Sacandaga Campground is a pleasant RV campground set where the eastern and western branches of the Sacandaga River meet in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, New York. Nestled beneath shady white pines and northern hardwoods 925 feet above sea level, the campground is a popular hotspot for hikers and nature lovers with great trails, mountain views and scenic waterfalls to explore close by.
Established in 1920, Sacandaga Campground (also known as “The Forks”) offers two rivers to choose from as well as the nearby Algonquin Lake. Campers can enjoy swimming, boating, tubing, fishing for rainbow trout, and canoeing to their heart’s content. There is a boat launch area available nearby, and a Junior Naturalist program keeps the little ones entertained during peak season.
Stretched across three areas in the campground, the campsites are set along the riverfront and are shady or otherwise located on an open plain beneath the pines. As the campsites tend to be quite small and basic, it’s recommended that those with big RVs call ahead of time to make a reservation.
Sacandaga Campground is located on Route 30, off the New York State Thruway in New York. Campers have previously been led astray by the GPS as there are several campsites nearby with similar names, so it’s worth using the Alpine Inn a few miles down the road as a point of reference. Inside the park, the roads are paved and fairly easy to navigate. If you have a large rig, you should book in advance to get one of the larger sites.
Once you’ve set up camp, you can get around by bike or on foot. A nearby boat launch means you can also explore Algonquin Lake by boat, or the rivers by canoe or kayak.
Sacandaga Campground offers basic facilities along the riverfront. There are over a hundred campsites with a picnic table and firepit and no hookups. Campers have access to restrooms with showers, a trailer dump station, a ranger center, a recycling center, and a pay telephone. Other facilities nearby include a picnic area and a boat launch area on the far side of Algonquin Lake.
Generators may be used up to five hours a day between the hours of 09h00 – 11h00 and 16h00 – 19h00. The campground is also pet friendly, provided you have a current rabies vaccination certificate or tag. Campers can walk their dogs on a leash no longer than six feet.
The nearest general store for ice and camping supplies can be found three miles away in the hamlet of Wells. There are no facilities on-site.
During peak season, mini campers at Sacandaga Campground can take part in the exciting Junior Naturalist Program held at the park. This nature-based program is perfect for kids aged from five to 13 years old and their families with all sorts of games and activities to do in order to achieve a special badge. It’s a great way for kids to learn about and explore the surrounding environment.
Campers can enjoy swimming in the two rivers or in the nearby lake at Sacandaga Campground. As many of the campsites are located along the riverfront, you don’t have to go far to enjoy a splash in the cool waters. Bring your canoes and kayaks and paddle along the river to see some interesting birdlife.
While the campground itself doesn’t have a boat launch facility, campers can make use of the boat launch area on Algonquin Lake nearby to enjoy boating, tubing, and waterskiing. The rivers at the park are not suitable for large boating, but during periods of high or white water, campers can also enjoy canoeing and kayaking along the river between the hamlets of Wells and Northville.
Anglers will be in their element at Sacandaga Campground. There are two rivers to choose from as well as the nearby Algonquin Lake. Cast your line out for all sorts of fish, including brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout, walleye, and smallmouth bass, and enjoy your day’s catch on the campfire in the evening. Please note that a fishing license is required to fish here, which can be obtained online or by phone. The licenses can no longer be purchased at the campground.
Sacandaga Campground is well located for hiking enthusiasts. Take a hike to nearby Auger Falls, located ten miles north of the campground, which is a popular one and a half mile scenic hike to a waterfall. Another hiking route is the Northville-Lake Placid Trail, a lovely 133 mile hiking trail.
The scenery of Sacandaga Campground can be enjoyed all year round. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the park’s picnic sites and keep an eye out for winter birds and wildlife. Fewer crowds during the off season means you’re much more likely to spot something. A variety of picnic tables can be found in the park.
