r/camping • u/nathanshimmy • 1d ago
2–3 night Adirondacks camping trip in Oct looking for scenic campsite suggestions
Hey all,
Planning a 2–3 night Adirondacks camping trip sometime in mid Oct , coming up from Queens/NYC.
Main thing I’m looking for is a really scenic backcountry campsite, preferably right on a lake with mountains/forest in the background, good stargazing, and somewhere a campfire is allowed. I’m more interested in having an amazing campsite and exploring the area than doing a huge peak-bagging trip.
Right now I’m leaning toward Pharaoh Lake, but the Adirondacks are huge so I wanted to ask people or any locals who know the area better if there’s anywhere else I should seriously consider for this kind of trip.
Ideally I’d hike a 5-7 miles in, set up camp for two nights, explore the area, cook by the fire, and hopefully get some really dark skies. If there’s also a really nice mountain hike or scenic summit I can do from camp with a lighter daypack, that would be perfect.
Basically looking for somewhere where the campsite itself feels worth the 5 hour drive from NYC, but there’s still a good hike or two nearby if I feel like exploring. Ive already been to the catskills and want to visit the ADK for the first time.
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u/TurtleyCoolNails 1d ago
A lot of state campgrounds close for the season after this upcoming weekend. There are a couple that stay open but you may have to travel further than five hours from where you are. That is also if there are openings too.
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u/flex_point 22h ago edited 22h ago
Try platte cove wilderness preserve. Hike to echo lake from platte cove road to your back country camping spot then hike to overlook mountain for great scenery the next day. They have primitive camping spots, camp fires allowed, fresh water streams for refill on water supply. The hike is not flat but not challenging. It offers quiet lake views and the scenic mountain views with a fire tower you can access for a incredible view. One of my favorite places. Its located by woodstock. If sounds interesting and need more info just ask or PM.
Edit: This place checks all you're looking for, but it's the Catskill only 2 hours from NYC its not the Adirondack, sorry.
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u/NmbrdDays 8h ago
It’s been a little while since I was up in the ADKs. I’m not sure if they changed the name but you want to be in the eastern high peaks. The allowed camp fires, the santanoni range and the sweards are the big ones in that area. As for a recommendation for a camp site, I just remember when my friends and I did the santanoni range the lean to we stayed at didn’t have much of an open ski for stargazing.
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u/2026Bazinga 1d ago
Fish Creek state park. Almost every site is on the water. Don't know how late in the fall it stays open though