Eighth Lake Campground

- 1353 NY-28, Inlet, NY 13360

For New York residents looking for a quintessential Adirondack camping experience that successfully balances serene nature with essential modern comfort, the Eighth Lake Campground is a destination that truly delivers. Located near the charming village of Inlet in the heart of the Adirondack Park, this popular Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) campground sits picturesquely on the southeast shore of 314-acre Eighth Lake, with some sites also bordering Seventh Lake. It forms a crucial part of the famous Fulton Chain of Lakes, offering campers direct access to miles of pristine waterway exploration.

Established by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and opened to the public in 1935, Eighth Lake Campground has a long-standing tradition of offering a quality outdoor experience. It features 126 spacious, well-forested sites designed to provide peace and privacy, preventing the 'campers-on-top-of-you' feeling often found at private resorts. This makes it an ideal spot for families, couples, and solo adventurers who value quiet evenings spent listening to the sounds of the forest, such as the calls of owls and the sight of local wildlife. The campground is notably one of the better-equipped DEC facilities, offering key amenities like hot showers, which significantly enhance the comfort of your stay without sacrificing the rustic, remote Adirondack feel.

The unique geography, stretching between two lakes, and the direct access to the surrounding Moose River Plains Wild Forest, cement Eighth Lake’s reputation as a recreational hub, perfect for fishing, boating, and extensive hiking. Whether you are tent camping or bringing a large RV (up to 40 feet can be accommodated on some sites), Eighth Lake Campground is equipped to be your peaceful basecamp for exploring the best of the Central Adirondacks.

Eighth Lake Campground is centrally located on Route 28 (NY-28), one of the primary arteries through the Adirondack Park. Its specific address is 1353 NY-28, Inlet, NY 13360, USA. This location is roughly five miles northeast of the Village of Inlet and situated between Raquette Lake and Old Forge, offering excellent accessibility from downstate New York and other regions.

The campground’s position right off NY-28 means easy navigation and access, a significant convenience for local users traveling by car or RV. While nestled in the forest, the immediate access to the state route ensures that getting in and out for supplies in nearby Inlet or the more extensive offerings in Old Forge is quick and straightforward. Despite being easily accessible, the DEC's commitment to large, forested campsites ensures that the tranquility of the woods permeates the experience. The remoteness is just right—far enough to truly escape the urban bustle, yet close enough to key towns for any forgotten essentials or a change of scenery. However, prospective campers should be aware that cell phone service can be unreliable within the campground itself, which many visitors view as a welcome invitation to disconnect.

Eighth Lake Campground offers a comprehensive suite of services and modern facilities managed by the New York State DEC, catering to both primitive and comfort-oriented campers.

• One hundred and twenty-six spacious tent and trailer sites, many of which are lakeside or offer a view of the water.
• Well-maintained restroom facilities, including flush toilets throughout the campground.
• Full shower building providing complimentary hot showers—a highly valued amenity for extended stays.
• A trailer dump station and dedicated recycling center for vehicle and environmental convenience.
• Sales of essential camping supplies, including firewood and ice, are available at the camp office.
• Boat and canoe rentals offered directly at the campground, making water access simple for all visitors.
• Designated picnic areas with tables and fireplaces for day-use visitors or campers who wish to dine away from their site.
• Potable drinking water spigots located conveniently within the camping loops.
• An established Junior Naturalist Program with activities designed for young children (ages 5-13) to engage with nature.

The array of recreational features at Eighth Lake Campground provides a complete Adirondack vacation experience, particularly for those who love water activities and hiking.

• Access to two major lakes—Eighth Lake and Seventh Lake—with a fishing dock on the latter, and a large portion of the 126 sites offering a peaceful view of the water.
• A dedicated, hard-surface boat launch for trailer-capable boats, providing the only public access point to Eighth Lake, and allowing paddlers and power boaters alike to explore the Fulton Chain of Lakes.
• A lovely sandy beach and designated swimming area on Eighth Lake, maintained and supervised during posted hours for safe enjoyment.
• Excellent fishing opportunities for serious anglers, with the lake stocked with species such as rainbow trout, lake trout, and land-locked salmon, plus special salmon ponds adjacent to the campground.
• Direct on-site trail access to the vast Moose River Plains Wild Forest, including the trailhead for the Bug Lake trail and connections to the Seventh-Eighth Lake Loop trail, providing miles of hiking and mountain biking opportunities.
• Quiet, well-forested sites that are physically separated from each other, ensuring a high degree of privacy and a peaceful atmosphere, even when the campground is fully booked.
• The allowance of power boats on Eighth Lake, a key feature for New Yorkers who enjoy water skiing or exploring the full extent of the Fulton Chain.

The Eighth Lake Campground is a New York State DEC-operated facility, and reservations are highly recommended, especially during the peak summer season.

Address: 1353 NY-28 Inlet, NY 13360, USA

Phone: Campground Office: (315) 354-4120 NYS Camping Reservations (Reserve America): 1-800-456-2267 (Recommended for booking)

For New York residents, Eighth Lake Campground represents the ideal bridge between true Adirondack wilderness and the convenience necessary for a relaxing family trip. Its suitability lies in several key factors that cater directly to the local user’s desire for an efficient, yet authentic, outdoor retreat.

Firstly, the availability of hot showers is a significant upgrade from more primitive options, making a week-long stay much more comfortable and appealing to all experience levels. Secondly, the size and spacing of the 126 sites ensure a peaceful environment; the customer sentiment that "the other campers are not on top of you" speaks volumes to the quality of the layout and the preservation of privacy, which is crucial for those escaping densely populated areas. Finally, its exceptional recreational accessibility is a major draw. The campground is a literal launchpad for water activities on the expansive Fulton Chain of Lakes and an immediate entry point to extensive hiking trails like the Bug Lake and Uncas trails, fulfilling the active New Yorker's need for varied adventure. The option for both motorized and non-motorized boating allows local families to enjoy their preferred water sport without needing to travel elsewhere. Eighth Lake Campground offers a complete, convenient, and truly peaceful Adirondack escape, making it a perfect and highly recommended choice for residents seeking a high-quality outdoor experience in their home state.

Eighth Lake Campground

1353 NY-28, Inlet, NY 13360, USA