Limekilm campground nature trial, Inlet, NY

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers seeking a classic Adirondack camping experience that expertly balances stunning natural beauty with essential amenities, the Limekiln Lake Campground is a premier choice. Operated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), this expansive facility near the quaint town of Inlet is one of the largest and most popular state campgrounds in the region. It offers a total of 271 campsites, including numerous waterfront sites, making it an ideal destination for family vacations, water sports enthusiasts, and those looking for a comfortable basecamp to explore the vast Adirondack Park.

The appeal of Limekiln Lake Campground lies in its clear, beautiful lake, the accommodating facilities, and its direct access to wilderness adventures. Unlike the primitive sites deep within the nearby Moose River Plains, Limekiln provides the creature comforts that make longer stays and family trips much easier—think flush toilets and hot showers. At the heart of the on-site recreation is the popular

Old Dam Nature Trail

, which offers a pleasant, family-friendly hike right from the campground's edge. This accessible trail provides a wonderful introduction to the local flora and fauna, offering a refreshing walk through the cedar and hemlock forest. While some parts of the trail can be a bit rugged or "soupy" (muddy) after heavy rain, as noted by visitors, it remains a beloved feature that brings nature up close without requiring an all-day bushwhack.

Location and Accessibility

Limekiln Lake Campground is strategically positioned in the western part of the Adirondack Park, placing it centrally between the vibrant resort communities of Inlet and Old Forge. This location makes it an easy, well-serviced drive for most New York State residents.

Official Address: Limekiln Lake Road, Inlet, NY 13360, USA

Note: While the provided postal code is 13420, official DEC and local tourism sources frequently associate the campground's road with the Inlet, NY 13360 postal code. Visitors should use 'Limekiln Lake Road, Inlet, NY' for GPS navigation to ensure accuracy.

Getting There:

The campground is easily accessed from Route 28 (NY-28).
From downtown Inlet, travel northeast on Route 28 for about three-quarters of a mile, then turn onto Limekiln Lake Road.
Continue approximately two miles on Limekiln Lake Road until you reach the main campground entrance on the right.
Its close proximity to both the town amenities of Inlet and the vast, primitive Moose River Plains Wild Forest makes it a perfect hub for varied exploration.

Day Use Access: Non-campers can utilize the campground’s day-use area for a small fee, which typically includes access to the beach, picnic areas, and the nature trail.

Services Offered

Limekiln Lake Campground is a full-service DEC facility, designed to provide a comfortable and convenient camping experience for families and travelers in tents, trailers, and RVs.

Campsites: 271 tent and trailer sites are available, including many highly sought-after waterfront sites. Sites can accommodate various sizes of camping units and vehicles.
Reservations: Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the peak summer season, and can be made online or through the ReserveAmerica call center.
Sanitary Facilities: The campground provides modern flush toilets and free hot showers, a highly valued amenity after a day of hiking or swimming.
Site Amenities: Each site includes a picnic table, a fire ring with a grate, and space for parking.
Water and Waste: Drinking water spigots are conveniently located throughout the campground. A trailer dump station and a recycling center are available on-site.
Boat Rentals: Canoes, kayaks, and rowboats are available to rent directly at the beach area, offering easy access to the lake.
Accessibility: The facility features mobility-impaired accessibility in some areas, including certain campsites, the bathhouse, and potentially the nature trail.
Other Services: A camp store, firewood for purchase, and bear-proof food lockers (due to the presence of black bears in the area) are provided for camper safety and convenience.

Features / Highlights

Limekiln Lake is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an integrated recreational hub with several unique highlights that draw campers back year after year.

The Old Dam Nature Trail: This is the namesake highlight—an easy, family-friendly loop, approximately 1.3 to 1.6 miles in length. The trail guides hikers across bridges over Limekiln Creek and past the site of an old dam and a boggy pond, offering excellent opportunities for birding and viewing local flora. It serves as a gentle introduction to Adirondack hiking for all ages.
Waterfront Recreation: The campground features a clean, sandy beach with a designated swimming area, guarded during posted hours in the summer season. The lake is also open to powerboats, providing opportunities for water skiing and fishing.
Fishing Opportunities: Limekiln Lake is home to a variety of fish, including yellow perch, brown bullhead, bluegill, and the unique splake (a trout hybrid), offering a rewarding experience for anglers.
Proximity to Wilderness: The campground sits immediately adjacent to the vast Moose River Plains Wild Forest, providing campers with easy access to over 130 miles of rugged, primitive trails for more challenging, off-grid hiking and mountain biking.
On-Site Biking: The campground features three miles of paved roadway, perfect for easy road biking or walking, and in the winter, the town of Inlet grooms a loop for cross-country skiing that connects to other local trails.
Stargazing: Due to the remote location deep in the Adirondacks, the area boasts a dark sky, offering excellent conditions for stargazing and astronomy.

Contact Information

To plan your visit, make reservations, or inquire about specific campground policies, New York State residents should use the official contact details for the DEC-operated facility.

Address: Limekiln Lake Road, PO Box 211, Inlet NY 13360

Campground Phone: (315) 357-4401

Reservation Line (ReserveAmerica): 1-800-456-2267

Please remember that reservations are required for camping, and same-day reservations are often allowed until 5:00 PM on the day of arrival. Always check the official DEC website for the most current operating dates and rules regarding pets, quiet hours, and generator usage.

Conclusion: Why this place is Suitable for Locals

Limekiln Lake Campground holds a special place in the hearts of New York locals because it represents the ideal blend of wild nature and family-friendly convenience. For families across the state, it offers a secure, amenity-rich environment—with clean facilities and hot showers—that is perfect for introducing children to the beauty of the Adirondacks without the full rigors of true backcountry camping. Its location near Inlet means that while you are immersed in the woods, you are only a short drive from local shops, restaurants, and other area attractions in Old Forge.

Moreover, for the New York outdoor enthusiast, Limekiln serves as the perfect gateway to the vast, free-to-access Moose River Plains Wild Forest, providing easy day-trip access to hundreds of miles of additional trails for mountain biking and hiking. The campground itself offers diverse activities, from the simple pleasure of swimming at the guarded beach to the tranquil exploration of the

Old Dam Nature Trail

. It's an accessible, well-managed piece of the public trust that consistently delivers on the promise of a memorable, comfortable, and authentic Adirondack experience, making it a reliable and cherished escape for New Yorkers looking to reset and reconnect with the Empire State’s greatest natural treasure.