Blake McNeil Campgrounds

### Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers who truly appreciate a back-to-basics camping experience with stunning waterfront views, Blake McNeil Campgrounds in Parishville offers a beloved and often-sought-after retreat. Nestled on the beautiful Raquette River, this campground provides a rustic charm that contrasts with larger, more amenity-heavy resorts. It's a place where the focus is on the natural beauty of the Adirondacks, the tranquility of the water, and the simple joys of outdoor living.

Blake McNeil Campgrounds is renowned among its fans for its "beautiful spot" and the abundance of "sites on the water," many of which come with their "own beach." This direct access to the water is a significant draw, perfect for canoeing, fishing, or simply relaxing by the shore. Unlike many campgrounds that require advanced bookings, Blake McNeil operates on a first-come, first-served basis for its non-electric sites, adding an element of spontaneous adventure to your trip. This casual approach, combined with the generous size of its campsites, creates a relaxed and inviting atmosphere that keeps campers coming back year after year.

While information suggests it's managed by Brookfield Power, the ethos of the campground remains centered on providing an accessible and authentic Adirondack experience. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional camping, where the stunning natural surroundings and the simplicity of life outdoors take center stage. For those in New York looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in the wild beauty of the Adirondacks, Blake McNeil Campgrounds offers an unforgettable and highly personal escape.

### Location and Accessibility

Blake McNeil Campgrounds is ideally situated at 528 Raquette River Rd, Parishville, NY 13672, USA. This address places it deep within the scenic Adirondack Park in St. Lawrence County, a region of northern New York celebrated for its vast wilderness, pristine lakes, and winding rivers. Its location directly on the Raquette River (specifically on the Blake Falls Reservoir, a section of the river) is a key advantage, offering campers unparalleled waterfront access and views.

Accessibility for New York residents is generally good, especially for those in Northern and Central New York. While it feels wonderfully remote and secluded, the campground is reachable via well-maintained state and local roads. It's located off Route 56, accessible by turning at the bridge in South Colton onto Power Dam Road or Raquette River Road. This allows for relatively straightforward navigation, easing the journey into this natural haven.

The campground's direct connection to the Raquette River and the Blake Falls Reservoir means immediate access to a significant waterway. The reservoir is described as primarily long and narrow, offering "calmer waters during windy days as compared to Carry & Stark reservoirs," which is excellent for paddling. The presence of nearby hiking trails, including a system at Higley Flow State Park and Clear Pond, further enhances its appeal for outdoor enthusiasts. This strategic blend of secluded natural beauty and manageable accessibility makes Blake McNeil Campgrounds an excellent choice for New Yorkers seeking an authentic Adirondack outdoor experience.

### Services Offered

Blake McNeil Campgrounds provides a range of essential services designed to facilitate a rustic yet comfortable camping experience, primarily focusing on its natural setting and water access. Based on available public data and customer reviews, here are the key services you can expect:

• Campsites (Non-Electric & Electric): The campground offers a mix of sites, including numerous non-electric sites, many of which are situated directly on the water. There are also a limited number of electrical sites (reported as 2) for those requiring power. Reviewers highlight the "lots of sites on the water" and that "the sites are bigger than most."

• Fire Rings with Cooking Grates: Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring, often including a cooking grate, allowing campers to enjoy traditional campfires for warmth, ambiance, and outdoor cooking.

• Picnic Tables: Sites typically come with picnic tables, providing a convenient surface for meals and group gatherings.

• Clean Bathrooms/Toilets: While the specific type isn't always detailed, a "full service campground" typically includes restroom facilities. The reviews do not specifically mention showers, implying a more primitive restroom setup or that showers are not available. It has been noted that campground caretakers are responsible for "cleaning restrooms, outhouses, shower-house, campsites, and other recreational facilities" suggesting there are indeed some shower facilities, or at least a shower-house building. Therefore, clean bathrooms/toilets are expected.

• Swimming Access (Lake/River): Direct access to the Raquette River (Blake Falls Reservoir) for swimming is a noted feature, allowing campers to cool off and enjoy the water.

• Boat Launch: The campground features a boat launch, making it convenient for campers to put their canoes, kayaks, or smaller boats directly onto the Blake Falls Reservoir. This is a significant advantage for water recreation enthusiasts.

• Dump Station: For RV campers, a dump station is available, providing a convenient way to manage wastewater.

• On-site Staff/Caretaker: The campground is overseen by a seasonal full-time Campground Caretaker who handles daily operations, customer service, security, facility maintenance, and sanitation. This ensures a well-maintained and supervised environment.

• Cash Only Payment: It's important to note that payment for camping is typically "by cash only," as mentioned in some external listings. This is a common practice for more rustic or smaller campgrounds.

### Features / Highlights

• Abundance of Waterfront Sites: A premier highlight of Blake McNeil Campgrounds is the sheer number of sites located directly on the Raquette River (Blake Falls Reservoir). Many of these "sites on the water" also offer "your own beach," providing an unparalleled lakeside camping experience that is cherished by visitors. As one reviewer exclaimed, "If you get a water site you have your own beach!"

• Spacious Campsites: Campers consistently praise the size of the individual sites, noting they are "bigger than most." This offers more privacy and room to spread out, enhancing the overall comfort and enjoyment of your stay.

• Direct Access to Blake Falls Reservoir: The campground's location on the reservoir means immediate access to calm waters, ideal for activities like canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The reservoir is described as offering "calmer waters during windy days," making it perfect for paddle sports. "The lake is absolutely beautiful and perfect for our canoe!" said one happy camper.

• No Reservations Policy (for non-electric sites): While this can be a risk, the "no reservations" policy for non-electric sites (and the observation that it's "not super busy" mid-week) offers spontaneity. It caters to campers who prefer a more flexible approach to their plans, allowing for last-minute trips.

• Rustic Adirondack Charm: The campground offers a genuine, back-to-basics Adirondack experience. It's a place to truly disconnect, enjoy nature, and appreciate the serene wilderness, far from commercial distractions.

• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The Blake Falls Reservoir and the Raquette River system are known for extensive fishing opportunities, making it a prime destination for anglers.

• Access to Hiking and Berry Picking: Beyond the water, the surrounding area likely offers opportunities for hiking and berry picking, immersing campers further in the natural environment of the Adirondacks.

• Welcoming Staff: Reviews have noted "wonderful, welcoming staff," indicating a friendly and helpful atmosphere that contributes positively to the camping experience.

### Promotions or Special Offers

Blake McNeil Campgrounds, given its likely operation model as a more rustic or publicly/municipally managed (by Brookfield Power) campground rather than a commercial resort, typically does not offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the marketing sense. Instead, its "value" and "attraction" come from its consistent pricing and unique operational aspects.

Based on the available information and typical practices for such campgrounds in New York, here's what New York locals can consider regarding its pricing and accessibility, which serve as its "promotions":

• Affordable Pricing: The non-electric sites are notably affordable, with a reported price of "$20 for non-electric sites." This consistent, low daily rate is a significant draw for budget-conscious campers. This pricing makes a high-quality, waterfront Adirondack experience remarkably accessible.

• First-Come, First-Served for Non-Electric Sites: While this means no guaranteed spot, it acts as a form of "open access" that doesn't require pre-booking fees or complex reservation systems. For those with flexibility, especially mid-week, it provides an opportunity to secure a prime waterfront site spontaneously. This contrasts with many other campgrounds that require booking months in advance.

• No Reservation Fee: Since reservations are not taken for non-electric sites, there would be no associated reservation fees, further contributing to the affordability.

• Cash-Only Payment: While a practical operational detail, the "cash only" policy simplifies the transaction process on-site, directly with the caretaker.

Therefore, the primary "promotion" of Blake McNeil Campgrounds for New York residents is its excellent value: a beautiful, spacious, waterfront camping experience in the Adirondacks at a very reasonable price, offered with a flexible, no-reservation approach for many sites. This simplicity and affordability are what make it a consistently "favorite place to camp" for many.

### Contact Information

For those eager to experience the rustic charm of Blake McNeil Campgrounds, here's how you can get in touch or find them:

• Address: 528 Raquette River Rd, Parishville, NY 13672, USA

• Phone: (315) 274-9104

• Mobile Phone: +1 315-274-9104

It's important to note that some reviews indicate that the phone may not always be answered, especially regarding reservations, as many sites are first-come, first-served. Therefore, while you can try calling for general information, for non-electric sites, the best approach might be to arrive prepared, especially if going mid-week when it tends to be less busy. For more detailed information on operations or specific site availability, contacting the campground directly or checking local St. Lawrence County tourism resources that list Brookfield Power recreation areas may be beneficial.

### Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New York residents, Blake McNeil Campgrounds in Parishville offers an exceptionally suitable and highly cherished camping experience, particularly for those who value authenticity and direct access to nature. Its prime location directly on the Raquette River (Blake Falls Reservoir) is a major draw, providing stunning waterfront sites, many with their "own beach." This immediate access to the "absolutely beautiful" lake is perfect for canoeing, fishing, and general water recreation, allowing locals to truly immerse themselves in the Adirondack aquatic environment.

The campground's rustic nature and focus on traditional camping are key appeals. It caters to those seeking a break from over-commercialized resorts, offering spacious sites that are "bigger than most" and fostering a quiet, serene atmosphere. The fact that many non-electric sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis means New Yorkers with flexible schedules can spontaneously decide on a mid-week escape, enjoying a tranquil outing without the stress of rigid advance bookings. This approach is highly valued by regulars who "can't wait" to return to their "favorite place to camp."

Moreover, the affordability of non-electric sites (reportedly $20) makes it an incredibly accessible option for budget-conscious families and individuals across New York. The presence of essential services like fire rings, picnic tables, and clean bathrooms, maintained by a "welcoming staff," ensures comfort within this primitive setting. For New Yorkers eager to experience the genuine wild beauty of the Adirondacks, reconnect with nature, and create simple, enduring memories on a pristine waterway, Blake McNeil Campgrounds provides an ideal and highly suitable destination right in their backyard.

Blake McNeil Campgrounds

528 Raquette River Rd, Parishville, NY 13672, USA