Little Green Pond

- Fish Hatchery Rd, Paul Smiths, NY 12970

For New York residents seeking an authentic, back-to-basics camping experience, Little Green Pond, located near Paul Smiths, offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of the Adirondack Park. This is a destination for the camper who values spaciousness, seclusion, and the rugged beauty of the New York State Forest Preserve. Unlike highly developed commercial campgrounds, Little Green Pond provides designated, primitive campsites, offering a genuine escape where the sounds of the wilderness—like the call of the loon—replace the noise of everyday life.

Situated within or adjacent to the vast Saranac Lakes Wild Forest and the famous Saint Regis Canoe Area, Little Green Pond is the ideal spot for local adventurers and paddlers. The setting is naturally beautiful, with huge, flat, tree-covered grounds perfect for pitching tents, ensuring you never feel crowded. The camping here is defined by its simplicity and the expectation of self-sufficiency, aligning perfectly with the ethos of "Leave No Trace." It’s a place where the local knowledge of how to camp responsibly in the backcountry is truly valued and rewarded with peace and quiet.

The experience at Little Green Pond is tailored to those who are comfortable bringing their own supplies, including all water, and who seek the solitude of a wilderness environment. The pond itself, aptly named for its clear, green waters, offers quiet paddling opportunities. For New Yorkers in search of a deep breath of fresh mountain air and an intimate connection with one of the state's most treasured natural resources, Little Green Pond is a destination that feels both remote and profoundly rewarding.

Little Green Pond is located on or near Fish Hatchery Rd, Paul Smiths, NY 12970, USA. This places it deep within the northern section of the Adirondack Park, positioning it as a highly accessible wilderness retreat for those traveling from across the state, particularly from Upstate and the Capital Region.

The campsites are specifically situated in a portion of the Saranac Lakes Wild Forest that borders the St. Regis Canoe Area. Access is primarily gained via designated parking areas off Fish Hatchery Road. It is important for local campers to note that most of the 10 designated campsites at Little Green Pond are considered roadside drive-up sites. However, the access road can be bumpy and rough, often becoming muddy after rain, meaning campers should exercise caution and be prepared for primitive road conditions.

This location is also a superb staging area for wider Adirondack exploration. It is only about 6 miles from Saranac Lake and near the educational hub of Paul Smith’s College. Furthermore, it serves as a stop along the popular "Seven Carries" canoe route, connecting paddlers to Little Clear Pond, St. Regis Pond, and other major waterways in the St. Regis Canoe Area, making it a critical access point for regional paddling adventures.

As a designated primitive/dispersed camping area managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), the services at Little Green Pond emphasize a minimalist, self-sufficient approach to camping.

• Campsite Type: Offers 10 designated primitive campsites; nine are typically roadside drive-up sites, and one is a walk-up primitive tent site.

• Site Amenities: Each site is generally provided with a large, flat, dedicated space for pitching tents, and are well-spaced to avoid crowding.

• Waste Facilities: Basic outhouse (pit/vault toilet) facilities are available on-site, though campers are strongly advised to bring their own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

• Water: No potable (drinkable) water is provided. Campers must bring their own water supply or be prepared to filter and treat water sourced from the pond.

• Firewood: Campers must gather firewood from dead and downed trees only, as no firewood sales are available on-site. The use of chainsaws and cutting down any live or dead trees is strictly prohibited.

• Hookups: There are no electric, sewer, or water hookups available at these primitive sites.

• Permit Requirements: While a special camping permit is generally not required for these specific sites, all campers must follow the DEC’s general regulations for camping permits in the Wild Forest areas, including length of stay limits.

The appeal of Little Green Pond lies in its natural features and its status as a gateway to the broader Adirondack wilderness.

• Spacious and Secluded Sites: Customer reviews consistently highlight the huge, flat ground and the ample space between sites, ensuring a private and uncrowded camping experience.

• Pond Access for Paddling: The pond provides easy, drive-up water access for non-motorized boats like canoes and kayaks, making it an excellent base for paddling trips.

• Wilderness Experience: Offers a true backcountry feel, with tree-covered sites and direct access to the natural sounds and abundant wildlife of the Adirondacks, including Common Loons.

• Gateway to St. Regis Canoe Area: The location is strategically placed for exploring the interconnected waters of the Saint Regis Canoe Area, famous for its remote paddling opportunities and extensive canoe carries.

• No Motorized Boats/No Fishing: The restrictions on motorized boats and fishing on Little Green Pond ensure a quieter paddling experience and protect the pond's designation as a brood stock water for fish.

• Self-Sufficient Challenge: The primitive nature of the camping here appeals to New York State's dedicated outdoor enthusiasts who value practicing their "Leave No Trace" principles and self-reliance.

For information regarding rules, regulations, and conditions at this DEC-managed area, New York State residents can contact the regional office.

• DEC Region 5 Ray Brook Office (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:45 PM): (518) 897-1200

• Address: Fish Hatchery Rd, Paul Smiths, NY 12970, USA (This address is the general location for the designated camping area access point.)

Little Green Pond is the ideal camping destination for New York locals who understand and seek out the quintessential Adirondack experience. It’s perfect for the seasoned camper or the family ready to graduate from developed campgrounds to a more authentic primitive setting. This location is not simply a place to stay; it’s an invitation to engage directly with the state’s protected wilderness.

For New Yorkers, the appeal is twofold: accessibility to world-class wilderness activities and a genuine retreat from city and suburban congestion. The proximity to paddling routes, large, private sites, and the absolute quiet—free from generators and loud crowds—make the travel time entirely worthwhile. It rewards the self-sufficient camper with a rare level of solitude and natural beauty within a state-managed preserve. By embracing the "pack in, pack out" philosophy and adhering to primitive camping standards, New York residents can ensure this treasured, undeveloped spot remains a perfect, secluded haven for generations of local campers to come. It truly represents the raw, natural heart of the Adirondack Park, right in our own backyard.

Little Green Pond

Fish Hatchery Rd, Paul Smiths, NY 12970, USA