Limekiln State Campground

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For New Yorkers seeking a quintessential Adirondack camping experience, Limekiln State Campground in Old Forge, NY, offers a classic blend of natural beauty and essential amenities. As a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) campground, it provides a traditional, rustic yet well-maintained environment, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the region's stunning landscapes without the frills of a private resort.

Limekiln State Campground is set against the backdrop of a beautiful lake, offering a serene escape that captures the true spirit of Adirondack outdoor life. While it embodies the charm of older state-run facilities, it is clearly "taken care of," with a focus on providing serviceable and clean essentials. Whether you're planning to paddle on the clear lake waters, explore nearby trails, or simply relax by a campfire, this campground serves as an excellent base. This article will delve into what makes Limekiln State Campground a beloved spot for New York locals, from its picturesque location to its practical features, helping you decide if it’s the right fit for your next Adirondack adventure.

Limekiln State Campground is located at
Campsite Rd, Old Forge, NY 13420, USA. This address places it squarely within the magnificent Adirondack Park, a vast and protected wilderness area known for its stunning mountains, pristine lakes, and dense forests. Specifically, the campground is situated on the shores of Limekiln Lake, which is part of the extensive Fulton Chain of Lakes, offering incredible opportunities for water-based recreation.

Old Forge, the nearest town, is a popular Adirondack destination, well-known for its vibrant atmosphere, unique shops, restaurants, and attractions like Enchanted Forest Water Safari. The campground's location provides a convenient balance: it's close enough to Old Forge for easy access to supplies and entertainment, yet sufficiently immersed in nature to offer a genuine Adirondack feel.

Accessibility to the campground itself is generally good, as it's reached via Campsite Road. However, it's an important point for prospective campers with larger vehicles that the "roads are narrow and tight for bigger campers," and "if you have a camper of size you will be limited in which sites you can use." This suggests that while all sizes may be accommodated, some maneuvering might be required, and certain sites might be more suitable than others for larger RVs. Despite this, its central Adirondack location makes it a highly desirable and reachable destination for New Yorkers seeking a true mountain lake experience.

As a New York State DEC campground, Limekiln provides essential services focused on a traditional camping experience. Here's what you can expect:

• Campsites for Tents and RVs: The campground offers various campsites suitable for both tents and "modest trailers." Sites are described as "roomy for multiple tents or modest trailers," suggesting ample space within individual sites. While roads can be tight for larger campers, a range of sites is available.

• Clean Restrooms and Hot Showers: Visitors consistently praise the "respectable free showers and bathrooms," noting they are "kept serviceable and clean" and "better than some stores." While there is "only one shower facility" which might not be "very close" to all sites, the availability of hot water is a definite plus.

• Bear Boxes: A critical service for Adirondack camping, "bear boxes on each site" provide a secure place to store food and scented items, ensuring camper safety and protecting wildlife.

• Picnic Tables and Fireplaces: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fireplace/fire ring for cooking and campfires. While one reviewer noted their fireplace was "a little worn down," they confirmed it was "still serviceable."

• Lake Access & Boat Launch: The campground provides a "small launch dock" for accessing the lake. While explicit boat rental details aren't provided in the reviews, most NYSDEC campgrounds in this region offer rentals (canoe/kayak). It offers direct access to Limekiln Lake for boating and paddling.

• Basic Supplies & Wood: "Basic supplies and wood available within business hours" ensure campers can get essentials without leaving the park.

• Recyclable Center: A facility for recycling is available, promoting responsible waste management.

• Picnic Area: A designated "picnic area is on the hill above the beach," providing a scenic spot for day-use activities or group meals.

It's important to remember that as a state park, sites generally do not offer electric or water hookups directly at each site, maintaining a more rustic and traditional camping feel.

Limekiln State Campground offers several key features that contribute to its appeal for New York campers:

• Beautiful Lakefront Location: The "beautiful lake" (Limekiln Lake) is a major draw, offering clear water perfect for swimming, paddling, and enjoying the scenic Adirondack views.

• Spacious Sites with Privacy: Despite being an older state campground, it's known for having "enough space for our tents and car, with plenty of room for our pup to roam around within that space." This suggests good spacing and a sense of privacy between sites.

• Classic Adirondack Charm: It's described as a "typical older NYS DEC campground," which for many New Yorkers signifies a nostalgic and authentic Adirondack camping experience, providing a rustic feel that is well "taken care of."

• Friendly Atmosphere: Campers frequently highlight the "friendly staff" (caretaker was "very nice") and the fact that "most other campers were very friendly and helpful," contributing to a welcoming community feel.

• Peace of Mind with Bear Boxes: The presence of "bear boxes on each site" is a significant highlight, offering "great peace of mind" for campers aware of the Adirondack wildlife, allowing for secure food storage.

• Dog-Friendly (with restrictions): Dogs are allowed, which is a big plus for many families, provided valid rabies documents are presented and they adhere to rules (e.g., not allowed on the beach or picnic area).

• Proximity to Old Forge Attractions: Its location near Old Forge means campers have easy access to a vibrant town with shops, restaurants, and family attractions like Enchanted Forest Water Safari, providing options for days when you're not solely focused on wilderness activities.

• Good Cell Reception (ATT): While other carriers may not have service, "ATT has reception," which can be a convenience for those who need some connectivity.

As a New York State-run campground, Limekiln State Campground does not offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the way a private campground might. Its primary "offer" is the provision of an affordable and accessible camping experience within the iconic Adirondack Park.

• Affordable Public Access: Campground fees are set by the state, providing a consistent and often budget-friendly option compared to private campgrounds. This ensures that the beautiful Adirondack experience remains accessible to a wide range of New York residents.

• Online Reservation System: While not a promotion, the ability to reserve sites up to 9 months in advance through ReserveAmerica or the NYSDEC website is a key feature that allows campers to plan their trips well ahead of time and secure desired spots, especially during peak seasons.

It's always recommended to check the official NYSDEC website or ReserveAmerica for the most current pricing, reservation windows, and any specific alerts or regulations (e.g., fire bans, bear activity warnings) that might impact your stay. The value here comes from reliable, clean facilities at a reasonable state-set price within a highly desirable natural location.

To plan your quintessential Adirondack camping trip at Limekiln State Campground, here’s how to get in touch:

• Address: Campsite Rd, Old Forge, NY 13420, USA

• Phone: (315) 357-4401 (Campground Office)

• Mobile Phone: +1 315-357-4401 (Likely the same number for direct contact)

• Reservations: Reservations for Limekiln State Campground are typically made through the New York State Parks & Recreation website via ReserveAmerica (search for NYS DEC Campgrounds). Booking well in advance is highly recommended, especially for peak season.

For the most up-to-date information on operating hours, current conditions (including road navigability for larger RVs), and specific amenity availability (like showers being open), contacting the campground directly or checking the NYSDEC website is always recommended.

For New Yorkers seeking a classic, no-frills Adirondack camping experience that offers both natural beauty and essential comforts, Limekiln State Campground in Old Forge is an exceptionally suitable choice. It perfectly embodies the spirit of state-run parks, providing accessible outdoor recreation at a reasonable value.

Its primary suitability for locals stems from its outstanding location on Limekiln Lake, part of the scenic Fulton Chain of Lakes. This offers direct access to a "beautiful lake" for swimming on the "sizable sandy beach," paddling, and fishing, making it ideal for families and water enthusiasts. The serene "mountain lake mental imagery" provides that quintessential Adirondack escape many New Yorkers crave.

Despite being an "older NYS DEC campground," the consistent praise for its serviceable and "super clean" free showers and bathrooms is a major comfort, alleviating a common concern for campers. The presence of bear boxes on every site offers significant "peace of mind," demonstrating a commitment to safety and responsible wildlife coexistence, a crucial aspect of Adirondack camping.

Furthermore, the spacious sites that accommodate "multiple tents or modest trailers," coupled with the friendly staff and fellow campers, create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. While roads might be tight for larger RVs, it highlights the campground's more natural, less-developed charm, appealing to those who appreciate a rustic feel. Its proximity to the lively town of Old Forge also offers a convenient balance of wilderness retreat and access to local attractions. For New Yorkers desiring an authentic, clean, and family-friendly Adirondack camping experience without excessive cost, Limekiln State Campground remains a top recommendation.

Limekiln State Campground

Campsite Rd, Old Forge, NY 13420, USA