Paul Smith's College Alumni Campground, Paul Smiths, NY

Introduction / Overview

For New York residents looking to truly disconnect and experience the raw beauty of the Adirondack Park, the Paul Smith's College Alumni Campground offers a unique and highly sought-after destination. Nestled off Keese Mills Road, this campground provides a genuine, rustic, and back-to-nature experience, far removed from the distractions of modern, amenity-rich resorts. It is the ideal spot for those who cherish the quiet of the wilderness and the simple pleasures of a campfire under the vast Adirondack sky.

What sets this campground apart is its commitment to a primitive style of camping. Visitors should note that there is no running water or electricity on site, which is precisely its charm for the seasoned outdoor enthusiast. Managed and maintained by a dedicated volunteer committee composed of alumni, current students, and college employees, the campground operates with a deep sense of community and stewardship. It serves as an affordable and accessible gateway to the area’s legendary lakes and forests, providing cozy lean-tos, tent sites, and even a few limited RV spots. The emphasis here is on simplicity, sustainability, and soaking in the serene views of Lower St. Regis Lake and the surrounding mountains.

Visitors can host up to six guests for a maximum stay of one full week, making it a perfect destination for family or small group retreats where the focus is firmly on nature and camaraderie. Whether you are an alumnus or a member of the public seeking an authentic Adirondack experience, the low cost and high scenic value make the Paul Smith's College Alumni Campground a premier destination for off-grid camping in New York State.

Location and Accessibility

The Alumni Campground is perfectly situated in Paul Smiths, NY 12970, with the specific address being 151 Keeses Mill Rd. This location places it squarely in the northern sector of the Adirondack Park, known for its extensive network of ponds and waterways, including the St. Regis Canoe Area, a legendary flatwater paddling destination. The campground itself is located just a short distance from the main Paul Smith's College campus, which manages a sprawling 14,000-acre tract of forests, wetlands, and lakes.

Accessibility for New York-based users is relatively straightforward, as Paul Smiths is located near the regional hub of Saranac Lake and is approximately an hour’s drive from Lake Placid. The site is found just off Keese Mills Road, past the college’s facilities, and offers the necessary parking for campers. Upon arrival, visitors must check in with Campus Safety and are required to leave a refundable deposit for the gate key, which grants access to the campground area. Given the remote nature of the Adirondacks, planning travel time and vehicle readiness is essential, but the final reward is a peaceful location with stunning glimpses of Lower St. Regis Lake and the towering white pines typical of the region.

Services Offered

In keeping with its rustic, low-impact philosophy, the services provided at the Alumni Campground are designed to enhance a primitive camping experience. The focus is on fundamental amenities that allow campers to immerse themselves in nature:

Variety of Camping Options: The campground features eight cozy lean-tos, approximately 22 traditional tent sites, and a limited number of RV sites, accommodating various camping preferences.
Primitive Sanitation: Out-houses (privies) are strategically located throughout the campground to provide necessary sanitation facilities in the absence of running water.
Firewood Provision: Firewood is thoughtfully provided free of charge to campers, available at a shed located in the RV area, ensuring visitors can safely enjoy campfires.
Day-Use Area: The facilities include a day-use area with a picnic spot and a hand boat launch, allowing for easy access to the water for paddling.
Reservations Management: The college maintains an online, email, and telephone reservation system to ensure site availability and proper registration, which is required for all stays.
Community Maintenance: The campground is largely maintained by volunteer clean-up days held twice yearly by alumni, students, and friends, reinforcing the communal and low-cost nature of the site.

Features / Highlights

The Paul Smith's College Alumni Campground is celebrated by locals for specific features that capture the authentic Adirondack spirit and offer remarkable value:

Unspoiled Lower St. Regis Lake Views: The prime highlight is the incredible, scenic location. Many of the lean-tos and tent sites offer stunning, unobstructed views of Lower St. Regis Lake, providing a beautiful backdrop for a truly tranquil getaway.
Affordability and Value: With extremely competitive rates—lean-tos at approximately $15 per night and tent/RV sites at just $8 per night—the campground offers one of the most budget-friendly ways for New Yorkers to access a premier Adirondack location.
Proximity to Extensive Trails and Waterways: Campers have immediate access to the natural recreational opportunities of the Paul Smith's College Conservation Easement Tract and the broader St. Regis Canoe Area. This includes opportunities for hiking, paddling, and world-class freshwater fishing in interconnected waters like Church Pond, Osgood Pond, and the St. Regis Chain of Lakes.
True Off-Grid Experience: The deliberate exclusion of electricity and running water ensures a profound "digital detox" and a chance to fully immerse in traditional, skill-based camping. This rustic nature appeals specifically to those seeking to test their self-sufficiency.
Historical Context: The campground site itself holds a unique historical curiosity, as it was formerly part of an 18-hole golf course for the famed Paul Smith’s Hotel era, with subtle remnants of its past visible in the landscape.

Contact Information

For New York residents planning their authentic Adirondack camping trip and requiring reservation details or policy information, please use the following contact details:

Address: 151 Keeses Mill Rd, Paul Smiths, NY 12970, USA
Phone: (518) 327-6253
Mobile Phone: +1 518-327-6253

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of New York State, the Paul Smith's College Alumni Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it is a cultural and environmental asset that aligns perfectly with the Adirondack ethos. It is uniquely suitable for locals because it offers one of the most affordable and unadulterated connections to the state’s “Forever Wild” heritage. The rustic nature—the absence of electricity and running water—is not a drawback but a feature, providing the exact kind of challenging, self-reliant experience that many New Yorkers seek when escaping urban life.

Furthermore, the campground is a product of community stewardship, maintained by volunteers who care deeply about the tradition of Adirondack camping. Its location provides unparalleled access to one of the most celebrated flatwater paddling areas in the Northeast, making it a dream base camp for canoeists, kayakers, and hikers. The combination of stunning scenery, extreme affordability, and commitment to a truly primitive camping style makes the Alumni Campground an essential and rewarding destination for any New Yorker eager to embrace the quiet wilderness of their home state.