CMP NFCT 1, Long Lake, NY

Introduction / Overview: Your Gateway to the Great Waterway

For the dedicated paddlers and wilderness lovers of New York, the Adirondack Park offers countless opportunities for multi-day excursions, and few are as celebrated as the route defined by the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT). The NFCT, often called the “Appalachian Trail of the Waterways,” is a sprawling, 740-mile path stretching from Old Forge, New York, to Fort Kent, Maine. Nestled along the initial New York section of this epic trail is a series of designated primitive campsites, one of which is identified simply as CMP NFCT 1.

CMP NFCT 1 is not a developed, full-service campground, but rather a solitary, designated primitive tent site. Its location near Long Lake, NY, places it squarely in the heart of the Adirondack wilderness, making it a critical, well-placed overnight stop for those paddling the NFCT or simply embarking on a shorter weekend trip on Long Lake itself. This campsite offers the most basic, yet essential, amenities, catering to self-sufficient campers who value quiet solitude and the pure connection to nature that comes from paddling into your own temporary home. It is marked by the distinctive yellow “Camp Here” disc, indicating a legal, first-come, first-served camping area within the Forest Preserve lands.

As a primitive site, CMP NFCT 1 embodies the rugged spirit of Adirondack camping. It requires visitors to be prepared and adhere strictly to Leave No Trace principles, which includes packing out all trash and being mindful of fire and food storage. Its existence reinforces the Adirondack tradition of using the waterways as the main highway to access remote, beautiful, and secluded camping spots away from any roads or vehicular noise.

Location and Accessibility: The Paddle-In Privilege

CMP NFCT 1 is located in the vicinity of Long Lake, NY, 12847, but unlike roadside campgrounds, its accessibility is defined entirely by the water. Long Lake is a fourteen-mile-long water body that connects paddlers to the Raquette River and the larger chain of Adirondack lakes, making it a pivotal area on the NFCT route.

Access to CMP NFCT 1 is granted exclusively by canoe, kayak, or small watercraft. There is no vehicle access, ensuring a truly quiet, isolated experience. Paddlers typically launch from a public access point in the Hamlet of Long Lake. From there, one would paddle north/northeast on Long Lake toward the start of the Raquette River. Primitive campsites along this route are often found dotting the shoreline, especially on the eastern side, and their exact locations require referencing an official Northern Forest Canoe Trail map or an appropriate DEC map for the area.

This remote, boat-access-only nature means that the site is an escape from the crowds. The relative difficulty of transporting gear by water limits the number of visitors and preserves the serenity of the area. It is a true backcountry experience where the soundscape is dominated by lapping water, birdsong, and the rustling of the forest, a welcome change of pace for New Yorkers escaping the urban environment.

Services Offered: Pure, Unadulterated Primitive Camping

As a designated primitive campsite maintained by the DEC or NFCT partners, CMP NFCT 1 offers only the essentials necessary for a responsible and safe wilderness stay. The absence of modern facilities is intentional, promoting a traditional, low-impact camping style.

Campsite Marking: The site is designated by a yellow "Camp Here" disc, confirming it is an approved camping location where the 150-foot rule (prohibiting camping within 150 feet of any road, trail, or water body) is waived.

Tent Area: A relatively flat, cleared area is available for pitching tents, suitable for the maximum number of campers allowed (typically six individuals, though groups of ten or more or stays over three nights require a special permit).

Fire Ring: A simple, established stone fire ring or metal grate is usually provided for contained campfires. Only dead and down wood may be used for fuel, and cutting live or dead trees is strictly prohibited.

Water Source: There is NO potable (drinking) water available. All water must be carried in or sourced from Long Lake and properly treated/purified before consumption.

Sanitation: Basic sanitation may be a simple backcountry pit privy (outhouse) or, more typically for primitive sites, is left to the camper's own responsible practice of digging a cathole (burying human waste and toilet paper at least 150 feet from water, trails, and campsites).

Garbage Disposal: In keeping with "Leave No Trace," there are no trash services. Campers must adhere to a strict "carry-in/carry-out" policy for all garbage and waste.

Features / Highlights: Wilderness Immersion and Paddling Heritage

The primary highlights of CMP NFCT 1 are its unique context and the immersive wilderness setting it provides.

Northern Forest Canoe Trail Immersion: The campsite is part of the historic 740-mile NFCT, offering paddlers the chance to be a part of a national-scale water trail adventure, even if only for a night or two.

Exceptional Seclusion: Due to its water-access-only status and primitive nature, the site offers a level of quietude and privacy that is difficult to find in drive-up campgrounds, making it ideal for deep reflection and connecting with nature.

Direct Water Access: The site’s location provides instant access to Long Lake for morning paddles, swimming, and fishing. The lake is known for species like Lake Trout and Smallmouth Bass.

Star Gazing: Far removed from city lights, the Hamilton County area around Long Lake offers some of the darkest skies in New York, perfect for viewing the Milky Way and constellations.

Connection to the Raquette River: Camping here puts you in prime position to continue your paddle trip north onto the Raquette River, leading to challenging portages and further deep-woods exploration toward the Saranac Lakes.

Contact Information

Being a non-staffed primitive campsite, direct contact is not available. Information and regulations are managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Northern Forest Canoe Trail organization.

Address: Long Lake, NY 12847, USA (General proximity)

Nearest DEC Campground/Office (for area information):

Campground Phone (DEC - Lake Eaton): (518) 624-2641

Regional DEC Phone: (518) 648-5616

Reservations: As a designated primitive site, CMP NFCT 1 is typically available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved in advance through the reservation system. Paddlers should be prepared with an alternate plan in case the site is occupied upon arrival.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

CMP NFCT 1, and the network of primitive sites it belongs to, offers New York locals an essential, low-cost, and high-reward wilderness experience. For those in the Downstate area accustomed to crowded parks, this is a true escape where the silence is absolute and the environment is unspoiled. It serves as an achievable challenge for seasoned local paddlers who have their own gear and want to test their self-sufficiency.

Choosing to camp at a site like CMP NFCT 1 is choosing an adventure rooted in the state’s natural heritage. It fosters a deep appreciation for the Adirondack Forest Preserve by requiring full commitment to environmental responsibility. For the local New Yorker, it is a chance to truly unplug, paddle one of the most storied waterways in the country, and spend the night completely immersed in the wild, under a blanket of stars that city skies can never match. This site is highly recommended for responsible adventurers who seek the genuine quiet and profound beauty of the New York State wilderness.