Parmenter Campground / Carry Falls Reservoir boat & canoe access, Childwold, NY

Introduction / Overview: Discovering the Quiet Corners of the Adirondacks

For New Yorkers seeking a genuine escape into the vast wilderness of the Adirondack Park, Parmenter Campground offers a secluded, primitive camping experience far removed from the high-traffic tourist areas. Tucked away on the shores of the expansive Carry Falls Reservoir, this small, intimate campground serves as a perfect base for water-based recreation, focusing on the tranquil beauty of the Raquette River's flowages. Parmenter Campground is unique—it is not a large state-run facility but a smaller recreational site, often overseen by a caretaker and owned and maintained by Brookfield Power, which manages the hydroelectric reservoirs in the region.

With only 16 sites available, Parmenter prioritizes a quiet, small-town feel, attracting those who appreciate a no-frills camping experience where the natural environment is the main amenity. Guests consistently praise the peaceful atmosphere, the dense, wooded surroundings that offer privacy, and the immediate proximity to the water. It is the ideal destination for anyone looking to launch a canoe, kayak, or small motorboat and explore the 3,170-acre lake-like reservoir and its many hidden coves. If your idea of a perfect weekend involves a picnic table, a campfire, and the gentle lapping of water, Parmenter Campground is a hidden gem well worth the drive.

Location and Accessibility: Deep in the Northwest Adirondacks

Parmenter Campground is located at 100 Hollywood Rd, Childwold, NY 12922, USA. While the official address is in Childwold, the site is positioned deep within the rugged beauty of the Northwest Adirondack region, a few miles off New York State Route 56, between the towns of South Colton and Sevey Corners.

This location is significant because it provides direct, easy access to the southern end of Carry Falls Reservoir, one of the chain of reservoirs along the Raquette River. The campground is reachable via a narrow, paved (or improved) roadway off Route 56, making it accessible for both recreational vehicles (RVs) and traditional tents. For New York residents, particularly those in Upstate and Central New York, this location in St. Lawrence County represents an opportunity to explore a less-traveled, incredibly scenic part of the Adirondack Park. The distance helps maintain the peaceful character of the site, ensuring that the visitors are truly dedicated to a backcountry experience. The site also serves as a crucial point for paddlers looking to start or end trips along the Raquette River system.

Services Offered: Simple Amenities for a True Outdoor Experience

Parmenter Campground focuses on providing the essential elements for a comfortable camping trip while maintaining a primitive atmosphere. Visitors should note that this is not a full-service RV park but a basic campground focused on natural recreation.

Campsites: A total of 16 tent or RV sites are available. Sites are generally spacious and lined with trees and shrubs to offer shade and a good degree of privacy.
Site Features: Each campsite includes a picnic table and an open grill or fire ring for cooking and campfires.
Water and Sanitation: Drinking water is available on-site. The facility utilizes composting toilets, which are typically well-maintained, but visitors should note that there are no hot showers or extensive modern restroom facilities.
Access: The campground allows for drive-in access for both RVs and tents. Some sites are large enough to accommodate longer RVs.
Reservations and Fees: The campground charges a daily fee for usage, which is often payable to an on-site caretaker. Reservations may be required, and it operates seasonally, typically from late May through early September.

Features / Highlights: Water Access and Wilderness Beauty

The true highlights of Parmenter Campground are tied directly to its breathtaking natural surroundings and its position on the Carry Falls Reservoir.

Carry Falls Reservoir Access: The primary attraction is the immediate, public boat and canoe access point to the 3,170-acre reservoir. This allows for excellent paddling, fishing, and general boating on a large, lake-like body of water.
Paddler’s Paradise: As part of the Raquette River system, the reservoir is a dream for canoeists and kayakers. The water is generally mellow, surrounded by wooded shoreline, and provides opportunities for extensive exploration.
Quality Fishing: The waters of Carry Falls Reservoir are known to hold various fish species, including Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Northern Pike, and Walleye, making it a desirable destination for anglers.
Adirondack Scenery: The surrounding area is almost entirely wooded, offering highly scenic views and the opportunity to observe local wildlife, with Bald Eagles occasionally spotted in the area.
Primitive and Quiet Atmosphere: Unlike busier state parks, Parmenter is praised for its quiet, low-traffic environment. The small number of sites ensures a more solitary and authentic Adirondack wilderness feel.

Contact Information

As a smaller, private recreation area managed by Brookfield Power, the campground may not have dedicated, year-round administrative staff, but you can find information through local resources.

Address: 100 Hollywood Rd, Childwold, NY 12922, USA

Phone: The managing entity (Brookfield Power) or local caretaker may be reached via a regional phone number, often listed for the area as (315) 274-9104 or a similar local number, but it is best to check the most current seasonal information before arrival.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For residents of New York, Parmenter Campground offers a vital retreat into the northern expanse of the Adirondack Park—a state treasure that is easily accessible yet feels world's away. This campsite is particularly well-suited for locals who already own a canoe, kayak, or small boat and are looking for a straightforward, inexpensive, and uncrowded place to launch and camp. It caters specifically to the traditional New York outdoor enthusiast who values privacy, natural beauty, and water recreation over resort-style amenities.

Its primitive nature—featuring basic facilities and a cash-only payment system—is a key part of its appeal, signaling an authentic connection to the outdoors that is often harder to find at larger, commercialized campgrounds. The combination of the tranquil Carry Falls Reservoir and the deep woods of the Northwest Adirondacks makes Parmenter Campground an ideal weekend getaway for New Yorkers looking to unplug, enjoy a quiet fire, and spend their days paddling on some of the state’s most beautiful waters. It is the perfect low-key alternative to the bustling tourist hubs further south, offering a genuine piece of the Empire State’s wild heritage.