Meacham Lake Campground and Day Use Area

• Dates of Operation:
  • Opening Date: May 17
  • Closing Date: October 14
• Camping Fee: $20 per night (out of state residents surcharge additional $5 per night)
• Address: 119 State Camp Road, Duane, NY 12953 (directions below)
• County: Franklin
• GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude): 44 34 41.81335N, 074 16 54.42114W
• Campground Phone: (518) 483-5116
• Regional Office Phone: (518) 897-1309
• Make Your Camping Reservation: ReserveAmerica
• Map: Meacham Lake Campground and Day Use Area Map (PDF) || DECinfo Locator

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.

Campers at Meacham Lake are provided with a wide open view of a truly undeveloped area and can often hear the Loon calling in early morning and late evening. Aside from a fishermen's paradise, the campground has an activities area complete with Environmental Interpreters, volleyball, horseshoes, kids playground, and bathing beach. Meacham Lake Campground is located on the north and west shores of Meacham Lake. The campground represents the only development of this 1,203 acre lake. The campground is in a very scenic area, surrounded by the northern mountains and extensive tracts of Wild Forest state land. All types of camping units can be accommodated from small tents to large recreational vehicles. The west side offers primitive and walk-in sites, while the main campground will accommodate both tents and RVs.

Amenities

223 campsites, hot showers, flush toilets, trailer dump station, recycling center, boat launch, picnic area, 2 picnic shelters, sand beach with bathhouse, rowboat, kayak, and standup paddleboard rentals, playground.

Family Sites

Family sites are larger than typical campsites and can usually accommodate up to 12 people, four vehicles, four tents or two hard-wheeled equipment, or one hard-wheeled equipment and two tents. Maximum equipment size and site-specific limitations are listed with the site details. Sites also have up to two picnic tables and two fireplaces/fire rings.

Accessible Features

In the camping area, wheelchair accessible features include the:

• Shower building (near Campsite 127); and
• Restroom (near ticket booth)

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.

Directions

From the Northway (I-87) northbound - Exit 30 Route 9 north to Route 73 north to Lake Placid. Route 86 through Villages of Lake Placid and Saranac Lake to Paul Smiths; right on Route 30 north approximately 9.5 miles.

From the Northway (I-87) southbound - Exit 38, Route 374 west to Route 3 junction, Route 3, turn right on Franklin County Road 30 to Rte. 86, turn right to Paul Smiths; right on NYS Route 30 north approximately 9.5 miles.

From Tupper Lake - Route 30 north approximately 40 miles.

Get driving directions from Google Maps 

Planning and Management

The Final Meacham Lake Public Campground Unit Management Plan Amendment (PDF) (UMP) 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 easier download, the document has been split into two parts:

• Part 1 (PDF)
• Part 2 (PDF)

Additional Information

Area Attractions

The Tri-Lakes region to the south and Malone to the north. The Adirondack Park Visitors Interpreter Center at Paul Smiths is located 8 miles south of the campground.

Historic Interest

The Meacham Lake Hotel was located on the campground site until 1921. New York State purchased the land in 1931-32. In 1934, construction of the early campground was accomplished with the use of the Civilian Conservation Corps. In 1946, plans were approved for the construction of 29 trailer sites. Preliminary plans for the expansion were developed in late 1964 and extensive expansion continued through the late 1960's with final construction completed in 1971.

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.