Tioga Point Campground - Lean-To - Site #13, Long Lake, NY

Introduction / Overview: Your Primitive Sanctuary on Raquette Lake

For New York residents with a taste for genuine wilderness and a willingness to paddle or motor to their destination, Tioga Point Campground represents the quintessential Adirondack primitive camping experience. Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), this unique facility is entirely boat-access-only, ensuring a level of tranquility and seclusion rarely found in the bustling summer months. It is an ideal getaway for outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate rustic amenities and the stunning beauty of Raquette Lake.

Tioga Point is a small, intimate campground, featuring a limited total of 25 sites: 15 iconic Adirondack lean-tos and 10 traditional tent sites. This dedication to low-density camping is what preserves the park's quiet, wild character. Campers operate under a strict "carry-in/carry-out" policy, which helps maintain the pristine nature of the location. The effort required to reach and stay at Tioga Point is rewarded with unparalleled access to water recreation and miles of deep woods hiking.

Lean-To Site #13 is a particularly noteworthy site within the campground. According to official site details, it is one of a small cluster of lean-tos (including sites 14 and 15) located directly in the middle of the point, offering easy access to the registration booth and phone, yet still providing the primitive, boat-in experience. Uniquely, these three sites are historically significant, sharing an area that features a historic chimney fireplace. While Site #13 is noted for being sunny and less shaded, its position on the point means it is a premium location for enjoying the day's light and the activity on the lake.

Location and Accessibility: A Boat Ride to the Wilderness

Tioga Point Campground is located on a peninsula jutting into Raquette Lake, situated in the vast Adirondack Park. While the mailing address is listed as Long Lake, NY 12847, USA, its true location is defined by the water. Raquette Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in the Adirondacks, boasting nearly 100 miles of shoreline to explore.

The facility is, without exception, accessible by boat only. This is the primary feature that guarantees a quiet atmosphere, as it eliminates vehicular traffic. To reach Lean-To #13, visitors must first launch their canoe, kayak, or motorboat from one of the area's public launches, such as those found in the nearby village of Raquette Lake or at Golden Beach Campground. The boat ride from the village launch covers approximately three miles across open water to the eastern shore where the point lies. This approach is an essential part of the wilderness experience.

For those interested in exploring the surrounding terrain, the campground serves as a launch point for the Tioga Point Trail, which connects into the larger Sargent Pond Wild Forest area. However, it is important to note that arrival by car is not possible; all gear, supplies, and drinking water must be transported across the lake.

Services Offered: Rustic Essentials for the Dedicated Camper

As a DEC primitive campground, Tioga Point is intentionally low on developed amenities, focusing on the basics needed for a traditional, self-sufficient camping trip.

Campsite Structures: The facility includes 15 traditional, three-sided Adirondack lean-tos—including the sought-after Site #13—and 10 designated tent sites.

Basic Site Furniture: Each campsite, including Lean-To #13, is equipped with a picnic table and a dedicated fireplace or fire ring for cooking and warmth.

Historical Fireplace Access: Lean-To Site #13 is part of a grouping that shares a notable feature: access to a historic stone chimney fireplace, offering a unique and memorable place to build a controlled fire (note that a separate grate is not typically provided).

Sanitation Facilities: Non-flush pit toilets (outhouses) are available for camper use throughout the camping area.

Water Notice: Crucially, there is NO potable (drinking) water available on-site. Campers MUST carry in all drinking water or use a reliable purification/filtration system on the lake water.

Carry-In/Carry-Out Policy: Campers are required to pack out all garbage and waste, adhering to strict Leave No Trace principles.

Generators: Use of generators is limited to specific hours (generally 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily) and may be further restricted if deemed disruptive to the wilderness environment.

Features / Highlights: Embrace the Natural Immersion

Tioga Point’s appeal lies in its rugged features that promote deep engagement with the Adirondack environment.

Authentic Lean-To Camping: Staying in Lean-To #13 provides an authentic piece of Adirondack history and culture. These open-front structures shield you from rain and dew while keeping you connected to the surrounding forest and lake.

Historic Chimney Feature: Site #13’s proximity to the historic stone chimney offers a unique, picturesque focal point for your campsite and campfire, distinguishing it from most other sites.

Prime Raquette Lake Access: With 99 miles of shoreline and connections to other waterways like Forked Lake and Long Lake, Raquette Lake is an unparalleled destination for boating, paddling, and multi-day water-based excursions.

Direct Hiking Trail Access: The campground is the entry point for the Tioga Point Trail, offering campers an immediate connection to the extensive hiking, birding, and wildlife viewing opportunities within the 36,000-acre Sargent Pond Wild Forest.

Seclusion by Design: The mandatory boat-access ensures that the noise and crowds of the modern world are left behind, offering a truly remote and peaceful camping experience.

Excellent Freshwater Fishing: Raquette Lake is a deep, cold-water lake known for its healthy populations of game fish, including Lake Trout, Brook Trout, and Smallmouth Bass, providing a rewarding experience for fishing enthusiasts.

Contact Information

While the physical location is boat-access only on Raquette Lake, administrative and reservation details are tied to the regional management of the DEC's Adirondack facilities.

Address: Long Lake, NY 12847, USA (Note: This is a mail-only reference for the area; physical access is via boat.)

Campground Phone: (315) 354-4101

Regional Office Phone: (518) 648-5616

Reservations: Booking for Lean-To Site #13 and other campsites is conducted exclusively through the New York State Parks reservation system. Due to the high demand for lean-tos, early booking is strongly advised.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For New York residents, particularly those in the Upstate and Central regions, Tioga Point Campground on Raquette Lake represents a valuable heritage experience—a chance to engage with the wild, untamed Adirondacks in its most traditional form. It is the perfect destination for the experienced local camper who owns a boat or is prepared to rent one, and who views the lack of modern amenities not as an inconvenience, but as an integral part of the adventure.

The commitment to carrying in your water and carrying out your trash instills a deep sense of stewardship for the New York State Park lands. Securing Lean-To Site #13 offers a special opportunity to camp at a scenic, sunny spot with a unique historic feature. This site is ideal for families and small groups who prioritize privacy, quiet time on the water, and direct immersion into one of the state's most beautiful and rugged wilderness complexes. Tioga Point is more than just a place to sleep; it’s a challenging yet immensely rewarding retreat that reconnects New Yorkers with the raw, natural essence of their state.