Cranberry Lake Campground

- 230 Lone Pine Rd, Cranberry Lake, NY 12927

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers seeking a true escape from the city's concrete jungle, the Adirondack Park remains the state's most cherished and expansive natural refuge. Deep within the northwestern region of this six-million-acre park lies Cranberry Lake Campground, a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) facility that is renowned for its secluded location and direct access to a vast, unspoiled wilderness. This is not a bustling resort park; it is a clean, quiet, and family-friendly basecamp designed for the serious outdoor enthusiast looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Cranberry Lake Campground sits directly on the shores of Cranberry Lake, one of the largest and most remote bodies of water in the Adirondacks. It offers 173 single-family campsites that cater to both tent campers and recreational vehicles (RVs). The camp's design provides a generous amount of privacy, with many sites naturally separated by the forest canopy, creating that secluded feel that is essential to the Adirondack experience. The entire complex is bordered by approximately 50,000 acres of Cranberry Lake Wild Forest and the Five Ponds Wilderness, which means instant access to over 50 miles of developed trails, including the famous Cranberry Lake 50 loop. Customer feedback consistently praises the "Awesome Campgrounds, Clean, Quite and family friendly facilities" and the dedication of the staff, confirming that this DEC location upholds a high standard for a genuine, nature-focused camping vacation.

The camping season at Cranberry Lake typically runs from mid-May through mid-October, allowing New York residents to enjoy the Adirondacks from the beauty of spring bloom right through the dramatic colors of the fall foliage. While the experience is intentionally rustic—the campsites do not offer electric hookups—it balances this rugged appeal with modern comforts like hot showers and clean flush toilets, making it the perfect gateway to the remote wilderness.

Location and Accessibility

Cranberry Lake Campground is located at 230 Lone Pine Rd, Cranberry Lake, NY 12927, USA, positioning it in St. Lawrence County, firmly within the 'Blue Line' of the Adirondack Park. Its location near the small, eponymous village of Cranberry Lake is a strategic advantage for those who desire a deeply remote experience while still having essential services nearby.

Accessibility from major Upstate New York hubs involves a scenic drive, typically via New York State Route 3, which is the main route leading into the area. While this is a more remote section of the Adirondacks, the drive is beautiful and sets the stage for the true wilderness retreat that awaits. The seclusion is part of the appeal, as it naturally filters out the excessive crowds often found closer to urban centers, offering a greater chance for New Yorkers to 'get away from it all (for real),' as noted by campers.

Once on-site, the campground’s primary access to Cranberry Lake, with its 55 miles of shoreline, provides limitless water-based recreation. The proximity of the facility also offers easy entry to the surrounding wild forest areas, with the main trailhead for the popular Bear Mountain Trail located directly adjacent to a campsite. For those traveling by boat, a hand-carry launch is available within the campground, while a hard-surface public boat ramp is also available nearby in the village of Cranberry Lake for larger motorized vessels.

Services Offered

As a well-maintained NY DEC facility, Cranberry Lake Campground provides a balance of primitive camping atmosphere and necessary modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay in the wilderness.

• Comfort Facilities: The campground provides clean bathhouses with flush toilets and the highly appreciated amenity of hot showers for all campers.
• Campsite Utilities: Each of the 173 campsites is equipped with a picnic table, a fire ring, and a grill. Water spigots for potable drinking water are conveniently located nearby for easy access.
• Waste Management: A trailer dump station is provided for RV and trailer owners, along with an on-site recycling center.
• Boat/Water Access: The campground features a hand-carry boat launch on the lake, and visitors can take advantage of on-site boat and canoe rentals.
• Firewood and Supplies: Firewood is available for sale at the entrance booth, ensuring campers comply with the "Buy It Where You Burn It" regulations to protect the Adirondack forest.
• Accessibility Features: The campground offers accessible campsites, an accessible picnic area, restrooms, a shower house, and an accessible fishing pier to ensure inclusivity for all visitors.

Features / Highlights

Cranberry Lake Campground is distinguished by its unique natural setting and the sheer breadth of outdoor recreation opportunities it unlocks for visitors.

• Direct Lake Access and Swimming: A beautiful, sandy swimming beach is available within the day-use area, providing a refreshing way to cool off in the summer. Note that swimming areas are not supervised by a lifeguard, and posted safety rules must be followed.
• Gateway to Premier Hiking: The camp is the starting point for the Bear Mountain Trail, a 2.4-mile loop hike that offers spectacular scenic vistas overlooking Cranberry Lake. It also serves as a crucial access point to the 50-mile Cranberry Lake 50 loop trail system.
• Boating and Fishing Haven: Cranberry Lake, the third largest in the Adirondacks, is excellent for boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The lake is stocked with trout, and anglers can also pursue smallmouth bass and northern pike.
• Wilderness Stargazing: Due to the campground's remote location deep within the Adirondacks and far from urban light pollution, the area offers exceptional dark skies, making it a perfect spot for stargazing and astronomical observation.
• Family and Group Activities: On-site recreation options include a picnic pavilion, an amphitheater (often used for interpretive programs), and areas for sports like volleyball, enhancing the family-friendly atmosphere.
• Commitment to Quiet: Quiet hours (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.) are strictly enforced. Furthermore, the use of generators is limited to only five hours per day, falling between the hours of 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily, a policy designed to maximize the "peace and quiet" that most campers seek in the wilderness.

Contact Information

Cranberry Lake Campground is part of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) system, and reservations are strongly recommended, especially during the peak summer season.

Address: 230 Lone Pine Rd, Cranberry Lake, NY 12927, USA

Phone: (315) 848-2315

Mobile Phone: +1 315-848-2315

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Cranberry Lake Campground is an invaluable resource for New York residents, offering an authentic, deep-wilderness Adirondack experience that is difficult to find elsewhere in the state. For local users, particularly those seeking relief from the noise and pressure of metropolitan areas, this campground delivers on the promise of a quiet, clean, and scenic retreat. It is perfectly suited for those who are serious about hiking, offering direct access to significant trail systems like the Cranberry Lake 50, and for those who enjoy non-motorized watersports like canoeing and kayaking on a vast, beautiful lake. The dedication of the New York State staff, exemplified by the positive review mentioning the excellent assistance from Ranger Lucy, ensures a well-run and welcoming environment. The enforcement of generator limitations is a crucial factor that demonstrates the facility's commitment to maintaining the natural tranquility that New Yorkers travel hundreds of miles to find. Cranberry Lake Campground is an essential destination for any New York resident looking to fully disconnect, recharge, and explore the unparalleled natural beauty of the remote Adirondack interior.

Cranberry Lake Campground

230 Lone Pine Rd, Cranberry Lake, NY 12927, USA