Forked Lake State Campground

3.6 (5 reviews)

Campgrounds, Boating, Hiking

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Brian S.

190

11 years ago

As state park campgrounds go, this is a very good one. It has a semi wilderness feel, which I like. Most of the campsites are only reachable by boat, some by boat or hiking, and there are a handful of sites that can be driven up to. The sites are relatively primitive with the only amenities being a picnic table, outhouse and either a fire ring or stone fireplace. There is also a bear box at most sites big enough for an average size cooler and a few bags of food. There are bear in the area so it's highly recommended (in fact it may be a rule) that all your food goes in the box when you are sleeping, or away from camp. About 1/4 of the sites have a small floating dock, while the rest you have to land your boat on shore. Some of the landings can be rocky and a little slick, so watch out. The sites are a little close together for my taste, but thankfully not every one was occupied when we were there, so we had space. If you need a boat to get to your site, canoes are available for rent ($20 per day). You can swim right from your campsite, there is pretty good fishing for bass and the scenery is spectacular. Though I much prefer the nearby wilderness lakes and rivers when I want to go paddle camping, this is a very decent alternative if you're with people who don't want to leave civilization too far behind. Most sites are no more than a 30 minute paddle from the landing and Long Lake is a few minute drive. So if you need ice, food, drinks or a Wi-Fi connection, it's only a short distance away. The campground is pretty popular, so book early read more

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Kate H.

Elite 26

145

460

104

10 years ago

If you want to get away from it all without going too far from civilization, Forked Lake (pronounced For Ked Lake) is the place to go. It's got 79 sites, some primitive ones that you have hike or paddle to and a few sites for trailers and RV's. There's no flush toilets or showers but there is potable water and out houses. The lake is gorgeous, quiet, and pristine. About a third of the land around the lake is state land, the rest is mostly owned by Whitney Industries and when they say no trespassing, they really mean it. The only negative to this is there are the most aggressive deer flies I've ever seen. read more

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Jane S.

8 years ago

Went end of July. Pro: --All sites are relatively (for NY) spacious/secluded/well-treed/on lake. --Huge bear boxes easily fit a regular sized cooler, trash bags, dry foods. --Wildlife abounds: Ducks, geese, deer, and yes--the occasional bear. --Lake is shallow this year, not many motor boats, canoe in peace. Cons: --They 'Lost' our reservation, 1 hour to find it (Reserve America took 5 seconds to find it once they were reached), and check in. --Our reservations had one Latino name, one Vietnamese, a ranger said he wasn't going to try what was not pronounceable--ok, but he said it in a particularly unwelcoming way--and these were not uncommon names. --We asked where a couple of trails led--ranger said he had only been there two weeks and had no idea. So--I guess they don't train newbies? --Our site had a 1/2 burned camp mattress, panties, chicken bones, plastic bags of trash--all deposited in surrounding woods. --Crumbling fire pit heaped w/ashes, several discarded grills, and a halo of smashed glass, surrounding it. --Dump truck across the way beeped backing up over an hour, also sounds of people dragging rented canoes across gravel, and ample conversation that sounded as if in our camp. --No toilet paper in the multiple pit toilets at sites our group rented. If you prefer well-maintained, raked sites w/cleaned firepits, and the aura of care--I'd highly recommend somewhere like Brown Tract Pond. It's pristine, two full rolls of toilet paper in pit toilets, no trash to be seen, and rangers who seem to know everything about the surrounding area, and who are exceedingly welcoming to everyone. read more

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Lauren S.

10 years ago

This place is really cool! There are campsites on islands that you canoe to and some you hike to. Almost all the sites are right on the lake and relatively private. The lake is beautiful and fun to explore. This campground is a great find near long lake. read more

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Matt W.

8 years ago

This camp is beautiful, but only go at late June or early July. Otherwise, the bugs and deer flies are AWFUL. My son and I actually left a night early because the bugs were so unbearable. Forget bug spray, I'm positive these suckers are immune. read more

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More info about Forked Lake State Campground

Long Lake, NY 12847
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Hours

What time does Forked Lake State Campground open?

What time does Forked Lake State Campground close?

Outdoor Amenities

Does Forked Lake State Campground have bike parking?

Yes, Forked Lake State Campground has bike parking.

Does Forked Lake State Campground have parking?

Yes, Forked Lake State Campground has parking options.

Other Amenities

Does Forked Lake State Campground have free WiFi?

Yes, Forked Lake State Campground has free WiFi.

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