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A Northeast destination that’s exploded in popularity over the last year, the Adirondack region of Upstate New York is a nature-lover’s paradise. With more than 30,000 miles of rivers and streams, more than 10,000 lakes and ponds and 6 million acres, the Adirondack Park is three times the size of Yellowstone National Park. In fact, it’s the largest park in the contiguous United States! In the summer, travelers flock to the region for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing and, of course, camping.
If you’re visiting the Adirondacks this year in your RV, here’s what you need to know.
The Adirondack Park covers approximately a third of all of New York State. As such, when you’re planning your visit to the Adirondacks, you want to choose where you park your RV with care. Much of the Adirondack Park is remote and rural, which can be great for those who want to get away from it all, but not so much for those who want convenience and amenities.
If you’re in the latter camp and want to stay somewhere close to town, try Shady Oaks RV Park in the northern reaches of the Adirondacks, near Plattsburgh. This puts you close enough to the Adirondack Coast and Champlain Valley that you can enjoy all the water sports available on Lake Champlain, as well as all the dining and attractions in Plattsburgh, but still retreat to the many hiking trails and mountains of the Adirondacks when you’re ready to immerse yourself in nature.
About an hour and a half south, Lake George RV Park is a good fit for those who want to explore the southern end of the Adirondack Park, while enjoying Lake George’s boating scene, as well as the extensive outlet shopping. Lake George Escape Camping Resort is another option in the area.
For something right in the heart of the region, look to Wilmington Notch Campground. This puts you right within a short drive of two of the Adirondacks’ most picturesque and popular destinations, Saranac Lake and Lake Placid, as well as close to many of the High Peak Wilderness hiking trails. For those who don’t feel up to hiking miles into the mountains, easier nature-centric activities are nearby, such as a visit to water features like Ausable Chasm or High Falls Gorge.
Sure, the main things you might read when you first look into RV travel in the Adirondacks might give you the impression that the entire destination is all about the nature, nature, nature… but you don’t necessarily need to love the great outdoors to visit the Adirondacks. For those RVers who prefer history, foodie culture and the hustle and bustle of a new town you’ve never seen before, you can find plenty of action in Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Lake George, where the charming downtowns, shopping scenes, local dining and local breweries and wineries are more than enough to keep you entertained — no mountain hiking or climbing required.
More than 12 million people visit the Adirondack Park each year, but with 6 million acres to go around, you’ll never feel crowded in this destination. So, what are you waiting for? See what all the fuss is about in New York's North County.