Higley Flow State Park
00 review442 Cold Brook Drive, Colton, New York, 13625, United States
Higley Flow State Park
$25.00 - $35.00 / 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
Fees range from $25 to $35 depending on site type.
About this campground
Escape to Higley Flow State Park, where the gentle curves of the Raquette River wind through the enchanting Adirondack foothills. Here, spacious campsites tucked beneath towering pine canopies offer the perfect blend of privacy and natural beauty. Days begin with morning mist rising from the reservoir's sandy beach, where families gather for swimming and sunbathing. As paddles dip into calm waters, canoeists explore hidden coves while anglers cast lines in pursuit of the day's catch. When winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, the park becomes a haven for snowmobilers carving trails through snow-laden forests and ice fishers dotting the frozen reservoir.
Higley Flow State Park offers a variety of camping accommodations, including sites suitable for RVs and tents. Some campsites are paved and equipped with electric hookups. The sites are described as wooded with a mix of options for privacy and seclusion.
Historical SignificanceInformation about the historical and cultural heritage of this area is currently being researched and documented.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Adirondack seasons at Higley Flow. Summer brings comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor adventures, with warm days cooled by pine-scented breezes and refreshing swims in the reservoir. As autumn paints the foothills in brilliant golds and crimsons, crisp air invigorates hikers and campers. Winter arrives with a blanket of pristine snow, transforming the park into a playground for cold-weather enthusiasts, where temperatures create ideal conditions for snowmobiling trails and thick ice perfect for winter fishing.
ElevationPerched in the rolling Adirondack foothills, Higley Flow State Park offers a gentle introduction to mountain camping. While specific elevation details are being compiled, visitors will discover a landscape that rises and falls in peaceful waves, creating diverse microclimates and scenic vantage points throughout the park.
Natural Features and SceneryDense forests of majestic pine create a natural cathedral throughout Higley Flow State Park, their evergreen boughs providing year-round beauty and shelter. The terrain rolls and undulates across the Adirondack foothills, offering campers both secluded hollows and elevated spots with glimpses through the trees. This heavily wooded wonderland serves as home to diverse wildlife, while the interplay of hills and valleys creates an ever-changing tapestry of light and shadow throughout the day.
Geological RegionSituated in the ancient foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, Higley Flow State Park showcases the geological story of this storied region. The Raquette River has carved its path through these time-worn hills, creating the reservoir that serves as the park's aquatic centerpiece. This transitional landscape, where mountains gradually yield to gentler terrain, offers visitors a unique perspective on the Adirondacks' geological heritage while providing easier access than the high peaks beyond.
Campsite details
AccessibilityHandicapped-accessible campsites, picnic areas, and bathhouses are available. The campground has made significant strides in accessibility, as noted by one user: "The camp has made great strides in making things wheelchair accessible."
Sites SizeThe campsites vary in size, with some users describing them as "huge" and others noting that "some of the sites are tight for larger campers."
Sites PrivacySites are separated by trees, offering a good level of privacy. Most reviewers noted that the sites are "well-spaced," "secluded," or "private."
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesScout sites in advance due to variance in proximity to bathhouses and water spigots.
Best CampsitesSite 96 accommodates large groups; Site 98 is close to bathrooms.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
5PM
Check-out
11 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 continuous nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum limit of 2 pets per site.
Groups
No group-specific sites were mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutLoopy layout with sites separated by pine trees.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round with specific activities for summer and winter.
Reservation PlatformsAvailable on ReserveAmerica and via call center at 1-800-456-2267.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot mentioned explicitly; reservations recommended.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation rules depend on New York State Parks policies.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
The park offers a diverse range of activities for all seasons. Boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking are popular in the warmer months, while winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. The park's trails and beach are family-friendly, and opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting are abundant.
Hiking
Multiple trails are available, including the Beaver Pond Nature Trail, which features interpretive signs and passes through six distinct habitats. Reviews highlight the trails as "well-groomed" and offering "miles of easy to moderate hiking trails." One user noted spotting a deer and a beaver on the Beaver Pond Trail.Fishing
The Raquette River is ideal for fishing, with opportunities to catch bass and perch. A review recommended bringing a boat for the best fishing experience.Swimming
Swimming is allowed in designated areas only, with lifeguards present. The beach is described as "nice," "clean," and "pristine," although one user found it "somewhat small."Boating
The scenic Raquette River is ideal for canoeing and other boating activities. Boat launch sites are present, and some campsites provide direct water access for launching kayaks.Wildlife viewing
Birdwatching and wildlife spotting opportunities are abundant. One user described seeing a deer and a beaver during their hike, while another noted the park as a good place for spotting wildlife and birds.Beach activities
The sandy beach on the reservoir offers opportunities for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is described as clean and family-friendly.Winter Activities
The park supports winter activities such as cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.Water Sports
Canoeing and kayaking are popular activities on the Raquette River, which is accessible from the park.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed in designated areas only.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM as per visitor reviews.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife and water quality issues affecting swimming.
Active alertsOccasional water quality issues affecting swimming availability.
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 54%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 10.4 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
/null
Good to know
Peak season datesTypically summer months for camping and hiking; winter months for snow activities.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available but are located far from the camping sites, which some users found inconvenient. "The trash deposit site is far from the camping sites making it difficult for many to walk your trash there."
Proximity to water featuresReservoir of the Raquette River, ideal for canoeing and fishing.
Common complaintsComplaints include barking dogs, noise from nearby campers, and sandy campsites.
HostHosts are friendly and helpful, as noted in reviews.
Campground Map
442 Cold Brook Drive, Colton, New York, 13625, United States
Driving directionsRoute 56 to South Colton. West on Cold Brook Drive.
Accessible via paved roads; no mention of seasonal closures or challenging terrain.Nearby places
Colton (approx. 3 miles)
Nearby supplies
Within 10 miles, including convenience stores, canoe rentals, and restaurants.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Higley Flow State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Higley Flow State Park are generally positive, highlighting the park's cleanliness, family-friendly amenities, and natural beauty. However, some users noted issues with sand-filled sites and the lack of water hookups.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Users praised the park's cleanliness, updated facilities, and natural beauty. "Great kayaking, camping, and hiking," and "The bathrooms were the best we have EVER seen." Many appreciated the...
Show more
Common Concerns
Complaints included sand-filled campsites, which some tent campers found uncomfortable, and the lack of water hookups at individual sites. Noise issues, especially from barking dogs, were also...
Show more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Scout campsites in advance due to varying distances from amenities. Bring balancing blocks for uneven sites and boats for better fishing. Pre-check water spigots and bathhouse locations.
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews often highlighted the beach, trails, and family-friendly atmosphere, while winter reviews focused on cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Issues with noise or overcrowding were more...
Show more
Camper Quotes
"The camp has made great strides in making things wheelchair accessible and upgrading the bathrooms, playground area, beach, and showers." "We took our canoe down the river and caught some bass and...
Show more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 96 was described as "big enough for 4 adults, 2 tweens, 4 vehicles, and corn hole." Site 98 was noted for its proximity to bathrooms and trails leading to the water.
Accessibility Features
Accessible sites and facilities were praised, with users noting improvements for wheelchair accessibility.
Pet-Friendly Features
The park is pet-friendly, but some users expressed frustration with noise from barking dogs. "Current proof of rabies inoculation is required at check-in."
Last updated August 10, 2025