Buck Pond Campground

- 2416 County Hwy 60, Vermontville, NY 12989

Introduction / Overview

As residents of the Empire State, we are blessed with the vast, protected wilderness of the Adirondack Park—a place that promises authentic escape. For those seeking a truly tranquil, forested retreat that feels far removed from the everyday, Buck Pond Campground, managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), stands out as an exceptional choice. Located in Vermontville, NY, this facility offers a quintessential Adirondack camping experience, highly praised by campers for its quiet atmosphere and remarkable privacy.

Buck Pond Campground is situated on the western shore of the 130-acre Buck Pond, with the larger Lake Kushaqua and the Kushaqua Narrows forming much of its western and northern boundaries. Opened in 1968, the campground embraces a primitive, back-to-nature style of camping. It offers 116 campsites spread across four distinct loops. Crucially for those prioritizing quiet and seclusion, the campground does not offer electric hookups, a deliberate feature that contributes significantly to the peaceful ambiance cherished by visitors. As one reviewer enthusiastically noted, the experience is one of "pristine primitive style camping," with sites providing "enough seclusion to provide everyone with a private experience." The park’s commitment to providing a true mountain retreat environment makes it a favorite among New York State residents looking to unwind.

Location and Accessibility

Buck Pond Campground is strategically located at

2416 County Hwy 60, Vermontville, NY 12989, USA

, positioning it perfectly within the central Adirondack region, offering a balance between remote wilderness and accessibility to regional hubs. While the sites feel secluded, the campground is only about 25 miles north of the famed village of Lake Placid and the Olympic venues, making day trips to major attractions feasible. The Adirondack Park Visitors Interpretive Center at Paul Smiths is just 12 miles west, providing an excellent educational stop for nature enthusiasts.

Access to the campground is convenient, with the main campground road notably constructed on the original roadbed of the Chateaugay Branch of the Delaware and Hudson Railroad, a piece of local history that now serves as a scenic, flat path. The location itself borders both Buck Pond and Lake Kushaqua, offering varied aquatic recreational access. While nearby villages may be small, basic services are available within a short driving distance. For residents traveling from downstate, the journey provides a gradual transition from urban bustle into the comforting solitude of the forests, culminating in this "great, quiet state park."

Services Offered

• 116 Primitive Campsites: Sites are primarily wooded, accommodating tents and smaller RVs (up to 30 feet in length are generally accommodated, though larger rigs may find sites limited).
• Boat-In Camping: Unique island sites, specifically R01 and R02, are available for a truly secluded experience and require boat access.
• Comfort Stations: Restrooms with flush toilets are provided throughout the campground.
• Hot Showers: Each bathhouse facility includes a shower and a convenient dishwashing station, which campers find "super convenient."
• Trailer Dump Station and Recycling Center: On-site facilities for RV maintenance and environmental responsibility.
• Boating Amenities: Includes a boat launch for electric motors and non-motorized boats on Buck Pond, and a separate, full boat launch for motorboats on the adjacent Lake Kushaqua.
• Boat and Paddle Rentals: Rowboat, canoe, kayak, and standup paddleboard rentals are available right at the facility.
• Firewood and Ice: Available for purchase at the campground office. Note: Only dead and down wood may be gathered, and no chainsaws are allowed; New York State Law prohibits the transport of out-of-area firewood to prevent the spread of invasive species.
• Accessibility: The campground features accessible camping pads, restrooms, and a New York State Access Pass provides free entry for qualifying individuals.

Features / Highlights

• Sandy Public Swimming Beach: A large, sandy public beach area on Buck Pond, managed by the campground staff. Note: Swimming is unsupervised (no lifeguards) and is only permitted in the designated area during appropriate hours.
• Extensive Multi-Use Trail: The main campground road and a nearby 1.25-mile stretch utilize the flat, abandoned Delaware and Hudson Railroad bed, providing an excellent, easy-to-walk path perfect for bike riding, hiking, and bird watching.
• Paddling Opportunities: Direct access to the peaceful, electric-motor-only Buck Pond and the larger, motorboat-friendly Lake Kushaqua, connected by the Kushaqua Narrows.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing for Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, and Brown Bullhead in Buck Pond, with Lake Kushaqua offering Black Bass and Rainbow Trout. A valid New York State fishing license is required.
• Seclusion and Privacy: The sites are generally large and heavily wooded, with dense vegetation providing separation and a highly private camping experience, distinguishing it from less wooded parks.
• Bike-Friendly Terrain: The "nice and flat" terrain across the campground and along the old railroad bed makes it highly suitable for bicycle exploration for all ages.
• Nearby Attractions: Proximity to the Six Nations Indian Museum and the Adirondack Park Visitors Interpretive Center enhances the cultural and educational value of a stay.

Contact Information

Buck Pond Campground is a popular NYSDEC facility, and reservations, particularly for the waterfront and island sites, are highly recommended.

Address: 2416 County Hwy 60, Vermontville, NY 12989, USA

Phone: (518) 891-3449

Mobile Phone: +1 518-891-3449

The camping season typically runs from mid-May through early September. All reservations must be made online or by phone through the New York State Parks reservation system. Check-in is between 2:00 PM and 9:00 PM, and campers must register by 9:00 PM on the first night or risk losing their site. Check-out time is strictly 11:00 AM.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New Yorkers, Buck Pond Campground represents an invaluable state resource offering an escape into the Adirondacks with a focus on tranquility and traditional camping values. It is exceptionally suitable for locals because it provides an accessible entry point to true wilderness camping without sacrificing essential comforts like clean restrooms and hot showers.

The primitive nature of the campground, specifically the absence of electric hookups in most of the 116 sites, appeals directly to those seeking an unplugged experience—a necessity for many New Yorkers seeking relief from urban sensory overload. The large, secluded sites, such as the recommended Island R1 site, allow families to enjoy a private experience, fostering a genuine connection with nature. Furthermore, the numerous on-site recreational features, including the unique railroad bed trail and ample paddling opportunities on two different water bodies (Buck Pond and Lake Kushaqua), ensure there is never a shortage of healthy outdoor activity. The campground is flat enough for excellent bike riding yet surrounded by mountains, offering a perfect blend of easy exploration and stunning scenery. For those who love the peace and quiet of a state park and appreciate a truly pristine, primitive style of camping, Buck Pond Campground is, without a doubt, a cherished local secret and a perfect New York retreat.

Buck Pond Campground

2416 County Hwy 60, Vermontville, NY 12989, USA