Lincoln Pond Campground

- New Russia, NY 12964

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers seeking the quintessential Adirondack experience—one defined by pristine waters, towering trees, and a quiet escape from city life—Lincoln Pond Campground offers a perfect retreat. Located near New Russia, NY, in the vast expanse of the Adirondack Forest Preserve, this Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) campground is situated on the tranquil 572-acre Lincoln Pond.

This is not a highly commercialized park; instead, it provides a choice between a traditional, amenity-supported “developed site” experience and a more rugged “primitive site” camping. With only 35 total campsites, it is smaller and often quieter than many of its counterparts in the region, which is a significant draw for campers who value a sense of seclusion and a true connection with nature. Lincoln Pond is particularly popular among boaters, anglers, and families who appreciate a calmer, sheltered body of water for paddling and swimming.

Visitors consistently praise the campground for its friendly staff, its great atmosphere, and its excellent access to both water activities and nearby High Peaks hiking trails. The charm of Lincoln Pond lies in its ability to feel wonderfully tucked away while still providing the essential amenities needed for a comfortable and memorable family vacation in the legendary Adirondacks.

Location and Accessibility

Lincoln Pond Campground's address is New Russia, NY 12964, USA, placing it in Essex County in the East Central Adirondacks. The geographic seclusion is a feature, not a drawback, for New York campers looking to truly unplug and embrace the wilderness.

The campground is strategically located, making it an excellent base camp for exploring some of the most famous destinations in Upstate New York. It sits approximately six miles south of the historic town of Elizabethtown, which offers convenient access to local shopping and dining. Critically for many travelers, the campground is situated within a very manageable 45-minute drive of iconic Adirondack attractions. This includes the famed Olympic village of Lake Placid and the majestic slopes of Whiteface Mountain. Furthermore, its location offers relatively easy access to the Vermont border and the popular tourist destination of Lake George.

Access is generally via County Route 7, a scenic drive off the Northway (I-87), making it a straightforward drive for residents traveling up from the downstate and central New York regions. This balance of being comfortably tucked away yet accessible to major regional hubs solidifies its status as a premier location for New York-based outdoor enthusiasts.

Services Offered

While Lincoln Pond Campground leans toward a natural, rustic feel, it is equipped with necessary services to enhance the comfort of your stay, catering to both tent campers and those with modest-sized RVs.

• Campsite Varieties: The campground offers a mix of developed campsites (drive-in), more secluded primitive sites, and unique boat-access-only sites, including three on the pond’s islands. Sites are generously spaced and often well-shaded by large, old-growth trees.
• Restroom Facilities: Developed areas feature modern amenities, including flush toilets and bathhouses with hot showers—a welcome luxury after a long day of hiking or fishing. Remote and primitive sites utilize outhouse facilities.
• Watercraft Rentals: For exploring the pond, the campground offers rentals of rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards.
• Boat Access: The site provides a car-top boat launch for motorboats, rowboats, and canoes. This is especially helpful as the pond is large enough for motorboats but sheltered from strong winds.
• Waste Management: A centralized Trailer Dump Station is available for RVers, along with a designated recycling area for proper waste disposal.
• Camp Essentials: Firewood and ice are available for sale on-site, ensuring you have the necessities for campfires and coolers.
• Accessibility: The campground offers mobility-impaired accessibility to certain areas, including the beach shower building, which also features a wheelchair charging station.

Features / Highlights

The appeal of Lincoln Pond Campground is deeply tied to its water features and its proximity to the vast wilderness of the Adirondack Park.

• The Pond: The beautiful, sheltered Lincoln Pond is the central feature. It provides a calm environment ideal for paddling and quiet motor boating, allowing for relaxation and nature viewing.
• Excellent Fishing: Lincoln Pond is an acclaimed fishing destination, stocked with species like tiger muskie, largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and bullhead. Anglers can fish from the shore, a rental boat, or bring their own craft.
• Swimming Beach: A supervised bathing beach is maintained at the main facility, offering a safe and refreshing area for campers, especially children, to swim during designated hours.
• Proximity to High Peaks Hiking: The campground is a launchpad for serious hikers and casual trekkers alike. It offers easy access to the High Peaks Wilderness Complex, Giant Mountain Wilderness, and the Hammond Pond Wild Forest. A popular, shorter hike nearby leads to the fire tower on Belfrey Mountain.
• Variety of Camping Styles: The availability of waterfront sites, densely wooded secluded spots, and island camping caters to a wide range of camping preferences, from full-service trailer camping to a more rugged, primitive experience.
• Friendly Atmosphere: Consistent customer reviews highlight the welcoming and helpful nature of the staff and the overall friendly disposition of fellow campers, contributing to a pleasant, low-key community feel.
• Good Cell Service: A unique highlight, particularly for a secluded Adirondack location, is the reported good cell service in the main campground area, which allows campers to stay in touch without having to leave the natural setting.

Contact Information

For New York residents looking to plan their Adirondack adventure or make a reservation at this DEC campground, here is the contact information:

Address: New Russia, NY 12964, USA

Phone: (518) 942-5292

Mobile Phone: +1 518-942-5292

Reservations can typically be made through the New York State Parks reservation system for the camping season, which generally runs from May through Labor Day.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New York residents, Lincoln Pond Campground represents an accessible, high-value opportunity to experience the true wild beauty of the Adirondacks. It perfectly balances remoteness and convenience, offering a genuine 'get away from it all' feeling without requiring an arduous journey or sacrificing all modern comforts. The option to choose between a fully developed site with hot showers and a primitive, secluded spot means it can satisfy a broad spectrum of campers, from first-time families to experienced hikers seeking a base for High Peaks exploration.

The calm waters of Lincoln Pond are especially suitable for families with young children or those new to paddling, providing a safe and picturesque environment for fishing and swimming. Its fantastic location, placing you close to the iconic destinations of Lake Placid and Whiteface Mountain, means you can seamlessly blend a serene forest retreat with sightseeing and adventure sports. For the local New York camper, Lincoln Pond Campground is a quiet, friendly, and naturally beautiful destination that delivers an authentic Adirondack experience year after year.

Lincoln Pond Campground

New Russia, NY 12964, USA