Lake Harris Campground & Day Use Area
- Dates of Operation:
- Opening Date: May 19
- Closing Date: October 9
- Camping Fee: $18 per night (out of state residents surcharge additional $5 per night)
- Address: 291 Campsite Road, Newcomb, NY 12852 (directions below)
- County: Essex
- GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude): 43 58 31.24139N, 074 07 30.48056W
- Campground Phone: (518) 582-2503
- Regional Office Phone: (518) 648-5616
- Make Your Camping Reservation: ReserveAmerica
Check out the virtual tour for this facility!
Lake Harris 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).
Lake Harris is fed by the mighty Hudson River in its beginning stages and is sheltered among large hardwood trees which offer splendid color contrasts throughout the year. While the lake offers many water craft opportunities, many love visiting the Visitor Interpretive Center or the Santanoni Preserve Historic Site, both close by. Lake Harris Campground is located on the northern shore of 275 acre Lake Harris. A number of the sites offer a good degree of privacy. Camping equipment from tents to 40 foot RVs can be accommodated. Lake Harris Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities including: canoeing and boating, fishing, hiking, and bicycling.
Amenities
89 campsites (57 shoreline, 32 off water), hot showers, flush toilets, trailer dump station, recycling center, boat launch, canoe and boat rentals, picnic area.
Featured Activities
Motor boats, rowboats, and canoes allowed. Rowboat and canoe rentals are available. A small, informal boat launch is available in the campground. A larger, town-owned launch is located across the lake.
Major species include: walleye, northern pike, small and large mouth bass, bullhead and yellow perch. Fishing licenses are no longer being sold at any of our campground facilities, but can be conveniently purchased on-line or by phone.
Trails on the nearby Santanoni Preserve, trails to the summits of Goodnow and Vanderwhacker Mountains, which both have fire towers, and a major trail head to the High Peaks Wilderness Area located at Tahawus. Nature trails can be found at the Adirondack Park Visitors Interpretive Center in Newcomb.
Directions
From the Northway (I-87) - Exit 29, west 18 miles on the Blue Ridge or Boreas Road to Rte. 28N, west 3.5 miles to the Campsite Road in Newcomb. The campground is 1 mile from Rte. 28N.
From the Northway (I-87) - Exit 23, Rte. 28 northwest to North Creek, then Rte. 28N to Newcomb, or exit 26 to Minerva, then Rte. 28N.
From the Thruway (I-90)(Utica) - Rte. 12 north to Rte. 28 north to Blue Mountain Lake, then Rte. 28N through Long Lake to Newcomb.
Get driving directions from Google Maps (leaving 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 Adirondack Park Visitors Interpretive Center at Newcomb is only a few miles from the campground. The Adirondack Museum at Blue Mountain Lake is 25 miles to the west. A monument commemorating Teddy Roosevelt's famous midnight ride is located to the east of the campground. The Historic Tahawus Tract and the Tahawus Ghost Town are a short drive from the facility. Golf course with snack bar nearby.
Historic Interest
Construction of this campground began in 1960 and the campground officially opened in 1962.
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.
