Ausable Point Campground & Day Use Area
- Dates of Operation:
- Opening Date: May 19
- Closing Date: October 9
- Camping Fee: $22 per night (out of state residents surcharge additional $5 per night)
- Address: 3346 Lake Shore Road, Peru, NY 12972 (directions below)
- County: Clinton
- GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude): 44 34 16.53264N, 073 25 52.99056W
- Campground Phone: (518) 561-7080
- Regional Office Phone: (518) 897-1309
- Make Your Camping Reservation: ReserveAmerica
Ausable Point Campground & Day Use Area Map (PDF) || DECinfo Locator
Firewood Restriction Map (PDF) shows the 50-mile radius from which untreated firewood may be moved to this campground. Help prevent the spread of invasive pests and diseases by following New York's firewood regulation.
Support DEC Campgrounds
Members of the public can support DEC lands, facilities, and programs through our charitable partner, the National Heritage trust (NHT). Online giving is simple and secure and fully tax-deductible. Donations to NHT directly support projects and programs that enhance facilities, expand access to outdoor recreation and environmental education, provide public land access, and protect natural resources. Donate here (leaves DEC website).
Ausable Point Campground protrudes from Route 9 into Lake Champlain and offers a shoreline comprised of natural sand and a gentle slope from many campsites. It borders a wildlife management area that offers a hiking trail, as well as water access for canoeists and sea kayakers to explore. With the city of Plattsburgh a short drive from this campground there is virtually no limit for entertainment opportunities.
Amenities
123 campsites, hot showers, flush toilets, trailer dump station, recycling center, car top boat launch, picnic area with pavilion rental, sand beach with bathhouse, a large swimming beach, basketball court.
Restroom in Day Use Area, central comfort station near Site 4, Pavilion and Beach access route. Full listing of DEC's Accessible Recreation Destinations
Campsite Restoration Project
This campground has sites that have been selected for restoration. While undergoing restoration the chosen sites will be closed. For the list of sites and more information on the project visit the Campsite Restoration Project page.
Featured Activities
Motor boats, rowboats, and canoes allowed. Lake Champlain offers excellent conditions for sail boarders, and boats of all sizes. A boat launch offering access is located at Peru Docks, approximately 3 miles from the campground.
Sailing & Wind surfing
The area identified as "Stone Jetty" is a designated wind surf area. Please keep clear. Wind surfers must use the loading and unloading area located by site #4 and park their vehicle in the day-use area.
The lake is a popular fishery and fish present include northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, lake trout, brown trout, salmon, bullhead perch, walleyes, carp, smelt, eel, crappie, and bluegill. Fishing licenses are no longer being sold at any of our campground facilities, but can be conveniently purchased on-line or by phone.
Designated swimming areas are available at some DEC facilities. Based on staffing, some of these facilities may have limited swimming hours/days. For the safety of our customers, swimming will only be permitted when a lifeguard is on duty. Beach hours will be posted at facilities with swimming. To inquire, please contact the campground directly.
Five miles south of the campground, the 862 acre Wickham Marsh Wildlife Management Area offers hiking trail and a diversity of wildlife viewing opportunities, including a 200 ft. high viewing platform that offers expansive views. For those with a boat, the 1,100 acre Valcor Island Bird Conservation Area is located 2.5 miles north of the campgrounds on Lake Champlain. The Island offers hiking trails and has the largest Heron rookery in the state amongst other wildlife viewing opportunities.
Directions
From the Northway (I-87) exit 35, proceed east on 442 approximately 2.5 miles to Route 9. Turn left, proceed 1/2 mile and the entrance will be on your right.
From Plattsburgh follow Route 9 south 12 miles.
Get driving directions from Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
Planning and Management
The Final Unit Management Plan (UMP) for the campground guides the DEC's land management activities at this facility for a five-year period, although a number of goals and objectives in the plan focus on a much longer time period. The UMP addresses specific objectives and actions for public use at this facility.
For more information regarding the UMP for this facility please contact the Bureau of Recreation, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY12233, Telephone 518 457-2500, and email for campground information.
Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety
DEC campground rules and regulations
Clean your boat and equipment - help prevent the spread of aquatic invasives
Don't move firewood - help prevent of spread of invasive insects
Additional Information
Area Attractions
The city of Plattsburgh offers movie theaters, shopping malls, fast food and fine dining restaurants. Marinas and golf courses are also close by. The Olympic Village of Lake Placid is approximately 45 miles away. Montreal, Canada is 70 miles north.
Historic Interest
The majority of the campground was constructed in 1965 and opened to the public in 1966. A view of Valcour Island is available across the lake to the north. On a clear day the silhouette of Garden Island strikes the pose of a battleship. Known locally as "Battleship Island", it is believed that the first major sea battle of the American Revolution was fought at this location.
Junior Naturalist Program
Our campgrounds become an outdoor classroom for young children (5-13) and their families. Enjoy games and activities to earn a beautiful embroidered patch.
