Many visit Limekiln Lake in New York for the camping, but you'll stay for the stunning vistas and breathtaking nature that abounds in this area of Adirondack State Park.
Known as a wholesome and fun place for the entire family, Limekiln Lake offers a wide range of both on and off-season activities, such as boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, shopping, and tons more for campers and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
Although the park doesn't have any RV or trailer hookups, there are more than 270 separate campsites for tents, trailers and RVs. You should have no problem finding something that suits your needs. But this popular park gets busy in summer, so reservations are always a good idea.
To access Limekiln Lake:
From the New York State Thruway, or I-90, take Exit 31 at Utica and head north on Route 12 towards Alder Creek. Then follow Route 28 though the next two small villages of Old Forge and Inlet.
Just after you pass through Inlet, take a right on Limekiln Lake Road and follow it for about a mile and a half until you see a sign for the campground. Turn right and it will be about a half mile to the gatehouse.
Alternately, you can Exit 27 at Amsterdam and head north on Route 30 towards Blue Mountain Lake. Then head west on Route 28 and just before entering the Village of Inlet, take a left on Limekiln Lake Road.
Follow it for about a mile and a half until you see a sign for the campground. Turn right and it will be about a half mile to the gatehouse.
There is a limit of two vehicles per campsites. All other additional vehicles must purchase a permit and park in the designated parking areas.
Limekiln Lake has a total of 271 tent and trailer campsites. Most sites are furnished with a picnic table and designated fire pit.
Nearby, you'll find several amenities such as hot showers, flush toilets, a trailer dumping station, rent-able pavilion area, and many more.
Upon arrival at the campground, you must sign in and have all your equipment with you. The names of all persons camping on your site must be listed during registration.
There is a limit of six persons per site, which includes at least one responsible adult of a 18+ years of age, as well as a total of two tent or one camping unit/trailer/RV and one tent.
Campsite permits may be issued for no longer than fourteen consecutive nights.
Always remember to be respectful of other campers in the area and follow the quiet times from 10:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m.
Generators are permitted, but may only run for a total of five hours per day between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Also, facility staff members reserve the right to limit/prohibit any generators that they deem unreasonably loud.
Fires are permitted on campsites, however, they must be built in the provided fire pits. Wood is no supplied by the park and cutting down trees, whether dead or alive, is strictly prohibited. Only downed wood may be collected as fuel.
Pets are allowed in the campground, as long as owners have proof of current rabies vaccinations, and the animal is kept on a leash no longer than six feet.
Dogs may not be left unattended on campsites at any times.
To ensure that everyone is included, Limekiln Lake campground has several handicap accessible campsites.
There must be a minimum of one person per camping group with a mobility impairment present at the time of registration. Otherwise, the party may be turned away at the gatehouse.
Please contact the campground to inquire about reserving accessible sites.
Canoes, rowboats and motor boats are allowed on the lake and rowboat and canoe rentals are available at the campground main gatehouse.
The lake has a large variety of fish species to target, which includes bullhead, yellow perch, blue gill, and splake.
Just make sure to purchase the appropriate fishing licenses before entering the park since the campground's facilities no longer sell them.
Limekiln Lake offers access to a variety of breathtaking nature trails. This includes the Old Dam Nature Trail, which is a mile and a half loop that begins and ends near campsite #87.
The trail takes you across Limekiln Creek over two bridges and has a junction with Limekiln Creek-Third Lake Trail at the loop's southernmost point.
Limekiln Creek-Third Lake Trail continues for an additional four miles and ends at South Shore Road.
Furthermore, the campground is located near the 60,000+ acre Moose River Plains Wild Forest, which offers even more hiking opportunities, as well as several accessible trails.
There are several designated swim areas located at the campground, however, depending on staffing levels, some areas may have limited days or hours.
Swimming is only allowed when a qualified lifeguard is on duty.
To inquire about swim hours/days, please contact the campground's main office.
When the weather isn't cooperating or you're just looking for something different, why not browse the various shops in the Villages of Old Forge and Inlet.
They are only a short drive from the campground and are sure to offer something for the whole family to enjoy.
Interested in learning more about the history of Limekiln Lake, the Adirondack State Park, and their surrounding areas?
Then take a short drive to one of the area's nearby museums which include the Adirondack Museum located at Blue Mountain Lake. You'll find more information on the rich history of this area of the country. It's a great rainy day activity for the whole family.
The Adirondacks are known for having a thriving wildlife population, therefore, the hunters out there will love to hear that hunting is permitted in the are during the Fall and Spring seasons.
Just remember to bring the appropriate hunting licenses and that firearms are prohibited in the campground at all times other than during the hunting seasons.
Discharging firearms within the campground's boundary limits is prohibited at all times.
