Row Boat on shore of Forked Lake in the dark
Campgrounds and Day Use Area

Forked Lake Campground and Day Use Area

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High Bear Activity

We are currently experiencing high bear activity at this campground, and are advising all our campers to take the following precautions while camping:

  • Absolutely no food in tents
  • Do not leave food unattended
  • Secure food & garbage in the bear boxes
  • Store extra food in a bear-proof container, or lock it in a vehicle

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.

Comprehensive planning and beautiful surroundings, combined with the remoteness of this campground offers a great wilderness experience to the public. Forked Lake Campground is located on the east shore of 1248 acre Forked Lake. All the campsites offer privacy, some are large and well forested, campsites are accessible by boat and/or trail (not all sites are accessible by trail, some are boat access only), except for three (3) which can accommodate 20 foot RVs. The campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities including: Canoeing, boating, and fishing.

Support DEC Campgrounds

Members of the public can support DEC lands, facilities, and programs through our charitable partner, the National Heritage trust (NHT). Online giving is simple and secure and fully tax-deductible. Donations to NHT directly support projects and programs that enhance facilities, expand access to outdoor recreation and environmental education, provide public land access, and protect natural resources.

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Amenities

80 campsites, picnic area with tables and fireplaces, pit toilets, boat launch, firewood sales, canoe, rowboat, and kayak rentals.

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. Launch area is gravel base, shallow, and unusable for large boats. The launch is mostly used by small boats or car top boats and canoes.

Rowboats and canoes allowed. Rowboat and canoe rental available. Launch area is gravel base, shallow, and unusable for large boats. The launch is mostly used by small boats or car top boats and canoes.

Good opportunities for fishing exist in this area. Major species in Forked Lake are: Brook trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bullhead, yellow perch, pan fish and occasional brown trout. Fishing licenses are no longer being sold at any of our campground facilities, but can be conveniently purchased on-line or by phone.

Forked Lake Campground is surrounded by the Sargent Ponds Wild Forest. The Forked Lake Trail is accessible from within the campground and connects to the larger Sargent Pond Wild Forest Trail System. The Owls Head Mtn. Trail and Fire Tower is also a popular hike.

Night photo of Forked Lake Campground

Directions

Forked Lake Public Campground can be reached by leaving State Routes 28N and 30 at Deerland and driving southwest on County Roads 3 (North Point Road) and 20 (Forked Lake Campsite Lane) to the east shore of Forked Lake.

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

Additional Information

Area Attractions

The Adirondack Park visitors Interpretive Center at Newcomb is 20 miles north on N.Y.S. Route 28. The Wild Center in Tupper Lake is approx. 25 miles away.

The Adirondack Museum at Blue Mountain Lake is located 14 miles east on N.Y.S. Route 28 and 30, and features the History of the Adirondack Mountains and the Adirondack Park. The village of Long Lake is 7 miles west on N.Y.S. Route 28, and offers restaurants.

Golf courses are available in the villages of Indian Lake, Inlet, Newcomb and Tupper Lake.

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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