Wilmington Notch Campground

- 4953 NY-86 Scenic, Wilmington, NY 12997

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers seeking the quintessential Adirondack experience—where world-class recreation meets accessible camping—Wilmington Notch Campground stands out as an exceptional choice. Located strategically within the magnificent Adirondack Park, this New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) facility offers a blend of natural beauty and essential convenience, making it a reliable destination for tents, trailers, and RVs up to 30 feet in length. The campground is nestled in a scenic birch and pine grove, a landscape carved by glacial forces, lying directly at the base of the iconic Whiteface Mountain.

Wilmington Notch Campground, first established in 1926, provides 54 individual campsites. While some visitors note the sites are functional rather than deeply secluded, the major appeal is its unparalleled location, which serves as a central hub for the Tri-Lakes and High Peaks region. It’s a favorite among fishermen due to its adjacency to the West Branch of the Ausable River, famous for its trout-filled rapids. It is not designed as a luxury resort but as a robust and practical basecamp—a place to rest, refresh with a hot shower, and prepare for another day exploring the surrounding wilderness and Olympic history. The commitment here is to provide a clean, safe, and affordable starting point for your adventures, ensuring you spend less time worrying about logistics and more time on the trails or rivers.

The setting itself is inspiring, with the soaring slopes of Whiteface Mountain visible just across the river. This campground’s friendly, professional atmosphere and crucial amenities make it a top-tier option for New York families and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize location and accessibility to major attractions. While one past reviewer noted some frustration with the firewood and absence of a specific service like ice, the core infrastructure—clean bathrooms, hot showers, and a dump station—remain strong reasons why many return year after year.

Location and Accessibility

Wilmington Notch Campground’s greatest asset is its prime location, which offers effortless access to some of the Adirondacks’ most famous points of interest.

Primary Location: The campground is situated along the main thoroughfare, 4953 NY-86 Scenic, in Wilmington, NY 12997, USA. Its direct placement on Route 86 makes it highly convenient for road travelers, though new visitors should watch closely for the entrance sign.

Proximity to Key Destinations:

• Whiteface Mountain: Located directly across the Ausable River, the base of Whiteface Mountain is virtually at your doorstep. Campers are mere minutes from the Whiteface Mountain Veterans’ Memorial Highway and the gondola that takes visitors to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views.
• Lake Placid Olympic Village: The famed Lake Placid village, home to the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, is an incredibly short distance—approximately 8 miles—from the campground. This means quick drives to Olympic venues, museums, and the village’s dining and shopping.
• Major Trailheads: The location provides direct and easy access to extensive hiking opportunities. To the south lies the Sentinel Range Wilderness Area, and to the north is the Wilmington Wild Forest, featuring numerous trails for both experienced High Peaks hikers and casual mountain bikers.
• Ausable River: The campground is bordered by the West Branch of the Ausable River, offering convenient access for experienced anglers and those looking to enjoy the powerful rapids and beautiful waterfalls, including the nearby Wilmington Notch Falls and High Falls Gorge.

Services Offered

Wilmington Notch Campground is a full-service DEC facility designed to offer the comforts needed to support extended stays in the wilderness. The availability of amenities is a key factor in its popularity with local campers.

• Comfort Stations: Clean and well-maintained buildings offering modern flush toilets are available on-site.
• Hot Showers: One of the most appreciated services, hot showers are provided, allowing campers to refresh after a long day of hiking the Adirondack High Peaks or fishing the river.
• Trailer Dump Station: Essential for RV and travel trailer users, a convenient dump station is available for sanitary disposal, helping to maintain the clean standards of the park.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is offered for sale directly at the campground. The DEC strongly encourages purchasing wood locally to comply with state regulations and prevent the spread of invasive forest pests, thereby protecting New York's forests.
• Recycling Center: A designated area is available for recycling, supporting the campground's commitment to environmental stewardship. Campers are required to process their garbage at the recycling area at designated times, adhering to clear bag policies.
• Each Campsite Provision: All 54 campsites, which can accommodate both tents and RVs up to 30 feet, include a picnic table and a dedicated fire ring with a cooking grate.

Features / Highlights

The appeal of Wilmington Notch extends beyond its basic services, centered around its unique natural and cultural setting.

• Whiteface Mountain Views: The campsite is positioned to offer stunning views of the mountain, a constant reminder of the majestic scale of the Adirondack Park and its Olympic heritage.
• Access to Hiking Trails: The campground serves as a direct gateway to the Wilmington Wild Forest and the High Peaks Wilderness, putting miles of hiking and mountain biking trails—including those leading to scenic waterfalls—within easy reach.
• Premier Trout Fishing: The adjacent Ausable River is renowned as one of New York State’s top destinations for trout fishing. Anglers can step out of their campsite and onto the banks of a world-class fishing location.
• Gateway to Olympic Attractions: Being only eight miles from Lake Placid, visitors can effortlessly spend a day at the Olympic venues, including the ski jumps, bobsled runs, and museums, providing a cultural and historical element to the wilderness trip.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: The campground welcomes domestic pets, provided they have current proof of rabies vaccination and are kept on a leash no longer than six feet, making it easy for New York families to bring their four-legged companions.

Contact Information

The Wilmington Notch Campground is operated by the New York State DEC. For reservations and specific inquiries, please use the following contact details:

Address: 4953 NY-86 Scenic, Wilmington, NY 12997, USA

Campground Phone: (518) 946-7172

Note: Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the peak summer season, and can typically be made via the New York State Parks online reservation system.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Wilmington Notch Campground is an essential resource for New York residents seeking a high-value, accessible Adirondack adventure. While some campers have pointed out the need for greater site seclusion and improvements to firewood quality, the fundamental benefits far outweigh these minor drawbacks. Its location is strategically perfect: a short drive to the cultural highlights of Lake Placid and directly connected to the boundless recreational opportunities of Whiteface Mountain and the Ausable River. It offers the practical amenities—hot showers, flush toilets, and a trailer dump station—that make camping comfortable for families and RV owners, without losing the rugged feel of a state park. This campground provides the necessary base for deep dives into hiking, fishing, and mountain biking across the High Peaks region. For New Yorkers, Wilmington Notch is the reliable, no-frills, location-focused campground that puts the very best of the Adirondack Park within easy reach, allowing you to focus your time and energy on creating unforgettable outdoor memories.

Wilmington Notch Campground

4953 NY-86 Scenic, Wilmington, NY 12997, USA