Located in the stunning Adirondack Mountains, Lewey Lake Campground is a fantastic place for RV lovers to visit who want to experience the best of New York State's outdoors. Featuring a day-use area along with the campground, this relaxation destination is located on the shores of the eponymous lake with views of Snowy Mountain in the distance. Surrounded on all sides by expansive wilderness areas, this cozy campground makes an excellent base camp for avid adventurers seeking solitude away from the metropolitan mazes that characterize the Empire State.
Lewey Lake is a prime destination for angling enthusiasts and is packed with perch, pike, bass, and so much more. The shallow lake is the perfect place to paddle, picnic, and beat the heat with a refreshing dip on a warm summer day.
Speaking of summer, if you're planning a camping trip to Lewey Lake Campground, the most popular time to visit is from July to September. Although the park offers more than 200 sites for tent and trailer campers, spots fill up fast, and this campground often reaches full capacity during holiday weekends. Booking in advance is recommended to avoid disappointment.
When you're ready to hit the road in the rig again to continue your Adirondack adventures, why not stop by one of the neighboring wilderness areas? West Canada Lake Wilderness borders the day-use area to the west, while Siamese Ponds Wilderness is just a short drive east. Alternatively, if you're ready to return to civilization, stop off in Chestertown to restock your supplies before hitting I-87. Lewey Lake Campground is open from mid-May to mid-October.
Driving to and from Lewey Lake Campground is relatively easy thanks to its location being right next to the NY-30. There is one campground entrance and RVs up to 40 feet in length will be able to gain access to the park. One major thing to note about Lewey Lake Campground is that there is no cell phone reception within the campground or the surrounding area, so be prepared for this before you begin your journey.
If you need any supplies for your stay at Lewey Lake Campground, there are a few small towns that you can visit, including Speculator (around 12 miles away), Indian Lake (about 12 miles away), and North Creek (around 30 miles away). The closest major city to the campground is Albany, which is 99 miles to the southeast.
Driving conditions at Lewey Lake are good, and there are few hazards to worry about. Do travel carefully if you're visiting after heavy rain—the roads and campsites are a mix of dirt, sand, grass, and gravel. The campground's location in a remote wilderness area means the nearest provisions are a drive away, but with some planning, you won't have anything to worry about. The main parking lot is located at the campground entrance, which is a short walk away from the swimming area and boat launch. No parking fees apply at Lewey Lake, making this a budget-friendly spot to enjoy a day on the water!
Lewey Lake Campground is a great destination for RV lovers who are wanting to have a lakeside camping experience. The campground features more than 200 sites for tent and RV campers, including 59 sites that are lakeside, and 18 sites that are designated as tent-only spaces.
If you're traveling through New York in a big rig, you might want to stay elsewhere for your Lewey Lake adventure. This campground, though spacious, can only accommodate vehicles between 20 and 40 feet long. No hookups or pull-through sites are provided, although generator use is permitted between 9 AM and 11 AM and again from 4 PM to 7 PM. On-site amenities include restroom and shower facilities, dump and recycling stations, and ice and firewood sales.
You'll need to obtain a camping permit before occupying your site. While dogs are welcome to tag along for your camping trip at Lewey Lake, you must present proof of current rabies vaccination at check-in. There will be no phone reception during your stay, so come prepared for some off-grid fun. Lewey Lake Campground is open during the warmer months from mid-May to mid-October.
If you can't snag an RV spot at Lewey Lake Campground, consider staying in another New York State Campground. Lake Durant State Campground, which is about 20 miles north of Lewey Lake Campground, is a scenic park bursting with amenities. The Lake Durant State Campground has RV sites that accommodate smaller RVs and trailers up to 30 feet in length. The campground is open from mid-May to mid-October, and it is a prime destination to move between two scenic state park areas.
Treat the kids in your camping crew to an educational activity through the New York Department of Environmental Conservation's Junior Naturalist program! Here's how it works: children aged five to 12 can request a Junior Naturalist Journal, which is packed with fun nature activities, games, and even helpful information about the plants and animals native to New York. Once they complete the journal, they'll receive a super cute embroidered patch to commemorate their camping trip! The Junior Naturalist's program is a great way to get the little ones involved in nature and will entertain them during your visit to the great outdoors.
Nothing completes a camping trip quite like a family picnic, and Lewey Lake is renowned as one of the prime picnicking spots in the area. Although most campsites have their own picnic table and fire pit, you can also chow down on your favorite finger foods in the park's picnic area, which comes complete with cozy fireplaces. There are no reservations available at the picnic area, so all picnicking is available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
Pack your best hiking boots in the campervan for your Lewey Lake excursion—you'll need them if you plan to tackle the Sucker Brook Trail! This route starts right at the campground and stretches for more than 15 miles throughout New York's Adirondack region. If you're looking for a real challenge, connect to the statewide Northville-Lake Placid Trail. For a shorter walk with stunning views, head a few miles from the campground to find the trailhead for the Snowy Mountain Fire Tower Trail.
Reservations are not required for overnight stays at Lewey Lake Campground. Walk-in campers will almost always find a spot here throughout the week, but those planning their visit during a holiday weekend during the peak season will want to reserve their site online in advance.
Since you are camping next to Lewey Lake, you should make the most of this opportunity and get out and explore it. Motorized boats, as well as paddle boats, are welcome to launch out onto Lewey Lake and spend a day lazing around on the water. Note that the boat launch is shallow and best accommodates smaller, non-motorized boats. If you plan to bring a large, motorized vessel, call the campground's caretaker with any inquiries. Alternatively, you may be able to launch out right from your lakeside side. Don't fret if you don't have your own watercraft, though—the campground offers on-site boat rentals.
Another great activity you can enjoy at Lewey Lake during the warmer months is to enjoy the sandy swimming beach areas. Swimming is a draw to the campground, and the shallow waters might be a good place to teach your pint-sized campers to swim. Please note that Lewey Lake's beaches are unsupervised, so swim at your own risk. Guests are advised to review the swimming safety guidelines in the campground brochure. Pets are prohibited in swimming areas.
Lewey Lake might be on the smaller side at just 90 acres, but these waters are packed with fish—specifically sunfish, bullhead, and trout. For a full list of species on Lewey Lake's menu, check the New York Department of Environmental Conservation website. Before you cast your line, be sure to acquire a state fishing license online or by phone if you don't already have one. Fishing is allowed on boats and from the shoreline, so no matter how you like to fish, you will be able to kick back and do so at Lewey Lake.
