Taylor Pond Campground
00 review1865 Silver Lake Road, AUSABLE FORKS, New York, 12912, United States
Taylor Pond Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Canoe rentals are available for $20/day, but no other fee information is provided.
About this campground
Escape to Taylor Pond Campground, where 8,000 acres of untamed Adirondack wilderness become your backyard. This remote sanctuary offers the perfect blend of accessibility and seclusion, with drive-in sites for those seeking convenience and boat-access-only spots for adventurers craving true isolation. Here, primitive camping takes on new meaning – outhouses and water spigots are your only amenities, leaving you free to immerse yourself in nature's rhythm. Cast a line into pristine waters, explore hidden trails through ancient forests, paddle across mirror-like surfaces, or carve through powder on winter snowmobile routes. This is camping as it was meant to be: raw, authentic, and breathtakingly beautiful.
Taylor Pond Campground offers primitive, tent, and RV camping options suited for those seeking a rustic experience. Designated group sites and boat-accessible camping are also available.
Historical SignificanceTaylor Pond Campground sits at the heart of the legendary Adirondack region, where America's conservation movement took root. This storied landscape has inspired generations of naturalists, artists, and adventurers who recognized the profound importance of preserving wild spaces. Today, the campground continues this legacy, offering visitors a chance to experience the same untouched wilderness that sparked a nationwide commitment to protecting our natural heritage.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the Adirondacks' dramatic seasonal transformation at Taylor Pond. Summer arrives with warm, dry days perfect for swimming and stargazing under crystal-clear skies. Autumn paints the surrounding forests in brilliant golds and crimsons, while crisp air invigorates morning hikes. Winter transforms the landscape into a frozen wonderland, where harsh conditions reward the prepared with solitude and stunning ice formations. Spring brings renewal as wildlife emerges and wildflowers dot the awakening forest floor.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryThe crown jewel of this wilderness retreat is the spectacular 813-acre Taylor Pond, its pristine waters stretching into secluded coves and hidden inlets. Ancient forests press close to the shoreline, creating a living wall of green that shelters an incredible array of wildlife. Listen for the haunting call of loons at twilight, watch osprey dive for fish in the morning mist, and keep your eyes skyward for the majestic silhouette of bald eagles soaring overhead. Apart from the historic dam and campground itself, this landscape remains utterly wild and undeveloped – a rare glimpse of nature in its purest form.
Geological RegionNestled within the ancient Adirondack Mountains, Taylor Pond Campground showcases the region's remarkable geological heritage. The centerpiece is the impressive Taylor Pond itself – a 4-mile-long aquatic gem spanning 813 acres, its levels carefully managed by a historic dam. This pristine water body is cradled by 8,000 acres of protected wild forest state land, where billion-year-old rock formations tell the story of Earth's distant past. The rugged terrain, carved by glaciers and weathered by millennia, creates a dramatic backdrop for outdoor adventures.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAt least one campsite is designated accessible, but specific details about accessibility features or pathways were not provided.
Sites SizeSites vary. Some are noted to be small, with limited space for larger campers. For example, site #8 could barely accommodate a 25-foot camper.
Sites PrivacySites vary in privacy. While most sites are described as closely packed, others like sites 6-11 are noted to be wooded and more secluded.
Total Campsites25 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites 6-11 for privacy and space; avoid the open grassy circle of the main campground for lack of seclusion.
Best CampsitesSites 6-11 are wooded and more private, with site 8 being noted as one of the best for privacy and space.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
From 2 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Check-out
10:00 a.m.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 14 nights, with cumulative limits between July 1 and Labor Day.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Occupancy limited to 6 individuals per campsite.
Groups
Group sites allow occupancy of up to six people, with limits of two vehicles and two tents or one hard-wheeled camping unit plus one tent.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe main campground consists of an open grassy circle with closely packed sites, while sites 6-11 are wooded and more private.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from July 1 through Labor Day, after which only limited camping may be available.
Reservation Platforms:null
Walk-in AvailabilityCampers can take unreserved sites after 2 p.m., as noted in user reviews and official guidance.
Cancellation PolicyCampers must register for their campsite by 9:00 p.m. on the first night of the reservation or the campsite will be subject to re-rental and all fees forfeited.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Taylor Pond Campground offers ample outdoor recreation opportunities. Boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing are popular activities. The site includes a boat launch and rentals for canoes and rowboats. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy the pond's population of lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, and Atlantic salmon. Snowmobiling trails and nearby hiking paths further enhance the experience. "Great spot and very friendly people with some great trails along the lake," a user commented.
Hiking
The campground provides access to nearby hiking trails, including those at Catamount Mountain, Silver Lake Mountain, and the High Peaks Region. Trails offer varying levels of difficulty, from wooded paths to more challenging terrain.Climbing
Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.Fishing
Fishing is a prominent activity, with Taylor Pond stocked with lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, and Atlantic salmon. "The lake is beautiful... can't wait to go back and fish there," remarked a user.Biking
Mountain biking and e-biking are possible on the snowmobile trails located east of the pond.Boating
Boating is a key attraction, with rentals for rowboats and canoes available. There is a boat launch for public access to Taylor Pond. "Boating is a favorite activity," as described in the authoritative source.Wildlife viewing
The area is rich in wildlife, with sightings of loons, ospreys, and eagles. "Loons, Osprey, Eagles, and many other fauna and flora can be observed in the area," the authoritative description states.Winter Activities
Snowmobiling is accessible with a 12-mile trail encircling the pond.Water Sports
Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are supported with rentals available for canoes and kayaks.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires must be built in provided fireplaces, and dead wood may be used as fuel. Chainsaws are prohibited.
- Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsThe remote nature of the campground means limited cell service and emergency support. Wildlife encounters and the lack of basic amenities have been noted in user reviews.
Active alerts:null
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 45%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 11.9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available within 10 miles, including hospitals.
Good to know
Peak season datesJuly 1 through Labor Day
Trash and recyclingThere are no dumpsters available for trash disposal. Campers must manage their own waste disposal off-site.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located directly on Taylor Pond, with boat rentals available.
Common complaintsComplaints often mention poor maintenance, lack of supervision, and noisy environments. User reviews highlight issues with trash, lack of clear site signage, and inadequate campground host presence.
HostMixed reviews on campground hosts. Steve, an assistant host, is frequently praised for being helpful and available, while other hosts have been criticized for being absent or unprofessional.
Campground Map
1865 Silver Lake Road, AUSABLE FORKS, New York, 12912, United States
Driving directionsThe park is located on Silver Lake Road, 9 miles northwest of Ausable Falls, on Route 9N.
The campground is accessible via a dirt road far from the public mainstream. Accessibility may be challenging due to its remote nature.Nearby places
Ausable Falls (9 miles), Lake Placid (30 minutes by car)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be accessed within 10 miles.
Camper Reviews
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0 reviews
Taylor Pond Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews show significant variance in experiences. Some users highlight the campground's pristine natural environment, quiet atmosphere, and friendly staff, while others critique the lack of supervision, noise, and maintenance issues.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Many reviewers appreciate the natural beauty, wildlife, and opportunities for kayaking and fishing. "The lake is very beautiful. Close to the lake, it is possible to see the stars without light...
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Common Concerns
Negative reviews emphasize poor maintenance, such as "rotten and rickety" picnic tables and trash left at campsites. Additionally, the lack of supervision is a recurring issue, with one reviewer...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early to secure your site if it's first-come, first-served. Bring all essentials, including trash bags for waste disposal off-site.
Seasonal Insights
Summer receives mixed reviews. While the warmer months offer great opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing and kayaking, the lack of supervision during peak season can lead to noise and...
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Camper Quotes
"This year is totally different. The bearded guy, Steve, meets you at the door and escorts you to your site. He even brought me enough firewood for my first night."
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites 6-11 are recommended for a more secluded experience. Site 8, in particular, offers privacy and space.
Accessibility Features
No detailed reviews provide insights into accessibility experiences.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but they must be on a leash no longer than six feet, with proof of rabies vaccination required. "Dogs cannot be left unattended."
Last updated August 10, 2025