Meadowbrook Campground

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For New Yorkers seeking an authentic Adirondack experience without breaking the bank, Meadowbrook Campground in Ray Brook, NY, stands out as a hidden gem. Nestled in the heart of the Adirondack Park, this charming state park campground offers a prime location, excellent amenities, and a welcoming atmosphere that has garnered praise from many a happy camper. Whether you're a seasoned outdoors enthusiast or a family looking for a comfortable base to explore the region, Meadowbrook Campground provides the perfect blend of natural beauty and convenient access to everything the Adirondacks have to offer. As one delighted customer noted, "This is a small campground but it's a great one. The staff is so friendly, easy going and honestly just a delight to be around. The campground is very clean. Along with the bathroom and showers being excellent for camping." This sentiment truly captures the essence of what makes Meadowbrook a beloved destination for local New Yorkers.

Meadowbrook Campground, established in 1933, has a long-standing history of providing memorable outdoor experiences. It’s known for being a well-maintained facility that prioritizes cleanliness and customer satisfaction, ensuring that every visitor feels right at home, even in the wilderness. While it may be a "small campground" in terms of its intimate feel, it delivers big on value and the quality of your stay. Unlike some sprawling, overly commercialized sites, Meadowbrook retains a cozy, community-oriented vibe that encourages relaxation and genuine connection with nature. Its location makes it an ideal launchpad for exploring the myriad of recreational activities available in the Lake Placid and Saranac Lake regions, making it a highly attractive option for any New Yorker planning an Adirondack getaway.

Meadowbrook Campground is strategically located at 1174 NY-86, Ray Brook, NY 12977, USA. This address places it squarely between the two popular Adirondack villages of Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, offering an incredible advantage for campers. For New Yorkers driving from downstate, the journey is a straightforward scenic route through the Adirondack Park. From the Northway (I-87), if heading northbound, take Exit 30 to Route 73 North towards Lake Placid. Continue on Route 86, and Meadowbrook Campground will be approximately 4 miles west of the Village of Lake Placid, on the left side of the road in Ray Brook. If coming from the Northway southbound, take Exit 34 to Route 9N South to Jay, then Route 86 South through Lake Placid. Again, the campground will be on your left about 4 miles west of the village. From the west, such as Tupper Lake, you would take Route 3 East to Saranac Lake, then Route 86 East for about 4 miles, where the campground will be on your right in Ray Brook.

This central location provides exceptional accessibility to a wide range of attractions and conveniences. Campers can easily access supermarkets, restaurants, and other essential services in both Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, ensuring that while you’re enjoying the rustic charm of camping, you’re never truly isolated from modern comforts. The convenience of being "right in the center of the city," as a reviewer mentioned (referring to the small hamlet of Ray Brook and its proximity to the larger villages), means less time driving and more time enjoying your vacation. Its position on a main route, NY-86, ensures easy navigation, though some campers have noted minimal road noise at certain sites, a small trade-off for such a convenient location.

Meadowbrook Campground, a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) facility, provides a range of essential services designed to make your camping trip comfortable and enjoyable. The campground focuses on providing well-maintained amenities that enhance the outdoor experience.

• Campsites: Offers 62 campsites suitable for both tents and RVs, including wooded sites that provide privacy.
• Restrooms with Hot Showers: A significant highlight, as reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness and quality of the bathrooms and hot showers, a welcome luxury after a day of hiking or exploring.
• Flush Toilets: Modern, clean flush toilets are available, a step up from more primitive campground facilities.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for outdoor meals and evening campfires.
• Trailer Dump Station: A convenient service for RV campers, allowing for easy waste disposal.
• Recycling Center: Demonstrates the campground's commitment to environmental responsibility, with specific guidelines for refuse disposal.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase on-site, ensuring you have fuel for your campfires (adhering to New York's firewood regulations to prevent invasive species).
• Accessible Features: The campground features ADA-compliant amenities, including an accessible shower building, ensuring a welcoming experience for all visitors.
• Pavilion Rental: A picnic area with pavilions is available for group gatherings and day-use activities.
• Water Fill-up Station: Easily accessible communal water faucets are available throughout the park for filling water containers, though individual site hookups for water or electricity may be limited.

Meadowbrook Campground truly shines with its specific features and highlights, making it a standout choice for New York campers.

• Exceptional Staff: Consistently praised in reviews for being "friendly, easy going and honestly just a delight to be around," the staff contributes significantly to the positive camping experience. Their helpfulness ensures a smooth and pleasant stay.
• Impeccable Cleanliness: Reviewers frequently mention the "very clean" campground, including the "excellent" bathrooms and showers. This commitment to maintenance sets Meadowbrook apart.
• Proximity to Major Adirondack Attractions: Located just 4 miles from Saranac Lake and 5 miles from Lake Placid, the campground offers unparalleled access to Olympic venues, vibrant village life with shops and restaurants, and a wealth of recreational opportunities.
• Direct Hiking Trail Access: The Scarface Mountain trailhead is located directly within the campground, offering immediate access to hiking adventures for all skill levels. Nearby, you'll also find trailheads for Haystack Mountain and McKenzie Mountain.
• Great Value: Often highlighted as "the best bargain in town," Meadowbrook Campground provides a high-quality camping experience at an affordable rate, making it accessible for a wider range of New Yorkers.
• Diverse Site Types: While a "small campground," it offers a mix of tent and RV sites, with many outer ring sites providing ample privacy and wooded surroundings, as noted by campers.
• Outdoor Activities Galore: Beyond hiking, the surrounding area boasts opportunities for boating, fishing (on nearby Oseetah Lake, Lower Saranac Lake, McKenzie Pond, and Lake Placid), golfing, and exploring scenic routes like Whiteface Mountain Memorial Highway.
• Cozy and Convenient Atmosphere: Despite being a state campground, Meadowbrook manages to maintain a cozy and welcoming ambiance, making it feel like a "cute and cozy campground right in the center of the city" for those who appreciate a less rustic, but still natural, setting.

As a New York State DEC campground, Meadowbrook Campground primarily operates on standard state-mandated fees. Generally, camping fees are set at a base rate per night, with an additional surcharge for out-of-state residents. While specific seasonal or promotional discounts beyond this are not typically advertised directly by the campground, it is always recommended for New York residents to check the official New York State Parks reservation system, ReserveAmerica, for the most current pricing and any potential updates regarding special offers.

Occasionally, state park systems may offer limited-time deals or specific discounts for certain groups, such as military personnel or first responders, but these are usually broader state initiatives rather than campground-specific promotions. However, the inherent "great value" and affordability of Meadowbrook Campground, as consistently highlighted by visitors, serves as its ongoing "special offer." Compared to private campgrounds in the highly popular Adirondack region, Meadowbrook offers a cost-effective way to enjoy prime access to Lake Placid and Saranac Lake without a premium price tag. For the best rates and availability, especially during peak summer months, New Yorkers are strongly encouraged to make reservations well in advance through the ReserveAmerica platform.

For reservations, inquiries, or additional information about Meadowbrook Campground, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 1174 NY-86, Ray Brook, NY 12977, USA
• Campground Phone: (518) 891-4351
• Mobile Phone: +1 518-891-4351 (This appears to be the same general number, confirming accessibility.)
• Regional Office Phone (DEC): (518) 897-1309 (For broader Adirondack Park camping information)
• Reservations: Reservations for Meadowbrook Campground are managed through the ReserveAmerica platform. Visit their website and search for "Meadowbrook Public Campground, NY" to check availability and book your site.

Meadowbrook Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for New Yorkers looking to immerse themselves in the Adirondacks. Its location, nestled perfectly between the vibrant villages of Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, offers the ideal balance of serene nature and convenient access to local attractions. For those from the greater New York area, the relatively easy drive makes it a feasible weekend getaway or a longer vacation spot, providing a refreshing contrast to urban life.

What truly makes Meadowbrook shine for local users is its combination of affordability and quality. As one reviewer aptly put it, it’s a "great value." New Yorkers can enjoy well-maintained facilities, including exceptionally clean bathrooms and hot showers – a comfort not always guaranteed at every campground – without paying exorbitant rates often associated with prime Adirondack real estate. The friendly and accommodating staff create a welcoming atmosphere that enhances the overall experience, making campers feel genuinely cared for and at ease. The campground’s direct access to hiking trails, coupled with the myriad of recreational opportunities in the surrounding area – from boating and fishing to exploring Olympic history – means there's always something to do, catering to diverse interests and activity levels. Meadowbrook Campground offers an authentic, comfortable, and affordable gateway to the Adirondack Park’s natural splendor, making it a highly recommended choice for any New Yorker seeking a memorable outdoor adventure. It’s a place where you can truly relax, reconnect with nature, and create lasting memories, all within the magnificent landscapes of our own state.

Meadowbrook Campground

1174 NY-86, Ray Brook, NY 12977, USA