Lake Durant State Campground

- 3444 State Rd, Blue Mountain Lake, NY 12812

Introduction / Overview

For New York residents looking for the quintessential Adirondack camping experience—one that balances rustic nature with exceptional, modern convenience—Lake Durant State Campground in Blue Mountain Lake is a highly recommended destination. Situated on the eastern shore of the picturesque, 327-acre Lake Durant, this New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) facility offers a tranquil, remote setting with breathtaking views of the towering Blue Mountain. This is the ideal spot for those who seek quiet beauty and a strong connection to nature, but appreciate the comfort of well-maintained facilities.

This campground is widely celebrated by local users for its peaceful atmosphere and excellent standards of cleanliness. Unlike many large, bustling campgrounds, Lake Durant maintains a smaller, more intimate feel with 61 spacious, well-forested campsites that offer considerable privacy. A significant number of these sites are directly on the waterfront, providing campers with easy access to the lake for paddling and fishing. What truly sets Lake Durant apart, according to local user feedback, is the dedication of the staff and the quality of the amenities, particularly the bathhouses, which are frequently described as among the cleanest and most modern in the entire Adirondack Park system, featuring hot water and adjustable-temperature showers. This focus on guest comfort, combined with the spectacular natural setting, makes Lake Durant a peaceful and restorative escape for any New Yorker.

Location and Accessibility

Lake Durant State Campground is perfectly nestled in the heart of the Central Adirondacks, providing both remote tranquility and reasonable access to regional attractions.

Address: 3444 State Rd, Blue Mountain Lake, NY 12812, USA

The campground is conveniently located right off State Route 28 and 30, a primary corridor through the Adirondack Park, making it easily accessible by vehicle from downstate New York. It is situated three miles east of the small, charming hamlet of Blue Mountain Lake. This central location means that while the campground itself feels deep in the wilderness, it is only a short drive to various cultural and recreational points of interest.

Accessibility by RV is available, with the campground accommodating camping equipment ranging from tents up to 30-foot RVs, though some local reviews suggest the campground has a more rustic feel and may be better suited for smaller RVs and trailers. The presence of a trailer dump station further enhances its suitability for both tent campers and those with hard-wheeled camping equipment. For hikers, the accessibility is exceptional, as the famous, 133-mile Northville-Placid Trail (NPT) passes directly through the campground, providing instant access to extensive trail networks into the Blue Ridge Wilderness. Furthermore, an accessible fishing pier and accessible campsite (Site 1A) ensure that all New Yorkers, including those with mobility impairments, can fully enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Durant.

Services Offered

Lake Durant Campground offers a strong mix of essential and comfort-focused services, ensuring a pleasant and low-stress stay in the wilderness.

• Modern Bathhouse Facilities: Features flush toilets and hot showers with adjustable temperature controls, consistently praised by campers for their superior cleanliness and maintenance.
• Camping Accommodations: Offers 61 total sites, accommodating tents to 30-foot RVs, with picnic tables and fireplaces provided at each site.
• Trailer Support: A trailer dump station and a recycling center are available on-site for the convenience of RV and trailer campers.
• Recreational Rentals: Canoe and kayak rentals are offered directly at the campground, allowing all visitors to easily get out and explore the lake.
• Boating Access: A boat launch with a concrete ramp (15’ x 17’) is available. Due to the lake’s shallow depth and rocky bottom, small boats are highly recommended, making it ideal for canoes, kayaks, and small motorboats.
• Firewood and Ice Sales: Firewood and ice are available for purchase, reducing the need for off-site trips.
• Staff Excellence: Numerous camper reviews highlight the exceptionally nice, helpful, and attentive nature of the staff, noting their commitment to cleaning and maintaining the facility to a high standard.
• Accessible Features: Includes an accessible campsite (Site 1A), an accessible fishing pier, and an accessible shower building near the beach.
• Junior Naturalist Program: Offers environmental education games and activities for children aged 5-13, allowing young New Yorkers to earn an embroidered patch while learning about the Adirondacks.

Features / Highlights

The appeal of Lake Durant State Campground lies in its peaceful setting and proximity to premier Adirondack activities.

• Quiet Lakeside Setting: Located on the 327-acre Lake Durant, the campground provides stunning, tranquil waterfront views, often completely uncrowded, particularly at the small but beautiful sand beach.
• Premier Hiking Access: The campground serves as a gateway to the Blue Ridge Wilderness, with the Northville-Placid Trail (NPT) passing through it. Popular day hikes like the 2.75-mile trip to Stephens Pond are accessible directly from the campground.
• Exceptional Paddling and Fishing: Lake Durant is a warm-water fishery, stocked annually with Tiger Muskellunge and offering good fishing for Smallmouth Bass and Yellow Perch. The calm waters and smaller size of the lake are perfect for canoeing and kayaking.
• Super Clean and Modern Bathrooms: This is a consistent highlight for visitors, with the flush toilets and hot, adjustable-temperature showers providing a high level of comfort that exceeds expectations for a state park campground.
• Scenic Proximity to Blue Mountain: The breathtaking views of Blue Mountain over the lake provide an inspiring backdrop for relaxation and photography.
• Close to Cultural Hubs: The campground is only two miles from the Adirondack Experience, the Museum on Blue Mountain Lake, and is a short drive from the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts, offering excellent rainy-day or off-campground activity options.
• Privacy Between Sites: The large, well-forested campsites are spaced out, which campers frequently cite as a major advantage, ensuring a quiet, private, and relaxing experience.

Contact Information

For New York residents planning their Central Adirondack trip, please use the following contact details for Lake Durant State Campground.

Address: 3444 State Rd, Blue Mountain Lake, NY 12812, USA

Campground Phone: (518) 352-7797

Reservations are managed by New York State Parks and are strongly recommended, especially for weekend and waterfront sites.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Lake Durant State Campground is perfectly suited for New Yorkers because it delivers the deep wilderness experience of the Adirondacks without sacrificing essential modern comforts. It is the ideal retreat for those who appreciate a peaceful, secluded environment, unlike the sometimes over-crowded and loud campsites found closer to larger towns. For local families, the exceptional cleanliness of the facilities—especially the hot, adjustable showers and well-maintained bathrooms—offers peace of mind, ensuring a comfortable stay. The dedication of the staff, often highlighted in reviews, adds a welcoming, professional layer to the experience that New Yorkers value.

This campground is a fantastic home base for the quintessential Adirondack adventure. It offers immediate access to a major wilderness hiking trail (the NPT) and a beautiful lake that is perfect for non-motorized activities like canoeing and kayaking. Whether you are looking for a base to hike Blue Mountain, a tranquil spot to fish for Tiger Muskie, or simply a place to pitch a tent and enjoy the peace and quiet of a private, wooded site, Lake Durant State Campground is a highly rated, clean, and genuinely peaceful New York State gem that deserves to be on every local's camping itinerary.

Lake Durant State Campground

3444 State Rd, Blue Mountain Lake, NY 12812, USA