Campsite 70, Inlet, NY

For New Yorkers seeking a true escape into the wilderness without completely sacrificing comfort, the Adirondack State Park remains the ultimate destination. Within this vast, stunning landscape, the town of Inlet, NY, serves as a gateway to several excellent New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) campgrounds. This article shines a light on one specific, highly-regarded location within this network, Campsite 70, a spot frequently mentioned for its exceptional qualities, typically found at the family-friendly Nicks Lake Campground and Day Use Area.

While individual campsites are part of a larger facility, the experience at a spot like Campsite 70 embodies the best of state-run Adirondack camping: a clean, safe, and beautiful base from which to explore the region. The positive feedback from visitors, which notes the "Really great! Quiet, clean, safe, and beautiful" atmosphere, speaks volumes about the peace and quality one can expect. This location is an ideal choice for New York residents—from the Capital Region to the Hudson Valley—looking for a reliable, well-equipped, and profoundly tranquil outdoor experience in the Black River Wild Forest. It provides the perfect balance between convenient facilities and the immersive natural setting of the Adirondacks.

Introduction / Overview

Campsite 70 is recognized as one of the choice spots within the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s camping facilities near Inlet, NY—specifically, it is often highlighted as one of the accessible sites at Nicks Lake Campground. This facility is nestled in the serene Black River Wild Forest, surrounding the beautiful, non-motorized Nicks Lake. The campground offers a total of 112 sites designed to accommodate everything from small tents to larger RVs (up to 40 feet). What sets the Nicks Lake complex apart is its commitment to a quiet, natural experience. The lake itself is closed to motorboats, ensuring a peaceful environment perfect for canoeing, kayaking, and trout fishing, while the campsites are generously spaced and well-wooded, providing a high degree of privacy and a genuine Adirondack feel. For New York campers who prioritize seclusion, safety, and direct access to pristine water and trail systems, a reservation at this location is a must.

Location and Accessibility

The campground is situated in the town of Inlet, NY 13360, a central location in the southwestern Adirondacks. This area is easily accessible for a weekend or week-long trip from much of Upstate New York, offering a convenient drive into the deep woods.

Address: Inlet, NY 13360, USA (The specific site, Campsite 70, is part of the Nicks Lake Campground complex).

Proximity to Amenities: The campground is just a few minutes’ drive from the vibrant, year-round tourist hub of Old Forge, which offers restaurants, unique shopping, and attractions like the Enchanted Forest Water Safari. The hamlets of Inlet and Raquette Lake also provide essential supplies, dining options, and local attractions like golf courses.
Accessibility Features: Campsite 70 itself is often designated as one of the six accessible campsites at Nicks Lake Campground, indicating its suitability for campers requiring mobility-impaired features. The larger facility also features accessible restrooms and new, state-of-the-art ADA-accessible shower buildings.
Trail Access: The Nicks Lake Trailhead is located within the campground, providing immediate access to the extensive 122,000-acre Black River Wild Forest and its network of hiking and biking trails.

Services Offered

As a state-run DEC facility, Nicks Lake Campground is designed to provide clean and essential amenities that support an authentic yet comfortable camping experience, all contributing to the site’s highly-rated atmosphere.

Restrooms and Showers: Features flush toilets and hot showers in well-maintained, modern bathhouses, including new ADA-accessible facilities.
Sanitary Services: A trailer dump station and a recycling center are available on-site for campers.
Camp Essentials: Firewood and ice are available for sale at the campground.
Site Configuration: Each of the 112 sites, including Campsite 70, is equipped with a picnic table and a firepit/fireplace.
Boating and Rentals: Rowboat and canoe rentals are available for use on Nicks Lake, which is closed to motorized watercraft.
Accessibility: Several sites and key facilities are mobility-impaired accessible.

Features / Highlights

The primary appeal of Campsite 70 and the Nicks Lake complex is the atmosphere of peace, safety, and natural beauty it provides within the Adirondacks.

Quiet, Motor-Free Lake: Nicks Lake is a pristine, tranquil 205-acre body of water where only non-motorized boats are allowed, guaranteeing a calm environment for paddling, swimming, and fishing.
Designated Swimming Beach: The campground features a large, sandy swimming beach area on Nicks Lake, maintained by campground staff.
Excellent Fishing: The lake is a popular spot for freshwater fishing, stocked annually with various trout species, bass, and panfish.
Direct Trail Access: Campers can connect directly to the Nicks Lake Trail, offering immediate hiking and nature-watching opportunities in the vast Black River Wild Forest.
Spacious, Wooded Sites: Sites are large, well-forested, and offer a high degree of privacy, contributing significantly to the "quiet and beautiful" experience praised by campers.
Family Recreation: In addition to the water activities, the site offers an ADA Accessible playground, volleyball, and horseshoe pits.

Contact Information

To secure a spot like Campsite 70, reservations are highly recommended, especially during the peak summer season. Please utilize the contact and reservation information for the Nicks Lake Campground and Day Use Area.

Address (General Area): Inlet, NY 13360, USA

Note: Since this is a state facility, reservations are typically made through the New York State Parks Reserve America system, but for direct inquiries:

Campground Phone (General): Contact information is not universally published for an individual campsite, but general Adirondack DEC campground information can be obtained from the regional office. Please check the Reserve America website for the most accurate, current contact details for the Nicks Lake facility.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Campsite 70 and the Nicks Lake complex represent the quintessential Adirondack escape for New York residents. For those living in cities or downstate, this location offers an unparalleled retreat into nature that is both accessible and reliably maintained by the state. The ban on motorboats on Nicks Lake guarantees a true sense of quiet—a rare luxury that perfectly aligns with the camper review mentioning the "quiet, clean, safe" environment. Furthermore, the commitment to accessibility features, exemplified by designated sites like Campsite 70, ensures that the beauty of the Adirondacks can be enjoyed by all members of the New York community. It serves as an affordable, high-quality family base camp, positioning New Yorkers close to the cultural draws of Old Forge while providing immediate immersion in the pristine forests and waters for which the Adirondacks are famous. It is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it is a long-standing, well-loved local tradition for reconnecting with the peace and wildness of Upstate New York.