Putnam Pond Campground

- 763 Putts Pond Rd, Ticonderoga, NY 12883

For New Yorkers seeking a genuine Adirondack experience that perfectly balances wilderness access with essential creature comforts,

Putnam Pond Campground

near Ticonderoga is a premier destination. Tucked away within the Adirondack Forest Preserve, this campground offers a unique blend of well-forested, private campsites and immediate access to the expansive Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area. It's a place where you can launch a canoe onto a serene, 185-acre pond right from your site and then venture out onto miles of unspoiled hiking trails.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Putnam Pond is celebrated by local campers for its friendly staff, impeccably clean facilities, and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors often rave about the "very hot water" in the showers and the respectful, quiet nature of the camping community. Whether you're towing a small RV, pitching a tent, or even looking for a secluded, boat-in remote site, Putnam Pond delivers an authentic, high-quality outdoor retreat ideal for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike.

Introduction / Overview

Putnam Pond Campground is an official New York State DEC facility located in the heart of the Adirondacks, a short distance from the historic town of Ticonderoga. The campground features 72 distinct campsites, including drive-in sites suitable for both tents and RVs up to 30 feet, as well as nine special primitive, remote sites (R1-R9) accessible either by boat or foot, offering a deeper dive into the backcountry experience. The campsites are spacious, private, and beautifully situated among hardwoods and conifers, providing ample shade. The central feature is Putnam Pond itself, a scenic, motorboat-friendly body of water perfect for fishing, paddling, and swimming during the season when lifeguards are on duty. The campground serves as a vital staging area for day hikes and multi-day treks into the adjacent Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area, one of the region’s most beautiful protected zones.

Location and Accessibility

Putnam Pond Campground is conveniently located near the shores of Lake Champlain and the historic Fort Ticonderoga, making it an easy drive for New York residents from various parts of the state. Its proximity to Pharaoh Lake Wilderness makes it a key access point for serious hikers and backpackers.

Address:

763 Putts Pond Rd, Ticonderoga, NY 12883, USA

Key Accessibility Points:

• Road Access: The campground is a drive-in facility, with sites that can accommodate a variety of camping units, including large RVs (up to 30 feet in length on some sites), even though no electrical hookups are available.
• Boat Launch: There is an on-site, hard-surface boat launch ramp, which provides the only public access point to Putnam Pond, making boating and paddling simple for campers.
• ADA Accessibility: The facility includes a designated, fully ADA accessible campsite, featuring modified picnic tables and fire pits, offering a great option for campers with mobility impairments.

Services Offered

Putnam Pond Campground provides a suite of developed services that ensure a comfortable, clean, and convenient camping experience while retaining the rustic feel of an Adirondack state park. The quality and maintenance of these facilities are frequently highlighted in customer reviews.

• Clean Comfort Stations: The campground features flush toilets and, notably, very clean shower buildings with reliably hot water, a welcome amenity after a long day of hiking or paddling.
• Waste Management: A trailer dumping station is available for RV and campervan users, along with a dedicated recycling center to support environmental efforts.
• Recreation Equipment Rentals: Rowboats, canoes, and kayaks are available for rent directly from the DEC staff, providing easy access to the water for those who do not bring their own equipment. Note: Rental boats must remain on Putnam Pond.
• Essential Sales: Firewood and ice are available for purchase at the campground, making it easy for campers to stock up on necessary supplies.
• Campsite Amenities: Every standard site is equipped with a picnic table and a sturdy fire pit/fireplace designed for safe use.

Features / Highlights

The unique selling points of Putnam Pond Campground make it stand out as a premier outdoor destination for New York residents looking for adventure and tranquility.

• Gateway to Pharaoh Lake Wilderness: The campground is a key trailhead, providing direct access to the wilderness area’s trail network, including the 12-mile-long Swing Trail, which links several interior ponds and mountains like Pharaoh Mountain.
• Superb Paddling and Fishing: Putnam Pond is a 185-acre water body known for excellent fishing, with species like smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and northern pike. The calm waters are ideal for canoeing and kayaking.
• Secluded Remote Sites: For the ultimate private experience, nine primitive sites are located around the pond, accessible only by boat or on one of the few foot-access trails, providing a true backcountry feel with only an outhouse and no potable water.
• Pet Policy Clarity: Dogs are welcome in the campground and on most of the surrounding trails, provided they are kept on a leash no longer than six feet and proof of a current rabies vaccination is available. However, dogs are generally prohibited in the designated day-use/beach areas, which is a common rule in DEC facilities.
• Family-Friendly Programming: The campground participates in the DEC's Junior Naturalist Program, offering fun, educational activities for children aged 5-13 to help them earn an embroidered patch, turning the campground into an interactive outdoor classroom.

Contact Information

For reservations, current operating hours, and specific site details, New York campers should use the following contact information:

• Address: 763 Putts Pond Rd, Ticonderoga, NY 12883, USA
• Phone: (518) 585-7280

Conclusion: Why Putnam Pond is Suitable for Locals

Putnam Pond Campground holds a special place for New York residents because it epitomizes the best of what the Adirondacks offer without the overwhelming crowds found in more tourist-heavy areas. Its location near Ticonderoga makes it a manageable drive for a weekend or week-long trip, offering a rapid transition from city stress to wilderness serenity. The facility is praised by local users for its high standards—clean bathrooms, hot showers, and a very helpful staff—ensuring that your focus can remain squarely on recreation. Whether your passion is launching your boat onto the calm waters, spending the day hiking the long trails deep into the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness, or simply enjoying the peaceful silence of a well-designed campsite, Putnam Pond delivers. The blend of developed amenities and wilderness access is unparalleled, making it a reliable and cherished cornerstone of the New York State camping experience. For an authentic, quiet, and well-supported outdoor adventure, Putnam Pond Campground remains a top-tier choice for New Yorkers.

Putnam Pond Campground

763 Putts Pond Rd, Ticonderoga, NY 12883, USA