Taylor Pond Campground

- 1865 Silver Lake Rd, Au Sable Forks, NY 12912

For New York residents seeking a genuine escape from the incessant noise and demands of modern life, Taylor Pond Campground offers a uniquely remote and peaceful camping experience. Located deep within the Taylor Pond Wild Forest, this New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) facility is situated on the pristine, remote shores of the 813-acre Taylor Pond, a body of water so large it often feels more like a secluded lake.

Taylor Pond is not about luxury hookups or bustling activity centers; it is a true primitive campground designed for those who appreciate the quiet beauty of nature. With only 30 available sites—25 drive-in sites and 5 unique interior, boat-access-only sites—it maintains a low-key atmosphere that is a delight for anglers, birders, paddlers, and anyone craving solitude. As one local noted, "If you want peace, this is the place. If you're lucky the loons will sound off." The campground's remote setting is a key part of its charm, offering a place where you can be "slightly out there as far as local attractions" and instead focus on the simple, yet profound, pleasures of the Adirondacks.

Operated with a strong focus on conservation and a friendly, helpful camp host, Taylor Pond is a destination that feels miles from the public mainstream. While you should "be prepared for no service at all," this digital detox is precisely what makes the "beautiful views" and quiet nights so memorable. It’s a place that caters to a mindful, nature-focused vacation, perfect for a rejuvenating getaway from the more crowded camping options closer to the city.

Taylor Pond Campground is nestled in a remote, picturesque section of the Adirondack Park’s Taylor Pond Wild Forest, providing an immediate sense of seclusion for New York travelers.

The physical address is: 1865 Silver Lake Rd, Au Sable Forks, NY 12912, USA.

The facility is located approximately nine miles northwest of the charming town of Au Sable Forks, New York, via Silver Lake Road. Due to its primitive setting, access to the campground requires traveling into a more wild and undeveloped area. While the area is surrounded by over 8,000 acres of protected wild forest state land, the main campground is accessible by vehicle. It is important to note that the roads leading to the campground contribute to its remote feel. RVs over 30 feet in length may find some sites challenging to accommodate due to the nature of the terrain and site construction, making this spot most suitable for tents, smaller trailers, and truck campers. The remote nature also means cell service is minimal to non-existent, a factor many New York campers specifically seek out for a true disconnection.

Taylor Pond Campground is classified as a primitive DEC facility, meaning its services are intentionally basic to preserve the wilderness experience. However, essential amenities are provided to ensure a manageable and comfortable stay for local campers.

• Campsites: A total of 30 sites are available, including 25 drive-in sites and 5 interior sites that are accessible only by boat.

• Lean-tos: Three of the five boat-access interior sites feature lean-to shelters, providing a unique backcountry experience.

• Restroom Facilities: Primitive outhouses (vault toilets) are maintained and available at various locations throughout the campground. Note: there are no flush toilets or showers.

• Water Supply: Water spigots are conveniently located in various areas of the campground for potable water collection.

• Camp Host: A friendly and helpful camp host is on-site to assist guests, check on them regularly, and provide local information, enhancing the overall service quality.

• Boating Access: A public boat launch is located just past the entrance booth, providing the sole public access point for Taylor Pond.

• Rentals: Rowboat and canoe rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis from the facility supervisor, perfect for those who do not bring their own watercraft.

• Camp Supplies: Firewood sales are offered on-site for building fires in the provided fireplaces/fire rings.

Taylor Pond’s appeal lies in its rugged beauty and the wealth of water- and land-based activities it offers, making it a unique gem in the New York State camping system.

• Exceptional Fishing: The pond is a renowned destination for anglers, with major species including landlocked salmon, lake trout, and various trout species, making for an outstanding fishing trip.

• Motor Boating Allowed: Unlike many wild forest ponds, Taylor Pond permits motorboats, providing boaters with access to over eight miles of explorable shoreline (the boat launch is the only public access point).

• Unique Boat-Access Sites: The five interior campsites, three of which include lean-tos, offer an unparalleled, secluded backcountry camping experience that few other DEC campgrounds can match.

• Hiking Opportunities: The campground provides direct access to the Taylor Pond Trail system. Both the North and South Pond Trails lead around the body of water and offer connections to nearby popular Adirondack hikes on mountains like Catamount and Silver Lake Mountain.

• Nature Observation: The remote setting and undeveloped shoreline make it an ideal spot for naturalists and birders, with frequent sightings of loons, ospreys, and eagles in the 8,000-acre wild forest.

• Day-Use Area: A small day-use area on the pond shore offers a peaceful spot for picnicking and enjoying the scenic waterfront views, complete with tables.

For New York residents looking to reserve a site or inquire about current conditions at this remote DEC facility, please use the contact information below.

• Phone: (518) 647-5250

• Address: 1865 Silver Lake Rd, Au Sable Forks, NY 12912, USA

For the New York resident, Taylor Pond Campground is the perfect destination for a restorative, back-to-basics wilderness vacation. Its suitability lies in its explicit offer of tranquility and disconnection, a stark contrast to the high-density living and perpetual connectivity of urban and suburban New York. In a world of increasing clamor, Taylor Pond provides a necessary "reset" button.

The commitment to a primitive camping experience—vault toilets, water spigots, and no cell service—appeals directly to those who value authentic outdoor activity over full amenities. The camp's small size, just 30 sites, ensures a low volume of traffic, and the presence of a friendly, attentive camp host maintains a welcoming, well-run environment even in this remote location. Crucially, the unique boat-access campsites and the quality of the fishing on Taylor Pond provide niche recreational opportunities that are genuinely world-class. If your goal is to trade city noise for the call of the loon, test your skills against lake trout, and explore the Adirondacks on quiet hiking trails, Taylor Pond Campground offers New Yorkers a profound and memorable peace that is worth the scenic drive into the wilds.

Taylor Pond Campground

1865 Silver Lake Rd, Au Sable Forks, NY 12912, USA