Nicks Lake

Address:278 Bisby Road, Old Forge, NY 13420
Campground Phone: (315)369-3314
Regional Office Phone: (315)866-6330
Camping Fee: $20

Campground Map PDF File (183 KB)

Make a reservation at this campground with ReserveAmerica.

The campground design, the lake and its stillness and the bordering, older forests give the camper a sense of remoteness and tranquility.

Hours of Operation: The campground opens in early May and remains open through the Fall foliage season, closing on Columbus Day.

Directions: From NYS Thruway, Exit 31 at Utica, Route 12 North to Alder Creek, Rte. 28 to Old Forge. Turn right at the Post Office, and follow the Nicks Lake Campground signs 1.5 miles to the campground entrance.

From Watertown take Rte. 12 South to Alder Creek, follow above directions.

From Blue Mountain Lake take Rte. 28 to Old Forge, turn left at the Post Office and follow the Nicks Lake Campground signs.

Amenities: 112 tent and trailer sites, picnic pavilion rental, picnic area with tables and fireplaces, flush toilets, hot showers, ball field, trailer dump station, recycling center, handicapped accessibility, sand beach, swimming area, bathhouse, playground, nature trail with 14 educational stations, hiking trails, fishing, bicycling, volleyball, basketball, softball, slide presentations, arts and crafts, children's Junior Naturalist Program (daily and weekly activities are posted at the entrance booth, toilets, and bulletin boards. Look for the "Wilderness Times").

Boating: No motor boats allowed. Rowboats and canoes allowed.

Fishing: Fish in the area include: brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout, bass, white sucker, yellow perch, brown bullhead, common sunfish, golden shiner, blacknose dace, creek chub, and common shiner.

Hiking: Hiking trails are nearby.

Day Use Facilities: A picnic area, pavilion rental, and swimming beach are available. * 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.

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.

Area Attractions: A few minutes drive will provide shopping and sightseeing attractions in the nearby hamlet of Old Forge.

Historic Interest: The lake got its present name from Nick Stoner of the south-central Adirondacks. Nick is a near legend in this area's history. In 1962 the state purchased 3,747 acres from Fred Williams, A. Richard Cohen, and Douglas N. Rice. In 1966 Nick's Lake Public Campground was first opened to the public.