Taylor Pond Campground

For New Yorkers seeking a true escape into the wild heart of the Adirondacks, Taylor Pond Campground in Au Sable Forks offers a unique and cherished experience. This New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) campground is celebrated for its primitive charm, quiet atmosphere, and unparalleled access to nature. It’s a place where the focus shifts from modern amenities to the simple, profound joys of outdoor living, making it an ideal "retreat" for those looking to disconnect and recharge.

As a reviewer aptly describes, Taylor Pond Campground is characterized by its "25 basic sites w/ picnic table & firepit," some with grates, along with unique "boat and/hike-in sites" for a truly immersive experience. What truly sets this campground apart is its tranquil environment; it "Gets quiet early" and offers "nothing but forest" surrounding the pond, ensuring a deep connection with nature. Regulars, like those who praise "Steve and Frank" as "great/knowledgeable," highlight the friendly and supportive atmosphere. If you're a local angler, paddler, hiker, or simply someone yearning for a peaceful Adirondack getaway where "lots of kayaker" enjoy calm waters and the absence of private property along the pond’s edge, Taylor Pond Campground is calling your name. This article will guide you through the essentials of planning your unforgettable rustic adventure at Taylor Pond.

Taylor Pond Campground is ideally located at 1865 Silver Lake Rd, Au Sable Forks, NY 12912, USA, within the vast and majestic Adirondack Park. This puts it in a prime position for New York residents seeking a wilder, more remote camping experience, yet still reasonably accessible from various parts of the state. The campground sits on the northeast corner of Taylor Pond, a substantial 4-mile-long, 813-acre body of water that feels more like a lake than a pond.

Access to the campground is via Silver Lake Road, which, as some descriptions suggest, might involve a "dirt road far from the public mainstream," contributing to its secluded charm. From major upstate New York cities like Albany, the drive is typically around 2.5 to 3 hours, taking you directly into the stunning landscapes of the Adirondacks. From Syracuse or New York City, the journey is longer but still manageable for a dedicated camping trip. The campground's location is a key highlight, offering "plenty of people on the loop road who are accessing the trailheads off the road," making it a natural hub for hiking and exploring the surrounding forest land. The presence of a public boat ramp directly at the campground entrance provides the only public access to Taylor Pond, making it exceptionally convenient for boaters and paddlers. This strategic positioning provides a gateway to a massive 8,000 acres of wild forest state land, offering an immersive outdoor experience just a drive away for many New Yorkers.

Taylor Pond Campground is managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and is classified as a primitive campground. This means it offers basic services, focusing on essential facilities to support a rustic outdoor experience.

• Campsites: Offers a total of 30 sites, including 25 "drive-in" sites suitable for tents and trailers/small RVs (up to 30 feet in length on some sites) and 5 unique "boat-access only" interior sites. Three of these boat-access sites also include lean-tos. Each site comes with a picnic table and a fire pit (some with grates).
• Water Spigots: Potable water is available from spigots located at various points throughout the campground.
• Outhouses (Pit Privies): Restroom facilities are primitive outhouses, not flush toilets or showers.
• Boat Launch: A public boat ramp is located just past the entrance booth, providing convenient access to Taylor Pond for all types of boats (smaller boats recommended due to the ramp and road conditions).
• Boat and Canoe Rentals: Rowboat and canoe rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis directly from the facility supervisor.
• Firewood Sales: Kiln-dried firewood can be purchased on-site.
• Trash Disposal: While the emphasis is on "pack in and pack out," there are usually designated bins for trash disposal at DEC campgrounds. (Always verify on-site for specific instructions).
• Designated Day-Use Area: A small area for picnicking and enjoying the pond, even if not camping overnight.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed at the campground. They must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet when outside the vehicle, and proof of rabies vaccination may be required. Pets are not allowed in designated swimming areas if lifeguards are present.

• Rustic and Primitive Camping: Appeals to campers seeking a basic, traditional experience close to nature, away from heavily commercialized campgrounds.
• Beautiful Taylor Pond: A 4-mile-long, 813-acre body of water, offering stunning views and a tranquil setting. The pond's primitive nature means "no private properties around pond, nothing but forest."
• Diverse Site Options: Offers both drive-in sites for various camping units (tents, small RVs/trailers) and unique boat-access only sites, including lean-tos, providing a more secluded adventure.
• Excellent Boating and Paddling: A public boat launch is available, and rowboat/canoe rentals make it easy to explore the pond. Popular for kayaking, canoeing, and powerboating (for smaller boats).
• Great Fishing Opportunities: Taylor Pond is a popular spot for fishing, with species like lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, and Atlantic salmon.
• Extensive Hiking and Biking Access: Numerous hiking trails branch off the loop road, including access to snowmobile trails on the east side suitable for hiking, mountain biking, or e-biking. Nearby trails include Catamount Mountain and Silver Lake Mountain.
• Quiet Hours Enforcement: The campground enforces quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., ensuring a peaceful night's rest.
• Knowledgeable and Friendly Staff: Reviewers praise staff members like "Steve and Frank" for being "great/knowledgeable," enhancing the camper experience.
• Wildlife Observation: The surrounding 8,000 acres of wild forest state land provide opportunities to observe local fauna, including loons, osprey, and eagles.
• Remote and Secluded Feel: The location in the "back woods, on a dirt road far from the public mainstream" ensures a genuine wilderness atmosphere.

As a New York State DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation) campground, Taylor Pond Campground operates under a different model than privately owned commercial campgrounds. Consequently, it does not typically offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" such as discounts, loyalty programs, or package deals. The pricing is set by the state and focuses on providing an accessible outdoor experience to all.

However, the "value" of camping at Taylor Pond Campground comes from several inherent aspects:

• Affordable Rates: DEC campgrounds are generally known for their reasonable fees compared to many private resorts, making them an excellent budget-friendly option for New Yorkers.
• Access to State Lands: Your camping fee provides access to the extensive recreational opportunities within the surrounding 8,000 acres of Wild Forest State Land.
• On-Site Rentals: The availability of on-site rowboat and canoe rentals offers convenience and cost-effectiveness for water activities without needing to transport your own.
• Primitive, Authentic Experience: For those who value a rustic, less developed camping environment, the lack of extensive amenities can be seen as a feature rather than a drawback, promoting self-reliance and true connection with nature.

Specific rates and any potential temporary discounts (which are rare for DEC sites) would be available through the New York State Parks reservation system (ReserveAmerica) or by contacting the campground directly. Given the emphasis on its primitive nature, campers should anticipate paying standard state park camping fees.

To learn more about Taylor Pond Campground, check availability, or make a reservation for your rustic Adirondack retreat, please use the following contact details:

Address: 1865 Silver Lake Rd, Au Sable Forks, NY 12912, USA

Phone: (518) 647-5250

Mobile Phone: +1 518-647-5250

It is important to note that New York State DEC campgrounds, including Taylor Pond, typically utilize the ReserveAmerica platform for online reservations. While you can call the campground directly for information, for booking sites, it is often most efficient to use the online reservation system, especially for specific dates or site types (like boat-access sites). Given its popularity among those seeking a quieter experience, particularly kayakers and anglers, booking in advance is advisable.

For New York locals, Taylor Pond Campground offers an ideal and accessible gateway to the authentic Adirondack wilderness, perfectly aligning with the state's love for outdoor adventure. Its location in Au Sable Forks provides a manageable drive from many parts of upstate New York, ensuring that residents can easily access a genuine escape from urban life into the tranquility of the forest. This convenient proximity makes it perfect for weekend trips or longer, immersive vacations without extensive travel.

What truly makes Taylor Pond Campground suitable for New Yorkers is its commitment to a primitive, unadulterated camping experience. In a world increasingly filled with developed resorts, this campground stands out by offering "basic sites" and a focus on nature. This appeals directly to locals who cherish the Adirondack Park's wild character and seek self-reliance in their outdoor pursuits. The "nothing but forest" surrounding the pond provides an invaluable sense of seclusion, a rare commodity even within the vast park.

Furthermore, the abundance of recreational opportunities, from excellent fishing and kayaking on the 4-mile-long pond to extensive hiking and biking trails accessible directly from the campground, caters to the active New York lifestyle. The presence of knowledgeable staff members and the consistent enforcement of quiet hours ensure a respectful and peaceful environment. Taylor Pond Campground offers a true "retreat" – a place where New Yorkers can reconnect with nature, enjoy the calm waters and serene forests, and find solace in the simplicity of traditional camping, all within the cherished boundaries of their own Adirondack Park.

Taylor Pond Campground

1865 Silver Lake Rd, Au Sable Forks, NY 12912, USA