Tioga Point Campground - Lean-To - Site #4, Long Lake, NY

For many residents across New York State, the lure of the Adirondack Park lies in its promise of genuine wilderness—a world away from the noise and pressure of city life. Tioga Point Campground delivers on that promise completely. This unique facility, maintained by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), is not just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an opportunity to embrace a truly primitive and secluded style of camping.

Tioga Point features a limited number of campsites, consisting of both traditional tent sites and iconic Adirondack lean-tos. We are focusing on one of these highly desirable options: Lean-To Site #4. A lean-to is a rustic, three-sided wooden structure that offers a permanent, sheltered base for your trip. It provides a dry, protected sleeping area for up to six people, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural environment without the immediate need to set up a full camp. The open side of the lean-to faces the lake and forest, offering spectacular views and a constant connection to the outdoors.

The entire campground experience at Tioga Point is defined by its pristine setting on Raquette Lake. This environment naturally dictates a "carry-in, carry-out" philosophy, urging campers to be completely self-sufficient. There are no modern conveniences here—no running water, no shower houses—and this lack of development is precisely what preserves its stunning, tranquil beauty. Reserving a spot like Site #4 means securing a peaceful haven, often right on the shoreline, where the only regular sounds are the call of the loons and the gentle lapping of the water. This is an essential Adirondack experience, favored by seasoned New York campers for its blend of tradition and deep solitude.

Tioga Point Campground is strategically located on a scenic point jutting into Raquette Lake, deep within the heart of the Adirondack Park in Hamilton County. While the regional administrative address is Long Lake, NY 12847, the accessibility of the site is its most distinguishing factor: Tioga Point Campground is accessible by boat only.

This boat-access-only status is vital for planning your trip. There are no roads leading directly to the campsite. To reach Lean-To Site #4, New York campers must launch a personal or rented watercraft—be it a motorboat, kayak, or canoe—from a public launch area in the nearby villages of Raquette Lake or Long Lake. The nearest boat launch is typically found in the village of Raquette Lake, approximately three miles away across the water.

Campers must arrange for vehicle parking at a designated launch or marina area on the mainland for the duration of their stay. The journey across Raquette Lake is a beautiful part of the adventure, offering stunning views and a unique perspective of the Adirondack shoreline. It is important to note that Raquette Lake is large and can be subject to wind and chop, so proper boating safety and preparation are essential for a smooth transit to your secluded campsite. The water barrier ensures the limited sites remain protected, offering a truly remote feel despite being on one of the Adirondack’s major lakes.

As a primitive DEC campground, Tioga Point focuses on providing the basics necessary for a safe and enjoyable wilderness stay while minimizing environmental impact.

Services Offered

Lean-To Shelter: Site #4 provides a classic Adirondack lean-to, a permanent, three-sided shelter capable of sleeping up to six individuals, offering protection from the elements.
Campsite Furnishings: Each site is equipped with a durable picnic table for meal preparation and dining, as well as a dedicated fireplace or fire ring for cooking and campfires.
Basic Sanitation Facilities: The campground maintains pit/vault toilets (outhouses) in various locations for essential waste management.
Water Requirements: No potable (drinking) water is available at the campground. Campers are required to bring in all necessary drinking and cooking water or use a reliable filtering/purification system for lake water.
Garbage Policy: Tioga Point operates under a strict "carry-in/carry-out" principle, meaning all trash and refuse must be packed up and transported off the peninsula for disposal.
Generator Usage: To maintain quiet hours and the wilderness atmosphere, the operation of generators is restricted to a limited daily schedule, typically between 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Firewood Rules: Campfires must be contained within the provided facilities, and only dead and downed wood found on the forest floor may be used as fuel.

The unique access and setting of Tioga Point Campground present several highlights that appeal directly to New York State outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility.

Features / Highlights

Iconic Adirondack Lean-To: Camping in the lean-to at Site #4 offers a memorable, traditional Adirondack lodging experience, blending rustic shelter with an open-air feel.
Profound Seclusion: The boat-access-only rule acts as a natural filter, ensuring an exceptionally quiet and private camping experience, ideal for unwinding away from crowds.
Direct Lake Access: Campsites are located right on the shoreline of Raquette Lake, providing immediate access for swimming (in non-designated areas), fishing, and launching kayaks or canoes directly from the site.
Excellent Boating and Paddling: Raquette Lake is one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in the Adirondacks, perfect for long-distance paddling, motor-boating, and exploring numerous inlets and coves.
Gateway to Wild Forest Hiking: The campground borders the 36,000+ acre Sargent Pond Wild Forest Area, providing direct access to extensive hiking trails, including the Tioga Point Trail, for backcountry exploration.
Top-Tier Fishing Opportunities: The lake is known for its cold-water species, including lake trout and brook trout, offering rewarding fishing for local anglers.
Superb Star Gazing: Located deep in the Adirondack Park, far from major light pollution, the area offers magnificent night skies, ideal for stargazing.

Contact Information

Address: Long Lake, NY 12847, USA (Note: Boat access only; this is a regional administrative address).

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

DEC Regional Office Phone: (518) 648-5616

Reservations and Booking: New York State Parks Reservation System or call 1-800-456-CAMP

For residents of New York State, Tioga Point Campground, and specifically the coveted Lean-To Site #4, offers a level of immersion in the natural world that is unparalleled in more developed parks. The commitment required to boat in, carry all supplies—especially water—and pack out all waste, is what ultimately safeguards the quality of this experience. This campground is not for those seeking glamping or modern amenities; it is suitable for locals who value preservation, self-reliance, and true quiet.

The combination of the historic lean-to shelter, the clear waters of Raquette Lake right at your doorstep, and the immediate access to miles of state forest hiking trails makes this a premier destination. It appeals to the New York resident who understands that the state's greatest treasures are often those that require a little extra effort to reach. Tioga Point is a tradition for many Adirondack lovers, providing a deep, restorative break from urban demands and offering a unique opportunity to connect with the state’s magnificent natural heritage.