Rollins Pond Campground
00 review4523 STATE ROUTE 30, SARANAC LAKE, New York, 12983, United States
Rollins Pond Campground
$20.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$40.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees vary based on campsite type and seasonality. Waterfront sites are considered premium, and some sites may incur additional costs for extra vehicles.
About this campground
Nestled on the shores of a pristine Adirondack waterway, Rollins Pond Campground beckons paddlers and nature lovers to discover its serene beauty. Wake to the haunting call of loons echoing across the water as morning mist rises from the pond's glassy surface. Whether you choose a coveted waterfront site where you can launch your kayak from your doorstep or settle into a cozy spot tucked among the towering pines, you'll find yourself immersed in the quintessential Adirondack experience. While some sites offer more seclusion than others, each provides its own unique vantage point for experiencing this aquatic paradise where fishing lines cast at dawn and sunset paddles have become cherished rituals for generations of campers.
Rollins Pond Campground offers a mix of camping accommodations, including options for tent camping, RVs, and trailer camping.
Historical SignificanceYour campsite at Rollins Pond places you at the heart of the legendary Adirondack Park, where the American conservation movement took root over a century ago. This extraordinary landscape has inspired generations of artists, writers, and wilderness advocates who recognized these ancient mountains and pristine waters as treasures worth protecting. Today, camping here connects you to a proud tradition of outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship that has shaped not just New York's identity, but America's relationship with its wild places.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Rollins Pond in dramatically different hues, creating a year-round canvas of natural beauty. Summer brings warm, languid days perfect for swimming and paddling, though afternoon humidity often gives way to refreshing evening breezes off the water. Autumn transforms the surrounding forests into a brilliant tapestry of reds and golds, with crisp air and gentle rains that create perfect camping weather. Winter blankets the landscape in deep snow, turning the frozen pond into a wonderland for ice fishing and snowshoeing adventures. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and the return of migrating birds, though muddy trails and cool rains remind visitors to pack accordingly.
ElevationThe campground rests at a comfortable elevation within the gentle rolling terrain of the central Adirondacks, where the landscape creates natural amphitheaters of forest and water.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to find a great blue heron fishing just offshore, or watching painted turtles sun themselves on partially submerged logs while you sip your morning coffee. The campground's position along Rollins Pond's forested shoreline creates endless opportunities for wildlife encounters and natural beauty. Dense stands of pine, maple, and birch embrace the camping area, their canopy providing dappled shade and a chorus of songbirds by day, while opening to reveal star-filled skies at night. The pond itself serves as the campground's centerpiece—its calm waters reflecting the surrounding wilderness and inviting exploration of hidden coves and quiet inlets where nature reveals its most intimate moments.
Geological RegionRollins Pond Campground occupies a spectacular setting on the eastern shore of its namesake 442-acre pond, deep within New York's six-million-acre Adirondack Park. This ancient landscape, sculpted by glaciers and time, showcases the rugged beauty that defines the Adirondacks—a patchwork of pristine lakes, winding waterways, and forest-cloaked mountains. The campground's location provides the perfect basecamp for exploring this unique geological wonderland, where billion-year-old rocks tell the story of Earth's formation and countless streams and ponds create a paddler's paradise unlike anywhere else in the eastern United States.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible sites are available, and at least one member of the camping party staying on an accessible site must be mobility impaired.
Sites SizeCampsites accommodate equipment lengths ranging from 10 to 40 feet, depending on the site.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Some users report well-spaced and private sites, while others have noted sites that are very close together with limited privacy.
Total Campsites258 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid sites 236 and 245 due to overcrowding and poor layout. Waterfront sites are recommended for better views and access.
Best CampsitesHighly praised sites include 202, 213, and many waterfront sites for their privacy and views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
From 2 PM until 9 PM.
Check-out
10 AM.
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 cumulative nights during July 1 through Labor Day.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Limited to 6 individuals per campsite.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground has loops with varying site layouts, including waterfront and off-water options. Some sites have slopes leading to the pond.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season is from July 1 to Labor Day. Specific closing dates are not provided.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through official platforms such as the DEC website or by contacting the campground office.
Walk-in AvailabilityMany sites are reserved well in advance, especially waterfront sites. Limited walk-up availability may exist, but it is strongly recommended to book in advance.
Cancellation PolicyCampers must register for their site by 9:00 PM on the first night of their reservation, or the campsite is subject to re-rental and fees will be forfeited.
Amenities available
Showers
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides a variety of recreational options. Popular activities include hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and picnicking. Many sites offer direct access to the water, making water-based activities particularly convenient.
Hiking
Multiple trails are available for hiking. While specific trail lengths and difficulties are not noted, users have appreciated the scenic opportunities for exploration.Fishing
Fishing is permitted and encouraged. Whey Pond, located adjacent to the livery area, is stocked with trout, offering good fishing opportunities.Biking
The campground's roads are used for biking, with a few small hills providing variety. Some users highlighted the enjoyable biking experience within the campground.Boating
Boating is a major activity, with canoe and kayak rentals available on-site. The pond's 25-horsepower boat limit ensures a quieter environment for paddling.Water Sports
Canoeing and kayaking are highly encouraged, with rentals available at the boat livery site.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires must be built in designated fireplaces. Use only dead wood available on-site.
- Quiet hours are strictly enforced from 10 PM until 7 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes and biting flies are common during warm months. Wildlife such as raccoons may visit campsites. Weather-related risks such as cold winds near water sites have been noted.
Active alertsCheck with the campground office for updates on water service restoration and other maintenance issues.
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 55%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 8.1 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
The nearest hospital is within 10 miles. A ranger station is available for emergencies, but specific distance information is not provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season is July 1 through Labor Day.
Trash and recyclingCampers must transport garbage to a recycling area at designated times. Clear plastic bags are required for recycling, and instructions are provided upon arrival.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is situated on Rollins Pond, with most sites offering direct water access. Additional waterways connect to Fish Creek.
Common complaintsComplaints include densely packed sites, outdated bathroom facilities, and occasional maintenance issues such as damaged fire pits.
HostStaff and DEC officers are praised for their friendliness and assistance. Severe weather warnings are occasionally issued by the ranger station.
Campground Map
4523 STATE ROUTE 30, SARANAC LAKE, New York, 12983, United States
Driving directionsFrom the Northway (I-87), northbound: Take Exit 30, Route 9 North, to Rte 73 North to Lake Placid. Take Route 86 North through Saranac Lake to Rte 186 West to Rte 30 South. Drive 9 miles to Fish Creek Pond Campground. Rollins Pond Campground is accessed from site 135 in Fish Creek Pond Campground. From the Northway (I-87), southbound: Take Exit 38, Rte 374 West, to Rte 3 West to Saranac Lake. From Saranac Lake, follow the directions above. From I-81: Take Exit 48, Rte 342 East, to Rtes 3 & 30; then take Rte 30 North to Fish Creek Pond.
The campground can only be accessed through Fish Creek Pond Campground, specifically via Site 135. This indirect access adds additional driving time. Roads within Fish Creek Pond and Rollins Pond are maintained but narrow, with a speed limit of 15 mph.Nearby places
Saranac Lake (approximately 10 miles, about 15-20 minutes), Lake Placid (25 miles, about 40-50 minutes), Paul Smiths Interpretive Center (18 miles, about 30 minutes), Adirondack Museum at Blue Mountain Lake (50 miles, about 1.5 hours)
Nearby supplies
Convenience store is within 10 miles, and a trading post is located about 1 mile from the entrance.
Camper Reviews
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0 reviews
Rollins Pond Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the natural beauty, water-based activities, and accommodating staff at Rollins Pond Campground. Many users appreciated the peaceful ambiance and direct water access from most campsites.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Canoe and kayak rentals, beautiful sunsets, generally clean facilities, accommodating staff, and the natural setting are frequently praised.
Common Concerns
Some users noted the dated condition of restrooms and shower facilities, lack of privacy in certain sites, and swampy conditions at some waterfront locations.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Book sites early, especially waterfront ones. Bring insect repellent and prepare for limited cell phone service. Portable water should be verified at the office.
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight water activities like kayaking and fishing. Insect issues, particularly mosquitoes and biting flies, are more pronounced during this season. Fall offers a quieter experience...
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Camper Quotes
1. 'This place is wonderful. The trick is getting a great campsite.' 2. 'Most sites are right on the pond.' 3. 'Bathrooms were clean, some showers were broken but overall a great place!'
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites 202 and 213 are among the best, while Sites 236 and 245 are noted as less desirable due to lack of privacy.
Accessibility Features
Accessible sites are available, though some users mentioned general maintenance issues with facilities.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but pet owners are reminded to follow leash regulations and manage noise, as excessive barking was a reported issue.
Last updated August 10, 2025