Environment DEC
From the March 2006 issue
All Electric Hookups at Ausable Point Campground Terminated
Ausable Point Campground
offers water access for
canoers and kayakers
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced that effective February 27, 2006, DEC is terminating the use of the electric supply devices (hookups) at Ausable Point Public Campground for the 2006 camping season. DEC has determined that the electrical hookups no longer comply with current electric codes and has terminated them at 43 sites to ensure the safety of visitors to the campground.
The electric service to these 43 sites is nearly 40 years old and no longer provides adequate, safe power to campers. The available 15-amp services are insufficient to meet the demand of today's camper trailers and recreational vehicles.
The Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan clearly states that: "All campgrounds within the Adirondack Forest Preserve will be of a rustic nature without utility hookups and other elaborate facilities customarily provided by private campgrounds. Each individual campsite will retain the natural character of the surrounding forest and will contain only a fireplace or fire ring, a space for a single vehicle with trailer if needed, picnic table and appropriate sites."
Campground History
In August 1950, DEC acquired 79 acres of land that was purchased from the Peru Development Company for development of a campground. In 1965 most of the campground was constructed, and it was opened to the public in 1966. At that time, the facility was located just outside of the Adirondack Park and administered by the Division of Parks, now known as the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). During that period, an electric service was added to 43 campsites, and the facility was managed as a state park.
It remained under the jurisdiction of OPRHP until 1973 when the boundary of the Adirondack Forest Preserve, or "Blue Line" as it is known, was changed, and the facility fell within the Adirondack Park. Management reverted to DEC, which has a legislative mandate for recreational facilities within the park and is governed by the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan. DEC will discontinue use of all electric supply sites and remove all equipment and devices.
Amenities and Improvements
Ausable Point Campground will be open from May 19, 2006 to October 8, 2006. It is located just off Route 9 on beautiful Lake Champlain and offers a shoreline comprised of natural sand and a gentle slope from many campsites. The campground borders a wildlife management area that has a hiking trail, as well as water access for canoeists and sea kayakers to explore. The lake offers excellent conditions for sailboarders and boats of all sizes. A boat launch is located at Peru Docks, approximately three miles from the campground. With the city of Plattsburgh just a short drive away from this campground, recreational opportunities are virtually unlimited.
DEC continues to maintain and improve the facilities at Ausable Point on an annual basis. Previous improvements to the existing campground infrastructure include: replacement of the potable water distribution system in 1993, replacement of the sewage system in 1994 and replacement and modernization of the shower building in 2001. Current improvements include more upgrades to the water system, replacement of the bathhouse/changing room and construction of a new picnic shelter that is expected to be completed mid-season in 2006.
Customers with Reserved Campsites
The 43 campsites at Ausable Point Campground that previously supplied electricity for use by the DEC camping public will be available for the 2006 camping season but without electric hookups. DEC is offering two options to customers who have camping reservations at sites from which hookups are being removed:
1) If the customer chooses to keep the reservation made on any of the sites that previously supplied electric hookups, DEC will refund the fee of three dollars per night that was charged by the New York State Camping Reservation Service.
2) If the customer chooses to cancel their reservation because of the removal of these hookups, they will be refunded in full the amount paid for the reservation, with no penalties.
For answers to questions pertaining to the discontinuation of use of electric supplies and removal of equipment and devices at Ausable Point Campground, please contact DEC's Bureau of Recreation at 518-457-2500.
