Limekiln State Campground, Inlet, NY

For generations of New York families, the quintessential summer adventure involves pitching a tent or parking a trailer deep within the majestic Adirondack Park. Among the state’s most beloved public camping destinations is Limekiln State Campground, an expansive and highly-rated facility nestled on the scenic shores of Limekiln Lake in Inlet, NY. Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), this campground is widely recognized as a clean, friendly, and well-equipped location that successfully balances a deep immersion in nature with the comfort of essential modern amenities.

Limekiln State Campground offers a classic Adirondack experience. With 271 campsites, many of which boast picturesque waterfront views, it provides a perfect base for exploring the Central Adirondacks. Visitors consistently praise the campground’s friendly and helpful staff, who are noted for providing excellent service and important safety information, such as tips on black bear activity, a common reality of camping in this beautiful wilderness region. The atmosphere is quiet and respectful, fostering a community of fellow nature-lovers who appreciate the area’s beauty.

The lake itself is the central attraction, providing endless opportunities for boating, swimming, and fishing. The campground’s convenient location, just a short drive from the vibrant tourist towns of Inlet and Old Forge, means campers can enjoy true wilderness solitude while remaining close to necessary supplies, dining options, and unique local attractions like the Adirondack Museum. Limekiln is a true destination campground, perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts looking for an authentic and comfortable New York State camping holiday.

Location and Accessibility

Limekiln State Campground is advantageously located in the Central Adirondacks, providing an accessible and highly desirable location for New York residents from all corners of the state.

The full address is Limekiln Lake Rd, Inlet, NY 13360, USA.

This location offers exceptional geographic advantages for local users:

Proximity to Inlet and Old Forge: The campground is situated just a short drive from the charming, supply-rich towns of Inlet and Old Forge, allowing for quick resupply trips, dining out, or access to local activities. This is a significant benefit, as campers can enjoy a wilderness feel while knowing civilization is close by.
Gateway to Moose River Plains Wild Forest: Limekiln Lake is directly adjacent to the vast, 66,000-acre Moose River Plains Wild Forest, offering hundreds of miles of accessible trails and forest roads for advanced hiking, mountain biking, and exploration.
Direct Road Access: The campground is easily accessed via NY Route 28, a major artery through the Adirondacks, making the drive relatively straightforward for those traveling from downstate or from the western and northern regions of New York.
Digital Detox (and a small solution): As noted in customer feedback, cell phone reception within the campground is limited—a welcome feature for those seeking a true digital detox. However, for essential communication, the nearby town offers reliable service, striking a perfect balance for a modern getaway.

Services Offered

As a large, public NYSDEC facility, Limekiln State Campground is equipped with numerous services designed to make camping comfortable and hassle-free, especially for families.

Extensive Campsite Variety: Features 271 sites accommodating tents, trailers, and RVs, including many desirable waterfront and wooded sites. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring/grate.
Modern Sanitation Facilities: Provides flush toilets, clean comfort stations, and hot showers, which are a highly valued amenity for any extended camping trip.
Trailer and RV Support: Offers a dedicated trailer dump station and a recycling center.
Watercraft Rentals: Canoes and kayaks are available for rent directly at the gatehouse, providing an easy way for all campers to get out on the lake immediately.
Bear Safety: Due to the location in an active wilderness area, food lockers (bear boxes) are provided at the campsites, and staff offer essential tips on proper food storage and bear avoidance, ensuring guest safety.
Paved Roadway: The 3 miles of internal paved roadway are excellent for safe, leisurely road biking and walking within the campground.
Nature Programming: The campground is a participant in the Junior Naturalist program, offering games and activities for children aged 5-13 to help them learn about the environment and earn a patch.

Features / Highlights

Limekiln State Campground’s reputation as a premier Adirondack destination is built on its outstanding natural features and the quality of its recreational offerings.

Limekiln Lake Access: The sheer size of Limekiln Lake (72 feet deep at its maximum) allows for a wide range of activities, including swimming, motor boating, canoeing, kayaking, and excellent fishing.
Designated Swimming Beach: Features a clean, sandy beach with a supervised swimming area and bathhouse, with a lifeguard on duty during designated hours, making it exceptionally safe for children and families.
Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The lake is stocked and known for diverse species including brown trout, yellow perch, bullhead, bluegill, and the unique splake (a brook trout/lake trout hybrid), offering a challenge for all skill levels of anglers.
Hiking and Nature Trails: On-site is the Old Dam Nature Trail, an easy 1.6-mile loop that connects to the longer Limekiln Creek-Third Lake Trail, providing a direct link for longer adventures into the Moose River Plains Wild Forest.
Wildlife Viewing and Stargazing: The location deep within the Adirondacks offers a true wilderness atmosphere, where guests may spot loons, moose, and other local fauna. The area is known for Class-2 dark skies on the Bortle Scale, promising spectacular stargazing opportunities.
Seasonal Recreation: The paved loop transforms in the winter, where the Town of Inlet grooms a 3-mile loop for cross-country skiing, connecting to other local trail networks.

Contact Information

For reservations (highly recommended, especially during the summer season), general inquiries, and the most current information on opening/closing dates, or to inquire about lifeguard duty schedules, please use the following contact details.

Address: Limekiln Lake Rd, Inlet, NY 13360, USA

Phone: (315) 357-4401

Mobile Phone: +1 315-357-4401

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Limekiln State Campground is perfectly suited for New York residents seeking the classic Adirondack vacation, delivering an ideal blend of rugged nature and family-friendly comfort. For local users, this campground offers immense value. It is a state-managed, well-funded facility that prioritizes cleanliness, safety (with bear lockers and lifeguards), and accessibility (with hot showers and flush toilets).

Unlike many smaller, more primitive locations, Limekiln provides a structured, yet natural, environment where families can comfortably introduce children to the outdoors. The ease of access to the lake for swimming and boating, coupled with proximity to major hiking hubs and the amenities of Inlet and Old Forge, means every member of the family will find an activity they love. For the New Yorker who cherishes the beauty of the Adirondacks but also appreciates the convenience of a hot shower after a long day of hiking or fishing, Limekiln State Campground is an essential and welcoming destination. It’s an easy-to-plan, highly rewarding summer retreat that embodies the best of New York’s natural resources.