Nicks Lake Campground and Day Use Area

• Dates of Operation:
  • Opening Date: May 17
  • Closing Date: October 14
• Camping Fee: $22 per night (out of state residents surcharge additional $5 per night)
• Address: 278 Bisby Road, Old Forge, NY 13420 (directions below)
• County: Herkimer
• GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude): 43 41 18.06106N, 074 58 54.25877W
• Campground Phone: (315) 369-3314
• Regional Office Phone: (315) 866-6330
• Make Your Camping Reservation: ReserveAmerica
• Map: Nicks 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.

Located in the Black River Wild Forest, this campground has 112 campsites, picnic area, a large beach with lifeguards and more than 5 miles of hiking trails. The park abuts a 205-acre shallow lake closed to motor boats, which makes this serene location great for canoeing, kayaking, or swimming. And don't forget that fish pole, because the fishing is great too. If paddling around at dusk trolling for that lunker bass or brown trout, listening to the sound of the loons, and watching the sun set sounds a little too relaxing for you then how about a modern ADA Accessible playground for the little ones, volleyball, horseshoes, basketball and more than 3 miles of paved roads for the biker or jogger. Whatever you choose to do with your time here, take time out to observe the abundant wildlife. Whitetail deer are everywhere and friendly.

Just minutes away you can enjoy a chairlift ride to the top of McCauley Mountain to view Fulton Chain of lakes or drive into Old Forge and visit the multitude of shops and fine restaurants along Main Street. And once you visit Old Forge, you will have to spend at least one day at the Enchanted Forest / Water Safari.

Whether your day is filled with one of the many activities available here or you chose to just sit back and enjoy the campfire, you can always start or end your day with a hot shower in one of our brand-new state of the art ADA Accessible restrooms.

Amenities

112 tent and trailer sites, picnic pavilion rental, picnic area with tables and fireplaces, flush toilets, hot showers, ball field, ice sales, trailer dump station, recycling center, sand beach, bathhouse, playground, nature trail with 14 educational stations, hiking trails, fishing, bicycling, volleyball, basketball, and softball.

Accessible Features

In the camping area, wheelchair accessible features include the:

• Six accessible campsites (Sites: 3, 31, 50, 70, 81, 109); and
• Five shower buildings in Loops A, B, C, D, and E

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.

Directions

From NYS Thruway, Exit 31 at Utica, Route 12 North to Alder Creek, Rte. 28 to Old Forge. Turn right at the Post Office, and follow the Nicks Lake Campground signs 1.5 miles to the campground entrance.

From Watertown take Rte. 12 South to Alder Creek, follow above directions.

From Blue Mountain Lake take Rte. 28 to Old Forge, turn left at the Post Office and follow the Nicks Lake Campground signs.

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

Additional Information

Area Attractions

A few minutes drive will provide shopping and sightseeing attractions in the nearby hamlet of Old Forge.

Historic Interest

The lake got its present name from Nick Stoner of the south-central Adirondacks. Nick is a near legend in this area's history. In 1962 the state purchased 3,747 acres from Fred Williams, A. Richard Cohen, and Douglas N. Rice. In 1966 Nicks Lake Public Campground was first opened to the public.

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.