How much does camping cost at Buck Pond Campground?

Camping fees at Buck Pond Campground range from $20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Buck Pond Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Buck Pond Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Buck Pond Campground before I book?

Yes! Buck Pond Campground has 2 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Buck Pond Campground?

Buck Pond Campground is open July 1 through Labor Day.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Buck Pond Campground?

Yes, Buck Pond Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Buck Pond Campground?

Fire policies at Buck Pond Campground: Fires must be contained in fireplaces and use only dead wood for fuel.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Buck Pond Campground have?

Buck Pond Campground has 114 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Buck Pond Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Buck Pond Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Buck Pond Campground?

Buck Pond Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Buck Pond Campground?

Popular activities at Buck Pond Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Buck Pond Campground

4.62

130 reviews

1339 County Route 60, ONCHIOTA, New York, 12989, United States

Summer Destination

Featured in:Mountain Camping New York#3 Best Campgrounds New York Forest Camping New York +12 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

1,736 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

114 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

1,736 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

114 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Official Website

Get Directions

Buck Pond Campground

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$20 fee for kayak rentals per day. Campsites may have variable fees depending on amenities.

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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Provider

5188913449

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What Campers Say

4.62

Top-Rated

Based on 130 reviews

148 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietspacioushiking

"User reviews of Buck Pond Campground suggest a strong appreciation for its natural beauty, seclusion, and recreational activities. However, concerns were raised about dated and occasionally poorly maintained facilities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1339 County Route 60, ONCHIOTA, New York, 12989, United States

Buck Pond Campground

1339 County Route 60, ONCHIOTA, New York, 12989, United States

Nearby places

Lake Placid (25 miles), Paul Smiths (12 miles), Saranac Lake (approximately 20 miles).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, gas, and essentials available in Saranac Lake

convenience store within 10 miles.

Driving directionsFrom Adirondack Northway (I-87), Northbound: Take Exit 30, then take Route 73 north to Lake Placid. Take Route 86 through Lake Placid and Saranac Lake to Gabriels. In Gabriels, take Franklin County Road 60 6 miles to Buck Pond. From Adirondack Northway (1-87), Southbound: Take Exit 38, then take Route 374 west to the Route 3 junction. Take Route 3 and turn right on Franklin County Road 60. Follow the road 5.5 miles to Buck Pond. From Tupper Lake: Take Route 30 North to Paul Smiths. Turn right on Route 86 and drive about 4 miles. In Gabriels, turn left onto County Route 60.

The campground is accessible via paved roads, but users should exercise caution when pulling trailers through Saranac Lake due to narrow roadways. Some seasonal closures may occur.

Best Time to Camp at Buck Pond Campground

Late September through mid-October brings peak foliage and the best conditions: daytime highs in the mid-40s to mid-50s°F, nights dropping into the 20s and 30s. The bugs are gone, the colors are explosive, and the crowds thin out compared to summer. Dress in layers. Nights get cold enough that you'll want a proper sleeping bag rated for freezing temperatures. Summer offers warmer paddling weather but brings the insects that reviewers warned about.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 17% in NY

Adirondack foliage, quieter conditions and strong scenic value in shoulder season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: July 1 through Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round, but from July 1 through Labor Day, only 14 cumulative nights are permitted.

About Buck Pond Campground

Buck Pond Campground sits on 114 sites between Lake Kushaqua and Buck Pond in the Adirondacks, about 15 miles from Lake Placid. Sites accommodate tents and RVs up to 40 feet, with nightly rates at $20. Reservations are recommended for waterfront spots, which fill quickly during fall foliage season.

Buck Pond Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including primitive, tent, and RV camping.

Historical Significance

The main campground road follows the old Chateaugay Branch of the Delaware and Hudson Railroad, which once hauled timber and passengers through these forests. The railway connected remote Adirondack communities before roads became practical.

Weather and SeasonsLate September through mid-October brings peak foliage and the best conditions: daytime highs in the mid-40s to mid-50s°F, nights dropping into the 20s and 30s. The bugs are gone, the colors are explosive, and the crowds thin out compared to summer. Dress in layers. Nights get cold enough that you'll want a proper sleeping bag rated for freezing temperatures. Summer offers warmer paddling weather but brings the insects that reviewers warned about.

ElevationNestled within the iconic Adirondack region, Buck Pond Campground sits at the characteristic elevation of this ancient mountain range. The subtle changes in terrain create diverse microclimates and ecosystems, from waterside environments to upland forest settings, each offering its own unique camping experience.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground borders three bodies of water: Lake Kushaqua, Kushaqua Narrows, and Buck Pond. Glacial kettles and ancient forests define the landscape at 1,736 feet elevation. Dense Adirondack woodland surrounds the sites, with enough clearing at the waterfront for views across the ponds. Loons call at dawn. Eagles hunt overhead. The forest stays thick enough that some sites feel genuinely remote despite being part of a 114-site campground.

Geological RegionBuck Pond Campground claims prime real estate in the heart of the Adirondacks, where the landscape tells a story millions of years in the making. Bordered by the expansive Lake Kushaqua, the intimate Kushaqua Narrows, and Buck Pond itself, the campground showcases the region's signature blend of ancient forests, crystalline lakes, and kettle ponds. This water-rich environment, carved by glaciers and shaped by time, creates the perfect backdrop for your Adirondack adventure, offering both sheltered coves for peaceful paddling and open waters for more ambitious expeditions.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Check-out

11:00 AM.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 nights per permit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 6 individuals per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutMultiple loops spread across the property, with some sites tucked into the forest and others positioned along the ponds. Spacing varies considerably. Some sites offer genuine seclusion in the woods, while others sit closer together with less screening between neighbors. Most sites fit up to two tents or one RV plus a tent.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via phone or online platforms.

Walk-in AvailabilityWaterfront site walk-up availability may vary; users reported obtaining sites mid-week in June without reservations.

Cancellation PolicyReservations must be canceled before 9:00 PM on the first night or all fees are forfeited.

AccessibilityThe campground has accessible sites, but at least one member of the camping party staying at these sites must be mobility impaired.

Site SizeSites vary in size, with some accommodating up to two tents or one unit of hard-wheeled camping equipment along with a tent. Maximum equipment lengths range from 0-40 feet depending on the site.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary significantly among sites. Some are described as secluded and wooded, offering a sense of complete solitude, while others are closer together and less private.

Total Campsites114 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommended sites for privacy include Site #18 and #65. Waterfront sites are ideal for kayaking.

Need help booking Buck Pond Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

ReserveAmerica Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Buck Pond Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, including canoeing, kayaking, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The beach is inviting and provides good views of the surrounding mountains. The campground's location along an abandoned railroad bed also makes it a great spot for biking.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes and deer flies can be bothersome during summer months. Limited cell phone reception throughout the campground.

Fire PolicyFires must be contained in fireplaces and use only dead wood for fuel.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM.

Emergency ServicesHospital within 10 miles in Saranac Lake. Police and ranger stations within proximity.

Trash & RecyclingA recycling center is available on-site. However, one reviewer noted difficulty locating trash disposal facilities.

Water FeaturesBuck Pond and Lake Kushaqua are directly accessible. Kayak rentals available.

Camp HostFriendly staff available; certain reviews highlight helpfulness of the team.

Weather at Buck Pond Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.6

130 reviews

Top-Rated

Buck Pond Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Buck Pond Campground suggest a strong appreciation for its natural beauty, seclusion, and recreational activities. However, concerns were raised about dated and occasionally poorly maintained facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 130 reviews

What Campers Love

- Stunning views and natural seclusion - Opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing - Quiet and spacious campsites - Friendly and helpful staff - Reasonable rates for kayak rentals

Based on 130 reviews

Common Concerns

- Outdated and poorly maintained bathrooms - Fire pits in need of repair - Limited cell phone reception - Beach and bathhouse maintenance issues

Based on 130 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring bug spray and nets - Reserve waterfront sites for the best views - Carry essential bathroom supplies such as soap and toilet paper - Plan your GPS route in advance due to limited cell coverage

Based on 130 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight the lush environment, but also note issues with mosquitoes and crowded facilities during peak season. Early and late season visits tend to offer quieter experiences but may...

Based on 130 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'The kayaking here is amazing! $20 for 24 hours. So peaceful and lots of places to explore.' - 'At night we saw a Barred Owl hunting a mouse from only a few feet away. It was a big highlight of the...

Based on 130 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Site #18: Spacious with trees for hammocks - Site #59: Limited privacy, but manageable by switching to nearby site #60 - Site #65: Private and wooded, with neighbors two sites away - Island Sites...

Based on 130 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible sites are available, but strict rules require at least one mobility-impaired camper per reservation.

Based on 130 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome with proof of rabies vaccination. However, some users reported unenforced rules regarding pets, such as dogs being allowed on the beach.

Based on 130 reviews

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Last updated April 3, 2026

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