Eighth Lake Campground

eighth lake campground, eighth lake campground ny

For New Yorkers dreaming of a quintessential Adirondack camping experience, Eighth Lake Campground in Inlet, NY, offers a compelling blend of natural beauty and essential amenities. Operated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), this campground provides a classic, state-park camping feel, renowned for its spacious sites, access to pristine waters, and a quiet atmosphere that truly allows you to unwind amidst the mountains.

Eighth Lake Campground is a destination that captures the essence of Adirondack outdoor life. Whether you're looking to cast a line for trout, paddle across clear lake waters, or simply enjoy a campfire under a star-filled sky, this campground provides the perfect base. While it's a public state park campground, not a private resort, visitors consistently praise its well-maintained facilities and the serene environment it offers. This article will explore what makes Eighth Lake Campground a beloved spot for New York locals, from its convenient location to the array of activities available right at your doorstep.

Eighth Lake Campground is located at
1353 NY-28, Inlet, NY 13360, USA. This address places it squarely within the magnificent Adirondack Park, one of the largest publicly protected areas in the contiguous United States. Specifically, the campground is situated on the southeast shore of 314-acre Eighth Lake, and also offers sites near the shorelines of Seventh Lake, providing excellent access to the renowned Fulton Chain of Lakes.

Inlet, NY, the nearest town, is a charming Adirondack community offering basic supplies, dining options, and local attractions. The campground's location directly on NY-28, a major state route, ensures relatively easy accessibility for campers traveling from various parts of New York State. This makes it a convenient and desirable destination for families and individuals looking to explore the central Adirondacks.

While the main entrance is on a well-maintained state highway, it's worth noting that internal campground roads have historically faced challenges, with one reviewer noting them to be in "horrible shape" but with plans for paving "soon." Prospective campers, particularly those with larger RVs or trailers, may wish to inquire about the current condition of internal roads, especially after the winter thaw. Despite this, the scenic drive through the Adirondacks to reach Eighth Lake is part of the experience, leading you to a truly picturesque lakeside setting.

As a state-run campground, Eighth Lake Campground provides a good balance of essential amenities and a focus on the natural environment. Here's a breakdown of the services available:

• Tent and Trailer Sites: The campground features 126 tent and trailer sites, many of which are large, well-forested, and offer a good degree of privacy. They can accommodate camping equipment ranging from tents to 40' RVs. Some sites are directly on the water, offering stunning lake views.

• Clean Restrooms and Hot Showers: A consistent highlight from visitors is the cleanliness and serviceability of the "free showers and bathrooms," often described as "better than some stores." This is a significant comfort for campers.

• Picnic Tables and Fireplaces: Each campsite includes a picnic table and a fireplace/fire ring for cooking and campfires. While some fire pits may show wear, they are generally serviceable.

• Trailer Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available for RV and trailer campers.

• Recycling Center: The campground provides a recycling center, encouraging environmentally responsible practices.

• Firewood and Ice Sales: Basic supplies like firewood and ice are available for purchase during business hours, ensuring campers don't have to leave the park for essentials.

• Canoe and Kayak Rentals: For those without their own watercraft, canoes and kayaks are available for rent, providing easy access to the lake for paddling.

• Boat Launch: A hard-surface (trailer-launch capable) boat launch with parking for 10 cars is the only public access to Eighth Lake, making it easy to get your own boat onto the water.

It's important to remember that as a state park, sites generally do not offer electric hookups, maintaining a more traditional camping feel in the Adirondacks.

Eighth Lake Campground offers a wealth of features that make it a premier destination for New York outdoor enthusiasts:

• Stunning Lakeside Setting: Situated on Eighth Lake, with many sites offering direct views of Seventh Lake as well, the campground provides picturesque "mountain lake mental imagery" and incredible opportunities for water-based activities.

• Spacious and Private Campsites: Unlike some crowded campgrounds, Eighth Lake is known for its "nice spacing between sites" and well-forested areas, providing a sense of privacy and seclusion even when the campground is full.

• Sandy Beach and Swimming Area: A sizable sandy beach with clear lake water and a designated swimming area offers a perfect spot for families to relax and enjoy the water (swimming is unsupervised, but beaches are maintained).

• Excellent Fishing: Eighth Lake is renowned for its fishing, with opportunities for lake trout, rainbow trout, and smallmouth bass. Special salmon ponds are also adjacent to the campground, attracting anglers.

• Abundant Paddling Opportunities: With the ability to rent canoes and kayaks, or launch your own, campers can easily explore Eighth Lake and even access the entire Fulton Chain of Lakes, with numerous places to "explore" and quiet coves for paddling.

• Access to Hiking Trails: Hiking trails connect campground users with the surrounding Moose River Plains Wild Forest. The Bug Lake trail begins within the campground, and the Seventh-Eighth Lake Loop trail (over 8 miles) is just across Route 28, offering diverse options for all skill levels.

• Wildlife Viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities to spot local wildlife, including loons on the lakes, and possibly hear or see military jets flying over, which some visitors find "cool."

• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: With a swimming beach, open spaces, and the DEC Junior Naturalist Program for children (ages 5-13), it's a great spot for families to enjoy the outdoors together.

As a New York State-run campground, Eighth Lake Campground does not typically offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the same way a private business might. However, its state-managed status comes with inherent advantages and value for New York residents:

• Affordable Public Access: The primary "offer" is the provision of an affordable and accessible camping experience within the iconic Adirondack Park. Campground fees are set by the state, providing a consistent and often budget-friendly option compared to private campgrounds with similar amenities.

• NYS DEC Junior Naturalist Program: This free educational program for children (ages 5-13) is a continuous "offer" provided by the DEC at many campgrounds, including Eighth Lake. It allows young campers to engage in games and activities to earn an embroidered patch, enriching their outdoor experience.

• Day-Use Fees: Non-campers can often access amenities like the swimming beach and picnic areas by paying a small day-use fee, allowing locals to enjoy the park even without an overnight stay.

Reservations for state campgrounds can be made up to 9 months in advance through ReserveAmerica, which is less of a promotion and more a necessity for securing popular sites, especially waterfront ones. Always check the official NYSDEC website or ReserveAmerica for the most current pricing, reservation windows, and any specific alerts or regulations that might impact your stay.

To plan your visit to Eighth Lake Campground and experience the beauty of the Adirondacks, here's how to get in touch:

• Address: 1353 NY-28, Inlet, NY 13360, USA

• Phone: (315) 354-4120

• Mobile Phone: +1 315-354-4120

• Reservations: Reservations for Eighth Lake Campground are typically made through the New York State Parks & Recreation website via ReserveAmerica. It's advisable to book well in advance, especially for peak season and waterfront sites.

For the most up-to-date information on operating hours, current conditions (including road status), and specific amenity availability, contacting the campground directly or checking the NYSDEC website is always recommended.

For New Yorkers seeking an authentic, value-driven Adirondack camping experience, Eighth Lake Campground stands out as an exceptionally suitable choice. Its appeal lies in its prime location within the iconic Adirondack Park, combined with the solid amenities and natural beauty characteristic of a well-maintained state campground.

Its suitability for locals is multifaceted. Firstly, it offers affordable access to one of New York's most cherished natural regions. Being a state-run facility means consistent pricing and a commitment to public access, making the unparalleled beauty of the Adirondacks available to a wide range of budgets. The spacious, private, and well-forested sites provide a genuine sense of being immersed in nature, a welcome escape from the often-bustling pace of life across the state.

Secondly, the campground's direct access to Eighth Lake and the Fulton Chain of Lakes is a major draw. Whether you're an avid angler hoping to catch trout and salmon, a paddler keen to explore serene waters, or a family looking to enjoy a sandy beach and clear lake for swimming, Eighth Lake delivers. The availability of canoe and kayak rentals right on site further enhances its appeal, making water recreation accessible even if you don't own equipment.

Lastly, the quality of basic facilities, particularly the "respectable free showers and bathrooms," ensures a comfortable stay despite its state-park status. The opportunity to connect with the surrounding Moose River Plains Wild Forest via hiking trails directly from the campground adds another layer of outdoor adventure. For New Yorkers who appreciate the raw beauty of the Adirondacks, value clean and functional amenities, and seek a peaceful yet activity-rich outdoor escape, Eighth Lake Campground is a highly recommended "home away from home" in the heart of their state's wild frontier.

Eighth Lake Campground

1353 NY-28, Inlet, NY 13360, USA