Hiker at Ausable Point Campground
Campgrounds and Day Use Area

Ausable Point Campground and Day Use Area

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Firewood Restriction Map (PDF) shows the 50-mile radius from which untreated firewood may be moved to this campground. Help prevent the spread of invasive pests and diseases by following New York's firewood regulation.

Ausable Point Campground protrudes from Route 9 into Lake Champlain and offers a shoreline comprised of natural sand and a gentle slope from many campsites. It borders a wildlife management area that offers a hiking trail, as well as water access for canoeists and sea kayakers to explore. With the city of Plattsburgh a short drive from this campground there is virtually no limit for entertainment opportunities.

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Amenities

123 campsites, hot showers, flush toilets, trailer dump station, recycling center, car top boat launch, picnic area with pavilion rental, sand beach with bathhouse, a large beach, basketball court.

Accessible Features

In the day use area, wheelchair accessible features include the:

  • Picnic pavilion;
  • Beach access route; and
  • Restroom

In the camping area, wheelchair accessible features include the:

  • Shower building (near Campsite 4)

See Maps, Directions, and Featured Activities sections on this page for more details on these features. Visit the DEC Accessible Recreation web page for additional accessible recreation opportunities including a full listing of Accessible Features at DEC Campgrounds and Day Use Areas.

Campsite Restoration Project

This campground has sites that have been selected for restoration. While undergoing restoration the chosen sites will be closed. For the list of sites and more information on the project visit the Campsite Restoration Project page.

 

Featured Activities

Motor boats are allowed. Lake Champlain offers excellent conditions for sail boarders, and boats of all sizes. A boat launch offering access is located at Peru Docks, approximately 3 miles from the campground.

 

Rowboats and canoes are allowed. Lake Champlain offers excellent conditions for sail boarders, and boats of all sizes. A boat launch offering access is located at Peru Docks, approximately 3 miles from the campground.

 

The lake is a popular fishery and fish present include northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, lake trout, brown trout, salmon, bullhead perch, walleyes, carp, smelt, eel, crappie, and bluegill. Fishing licenses are no longer being sold at any of our campground facilities, but can be conveniently purchased on-line or by phone.

Swimming at DEC campgrounds is unsupervised by lifeguards. DEC advises those wishing to swim to access the water from the designated beach area(s) only. Beaches are maintained and patrolled by campground staff. Swimming is prohibited from one-half hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise.

Five miles south of the campground, the 862 acre Wickham Marsh Wildlife Management Area offers hiking trail and a diversity of wildlife viewing opportunities, including a 200 ft. high viewing platform that offers expansive views. For those with a boat, the 1,100 acre Valcor Island Bird Conservation Area is located 2.5 miles north of the campgrounds on Lake Champlain. The Island offers hiking trails and has the largest Heron rookery in the state amongst other wildlife viewing opportunities.

Sailing and Wind Surfing

The area identified as "Stone Jetty" is a designated wind surf area. Please keep clear. Wind surfers must use the loading and unloading area located by site #4 and park their vehicle in the day-use area.

Double rainbow on water with person kayaking at Ausable Point Campground

Directions

From the Northway (I-87) exit 35, proceed east on 442 approximately 2.5 miles to Route 9. Turn left, proceed 1/2 mile and the entrance will be on your right.

From Plattsburgh follow Route 9 south 12 miles.

Get driving directions from Google Maps

Planning and Management

The Final Unit Management Plan (UMP) for the campground guides the DEC's land management activities at this facility for a five-year period, although a number of goals and objectives in the plan focus on a much longer time period. The UMP addresses specific objectives and actions for public use at this facility.

For more information regarding the UMP for this facility please contact the Bureau of Recreation, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY12233, Telephone 518 457-2500, and email for campground information.

 

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

DEC campground rules and regulations
Clean your boat and equipment
Don't move firewood
Hiking safety tips
Ausable Point Campground shoreline with picnic area and bikes

Additional Information

Area Attractions

The city of Plattsburgh offers movie theaters, shopping malls, fast food and fine dining restaurants. Marinas and golf courses are also close by. The Olympic Village of Lake Placid is approximately 45 miles away. Montreal, Canada is 70 miles north.

Historic Interest

The majority of the campground was constructed in 1965 and opened to the public in 1966. A view of Valcour Island is available across the lake to the north. On a clear day the silhouette of Garden Island strikes the pose of a battleship. Known locally as "Battleship Island", it is believed that the first major sea battle of the American Revolution was fought at this location.

Junior Naturalist Program

Our campgrounds become an outdoor classroom for young children (5-13) and their families. Enjoy games and activities to earn a beautiful embroidered patch.

Important Links

Adirondacks Region Official Tourism Site
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Region 5 - Eastern Adirondacks/Lake Champlain
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