Lake Placid / Whiteface Mtn. KOA Holiday

- 5591 NY-86, Wilmington, NY 12997

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers seeking an escape from the metropolitan bustle and a deep immersion in the natural splendor of the Adirondacks, the Lake Placid / Whiteface Mtn. KOA Holiday presents an excellent destination. This campground, nestled in Wilmington, New York, serves as a premier basecamp for exploring the High Peaks region, particularly the iconic Whiteface Mountain and the charming village of Lake Placid. Recognized as a KOA Holiday, the location is designed to offer a balance of rustic outdoor experience with the comforts and amenities that make for a truly relaxing getaway.

Situated in a region globally recognized for hosting the Winter Olympics and famed for its year-round outdoor recreation, this campground is strategically positioned for all types of adventurers. Whether you are an RV enthusiast looking for spacious, full-hookup sites, a family seeking the convenience of a Deluxe Cabin, or a traditional camper preferring a secluded tent site, this location accommodates diverse camping styles. Notably, the campground is split into two distinct areas—the original Mountainside location, known for its wooded privacy and shade, and the newer Riverside expansion, which features modern RV sites along the Ausable River. While the move and expansion have been noted by long-time visitors as a shift in the overall atmosphere, the friendly and helpful staff, as well as the meticulously clean facilities, remain consistent high points praised by recent guests. This blend of accessibility to major attractions and a comfortable home base makes it a strong contender for your next Adirondack adventure.

Location and Accessibility

The Lake Placid / Whiteface Mtn. KOA Holiday is located right in the heart of the action in Wilmington, NY, a town famously situated at the base of Whiteface Mountain. The physical address for the main check-in and Mountainside section is 5591 NY-86, Wilmington, NY 12997, USA. For those checking into the newer Riverside RV sites and motel, the address is slightly different: 5636 NY-86, Wilmington, NY 12997, USA. The two sections are approximately a quarter-mile apart on NY-86.

For travelers coming from downstate New York, the drive takes you directly into the Adirondack Park’s stunning landscape. The campground's location on NY-86 makes it exceptionally accessible by car, being just a short drive from major Interstate 87 (The Adirondack Northway) exits, such as Exit 30 from the south, or Exit 34 from the north. Crucially, the location offers unrivaled proximity to key recreational sites. It is just minutes from Whiteface Mountain, making it the closest accommodation for accessing the Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway and the "Cloudsplitter" Gondola rides. Furthermore, the world-famous Lake Placid Village, with its Olympic sites and Mirror Lake activities, is only a short, scenic drive away. Direct access to the Ausable River is also a major highlight, with some sites bordering the riverfront, offering immediate opportunities for fishing and water activities.

Services Offered

The goal of a KOA Holiday is to provide a complete and convenient camping experience. This location delivers with a wide array of services designed to ensure comfort and maximize convenience for all guests.

• Full Utility Hookups: Available at spacious RV sites, including 50, 30, and 20 Amp electric service, water, and sewer connections for rigs up to 45 feet.
• Variety of Accommodations: Offers classic Tent Sites, comfortable Camping Cabins, and upgraded Deluxe Cabins (some with full baths and kitchenettes), as well as on-site Motel rooms.
• Clean Facilities: Well-maintained, clean bathhouses, flush toilets, and hot showers are conveniently located throughout the campground.
• Laundry Facilities: On-site access to clean, modern laundry facilities.
• Connectivity: Strong Wi-Fi service is available across the campground.
• Camp Store: A fully stocked General Store offers supplies, souvenirs, firewood, and propane refills.
• Pet-Friendly: The campground welcomes pets and features a dedicated KampK9® dog park.
• Rental Services: Kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard (SUP), and bicycle rentals are available on-site, providing easy access to area trails and the Ausable River.
• Online Reservations: Convenient online booking system for planning your trip ahead of time.
• Concierge Service: Friendly and helpful staff are available to assist with maneuvering RVs and providing local activity information.

Features / Highlights

The campground’s features are centered around its incredible location and family-friendly amenities, providing a fantastic hub for any Adirondack vacation.

• Unbeatable Whiteface Mountain Access: Positioned right at the base of Whiteface, offering easy access to the mountain’s hiking trails and major attractions like the Veterans' Memorial Highway and Cloudsplitter Gondola.
• Ausable River Frontage: The newly developed Riverside section provides campsites directly along the beautiful Ausable River, known for trophy trout fishing, wading, and paddling opportunities. The river section includes beach access.
• Diverse Recreation On-Site: Fun activities are available for all ages, including a Jump Pad, a game room (arcade), and a dedicated Pocket Park with a community fire pit, grills, and games like corn hole and ladder ball.
• Unique Activities: Offers Gem Mining for a fun family activity and regularly hosts Ice Cream Socials, fostering a friendly community atmosphere.
• Direct Trail Access: Hiking and biking trails start right from the campground, connecting you immediately to the surrounding 100-acre wooded area and the wider Adirondack trail network.
• Spacious Sites: Guests consistently note that the RV and wooded Mountainside tent sites are large and offer plenty of space for a comfortable setup with picnic tables and fire pits.

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries, or assistance with directions, you can reach the Lake Placid / Whiteface Mtn. KOA Holiday via the following contact information:

Address (Mountainside Check-in): 5591 NY-86, Wilmington, NY 12997, USA

Address (Riverside Check-in and Motel): 5636 NY-86, Wilmington, NY 12997, USA

Phone: (518) 946-7878

Mobile Phone: +1 518-946-7878

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For local New York residents, the Lake Placid / Whiteface Mtn. KOA Holiday is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it is a gateway to the adventure and natural beauty that the Adirondack Park is famous for. Its location in Wilmington provides the ideal balance of deep-woods immersion and easy access to local culture and amenities.

You can easily drive up from the downstate area, set up camp, and immediately begin exploring world-class attractions. Local hikers have a perfect staging point for Whiteface Mountain and other High Peaks. Families appreciate the clean, amenity-rich environment and the variety of on-site activities that keep children entertained. Fly-fishers and water lovers will value the direct access to the Ausable River for fishing and paddling. While some note that the pricing is on the higher side compared to other KOAs, the trade-off is the prime, irreplaceable location at the foot of one of New York’s most spectacular mountains and the superior level of customer service provided by the friendly, helpful staff. As a local, you understand the value of minimizing travel time to maximize vacation time, and this campground’s excellent accessibility to Lake Placid Village, Olympic venues, and Whiteface Mountain activities makes it a highly suitable and efficient choice for a memorable New York State outdoor holiday.

Lake Placid / Whiteface Mtn. KOA Holiday

5591 NY-86, Wilmington, NY 12997, USA