Paul Smith's College Alumni Campground

For us New Yorkers who truly appreciate the untamed beauty of the Adirondacks and seek a return to nature without the distractions of modern amenities, Paul Smith's College Alumni Campground offers a unique and authentic experience. Nestled on the scenic shores of Lower St. Regis Lake, this rustic campground provides a tranquil escape, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the Northern Adirondacks.

While officially affiliated with Paul Smith's College and maintained largely by dedicated alumni volunteers, this hidden gem is open to the public, offering a chance for anyone to experience its charm. It's a place where the focus is on traditional camping: enjoying a campfire, stargazing, and waking up to the sounds of nature. With a variety of sites including lean-tos, tent spots, and even a few RV sites (though primitive in nature), it caters to various camping styles, all while boasting stunning lake views and a peaceful environment that feels a world away from the everyday.

You’ll find Paul Smith's College Alumni Campground at 151 Keeses Mill Rd, Paul Smiths, NY 12970, USA. This address places it just off Keese Mills Road, past the horse barn, and approximately a mile from the main entrance of Paul Smith's College. For us New Yorkers, particularly those heading into the Adirondack Park, this location offers a fantastic blend of seclusion and accessibility.

The campground's direct access to Lower St. Regis Lake is a major draw, providing beautiful water views and easy access for paddling. While deeply embedded in a natural setting, it's not entirely isolated. Paul Smiths is a small but notable hamlet, home to Paul Smith's College and its excellent Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC), which offers miles of accessible trails. For those looking to explore further, the campground is also relatively close to popular Adirondack hubs. Lake Placid, known for its Olympic history and vibrant village, and Saranac Lake, with its charming downtown and ample outdoor recreation, are within a reasonable driving distance, making it convenient for day trips. The accessibility also extends to the campground itself, with an "EZ in EZ out" approach and a limited number of RV sites, though it's important to remember these are primitive with no hookups. This combination of being "far enough away" for a true wilderness feel, yet "close enough" to explore regional attractions, makes the Alumni Campground an ideal base for our Adirondack adventures.

Paul Smith's College Alumni Campground provides essential, rustic services designed for a traditional camping experience, emphasizing nature immersion over modern conveniences.

• Lean-to Sites: The campground features 7 lean-tos, which are three-sided shelters offering a semi-open camping experience. These provide protection from the elements and a designated sleeping area, eliminating the need to pitch a tent.

• Tent Sites: There are 22 designated tent sites, providing natural clearings for pitching your own tent. These sites offer a more traditional, ground-level camping experience.

• RV Sites (Primitive): A limited number of 4 RV sites are available. It is crucial to note that these are primitive sites with no hookups (no water, electricity, or sewer connections). They are suitable for self-contained RVs or those who are comfortable dry camping.

• Fire Rings & Picnic Tables: Each campsite, whether a lean-to, tent, or RV site, is equipped with a fire ring for campfires and a picnic table, enhancing the traditional camping experience.

• Outhouses (Privies): Clean outhouses (also known as privies) are located throughout the campground for guest use, providing basic restroom facilities in a rustic setting.

• Free Firewood: A significant convenience for campers, firewood is available free of charge from a newly installed shed in the RV area. However, it's based on availability from wood cut by volunteers, so campers are encouraged to be mindful of consumption and can bring their own firewood in accordance with NYSDEC regulations.

• Potable Water (Limited Access): While not directly at every site, some information suggests potable water may be available from the Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC) nearby or other designated points on campus, requiring a short walk or drive. Campers should confirm this upon arrival.

• Hand Boat Launch: The campground offers a hand boat launch directly on Lower St. Regis Lake, providing convenient access for canoes, kayaks, and other non-motorized watercraft.

• Day-Use Facilities: Beyond overnight camping, the campground also offers day-use facilities, including a picnic area and the hand boat launch, allowing non-campers to enjoy the riverside setting.

• Accessibility: Tent site #6 has been specifically reworked to be wheelchair-friendly and features a handicap accessible privy, making camping more inclusive. While anyone can reserve it, it is requested that those not in need of these facilities consider other sites.

It's important for campers to understand that this is a primitive campground. There are no showers (though access to showers at the Paul Smith's College gym may be available during specific hours, which should be confirmed), no electricity or running water at individual sites, and no dump stations. Campers are expected to adhere to Leave No Trace principles.

• Stunning Lake Views: One of the most prominent features is the beautiful vista of Lower St. Regis Lake directly from many of the campsites and access points. This provides a serene backdrop for your camping experience.

• True Rustic Wilderness Experience: For those seeking an authentic, back-to-nature camping trip, this campground delivers. Its primitive nature (no electricity or running water at sites) allows for a genuine immersion in the Adirondack wilderness, with minimal light and sound pollution.

• Spacious and Unique Sites: Each campsite is unique, with ample space for privacy. The presence of both lean-tos and traditional tent sites offers flexibility for different camping preferences.

• Free Firewood Provided: A highly appreciated amenity, the availability of free firewood (cut by volunteers from downed trees) adds to the traditional campfire experience without an extra cost, though supply depends on volunteer efforts.

• Hand Boat Launch on Lower St. Regis Lake: Direct access to the lake for launching canoes, kayaks, and small boats is a significant highlight, perfect for paddling enthusiasts looking to explore the interconnected waterways of the St. Regis Canoe Area.

• Managed by Dedicated Volunteers: The campground is primarily maintained by a passionate committee of Paul Smith's College alumni, students, and friends. This volunteer effort ensures the campground is well-cared for and imbued with a strong sense of community.

• Proximity to Paul Smith's College VIC: The nearby Paul Smith's College Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC) offers miles of walking, hiking, and ski trails, providing additional recreational opportunities just a short distance away.

• Historic Site Features: The campground actually sits on what was once an 18-hole golf course of the historic Paul Smith's Hotel, with remnants of former fairways and tee boxes still visible at some sites, adding a unique historical layer to the natural setting.

• Affordable Rates: With very competitive nightly rates for lean-tos, tent sites, and RV sites, it offers an economical way to enjoy the Adirondacks, especially compared to private or state campgrounds.

• Accessibility Focus: The dedicated effort to create a wheelchair-friendly tent site (Site #6) with an accessible privy demonstrates a commitment to making outdoor experiences available to a wider range of visitors.

Paul Smith's College Alumni Campground doesn't typically run commercial "promotions" in the traditional sense, but its pricing structure and community-driven maintenance offer inherent value and opportunities that can be considered special for New York locals.

• Highly Affordable Rates: One of the biggest "offers" is the campground's incredibly competitive pricing. Lean-tos are available for approximately $15 per night, and tent and RV sites for just around $8 per night. These rates are significantly lower than most private or even state campgrounds in the Adirondacks, making a rustic Adirondack experience highly accessible.

• Free Firewood: As mentioned, firewood is often provided free of charge, cut and stacked by volunteers. This is a considerable saving and convenience for campers.

• Volunteer Opportunities: For those who are part of the Paul Smith's College alumni community or local friends of the campground, participating in the twice-yearly cleanup and work weekends (typically in early June and mid-September) offers a chance to give back. These events sometimes include perks like free campsites or raffle prizes for volunteers, functioning as a unique "promotion" for engaged individuals.

• Long-Term Engagement: While not a direct discount, the low nightly rates make longer stays more feasible and economical, encouraging campers to truly settle in and explore the region without breaking the bank.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on rates, availability, and to make a reservation, it is essential to use their online reservation system or contact the Alumni Relations office at Paul Smith's College directly. Keep in mind that reservations are required, and sites, particularly lean-tos, can book up quickly during peak camping season due to their popularity and value.

Ready to plan your back-to-nature escape at Paul Smith's College Alumni Campground? Here’s how you can get in touch to secure your spot for an authentic Adirondack experience:

• Address: 151 Keeses Mill Rd, Paul Smiths, NY 12970, USA

• Phone (Alumni Relations): (518) 327-6253

• Mobile Phone: +1 518-327-6253

For reservations, it's recommended to utilize their online booking system, which can often be found through the Paul Smith's College Alumni website. For any specific questions or to confirm details, reaching out to the Alumni Relations office at the provided phone number is the best course of action.

For us New Yorkers, particularly those who cherish the Adirondack Park's unique blend of rugged wilderness and serene beauty, Paul Smith's College Alumni Campground is an ideal destination. It's perfectly suited for locals because it offers an authentic, no-frills camping experience that resonates with our desire to disconnect and immerse ourselves in nature, all at an incredibly accessible price point.

What truly sets this campground apart for us is its commitment to a rustic experience. The presence of lean-tos and primitive tent and RV sites (without hookups) encourages a deeper connection with the outdoors, allowing for true quiet and dark nights perfect for stargazing. The stunning views of Lower St. Regis Lake and the direct access for paddling are unparalleled, providing endless opportunities for classic Adirondack recreation right from your campsite. We appreciate that it's maintained largely by dedicated alumni and volunteers, fostering a sense of community and stewardship that aligns with our values of preserving this incredible natural resource.

Furthermore, its location offers that coveted balance: deep enough in the Northern Adirondacks to feel truly wild, yet close enough to Paul Smith's College's Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC) for additional trails and just a short drive to vibrant towns like Lake Placid and Saranac Lake. The very affordable rates, coupled with amenities like free firewood and well-maintained outhouses, make it an exceptional value. For New Yorkers seeking a genuine, peaceful, and unpretentious Adirondack camping adventure, Paul Smith's College Alumni Campground isn't just a place to stay; it's a gateway to cherished memories in one of our state's most magnificent natural treasures.

Paul Smith's College Alumni Campground

151 Keeses Mill Rd, Paul Smiths, NY 12970, USA