the pond—over the noise of motorboats or extensive development. It is the perfect destination for local residents looking to genuinely disconnect, relax, and immerse themselves in the 'forever wild' environment of the Adirondack Park.

While it embraces a primitive character, offering no electric or water hookups at the sites, the convenience of flush toilets and a trailer dump station ensures a comfortable stay. This balance makes it an ideal spot for both seasoned tent campers and RV/trailer users (up to 30 feet in length) who are prepared for a dry-camping experience. Its reputation for being quiet and well-maintained makes it a highly sought-after destination within the New York State park system.

Brown Tract Pond Campground is remotely situated on Browns Tract Rd in Inlet, NY 13360. This location places it approximately two miles from the historic Raquette Lake Village and near the popular Old Forge region, making it easily reachable from points across New York State.

Access to the campground is typically via New York State Route 28, transitioning onto a town road, which may include sections of well-maintained dirt or gravel. Visitors have noted that the drive is manageable even with a standard sedan, though driving slowly is recommended due to the rural nature of the road. This secluded location is intentional, contributing significantly to the quiet, peaceful atmosphere that campers value so highly. The remote nature means that cell service is generally unavailable within the campground, which for many New York locals, is a major benefit—an enforced digital detox. The campground's proximity to larger hubs like Old Forge and Inlet means that while the campground itself is secluded, supplies and services are not too far away, striking a fine balance between wilderness and convenience.

The New York State DEC manages Brown Tract Pond Campground to provide a functional and enjoyable camping experience despite its intentionally primitive style. Key services available to registered campers include:

• Ninety individual campsites, including those designed for tents, trailers, and RVs (up to 30 feet in length), with several sites located directly on the water's edge.
• Central comfort stations throughout the campground providing clean, functional flush toilets.
• Cold potable water spigots distributed within the camping loops.
• A trailer dump station and a dedicated recycling center for post-trip convenience.
• Canoe and kayak rentals are available on-site, allowing visitors to easily get out onto Brown Tract Pond.
• A designated water fill-up station for trailer and RV tanks (note: there are no electric, water, or sewer hookups at individual sites).
• Firewood for campfires is often available for purchase from the camp office/host.
• Access to the facilities, including hot showers, at the nearby Golden Beach Campground, typically just a short five to seven-mile drive away, is included with your Brown Tract Pond registration permit.
• Limited parking for extra vehicles is available in a designated area for an additional fee.

The primary appeal of Brown Tract Pond Campground lies in its peaceful natural setting and the recreational opportunities that stem from its no-motor-boat policy.

• A tranquil, non-motorized Brown Tract Pond, ideal for paddling, including canoeing and kayaking, with an on-site boat launch (car-top launch only).
• A lovely, small sandy beach and designated swimming area for cooling off on warm summer days (lifeguard availability may vary by season).
• Exceptional privacy at most campsites, which are spacious and well-forested with thick conifers and deciduous trees, often providing excellent shade and a feeling of being 'tucked away.'
• Excellent fishing for various species, including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, yellow perch, and a chance to catch rare brook trout.
• Direct access to nearby marked and unmarked hiking trails, with paths leading to destinations like Shallow Lake, West Mountain, and connections to the larger Black Bear Mountain and Eighth Lake trails.
• A scenic picnic area equipped with tables and fireplaces, perfect for day-use visitors or a break from the campsite.
• Opportunity for wildlife viewing and photography in the secluded environment, with sightings of loons, ducks, and beavers common in the area.

The Brown Tract Pond Campground is a New York State DEC-operated facility.

Address: Browns Tract Rd Inlet, NY 13360, USA

Phone: Campground Office: (315) 354-4412 NYS Camping Reservations (Reserve America): 1-800-456-2267 (Recommended for booking)

Brown Tract Pond Campground is ideally suited for local New York residents looking for an authentic and restorative experience in the Adirondack Park. In a state that offers every possible form of recreation, this particular spot stands out for its commitment to peace and quiet, a true luxury for those accustomed to the constant activity of cities and dense suburbs.

The campground’s intentionally primitive nature, which prohibits electric hookups and motorized boats on the pond, ensures a tranquil environment that faithfully preserves the spirit of Adirondack wilderness camping. It’s an opportunity to teach children—or remind ourselves—what true quiet sounds like. The large, private, well-separated sites mean you are camping near, but not on top of, your neighbor, which enhances the feeling of a private wilderness retreat, even at the busiest times of the year, as noted by local visitors.

Furthermore, the accessibility features are thoughtfully balanced. While you commit to a primitive experience on-site, the inclusion of flush toilets and the ability to utilize the shower facilities at the nearby Golden Beach Campground with the same permit mean you don't have to completely forgo all modern comforts. This dual-access perk provides flexibility, allowing campers to choose solitude while knowing a full bathhouse is just a short drive away. For the New Yorker seeking a genuine, quiet, lakeside retreat, a digital detox, and a chance to paddle and fish in a no-motor paradise, Brown Tract Pond Campground remains an unparalleled, high-value public resource and a perfect local escape.

Brown Tract Pond Campground

Browns Tract Rd, Inlet, NY 13360, USA