Year after year, New York's Adirondack area welcomes millions of outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude in the forest. Though most campgrounds in the Adirondacks aren't exactly RV-friendly, a handful of campgrounds in the region cater to trailer campers with modern amenities—and Brown Tract Pond is one of them. Called one of the best-kept secrets of the Adirondacks, Brown Tract Pond Campground and Day-Use Area offer plenty of quiet, secluded sites where tent and RV campers can set up and head out on an unforgettable excursion in the great outdoors. Whether you choose to spend your day fishing and swimming in the pond, or hiking and cycling down the surrounding trails, you'll find plenty of ways to satisfy your inner adventurer at Brown Tract Pond. For visitors wanting to experience more in the area, you will also be in close proximity to the Old Forge region, some great museums, and many golf courses.
While you probably won't need to worry about encountering dangerous wildlife on your camping trip at Brown Tract Pond, remember that some big beasts call these alpine woodlands home. Where do you think nearby Black Bear Mountain got its name? Stay on the safe side, even if you think you won't have a bear encounter, and store all of your scented items, including food and toiletries, in a locked vehicle. Brown Tract Pond Campground is open from mid-May to the beginning of September and is suitable for RVs up to 30 feet in length.
Most Adirondack campgrounds are nestled in the densely forested wilderness, and Brown Tract Pond Campground is no exception. While you shouldn't have any trouble driving your rig through the day-use area or campground, always keep your eyes peeled for road hazards like fallen branches. Since the campground can only support RVs up to 30 feet in length, the roads are suited to vehicles this size or smaller. The nearest town is the village of Raquette Lake, which doesn't offer very many provisions. If you need supplies, crank up the RV and take Highway 28 to Indian Lake, where you'll find a few restaurants and shops. For major supplies and amenities, you can head to Old Forge, Boonville, or Lowville.
Brown Tract Pond Campground is closed during the wintertime, but if you plan on visiting the Adirondack region during this time, you will have to contend with a lot of snow, so make sure you are prepared for wintery weather.
Two main parking areas are available at Brown Tract Pond Campground. One is located by the picnic area and restrooms. The other is by the boat launch, but there's only enough space for 10 vehicles in this lot.
Featuring 90 shady, secluded sites welcoming tent and RV campers, Brown Tract Pond Campground offers plenty of space to park your rig. As is the case at most Adirondack campgrounds, you won't find any showers or hookups here. However, unlike most Adirondack campgrounds, Brown Tract offers flush restrooms, a dump station, and a recycling center. Sites are spacious and can accommodate vehicles up to 30 feet long. Not all sites are level, however, so you might want to bring the leveling blocks along with you just in case.
Generator use is permitted at New York campgrounds between 9 AM to 11 AM and again from 4 PM to 7 PM. Respect your fellow campers and silence your generators and also observe the campground's quiet hours between 10 PM and 7 AM. Should you require any assistance during your stay, consult the caretakers at Brown Tract Pond Campground.
Note that overnight guests must acquire a camping permit before occupying their site. While reservations aren't required at campgrounds managed by the state's Department of Environmental Conservation, it's always a good idea to book in advance, especially if you're looking to snag a waterfront site during the busy summer season. If your canine companion is wagging along for your Adirondack adventure, be sure to bring proof of rabies vaccinations and keep your pal on a leash no longer than six feet.
For RV lovers looking for another camping option, consider staying at Golden Beach Campground. Featuring over 200 sites for you to enjoy, Golden Beach Campground is on the shores of the massive Raquette Lake around six and a half miles from Brown Tract Pond. The lake is a fantastic spot for swimming thanks to the sandy beach, but it can also be used for boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
All of the sites at the campground are primitive, but despite this, there are plenty of great amenities still available for you to enjoy. These include picnic tables, fire rings, clean bathrooms and showers, a picnic area, and a dump station. If you are someone looking for a quiet campground this won't be the place for you, but if you want to enjoy some camping with the company of friends, family, or you don't mind having other campers closeby we're sure you'll love Golden Beach Campground. This camping area is open during the warmer months of May through to September, we recommend booking a reservation at Golden Beach Campground since it is a popular place to stay.
Do you want to get your heart racing? If you enjoy riding bikes, up the ante and zoom through the Adirondack wilderness on two wheels! Put together your day pack, and plan to take the Shallow Lake Trail to Sucker Brook Bay Trail and journey the 8.5 miles down to Sucker Brook Bay. You should come prepared for a challenge, though. This excursion will take you about six hours round trip—and that doesn't include sightseeing and lakeside lounging!
Picnicking is one of the most popular activities at Brown Tract Pond, second only to fishing. Treat your camping crew to an alfresco meal at one of the tables right on the swimming beach. There aren't any covered shelters here, so if you're planning a large group gathering, you're better off searching elsewhere. If an intimate family picnic is what you're after, though, this is a prime place to host it! You don't need much to have a lawn lunch—a blanket and some food will do the trick.
Would you prefer to admire the pond from dry land? Mosey on over to the Shallow Lake Trailhead, which is located just outside the parking area in the westernmost corner of the campground. This route is just under 1.5 miles long and makes for a leisurely stroll for people of all ages. From here, you can extend your walk on the Sucker Brook Bay Trail and venture into the nearby Pigeon Lake Wilderness if you feel like a little bit more of a challenge to get your heart pumping.
Another great way to spend your time at Brown Tract Pond is to get out on the water. Private paddle boats are welcome to launch out into the small Brown Tract Pond, and there is one boat launch on the southeast shore. If you don't have your own canoe, kayak, or rowboat, rentals are available on-site for an additional fee. All private watercraft must be registered and free of nuisance species. Please note that motorized boating is prohibited, so leave the ski boats at home.
While 86 of the campground's 90 sites are reservable, six sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have any inquiries regarding spontaneous stopovers, contact the day-use area directly.
On a muggy summer day, there's no better way to beat the heat than by taking a dip in the refreshing waters of Brown Tract Pond. For swimmers who are feeling a little adventurous, there are also some giant boulders that you can jump off that are located on the small island in the pond. The pond is unsupervised, so swim at your own risk here. If you are quite concerned about safety, swim near the picnic area, which is adjacent to one of the caretaker's cabins.
Fishing is the main draw to Brown Tract Pond. At just over 140 acres, Brown Tract Pond might be small, but these fish-filled waters have plenty of species to offer amateur anglers and fishing pros alike! The catch of the day is bass, both smallmouth and largemouth. If you play your cards right, you might reel in an elusive brook trout! Don't forget to pick up a fishing license before you hit the road in your campervan as permits are no longer available at state-managed campgrounds.
While there isn't a golf course at Brown Tract, there are three within a short drive if you would like to get a game in during your camping adventure. The courses are renowned for their beautiful views, thanks to the backdrop of the Adirondacks, and they are all family-friendly. Some of the courses have nine holes, while another course has 18, and it is one of the largest visitor attractions in the area. If this interests you, pack your clubs and book a tee time! Don't forget your golf clothing. Remember, most golf courses have a dress code.
Are you looking to learn more about the history of the area? If so, you must check out the 121 acres full of adventure and experiences in Blue Mountain Lake. Formally known as the Adirondack Museum, at Blue Mountain Lake, you will find 23 different buildings that feature many objects, photographs, and documents that relate to the history of this region. There are also many exhibits and adventure activities if you want to experience even more fun during your visit.
