The Wilderness Campground at ADK’s Heart Lake Program Center in Lake Placid offers a variety of unique camping experiences just steps from some of the best wilderness hiking and outdoor adventure in the northeast.
Our campsites are located within walking distance of the most popular trailhead in the Adirondacks and the scenic shores of Heart Lake. Each site features a fire ring and picnic table. Showers, sinks, and toilets are available at the washhouse, which is heated and open year-round.
Stay At The Wilderness Campground
Campsites
The Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake features 31 tent sites, each with a designated parking spot, picnic table, and fire ring.
Lean-tos
Popularized in the Adirondacks, a lean-to is a three-sided structure made of logs. There are six lean-tos at ADK’s Wilderness Campground.
Tents are not allowed on lean-to sites unless it is a freestanding tent (no stakes) and set up inside of the lean-to.
Canvas Cabins
ADK’s Wilderness Campground in Lake Placid features six canvas cabin. Each canvas cabin features three bunk beds, accommodating up to six people per campsite.
Guests must provide their own linens, sleeping bags and pillows. Open flames and gas/propane lanterns are prohibited inside the cabin. Battery-powered lanterns are allowed.
In winter, Canvas Cabin platforms are open for camping, but no tent is provided. Guests must bring their own freestanding tent for the platform. Platforms are 14 feet x 16 feet (4.3 meters x 4.9 meters).
Camping Yurt
ADK’s Camping Yurt offers a truly unique Adirondack camping experience. Available only in winter, the yurt features one large room (20′ diameter) heat, electric lights, two sets of twin bunk beds, and a seating area.
Guests must bring their own bedding, sleeping bags, pillows, and bath towels.
The yurt does not have potable water—potable water is available nearby. For your safety and the benefit of future guests, smoking is prohibited in the yurts. There is an outdoor fire pit and picnic table for your exclusive use. The other yurts will not be used during your stay.
Additional Details
There are a few things you should know before camping in Lake Placid with us. A maximum of six people are allowed per campsite. The campground is located deep in the Adirondacks, so there is no electricity or cell service.
Parking
Parking is included for two vehicles during your stay from 2:00 p.m. on the day of arrival until 11:00 a.m. on the day of departure. Please have vehicle and license plate information ready at check-in.
Check-in / Check-out
Check-in at the Adirondak Loj front desk begins at 2:00 p.m. Check-out is by 11:00 a.m.
Reservations are held until 9:00 a.m. the next day after the reserved day of arrival. If you do not show for your site and have not contacted us, you are responsible for the entire cost of your reservation and the reservation will be forfeited at that time.
Meals
Meals are available at the Adirondak Loj for an additional fee. The Hungry Hiker, located at the Heart Lake Program Center, also serves food daily from 1–8 p.m.
Heart Lake
Swimming is available in Heart Lake when the beach is open. Please read the beach rules and sign in and out at the Adirondak Loj front Desk. Canoe, kayak, and SUP rentals are available at the Adirondak Loj
An adult must accompany children under 16 years old.
Campground Rules
Quiet hours are strictly enforced from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Please be considerate of other campers.
Radios, generators, and other loud electronic devices are prohibited in the campground. Please respect the rights of others to a wilderness experience.
Trash dumpsters and recycling are located near the Information Center. Do not leave garbage unattended at your sites. Please clean your sites before you leave.
Black bears and other woodland animals frequent this campground. Keep your food and toiletries in a hard-top car with windows shut or in a bear canister. Any items left out will be confiscated from your site. Do not feed wildlife.
Pets are permitted provided they are on a leash and are not disturbing other campers.
Firewood is for sale at the High Peaks Information Center. Please do not gather or cut wood. Please keep fire within the designated fireplace. (You may bring firewood as long as it is purchased within fifty miles, per New York State regulations).
Tents are not allowed at canvas cabins. Tents are not allowed on lean-to sites unless it is a freestanding tent (no stakes) and it is set up inside of the lean-to. A maximum of three tents is allowed at each tent site.
Washing of any kind is prohibited in Heart Lake or at water spigots. There is a dishwashing station outside at each washhouse, or you may wash at your site. Wipe plates clean prior to washing and scatter gray water away from your site.
Snow Removal
The driveway is plowed and accessible by vehicle, campsites and platforms are not shoveled.
Please visit our Lodging and Camping Information page for further information about our facilities.