Brown Tract Pond Campground
00 reviewUNCAS ROAD, RAQUETTE LAKE, New York, 13436, United States
Brown Tract Pond Campground
$15.00 - $50.00 / 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 depending on the type of site; no electric or sewer hookups available.
About this campground
Discover your own private slice of Adirondack paradise at Brown Tract Pond Campground, where towering forests embrace spacious campsites designed for those seeking genuine wilderness solitude. This hidden gem delivers the perfect balance of accessibility and seclusion, with each thoughtfully positioned site offering natural privacy screens of native trees and understory vegetation.
Brown Tract Pond Campground caters to tent and trailer camping, with a focus on a primitive and rustic experience. There are no RV hookups, and the campground enforces quiet hours and restrictions on generators. Group camping and glamping options are not mentioned.
Historical SignificanceNestled along the pristine eastern shore of Brown Tract Pond, this campground represents a thoughtful piece of Adirondack conservation history. Carefully developed between 1957 and 1958, the site was designed to provide public access to this spectacular wilderness area while preserving its natural character. The campground stands as a testament to the era's forward-thinking approach to outdoor recreation, balancing human enjoyment with environmental stewardship.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the magic of four distinct camping seasons, from the awakening wildflowers of spring through the golden warmth of summer and into autumn's spectacular foliage display. The camping season typically runs from late spring through early fall, when comfortable temperatures and dry conditions create ideal outdoor living conditions. As winter approaches, the landscape transforms into a snow-laden wonderland, though extreme cold and heavy snowfall make this season suitable only for the most prepared cold-weather adventurers.
ElevationSituated within the rolling terrain of the Adirondack foothills, the campground's gentle topography creates natural terraces and hollows that enhance campsite privacy while offering varied perspectives of the surrounding forest canopy.
Natural Features and SceneryStep off the beaten path and into one of the Adirondacks' most treasured secrets, where crystal-clear Brown Tract Pond mirrors the surrounding forest in its pristine waters. Ancient hardwoods and evergreens create a living cathedral overhead, while the understory bursts with ferns, wildflowers, and moss-covered boulders. Morning mists drift across the pond's surface as loons call in the distance, and evening brings a symphony of wilderness sounds that lull campers into peaceful slumber. This jewel of a campground offers an authentic backcountry experience just minutes from the main route.
Geological RegionImmerse yourself in the timeless beauty of the Adirondack wilderness, where ancient mountains have been sculpted by millennia of natural forces into a landscape of gentle peaks, pristine lakes, and dense forests. This remote corner of the park showcases the region's characteristic blend of northern hardwood and boreal forest ecosystems, creating a serene environment that feels worlds away from civilization while remaining wonderfully accessible to modern campers.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground has wheelchair-accessible bathrooms with plumbing. However, one user highlighted concerns about lighting at night near the bathrooms, which could present safety risks for older or disabled campers.
Sites SizeSites are large and well-forested, offering ample space for camping equipment and tents.
Sites PrivacyHighly private due to the secluded, heavily wooded environment. User reviews often praise the peace and seclusion of the sites.
Total Campsites90 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSelect sites with privacy-friendly layouts and views, such as #70 and #89. Some sites are highly sought after due to size and beauty (#89).
Best CampsitesHighly recommended sites include #73, #88, #87 (Diego Alvarado, user review) and waterfront site #70 (Samantha Talbot, user review).
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
From 2 PM until 9 PM
Check-out
10 AM on your departure date.
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 nights during July 1 through Labor Day.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Limited to 6 individuals per campsite.
Groups
Group camping details are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites numbered and located in loops; privacy-friendly setups with large forested sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season effectively aligns with warm months (Spring to early Fall), especially July through September.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation/Reserve America.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-serve sites available but no details on fill patterns provided.
Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation rules provided.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Brown Tract Pond Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities that capitalize on its natural setting. Visitors can engage in fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Swimming is possible in the clear waters of the pond, but only during lifeguard-supervised hours. Several trails nearby include both marked and unmarked routes leading to Black Bear Mountain and other scenic spots. Biking is also popular, with a range of terrain suited for different skill levels.
Hiking
The park features nearby marked trails to Black Bear Mountain, Bug Lake, Eagle Lake, and Eighth Lake, as well as unmarked trails to Shallow Lake and West Mountain. Trails vary in difficulty, and one user described them as beautiful and easy.Fishing
Anglers can fish for rare brook trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and other species in the pond. However, user reviews suggest fishing from a boat may yield better results.Swimming
Swimming is allowed only in designated areas during lifeguard-supervised hours. The water is noted for being clean and clear.Biking
Biking is available around the campground and on its trails. One user described the options as great for biking, with a mix of terrain.Boating
Boaters can bring or rent rowboats and canoes. One user mentioned the availability of rentals for kayaks and canoes, though another noted rentals were unavailable during one season.Wildlife viewing
The area is rich in wildlife, providing opportunities for viewing loons and other local species. The remote and quiet setting enhances the experience.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specified.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding are popular in the pond. Sailboating is also allowed.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires must be built in provided fireplaces, using dead and down wood.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsNo cell service; difficult navigation at night due to limited light sources. "Somewhat okay to navigate but beware of limited light source at night and weak cellular reception" (Jason Zhang, user review).
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 61%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 8.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Partly cloudy
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
EMT services are available from Raquette Lake, but delays may occur as stated in user reviews, "...it would take a while for EMT’s from Raquette Lake to reach us." Nearby ranger station contact is listed as 3153544412.
Good to know
Peak season datesJuly through Labor Day.
Trash and recyclingThe site has a recycling center and designated areas for trash disposal, as per authoritative sources.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on the east shore of 146-acre Brown Tract Pond.
Common complaintsLack of showers, poor drainage in renovated sites during rainy conditions (Mary Dudley-Luecker, user review).
Host"Very well maintained campground and very friendly staff" (Mikayla R, user review).
Campground Map
UNCAS ROAD, RAQUETTE LAKE, New York, 13436, United States
Driving directionsFrom the NYS Thruway (I-90), Exit 31 at Utica; north on Rte. 12 to Alder Creek; Rte. 28 through village of Old Forge to Eagle Bay; turn left onto Uncas Road, 7 miles to Brown Tract Pond. From Adirondack Northway (I-87), Exit 23 at Warrensburg; take Rte 9 North to Rte 28 West through Indian Lake and Blue Mountain Lake to Raquette Lake Village; go 2 miles northwest on the dirt road.
The campground is accessible via dirt roads, which may pose challenges during rainy or snowy conditions. "The dirt road to get there is in good shape but probably will get messy in the rainy season or snowy conditions" (David Amador, user review).Nearby supplies
Convenience stores are available within 10 miles of the campground.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Brown Tract Pond Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews consistently praise the campground for its peace, seclusion, and natural beauty. Many highlight the lack of modern amenities like showers and cell service as part of the charm. Complaints include the difficulty of securing the most desirable campsites, safety issues related to lighting, and maintenance challenges on some sites.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Users frequently note the campground's seclusion, well-maintained facilities, clean water, and the friendliness of the staff. Activities like stargazing, swimming, and kayaking are favorites.
Common Concerns
Complaints focus on the absence of showers, uneven ground at some campsites, and lack of lighting near bathrooms. Some also lament the limited availability of equipment rentals during certain seasons.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring all necessary supplies, including pans for cooking on-site fire pits, as there is no camp store. Check the availability of watercraft rentals in advance, and be prepared for an unplugged...
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Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews are generally positive, emphasizing swimming and kayaking. Fall reviews highlight the beauty of the foliage but note colder temperatures. Spring and winter reviews are sparse.
Camper Quotes
- "No motorboats allowed (which I love)."
- "The fishing was scarce but would be better from a boat."
- "It's a good way to deplug and remember how precious life is."
- "The 15 miles of dirt road to...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Highly recommended sites include #73, #88, and #87 for their beauty. Site #70 is noted for its waterfront view. Site #36 is described as spacious but highlights concerns with the lack of lighting...
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Accessibility Features
Bathrooms are wheelchair-accessible, but the lack of lighting near facilities poses a safety risk at night, particularly for older campers.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed with proof of current rabies vaccination. Dogs must be leashed and are not allowed in certain areas like the beach.
Last updated August 10, 2025