Meacham Lake

Address:119 State Campsite Road, Duane, NY 12953
Campground Phone: (518)483-5116
Regional Office Phone: (518)897-1309
Camping Fee: $18

Campground Map PDF File (274 KB)

Make a reservation at this campground with ReserveAmerica.

Campers at Meacham Lake are provided with a wide open view of a truly undeveloped area and can often hear the Loon calling in early morning and late evening. Aside from a fishermen's paradise, the campground has an activities area complete with Environmental Interpreters, volleyball, horseshoes, kids playground, and bathing beach. Meacham Lake Campground is located on the north and west shores of Meacham Lake. The campground represents the only development of this 1,203 acre lake. The campground is in a very scenic area, surrounded by the northern mountains and extensive tracts of Wild Forest state land. All types of camping units can be accommodated from small tents to large recreational vehicles. The west side offers primitive and walk-in sites, while the main campground will accommodate both tents and RVs.

Hours of Operation: The campground is open from mid-May and remains open through the Fall foliage season, closing on Columbus Day. The registration booth is open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The facility supervisor or assistant is on the premises at all times.

Directions: From the Northway (I-87) northbound - Exit 30 Route 9 north to Route 73 north to Lake Placid. Route 86 through Villages of Lake Placid and Saranac Lake to Paul Smiths; right on Route 30 north approximately 9.5 miles.

From the Northway (I-87) southbound - Exit 38, Route 374 west to Route 3 junction, Route 3, turn right on Franklin County Road 30 to Rte. 86, turn right to Paul Smiths; right on NYS Route 30 north approximately 9.5 miles.

From Tupper Lake - Route 30 north approximately 40 miles.

Amenities: 224 campsites, hot showers, flush toilets, trailer dump station, recycling center, boat launch, picnic area, sand beach with bathhouse, boat and canoe rentals, playground.

Nature Recreation Program: From the end of June to Labor Day an organized recreation activity program is offered daily. This includes nature hikes, crafts, games and live entertainment. An activity listing, the "Wilderness Times", is posted and includes complete information on daily events. * Please take note that at facilities that offer the Nature Recreation Program, there may be days when Environmental Educators are unavailable, and no programs will be offered. In addition the length of this program may vary by campground due to staffing issues. For additional information, please contact the Recreation Staff.

Boating: Power boats, rowboats, and canoes allowed. Rowboat and canoe rentals available. Boat launch is located on the north shore of Meacham Lake and is accessible from the main entrance road. Parking area accommodates 50 vehicles with trailers.

Fishing: Fish in area include: northern pike, yellow perch, and bullhead.

Hiking: Debar Mountain at Meacham Lake and St. Regis Mountain in Paul Smiths both offer excellent views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.

Day Use Facilities: A large beach and spacious picnic area are located on the north shore. * Please take note that at facilities that offer swimming beaches, there are days which lifeguards are unavailable. For the safety of our customers, these beaches will not be open and swimming will be prohibited.

Area Attractions: The Tri-Lakes region to the south and Malone to the north. The Adirondack Park Visitors Interpreter Center at Paul Smiths is located 8 miles south of the campground.

Historic Interest: The Meacham Lake Hotel was located on the campground site until 1921. New York State purchased the land in 1931-32. In 1934, construction of the early campground was accomplished with the use of the Civilian Conservation Corps. In 1946, plans were approved for the construction of 29 trailer sites. Preliminary plans for the expansion were developed in late 1964 and extensive expansion continued through the late 1960's with final construction completed in 1971.