Tioga Point Campground - Lean-To - #14, Long Lake, NY

For seasoned campers and outdoor adventurers across New York, a trip into the Adirondack Park offers the ultimate reset button. Within this six-million-acre expanse lies a unique opportunity for an authentic, secluded experience: Tioga Point Campground. This facility, managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), stands apart because of its distinctive boat-access-only requirement, which naturally filters out casual visitors and preserves a true wilderness feel.

Our focus is on one of its most desirable accommodations, Lean-To Site #14. The term "lean-to" refers to the classic, three-sided, open-front wooden shelter traditional to the Adirondacks. These structures offer a durable, dry, and sheltered space for sleeping and relaxing, typically accommodating up to six people, though this should be confirmed during reservation. A lean-to provides the perfect blend of rustic camping—allowing campers to feel fully immersed in the forest environment—with the security and convenience of a permanent roof over their heads. Lean-To Site #14 offers a coveted base from which to explore the surrounding Raquette Lake and the adjacent Wild Forest area.

The core of the Tioga Point experience is its primitive nature. Campers must be fully self-sufficient, as there is no running or potable water, electricity, or dump stations. This self-reliance fosters a deeper connection with nature and ensures the location remains pristine. Securing a reservation for Lean-To Site #14 means guaranteeing a tranquil spot, likely with beautiful views of Raquette Lake, far removed from the noise of road-accessible campgrounds. It’s a cherished destination for local users who understand and appreciate the value of true solitude within New York State's largest park.

Tioga Point Campground is located on a prominent peninsula on the eastern side of Raquette Lake, deep within the Adirondack Park in Hamilton County, New York. While the official mailing address points to Long Lake, NY 12847, this location is key to understanding its accessibility: The campground is entirely boat-access only.

This means that access to Lean-To Site #14 requires the use of a watercraft. Campers must launch their own motorboat, rowboat, canoe, or kayak from a public launch point, the closest of which are generally found near the village of Raquette Lake. The distance across the water from the mainland launch to Tioga Point is roughly three miles, depending on the route chosen.

Local New York campers are advised to plan for the water journey, especially when loading and unloading gear, as this is the only way to reach the site. Parking is generally available at mainland launch sites and marinas for a fee, but this should be confirmed well in advance. The boat trip itself is part of the scenic adventure, traversing the deep, cool waters of one of the Adirondacks' premier lakes. The boat-only access serves as a natural barrier, preserving the serene atmosphere of the point and making the effort of the journey truly rewarding for those seeking an uncrowded experience.

As a designated primitive DEC campground, the services at Tioga Point are intentionally limited to promote a rustic, "Leave No Trace" camping style while providing essential facilities.

Services Offered

Lean-To Shelter: Lean-To Site #14 provides a large, three-sided wooden structure capable of providing sheltered sleeping quarters for a group, complete with a solid floor and roof.
Basic Site Equipment: Each campsite is furnished with a heavy-duty picnic table and a steel fireplace or fire ring, which are provided for cooking and containing campfires safely.
Sanitation Facilities: Scattered throughout the campground are simple pit/vault toilets (outhouses) for basic waste disposal.
Water Scarcity: There is no potable water source (drinking water) at Tioga Point Campground. Campers must bring in 100% of their drinking and cooking water, or use approved filtering and purification methods for lake water.
Firewood Provision: Fires must be confined to the established fire rings. Campers are permitted to use only dead and downed wood found on the forest floor for fuel. The cutting of live or dead standing trees is strictly prohibited.
Garbage Management: The DEC enforces a mandatory "carry-in/carry-out" policy for all trash, meaning campers must remove all garbage from the peninsula at the end of their stay.
Generator Rules: To maintain the quiet wilderness setting, the use of generators is tightly restricted to specific time windows, typically 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily.

The remote location and primitive nature of Tioga Point Campground offer a suite of unique advantages that appeal to New York residents craving a connection to the wild.

Features / Highlights

Guaranteed Seclusion: The boat-access requirement ensures remarkable privacy and quiet, making it an ideal destination for escaping the high-traffic areas common in other state parks.
Direct Waterfront Camping: Site #14 is situated right on the shore of Raquette Lake, offering unparalleled views, easy access for swimming, and the convenience of launching watercraft directly from the site.
Lean-To Tradition: Staying in a Lean-To provides a classic Adirondack experience, a cultural and historical feature highly valued by local campers for its authenticity and utility.
Access to Sargent Pond Wild Forest: The campground borders this vast 36,000+ acre wilderness area, featuring an extensive network of hiking trails, including the Tioga Point Trail, perfect for deep-woods exploration.
Boating and Paddling Paradise: Raquette Lake is a major waterway in the Adirondack chain, allowing for diverse activities such as motor boating, canoeing, kayaking, and long-distance paddling expeditions.
Exceptional Freshwater Fishing: The lake is well-stocked with a variety of fish, including lake trout, smallmouth bass, and brook trout, providing excellent sport fishing opportunities.
Stunning Dark Skies: The remote location and lack of development result in minimal light pollution, offering truly spectacular views of the night sky, ideal for astronomy enthusiasts.

Contact Information

Address: Long Lake, NY 12847, USA (Note: Access is by boat only from a public launch in the region).

Campground Phone (During Operating Season): (315) 354-4101

DEC Regional Office Phone: (518) 648-5616

Reservations: Reservations for DEC campgrounds, including Tioga Point, must be made through the New York State Parks Reservation System or by calling 1-800-456-CAMP.

For the resident of New York, especially those residing in the more densely populated regions, Tioga Point Campground—and a specific site like Lean-To #14—represents the ultimate accessible wilderness escape. Its location on Raquette Lake, deep in the Adirondack Park, means minimal light pollution, unmatched quiet, and a genuine retreat into the state's natural beauty.

This campground is uniquely suitable because it provides a protected, curated primitive experience. By requiring boat access and adherence to strict carry-in/carry-out rules, the DEC ensures that the environment remains unspoiled. This is where New Yorkers can truly disconnect, relying on their outdoor skills while enjoying the comfort of a traditional lean-to. The proximity to the Sargent Pond Wild Forest also offers local hikers the chance to bag miles on remote trails right from their campsite. For those who believe the best parts of the Empire State are found off the beaten path, Tioga Point Lean-To #14 is a reservation well worth securing. It’s an authentic piece of New York’s heritage and a perfect place to recharge.