Meadowbrook Public Campground
00 review1174 NYS ROUTE 86, RAYBROOK, New York, 12977, United States
Meadowbrook Public Campground
$6.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$18.00
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
The base campsite rate is $18 with an additional $6 charge for out-of-state residents. Firewood costs $9 on-site, but cheaper alternatives may be available from roadside vendors.
About this campground
Nestled between the twin mountain jewels of Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, Meadowbrook Public Campground serves as your gateway to authentic Adirondack adventures. This budget-friendly basecamp puts you at the heart of the region's most cherished destinations, where morning coffee comes with a side of pine-scented air and evenings end with the distant call of loons. Whether you're here to paddle pristine waters, tackle legendary hiking trails, or simply unwind beneath towering evergreens, Meadowbrook delivers the essential Adirondack experience without breaking the bank.
Meadowbrook Public Campground offers camping options for tents and RVs, with a focus on a rustic and natural camping experience. The campground does not provide hookups for electricity, water, or sewer, and there are no cabin or glamping options available.
Historical SignificanceSince opening its gates in 1933, Meadowbrook has welcomed generations of outdoor enthusiasts to experience the magic of the Adirondack Park. Born during an era when America was discovering its love affair with the great outdoors, this historic campground has remained true to its original mission: providing accessible wilderness experiences for all. Eight decades of campfire stories, family traditions, and adventure tales have soaked into the very soil here, making Meadowbrook not just a place to pitch your tent, but a living piece of Adirondack heritage where your own outdoor memories join a rich tapestry stretching back nearly a century.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the Adirondacks' dramatic seasonal symphony at Meadowbrook, where each time of year paints the landscape in distinct colors and moods. Summer arrives with warm, golden days perfect for swimming and hiking, while autumn transforms the surrounding forests into a breathtaking tapestry of crimson and gold. Peak camping season brings comfortable temperatures and gentle breezes, ideal for campfire gatherings and stargazing. Winter enthusiasts will find a snow-draped wonderland, though be prepared for true mountain weather – the off-season tests your mettle with crystalline cold and generous snowfall that transforms the campground into a serene, frost-kissed retreat.
ElevationPerched at the characteristic elevation of the central Adirondacks, Meadowbrook occupies that sweet spot where mountain air stays crisp without leaving you breathless. This classic Adirondack altitude delivers cooler summer nights perfect for sleeping under the stars and spectacular morning mists that drift through the pines. The campground's position in the ancient mountains provides just enough elevation to escape the summer heat of the valleys below while remaining accessible to adventurers of all abilities.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living cathedral of towering white pines and fragrant balsam firs at Meadowbrook, where nature has crafted both intimate hideaways and social gathering spaces. Some campsites nestle deep within protective groves, offering whisper-quiet solitude and dappled sunlight filtering through ancient branches. Others open onto sun-drenched clearings where neighboring campers become friends over shared sunsets. The forest floor, carpeted in soft pine needles and decorated with ferns and wildflowers, creates a natural playground for exploration. This is quintessential Adirondack forest camping – where the scent of evergreens mingles with campfire smoke and every sunrise brings new discoveries.
Geological RegionMeadowbrook sits within the ancient Adirondack Mountains, a geological marvel where billion-year-old rocks tell stories of Earth's violent youth. This unique dome of ancient stone, thrust skyward and carved by glaciers, creates one of the most diverse ecosystems in the Northeast. The rugged peaks surrounding the campground shelter over 3,000 pristine lakes and ponds, while dense forests provide sanctuary for black bears, moose, and countless other species. Here, where the Canadian Shield meets temperate forests, you'll discover a landscape that feels both timeless and alive – a six-million-acre wilderness park where every stream leads to adventure and every trail promises discovery.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible campsites are available, but at least one member of the camping party must be mobility impaired to reserve these sites.
Sites SizeSites vary in size, with some accommodating up to 30 feet in equipment length.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by site. Some are well-isolated and ideal for tents, while others are more open and suited for larger RVs. Sites near the front or by the fence line are less private.
Total Campsites62 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites away from the BBQ restaurant and along the fence line are recommended to avoid noise and light disturbances.
Best CampsitesBack loops are quieter and more private than sites closer to the road.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Check-out
10:00 AM
Stay Limit
14 cumulative nights permitted from July 1 through Labor Day.
Guests Allowed Per Site
6individuals per campsite with a maximum of 2 tents or 1 trailer/RV and 1 tent.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into loops, with sites varying in privacy and proximity to the road.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season is not explicitly stated, but reviews suggest it is typically operational mid-year and closed by Labor Day.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the New York State camping website or by contacting the campground directly.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable on a first-come, first-served basis, though the number of walk-up sites is not specified. Campground is often less full than reservations suggest.
Cancellation PolicyCampers must register for their campsite by 9:00 p.m. on the first night, or the reservation may be forfeited.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Meadowbrook Public Campground offers a range of outdoor recreational activities, particularly for those interested in hiking and exploring the Adirondack region. The proximity to Lake Placid and Saranac Lake allows for easy access to additional recreational opportunities such as swimming and fishing, though these are not available directly within the campground itself.
Hiking
Multiple nearby hiking trails cater to both experienced and beginner hikers, making the campground a convenient base for exploring the Adirondacks.Biking
Biking is listed as an available activity, but specific details about trails or paths are not provided.Wildlife viewing
The campground is situated in a forested area, which provides opportunities for general wildlife viewing.Winter Activities
The campground does not remain open during the winter months, so winter activities are not supported.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not available within the campground, but nearby areas may offer such opportunities.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are only allowed in provided fireplaces, and campers must use dead or down wood. Cutting down trees is prohibited.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsProximity to the main road means campers will likely hear traffic noise. Sites near the BBQ restaurant may experience light and noise disturbances.
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 49%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9.3 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
Within 10 miles, there is a hospital along with other emergency services in Saranac Lake. Specific details about hospitals and police stations are not provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesJuly 1 through Labor Day
Trash and recyclingGarbage must be taken to a central recycling area at designated times, and clear plastic bags are required. Instructions on recycling policies are provided upon arrival.
Proximity to water featuresNo waterfront or swimming areas within the campground.
Common complaintsNoise from road traffic and nearby restaurants, small and cramped showers, and muddy restrooms have been cited as issues.
HostThe campground is staffed, and reviews praise the friendliness of the staff, though some mention issues with enforcement of rules.
Campground Map
1174 NYS ROUTE 86, RAYBROOK, New York, 12977, United States
Driving directionsFrom the Northway (I-87), northbound: Take Exit 30, Route 73 North to Lake Placid. Take Route 86 to the campground (on the left side of the road, in Ray Brook, NY). From the Northway (I-87), southbound: Take Exit 34, Route 9N South to Jay; take Route 86 south through Lake Placid. The campground is located four miles west of Lake Placid in Ray Brook, on the left side of the road. From Tupper Lake: Take Route 3 East to Saranac Lake. Follow Route 86 East four miles. The campground is in Ray Brook.
The campground is accessible via paved roads and is located directly on Route 86, making it easy to find. It is open to vehicular traffic and is not mentioned as having seasonal closures or specific terrain challenges.Nearby places
Lake Placid - 4 miles (10 minutes), Saranac Lake - 4 miles (10 minutes), Whiteface Mountain - 15 miles (20-25 minutes), Adirondack Park Visitors Interpretive Center - 18 miles (30 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Convenience stores, gas stations, and restaurants are all located within 10 miles. Notably, there is a BBQ restaurant and other dining options across the street from the campground.
Camper Reviews
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0 reviews
Meadowbrook Public Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Meadowbrook Public Campground are mixed but generally positive. Campers appreciated the proximity to Lake Placid and other Adirondack attractions, as well as the cleanliness of the facilities. However, some visitors noted issues with noise, outdated amenities, and the high price of on-site firewood.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the campground's clean facilities, hot showers, and its convenient location near restaurants, bars, and local attractions. Reviewers also appreciated the relatively...
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Common Concerns
Common complaints include noise from nearby roads, a lumber yard, and a restaurant with live music. Some campers were dissatisfied with the outdated and limited shower facilities, as well as the lack...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend requesting sites away from the fence line to avoid noise from the lumber yard and lights. It's also advised to purchase firewood from local vendors rather than on-site, due to cost.
Seasonal Insights
The campground is busiest during the summer months, particularly from July to Labor Day. Seasonal issues include noise from generators and lack of swimming facilities.
Camper Quotes
"Clean bathrooms, free hot showers, outlets to charge your phone." "The bathrooms were some of the cleanest bathrooms I've ever been in." "If you are in a tent, find some other places."
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites in the back loops are noted for being quieter and more private, while those near the road and fence line are criticized for noise and lights.
Accessibility Features
There are accessible sites available, but no specific user reviews address their usability or quality.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, provided they are leashed and have valid rabies vaccinations. Some reviewers appreciated the pet-friendly policies.
Last updated August 10, 2025