Sunset over pond with conoes in foreground
Campgrounds and Day Use Area

Putnam Pond Campground and Day Use Area

On this page
 

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.

Putnam Pond is a key start off point for hikers trekking into the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness area. While it also offers interior site camping, which require a boat for access, most campers prefer to stay in the developed area where they can try their hand fishing by the dam, or rent a canoe or rowboat. The campsites offer privacy; they are large and well forested. Camping equipment from tents to 30' RVs can be accommodated. Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities including: Canoeing and boating, fishing, and hiking.

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.

Donate

Amenities

72 campsites (9 of them remote), hot showers, flush toilets, trailer dumping station, recycling center, boat launch site, picnic area, firewood and ice 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

Putnam Pond is a very scenic and beautiful pond for boating. A launch is located on the pond for easy access for all boats. This launch is very important as it provides the only point of public access to the pond. Motor boats are allowed on Putnam Pond.

 

Putnam Pond is a very scenic and beautiful pond for boating. A launch is located on the pond for easy access for all boats. This launch is very important as it provides the only point of public access to the pond. Rental of rowboats and canoes are available (prior to the month of July, if you require a rental boat to access your site please arrive prior to the booth closing at 4p.m.). Canoes are allowed on the ponds in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area (you must carry your boat at least 1/2 mile to access any of the ponds). DEC rental boats may not be taken leave the facility and they may not be carried to the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness area. 

 

Fish in area include: smallmouth bass, yellow perch, northern pike. Fishing licenses are no longer being sold at any of our campground facilities, but can be conveniently purchased on-line or by phone.

There are several hiking trails in the immediate area for the avid hiker. The long Swing Trail is 12 miles long, and you may choose the location where you wish to begin. This trail leaves Putnam Pond, headed west, passing Grizzle Ocean, Pharaoh Lake (Pharaoh Lake Wilderness), Glidden Marsh, Crane Pond and Alder Pond. It ultimately ends 0.2 miles west of Paradox Lake Public Campground. Recreational Users Are Strongly Advised to Obtain Detailed Topographic Maps Before Venturing into the Back Country (Not provided at facility).

People sitting at the edge of Putnam Pond Campground

Directions

From I-87, take Exit 28, then east on Rte. 74 approximately 12 miles.

From Ticonderoga, go west on Rte. 74 approximately 6 miles. Follow signs on roadside of Rte. 74 that will direct you to the campground. This is a dead end road and the campground is located at the end.

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, NY 12233, 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

Boat tours and ferries on Lake Champlain, Fort Ticonderoga in Ticonderoga is 7 miles. Crown Point Historic Site, Essex County Fish Hatchery are located in Crown Point about 10 miles away. The foremost attraction is the inviting Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area. A wide array of adventures await those willing to journey into its forest.

Historic Interest

Locally known as "Putts Pond", this campground was named after the famous General Putnam. The original construction of this campground started in 1959-61. In 1990, 9 remote sites were added to the inventory.

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
This Page Covers
Region 5 - Eastern Adirondacks/Lake Champlain
Icon