Paradox Pond Campground

- 897 Nys Rte, Paradox, NY 12858

For New Yorkers seeking a genuine return to nature—the kind of place where the call of a loon replaces the wail of a siren—Paradox Lake Campground offers an unmissable Adirondack experience. This New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) facility, often referred to locally as Paradox Pond Campground due to its location near the broader Paradox Lake community, is a beloved, smaller campground that delivers a deeply peaceful, wilderness-adjacent stay without sacrificing essential amenities.

Nestled among rolling hills and mature hardwood trees, the campground sits directly on the shores of Dark Bay, a picturesque inlet of Paradox Lake. The atmosphere here is one of quiet respite, where the focus is firmly on traditional camping activities: sitting around a campfire, fishing in the clear lake waters, and exploring an expansive network of rugged hiking trails. It’s the perfect destination for New York families, couples, and solo adventurers who appreciate simplicity, tranquility, and direct access to some of the finest wilderness areas in the state.

The experience is largely shaped by the pristine natural setting. Guests consistently praise the peaceful nights, often describing falling asleep to the sounds of nature and waking to the unique calls of loons out on the water. While some facilities are noted as being basic, they are functional, and the overall consensus highlights the beautiful scenery and the welcoming, dedicated atmosphere. The campground caters exceptionally well to tent campers and those with trailers or smaller RVs (up to 30 feet) seeking a flat, comfortable site equipped with a fire pit and grill. It embodies the classic, woodsy outdoor life that is the hallmark of the Adirondack Park.

It is important for prospective campers to note that while the experience is overwhelmingly positive, as with any popular state campground, minor maintenance issues (such as temporary shortages of toilet paper) can occasionally occur. Furthermore, while most campers seek tranquility, the environment is social, and noise issues, though infrequent, may occasionally arise, highlighting the general good nature and community spirit of the staff and fellow campers. Despite these occasional minor operational challenges, the overwhelming natural beauty and excellent recreational access ensure that Paradox Lake Campground remains a highly recommended destination for New Yorkers year after year.

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Location and Accessibility

Paradox Lake Campground is strategically situated in the northeastern quadrant of the Adirondack Park, placing it conveniently close to major travel arteries while maintaining a secluded, woodsy feel. Its location in Paradox, NY, offers New Yorkers excellent accessibility and a gateway to the broader Adirondack High Peaks and Lake Champlain regions.

The campground is located at **897 Nys Rte, Paradox, NY 12858, USA**. This address positions it just a few miles off Interstate 87 (The Adirondack Northway), making the drive exceptionally easy for visitors arriving from New York City, Long Island, and other downstate areas. It’s reachable via Exit 28, heading east on NY-74. This easy off-ramp access means you transition from highway to wilderness retreat in minutes, maximizing your vacation time.

The campground’s placement offers proximity to several renowned local attractions, making it an excellent base camp for day trips:

• Schroon Lake Village: A charming town just 10 minutes away, providing access to local shops, restaurants, coffee spots, and a supermarket for stocking up on supplies.
• Fort Ticonderoga: The historic fort is only about 7 miles away, offering a fascinating cultural and historical excursion.
• Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area: Directly south of the lake, this 46,000-acre wilderness is accessible from nearby trailheads, boasting over 70 miles of hiking paths and numerous ponds.
• Lake Champlain: Close enough to enjoy boat tours and ferries, offering views of the vast, historic lake.

The setting itself is located on Dark Bay of Paradox Lake, providing a quiet waterfront setting. The proximity to NY-74 and I-87 means that despite feeling miles away from civilization, a world of convenience and adventure is always within easy reach.

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Services Offered

As a New York State DEC-operated campground, Paradox Lake Campground focuses on providing essential services to ensure a safe, clean, and comfortable camping experience, prioritizing a natural, non-commercial environment. While sites are generally "primitive" (meaning no electric, water, or sewer hookups), the campground provides excellent core facilities for traditional tent and RV camping.

Key services provided to support your stay:

• Modern Sanitary Facilities: The campground provides flush toilets and hot showers, which are a major comfort for all campers, especially those in tents.
• Trailer Dump Station: A convenient trailer dump station is available on-site, essential for self-contained RV and trailer visitors.
• Water Access: Central access to potable drinking water is provided throughout the facility.
• Boat Launch and Rentals: A single-lane boat launch with ample parking is available for guests to launch their own vessels. Rowboat, canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rentals are also available at the registration booth.
• Refuse and Recycling: A recycling center and a central garbage drop-off area are provided, assisting campers in adhering to the "carry in, carry out" principle and maintaining the park’s cleanliness.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase on-site, a critical service for safe and legal campfires within the park’s regulations.

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Features / Highlights

Paradox Lake Campground’s greatest features are its unspoiled natural setting and the incredible recreational opportunities it unlocks. It is designed for the active outdoor enthusiast who values water activities, hiking, and a peaceful night's rest.

Top features that define the Paradox Lake experience:

• Prime Waterfront Location: Situated on the 4.75-mile-long Paradox Lake, the campground provides beautiful lake views, especially from the water. Motorboats, jet skis, and water skiing are permitted, offering a full range of water sports, though quiet paddling is equally popular.
• Exceptional Paddling and Fishing: Paradox Lake is renowned for its clear, cool waters and abundance of fish, including smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and northern pike. The calm waters are ideal for kayaking and canoeing, with loons frequently sighted and heard.
• Direct Wilderness Hiking Access: The campground acts as a superb jumping-off point for the 46,000-acre Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area. Campers can access a network of trails leading to Crane, Oxshoe, Crab, Putnam, and Horseshoe Ponds, or tackle the ascent of Pharaoh Mountain for panoramic views.
• Generous Campsites: The 58 single-family campsites are well-spaced and mostly nestled in thick, forested stands of hardwood trees, providing a good level of privacy. Sites are equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a cooking grate.
• Day-Use Area: A large, separate day-use area offers additional picnic tables, grills, and a pavilion rental, perfect for visitors not staying overnight or for large group gatherings.
• Historic Interest: The lake itself holds a geological paradox—during peak runoff, the flow of the lake actually reverses direction, a fascinating natural phenomenon that adds to the area's unique character.

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Contact Information

Paradox Lake Campground is a DEC-operated facility, and reservations are highly recommended, especially during the peak summer season. Given that sites are often booked up to nine months in advance, New Yorkers are advised to plan their escape well ahead of time.

Contact Details for Paradox Lake Campground:

• Address: 897 Nys Rte, Paradox, NY 12858, USA
• Phone: (518) 532-7451
• Mobile Phone: +1 518-532-7451

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Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New Yorkers—particularly those fatigued by the crowds of larger, commercial parks—Paradox Lake Campground offers an accessible yet profoundly authentic Adirondack wilderness experience. It perfectly captures the essence of traditional camping: woodsy privacy, the serenity of a lake, and world-class hiking right outside your tent flap.

Its suitability for locals is twofold: First, the location, just minutes off the Northway, significantly cuts down on travel time, making a weekend getaway truly feasible from all points in the state. Second, as a DEC site, it provides an unbeatable value proposition for getting deep into nature. The opportunity to paddle or powerboat on Paradox Lake, fish for trophy species, and then hike a trail into the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness—all from a single, quiet base camp—is unparalleled. It is the perfect choice for the New York resident who wants to swap asphalt for ancient hardwoods, to trade the city's hum for the hoot of an owl, and to experience the state's natural beauty in its most traditional and peaceful form. This campground invites you to disconnect from digital life and reconnect with the wild heart of the Empire State.

Paradox Pond Campground

897 Nys Rte, Paradox, NY 12858, USA