Wilmington Notch Campground

wilmington notch camping, wilmington ny campgrounds

For New Yorkers, the Adirondacks represent an unparalleled escape into vast wilderness, a place where the majestic mountains meet serene waters and outdoor adventures beckon. When the call of the wild becomes too strong to ignore, finding that perfect basecamp that blends rustic charm with essential comforts is key. That’s where Wilmington Notch Campground in Wilmington, NY, truly shines. Nestled in a picturesque birch and pine grove at the base of legendary Whiteface Mountain, this campground offers a classic Adirondack experience, ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in nature while staying connected to the region's top attractions.

Wilmington Notch Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park your RV; it’s a tranquil haven where the sounds of the Ausable River replace city noise, and the crisp mountain air invigorates your spirit. Reviews consistently highlight its "clean and well maintained" facilities, from sparkling flush toilets to thoroughly cleaned firepits. The staff are celebrated for being "friendly and helpful," even going so far as to jump-start a neighbor's battery – a testament to the welcoming and supportive atmosphere you'll find here. This commitment to guest satisfaction ensures a comfortable and worry-free stay, allowing you to focus on the beauty of the surrounding Adirondacks.

While the sites might be "small" and "close-together" in some areas, many also boast ample "spacious" and shady spots, providing a sense of privacy amidst the natural setting. The "good water pressure at well placed faucets" is a practical detail that seasoned campers truly appreciate. But perhaps the greatest draw for New York adventurers is the campground’s prime location, offering direct access to the Ausable River for fishing, and a "steep hiking trail down through pines to gorgeous waterfall" right from the grounds. With Whiteface Mountain, High Falls Gorge, and Lake Placid just a stone's throw away, Wilmington Notch Campground is truly a "comfortable gem of a park" for New York locals looking to explore the heart of the Adirondacks.

Wilmington Notch Campground boasts an exceptional location at 4953 NY-86 Scenic, Wilmington, NY 12997, USA, making it a highly accessible and desirable destination for New Yorkers seeking an Adirondack adventure. Situated directly on the scenic NY-86, the campground offers immediate entry into the heart of the Adirondack High Peaks region, an area renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and abundant outdoor activities.

The campground's address on NY-86 provides straightforward access from various parts of New York State. Whether traveling from the Capital Region, downstate areas, or other parts of upstate New York, reaching Wilmington is a relatively simple drive. Once in Wilmington, the campground is prominently located, making it easy to find even for first-time visitors. Its placement ensures that vehicles of all sizes, including RVs and trailers, can navigate to the sites with ease.

A major highlight of Wilmington Notch Campground's location is its proximity to iconic Adirondack attractions and natural wonders:

• Whiteface Mountain: The campground is literally at the "base of Whiteface Mountain" and "on the other side of the river" from this Olympic mountain. This offers stunning views and unparalleled access to the Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway and gondola rides to the summit, providing expansive vistas.
• Ausable River: The campground is "located beside the Ausable River," a major draw for fishermen looking to "challenge the rapids in search of a great catch." There's also an "accessible trail from the back of the campground to an amazing waterfall on the west branch of the Ausable River," offering a beautiful natural feature right on site.
• High Falls Gorge: This popular natural attraction, featuring over 700 feet of rushing water and four major waterfalls, is just "a mile down the road" from the campground, making it a convenient and spectacular visit.
• Lake Placid Olympic Village: Just "8 miles" from the campground, Lake Placid offers "unlimited attractions," including Olympic venues, museums, shops, and restaurants. This allows campers to easily combine wilderness adventures with cultural experiences and dining out.
• Hiking & Biking Trails: Wilmington Notch Campground provides "easy access to many Adirondack High Peak Wilderness trails." The Sentinel Range Wilderness Area and Wilmington Wild Forest offer maintained mountain bike trails and diverse hiking options, catering to all skill levels.
• Adirondack Chocolates: A local sweet treat destination, "Adirondack Chocolates," is also nearby, adding a delightful touch to your sightseeing itinerary.

This exceptional blend of scenic beauty and accessibility to world-class attractions makes Wilmington Notch Campground an ideal and highly convenient base for any New Yorker looking to truly experience the best of the Adirondacks.

Wilmington Notch Campground, a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) facility, provides a range of essential and highly appreciated services designed to ensure a comfortable and convenient camping experience in the Adirondacks. While offering a rustic feel, it thoughtfully includes amenities that enhance guest satisfaction.

• Campsites: The campground features 54 campsites, catering primarily to tents and smaller RVs/trailers (max RV length 30 ft). Reviewers note sites can be "small, close-together" or "quite spacious," with options for "shady sites and partial shade sites." Each site is equipped with a "sturdy picnic table" and "firepits cleaned out," ready for your outdoor meals and campfires. Important to note: there is "no power" hookups at the sites themselves, emphasizing a more traditional camping experience.
• Restrooms with Flush Toilets: A significant convenience for many campers, the campground provides "clean and well maintained" restrooms with flush toilets. Reviewers explicitly mention "a lot of toilet paper in each stall," though it's always wise to "just bring your own soap to wash your hands."
• Hot Showers: The campground offers hot showers for guests. While one recent review mentioned "No running showers at the moment (late July 2024) due to the showers being worked on," this indicates that hot showers are a standard amenity typically available and maintained. The shower building near Campsite 36 is wheelchair accessible.
• Potable Water: Campers will find "well placed faucets" with "good water pressure" throughout the campground, ensuring easy access to clean drinking water.
• Trailer Dump Station: For RV and trailer owners, a convenient trailer dump station is available for waste disposal.
• Recycling Center: Demonstrating an commitment to environmental responsibility, the campground provides a recycling center, requiring clear plastic bags for garbage and adherence to specific recycling policies.
• Firewood and Ice Sales: For convenience, "firewood and ice sales" are available on-site, ensuring campers have access to essentials without needing to leave the campground.
• Friendly and Helpful Staff: Customer reviews consistently praise the staff as "friendly and helpful," noting their attentiveness, such as helping with a battery jump, offering assistance with loading kayaks, and generally keeping a "close watch on the area." This level of service enhances the overall experience.
• Quiet Hours Enforcement: "Quiet hours from 10pm to 6am" are established and observed by campers, ensuring a peaceful night's sleep for everyone, a testament to the staff's oversight.
• Picnic Area: A designated picnic area offers additional space for day-use visitors or campers looking for a change of scenery.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: The campground is "dog-friendly," allowing pets with proof of valid rabies vaccination. Leashed dogs are permitted, though they cannot be left unattended or brought into facility structures or beach/day-use areas.

These services collectively contribute to making Wilmington Notch Campground a comfortable and well-equipped choice for a memorable Adirondack camping trip.

Wilmington Notch Campground offers a unique blend of natural beauty and thoughtful amenities that consistently highlight its appeal for New York campers. These features go beyond basic services, enhancing the overall outdoor experience.

• Prime Location at the Base of Whiteface Mountain: This is arguably the top highlight. Being situated directly at the "base of Whiteface Mountain" provides stunning views and unparalleled access to hiking, the Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway, and the gondola ride for panoramic vistas of the Adirondacks. It's an iconic backdrop for any camping trip.
• Direct Access to Ausable River and Waterfalls:
  • The campground is "located beside the Ausable River," offering excellent opportunities for fishing, especially for those who enjoy "challenging the rapids."
  • There's a dedicated "steep hiking trail down through pines to gorgeous waterfall" directly accessible from the campground, leading to an "amazing waterfall on the west branch of the Ausable River." This natural feature is a "comfortable gem of a park" within the campground itself.
• Proximity to World-Class Adirondack Attractions: Beyond its immediate surroundings, Wilmington Notch Campground serves as an ideal launchpad for exploring:
  • High Falls Gorge: "A mile down the road," this privately-owned natural attraction boasts breathtaking waterfalls and gorge views.
  • Lake Placid Olympic Village: Just "8 miles" away, offering Olympic sites, museums, unique shops, and diverse dining options.
  • Adirondack Chocolates: A sweet local stop for a treat after a day of adventuring.
• Exceptional Staff Friendliness and Helpfulness: Reviewers consistently praise the "friendly and helpful" staff. Their proactive assistance, whether it's helping with a battery jump, guiding campers, or generally keeping the area well-monitored, significantly enhances the guest experience and contributes to a welcoming atmosphere.
• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: Despite being a rustic setting, the campground is noted for being "clean and well maintained," from the "well placed faucets" with "good water pressure" to the "clean and well maintained" flush toilets and regularly "cleaned out firepits." This attention to detail ensures comfort.
• Shaded Sites and Natural Setting: The campground is set in a "birch and pine grove," offering plenty of "shady sites and partial shade sites," which is invaluable during warmer months. This natural setting provides a peaceful and immersive outdoor experience.
• Enforced Quiet Hours: The strict but respected "quiet at 10pm" policy ensures a peaceful night's sleep for all campers, a crucial highlight for those seeking relaxation in nature.

These combined features make Wilmington Notch Campground a prime choice for New York locals seeking an authentic, comfortable, and activity-rich Adirondack camping adventure.

As a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) campground, Wilmington Notch Campground typically operates under a standardized fee structure and generally does not offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the same vein as private campgrounds. Its pricing is set to provide public access to state recreational facilities.

However, there are a few aspects to consider regarding potential savings or value for New York residents:

• Standardized Low Fees: The camping fee is generally consistent, around $18 per night for New York State residents. While there's an additional surcharge for out-of-state residents, New Yorkers benefit from the lower base rate, making it an inherently affordable option for an Adirondack getaway.
• Senior Citizen and Access Pass Discounts: New York State Parks and DEC campgrounds often offer discounts for senior citizens (New York State residents 62 years and older may be eligible for a 50% discount on the daily site fee on non-holiday weekdays) and holders of certain access passes (e.g., the Empire Pass for day use facilities, although camping fees are separate). It is always advisable to inquire about eligibility for these programs directly with the DEC or at the campground upon arrival.
• Value of Amenities Included: While not a discount, the value offered by the presence of clean flush toilets and hot showers (when operational) is a significant "perk" compared to more primitive campgrounds, effectively giving campers more for their standard fee.
• Off-Season Rates: Some DEC campgrounds might have slightly adjusted rates or fewer restrictions during the shoulder seasons (e.g., late spring or early fall) when demand is lower. While not explicitly promotional, these periods often offer a more peaceful experience at the standard rate.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding fees, potential discounts, or any specific operational details, New Yorkers should contact Wilmington Notch Campground directly at the provided phone number or visit the New York State DEC website for campground information. It is always recommended to verify current rates and policies before planning your trip.

For New Yorkers planning their next Adirondack camping adventure, getting in touch with Wilmington Notch Campground is straightforward. While it's a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) campground, direct contact information is available for inquiries.

• Address: 4953 NY-86 Scenic, Wilmington, NY 12997, USA
• Campground Phone: (518) 946-7172
• Mobile Phone: +1 518-946-7172 (This is typically the same line, provided for international dialing clarity).
• Regional DEC Office Phone (for broader inquiries): (518) 897-1309

For questions regarding site availability (especially if you're looking for specific features like a spacious site), current conditions (such as the status of showers), rules regarding generators, or any other specific details about the campground, calling the campground directly is the best approach. If you have broader questions about DEC campgrounds or policies, the regional office number can also be helpful. Online reservations for DEC campgrounds are typically made through the ReserveAmerica website, which is linked from the NYSDEC campground page.

For New Yorkers seeking an authentic and accessible Adirondack camping experience, Wilmington Notch Campground in Wilmington, NY, stands out as an exceptionally suitable destination. It perfectly encapsulates the essence of what residents of our state value in an outdoor getaway: a deep connection with nature, convenient access to iconic landmarks, and essential comforts that make camping enjoyable.

Firstly, its prime location is an unbeatable advantage. Nestled at the base of Whiteface Mountain and alongside the Ausable River, it provides immediate access to stunning scenery, fantastic fishing opportunities, and a network of hiking and biking trails. Being just "8 miles" from Lake Placid means that while you're immersed in the wilderness, you're also a short drive from world-class Olympic venues, vibrant shops, and diverse dining options. This blend of remote natural beauty and nearby amenities is precisely what many New Yorkers look for, offering the best of both worlds.

Secondly, the campground's commitment to cleanliness and the presence of flush toilets and hot showers (when fully operational) significantly enhance the comfort level, setting it apart from more primitive sites. For families or those who appreciate these conveniences after a day of hiking, this is a major draw. The "friendly and helpful" staff further contributes to a welcoming and well-managed environment, ensuring that even if you need a battery jump or local advice, you're in good hands.

Ultimately, Wilmington Notch Campground offers a genuine Adirondack experience that is both invigorating and comfortable. It’s a place where you can disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life, reconnect with nature, and create lasting memories against the backdrop of one of New York State’s most magnificent regions. For locals, it's not just a campground; it's a cherished gateway to adventure and relaxation in the heart of the Adirondacks.

Wilmington Notch Campground

4953 NY-86 Scenic, Wilmington, NY 12997, USA