Draper's Acres Campground

- 4582 Cascade Rd, Lake Placid, NY 12946

Draper's Acres Campground: Your Friendly Gateway to the Adirondack High Peaks

Introduction / Overview

For New York hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts, finding a reliable, well-located, and affordable base of operations in the heart of the Adirondack Park can be the difference between a good trip and a great one. Draper's Acres Campground, nestled on Cascade Road near Lake Placid, is exactly that kind of place. Described by long-time patrons as their

"favorite place to stay up here,"

This is not a massive, amenity-heavy camping resort, but rather an authentic Adirondack home base. It successfully balances rustic, wooded sites with essential modern facilities, including remarkably clean and comfortable bathrooms and hot showers—a highly valued feature after a long day on the trails. Offering a mix of tent sites, RV spots, and even basic cabin rentals, Draper's Acres caters to a wide range of campers, all united by a desire to explore the majestic High Peaks region. Its dedication to great value and famously friendly staff ensures that, despite its proximity to major routes, it remains a beloved local gem.

Location and Accessibility

Draper's Acres Campground boasts an unbeatable location on Cascade Road (State Route 73), placing it directly between the iconic Village of Lake Placid and the major trailheads of the High Peaks Wilderness Area. This proximity makes it the premier spot for anyone intent on conquering the Adirondack forty-sixers or simply exploring the region’s world-class natural attractions.

Official Address: 4582 Cascade Rd, Lake Placid, NY 12946, USA

• Proximity to Lake Placid Village: The campground is noted for being

  "super close to Lake Placid,"

  typically requiring only a short, scenic 12 to 15-minute drive. This convenience means quick access to the village's restaurants, shops, grocery stores, and Olympic Legacy Sites (such as the Ski Jump Complex and the Olympic Center).
• High Peaks Access: The location on Cascade Road provides excellent accessibility to the trailheads for popular hikes like the Cascade Mountain and the numerous routes leading into the High Peaks Wilderness Area. This drastically reduces driving time for early-morning summit bids.
• Road Access: Located directly off a main thoroughfare, the campground is easy to find, even for first-time visitors to the area. While sites are hidden from the main road, local users note that some car noise is audible during the day, which is a common trade-off for such a convenient location in a heavily trafficked recreational area.
• Site Separation: The campground strategically separates its tent camping areas from the RV sites and cabins, helping to ensure that each type of camper can enjoy their preferred experience with appropriate space and setting.

Services Offered

The management at Draper's Acres focuses on maintaining clean, essential services to ensure a stress-free experience for their guests, providing everything needed for a comfortable stay without the unnecessary frills of a resort.

• Clean & Comfortable Washhouses: Customers consistently praise the bathhouses and showers for being clean, roomy, and well-kept—a highly essential service for active outdoor adventurers.
• RV and Tent Options: The campground offers a variety of site types, including shaded tent sites, RV sites with electric hookups (30-amp), and sites offering water hookups.
• Sewage and Dump Station: Dedicated dump station access is available for RVs, with a limited number of sites offering full sewer hookups for added convenience.
• Cottage and Cabin Rentals: For those seeking a step up from tent camping, the campground offers basic camping cabins, some of which are located near the shower houses and may include a mini-refrigerator and microwave.
• On-site Supplies: The main office or a small camp store typically offers necessary items such as firewood for purchase, essential for contained campfires within the provided fire rings.
• Site Amenities: All sites, regardless of type, are equipped with a fire ring and a picnic table.

Features / Highlights

Draper's Acres is more than just a place to park your tent or RV; it is an experience rooted in friendly, community-focused camping and proximity to New York's grandest natural landscapes.

• Exceptional Value: Campers consistently highlight the affordability of Draper's Acres, calling it a

  "Great value"

  and

  "very affordable"

  option in an otherwise expensive tourist region, making the Adirondack High Peaks accessible to more New Yorkers.
• Loon Calls at Dawn: A truly special feature is the occasional ability to

  "hear loons in the early morning hours"

  —a testament to the campground's genuine Adirondack setting and a peaceful, nature-infused start to the day.
• Family-Run Friendliness: The staff is frequently described as

  "phenomenal,"

  "so friendly,"

  and focused on customer service, fostering a welcoming and positive atmosphere for all guests, from first-time campers to seasoned High Peaks veterans.
• Variety of Camping Styles: The campground accommodates tents, small pop-up campers, RVs, and cabins, allowing groups with varied equipment to stay together in the same convenient location.
• Nature-Focused Design: The wooded tent sites are tucked away, offering a sense of seclusion and a rustic feel despite the campground's excellent road access.

Contact Information

Draper's Acres Campground is a privately run, family-oriented business. Due to the popularity of the High Peaks region, particularly during peak summer and fall foliage seasons, it is highly recommended to call ahead for reservations.

Address: 4582 Cascade Rd, Lake Placid, NY 12946, USA

Phone: (518) 523-9322

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New York State residents, Draper's Acres Campground represents the ideal balance of wilderness access and essential comfort for a true Adirondack adventure. Located within minutes of the storied Village of Lake Placid and the entry points to the High Peaks, it serves as the most efficient and friendly "home base" for a weekend or week-long excursion.

Its suitability for locals lies in its core values: offering a great, accessible value in a high-demand area, maintaining facilities that ensure a comfortable recovery after rigorous hiking, and providing the genuine Adirondack experience—complete with the sound of loons in the quiet morning air. Whether you are a lifelong New Yorker ticking off a few more 4,000-foot peaks, an Ironman competitor looking for a convenient lodging option, or a family seeking an affordable summer getaway, Draper's Acres offers a consistently positive and reliable environment that invites campers to return year after year.

Draper's Acres Campground

4582 Cascade Rd, Lake Placid, NY 12946, USA