Fish Creek Pond Campground

- 4523 NY-30, Saranac Lake, NY 12983

For New York residents looking to trade the urban bustle for the serenity of the wilderness without sacrificing modern convenience, Fish Creek Pond Campground is a legendary destination. Renowned across the state and widely regarded as one of the finest and most attractive Adirondack State campgrounds operated by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), this site offers a camping experience truly unique to the region.

What sets Fish Creek Pond apart is its remarkable layout: nearly every one of its 355 campsites boasts a natural sand shoreline and direct water access to Fish Creek Pond or Square Pond. This means you can launch your kayak, canoe, or motorboat right from your site, making it a paddler’s paradise and a boat owner’s dream. The campground is expertly designed to accommodate all types of equipment, from tents to large RVs, ensuring a comfortable stay for all New Yorkers.

While the high popularity means sites can be close together in some sections—a feature common to many large, sought-after campgrounds—the sheer size of the sites and the captivating waterfront views compensate beautifully. Visitors consistently rave about the clean, well-maintained facilities and the abundance of activities, confirming its status as a top-rated New York State getaway. Whether you are extending your stay because you "had a fantastic experience" or already planning your return, Fish Creek Pond offers a reliable, memory-making Adirondack adventure.

Fish Creek Pond Campground is situated deep within the beautiful Adirondack Park, placing New York residents directly in the heart of one of the state's most magnificent natural preserves.

The official address is: 4523 NY-30, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA.

This prime location on State Route 30 makes it a key hub for Adirondack exploration. It is easily accessible from all major population centers in New York, offering a relatively straightforward drive from points south and west. Importantly, the campground serves as the gateway to its quieter neighbor, Rollins Pond Campground, which is accessed by driving through the Fish Creek facility. The waters surrounding the campground—Fish Creek Pond and Square Pond—are interconnected, allowing for extensive boating, canoeing, and fishing.

Furthermore, the location provides quick access to notable area attractions. The charming village of Saranac Lake is nearby, offering dining and supplies. The Wild Center (the Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks) is just 11 miles away in Tupper Lake, and the Olympic venues of Lake Placid are a scenic 25-mile drive to the southeast, ensuring campers have a wealth of recreational and cultural options to enhance their stay.

Fish Creek Pond Campground provides a comprehensive array of services designed to ensure a comfortable and convenient camping experience, blending the natural setting with essential amenities.

• Campsites: 355 sites available, accommodating all equipment from tents to large RVs (up to 40 feet in some areas), including designated accessible campsites.

• Waterfront Access: Nearly all sites are waterfront with natural sand shorelines, allowing for direct launch of personal watercraft.

• Restrooms and Showers: Flush toilets are available throughout the campground, and coin-operated hot showers are provided in a central shower building.

• Waste Management: On-site trailer dumping station and a central recycling center are available for camper use (clear plastic trash bags are required for recycling).

• Recreation Program: A well-regarded Interpreter Activity Program is offered daily from early July until Labor Day, featuring nature hikes, crafts, games, and live entertainment at the amphitheater.

• Essential Supplies: Firewood sales are available on-site, and there is a convenience store/trading post just a short drive away for essentials.

• Boating/Paddling: A boat launch ramp is available within the campground. Off-site boat and canoe rentals are available nearby, with rentals also found at the adjoining Rollins Pond.

• Day-Use Area: A designated day-use area offers picnic tables, grills, a pavilion, a playground, and a swimming beach with lifeguards on duty during posted hours.

Fish Creek Pond Campground’s unique features make it a standout choice for local campers seeking a complete outdoor vacation experience in New York.

• Direct Waterfront Camping: This is the primary highlight. Having a site where you can step out of your tent or RV and directly into your boat or dip your feet in the water is a rare luxury at a public campground.

• Motorized and Non-Motorized Boating: Unlike many other ponds in the region, Fish Creek Pond and Square Pond are open to motorized boats, allowing New York boat owners to enjoy extensive cruising on the connected waters, including access to Upper Saranac Lake.

• Family-Friendly Amenities: The inclusion of a large swimming beach, a playground, courts for volleyball and basketball, and the organized recreation program ensures there are ample activities for children and families.

• Hiking and Biking Access: The campground serves as a trailhead for popular trails like the Otter Hollow Loop and Floodwood Loop, providing immediate access to the Saranac Lakes Wild Forest trail system for hiking and mountain biking.

• Proximity to Rollins Pond: Campers have the choice of two distinct experiences. While Fish Creek caters to the larger, more amenity-focused RV/trailer crowd, the connecting Rollins Pond offers a quieter, more serene, 25 HP-limited boating experience for those seeking more privacy and a "more wilderness" feel.

• Renowned Beauty: Many sites offer stunning, open views of the pond, including excellent spots for watching the sunset, making the overall atmosphere deeply relaxing and picturesque.

For reservations, information on site availability, or inquiries regarding the DEC regulations, New York residents can contact the facility directly.

• Phone: (518) 891-4560

• Address: 4523 NY-30, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA

Fish Creek Pond Campground is a highly suitable destination for New York locals because it offers a perfect balance of wilderness adventure and modern convenience within the accessible framework of a state park. For families, the clean facilities, organized activities, and dedicated beach with lifeguards remove common camping hassles, allowing for maximum enjoyment. For the outdoor enthusiast, the unparalleled water access right from the campsite is a huge draw, minimizing effort and maximizing time spent paddling, fishing, or boating on the interconnected ponds.

Moreover, its location in the Saranac Lake region of the Adirondacks provides a sense of true escape that is still within a reasonable drive for most New York residents. The community atmosphere, the ability to accommodate both tents and large RVs, and the option to choose between the more bustling Fish Creek or the quieter, attached Rollins Pond section mean this campground truly caters to diverse local needs and preferences. As a destination that consistently receives high praise and prompts visitors to "definitely be back," Fish Creek Pond Campground is a treasured component of New York's outdoor heritage, providing an outstanding, reliable, and spectacular vacation spot for the people of New York.

Fish Creek Pond Campground

4523 NY-30, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA