Sharp Bridge Campground

- 4390 US-9, North Hudson, NY 12855

Introduction / Overview

For New York residents looking to experience the rugged beauty of the Adirondack High Peaks region without an excessively high price tag or overly commercialized setting, Sharp Bridge Campground in North Hudson, NY, stands out as an exceptional choice. Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), this facility is strategically positioned to serve as the ideal basecamp for serious hikers, fishermen, and families seeking a genuine outdoor adventure. Established in the 1920s, Sharp Bridge offers a traditional, forested camping experience along the west shore of the tranquil Schroon River.

This campground is often celebrated by local users for its remarkably clean and well-maintained facilities, especially the bathrooms and showers, which speaks volumes about the dedicated staff. Visitors consistently praise the friendly, attentive personnel who make the camping experience smooth and enjoyable. With a strong focus on nature and direct access to renowned wilderness areas, Sharp Bridge provides a perfect blend of rustic seclusion and essential modern amenities, all while maintaining an incredibly affordable fee structure that is highly valued by New York campers.

Location and Accessibility

Sharp Bridge Campground boasts a prime, easily accessible location deep within the Adirondack Park, placing it squarely in the High Peaks region of Essex County. The official address is 4390 US-9, North Hudson, NY 12855, USA. This positioning directly on US Route 9 is highly convenient for travelers.

For New York residents arriving from downstate or western New York, the campground is only minutes from Exit 30 of Interstate 87 (the Northway). While many travelers take this exit west toward Keene Valley, Sharp Bridge is located a short drive south on Route 9, making for minimal travel on secondary, winding roads. This excellent accessibility is crucial for weekend trips or longer family vacations, minimizing transit time and maximizing relaxation time. Importantly, its central location places it in close proximity (approximately 30 miles) to major regional attractions such as Lake Placid and the Olympic venues to the northwest, and the Lake Champlain region to the east, providing a wealth of day-trip opportunities.

Services Offered

While Sharp Bridge Campground embraces a more traditional, rustic Adirondack feel, it is a full-service DEC facility that provides critical amenities to ensure a comfortable stay for both tent and small RV campers. The staff is consistently noted for being very friendly and checking in with campers nightly, ensuring a safe and positive experience. Key services include:

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• Dedicated Campsites: A total of 40 campsites are available, accommodating everything from tents to small RVs (maximum length is generally listed at 25 feet, though some sources allow up to 45 feet, verification is recommended).
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• Clean Comfort Facilities: Includes flush toilets and hot showers, a highly appreciated feature after a day of hiking the High Peaks.
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• Potable Water: Accessible drinking water is provided at various points throughout the campground.
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• Retail Services: Firewood is conveniently available for purchase on-site, a critical service in an area where only dead and downed wood may be used for fires built in provided rings.
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• Sanitary Dump Station: An essential service for RV users, allowing them to empty their tanks before departing the Adirondack Park.
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• Generator Regulations: Generator use is restricted to five hours per day during specific time windows (9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily) to maintain quiet enjoyment for all campers.
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• On-Site Staff: The presence of kind and attentive staff ensures a well-managed and secure environment, with nightly check-ins for visitor peace of mind.

Features / Highlights

The main attractions of Sharp Bridge Campground are its immersion in the Adirondack wilderness and its superb proximity to premier outdoor activities, making it a hiker's haven:

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• Proximity to High Peaks: Considered the "ideal camping location for hikers," the campground is a short distance from trailheads leading to some of the most famous Adirondack High Peaks, offering access to hundreds of miles of trails for all skill levels.
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• Direct Trail Access: The East Mill Flow Trail begins within the campground itself, providing an immediate entryway into the 40,000+ acre Hammond Pond Wild Forest trail system.
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• Riverfront Recreation: Located on the west shore of the Schroon River, the campground offers excellent freshwater fishing, as the river is annually stocked with brown and brook trout.
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• Small Boat Opportunities: While the campground sites are not directly lakeside, opportunities for canoeing and kayaking exist nearby at Courtney Pond and Dead Water Pond (approximately three miles away), with larger boating available on Schroon Lake and Paradox Lake (10-20 miles away).
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• Affordability: With very competitive nightly camping rates, Sharp Bridge is one of the most budget-friendly ways for New Yorkers to experience a high-quality Adirondack getaway.
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• Family Amenities: Each of the 40 campsites is furnished with a picnic table, a fire ring, and a grate. There is also a dedicated playground area, making it a functional and fun spot for families with children.
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• Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are allowed on the campsites, provided owners adhere to the leash and waste regulations, which is a major benefit for many New York families.

Contact Information

For New York residents interested in booking a stay, checking seasonal operating dates, or asking about specific site availability, please use the following contact details:

Address: 4390 US-9, North Hudson, NY 12855, USA

Phone: (518) 532-7538

Mobile Phone: +1 518-532-7538

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Sharp Bridge Campground is perfectly suited for New York locals—from the Tri-State area to Western NY—as it represents an accessible, authentic, and affordable slice of the Adirondack wilderness. For those who consider the High Peaks the ultimate New York State hiking challenge, this campground is an invaluable resource, minimizing drive time to major trailheads and maximizing outdoor adventure time. The blend of a rustic environment (forested sites, proximity to the river) with essential, well-maintained services (hot showers, clean restrooms, dump station) delivers a high-value experience. The friendly, professional staff ensures a welcoming atmosphere, while the simple, family-friendly setting allows visitors to disconnect from city life and fully immerse themselves in the state’s most magnificent natural landscape. It is the ideal destination for New Yorkers seeking an annual outdoor tradition that is both exhilarating and easy on the wallet.

Sharp Bridge Campground

4390 US-9, North Hudson, NY 12855, USA