Meacham Lake Campground & Day Use Area
- Dates of Operation:
- Opening Date: May 19
- Closing Date: October 9
- Camping Fee: $20 per night (out of state residents surcharge additional $5 per night)
- Address: 119 State Camp Road, Duane, NY 12953 (directions below)
- County: Franklin
- GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude): 44 34 41.81335N, 074 16 54.42114W
- Campground Phone: (518) 483-5116
- Regional Office Phone: (518) 897-1309
- Make Your Camping Reservation: ReserveAmerica
Check out the virtual tour for this facility!
Meacham Lake 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).
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.
Amenities
223 campsites, hot showers, flush toilets, trailer dump station, recycling center, boat launch, picnic area, 2 picnic shelters, sand beach with bathhouse, boat and canoe rentals, firewood sales, ice sales, playground.
Family Sites
Family sites are larger than typical campsites and can usually accommodate up to 12 people, four vehicles, four tents or two hard-wheeled equipment, or one hard-wheeled equipment and two tents. Maximum equipment size and site-specific limitations are listed with the site details. Sites also have up to two picnic tables and two fireplaces/fire rings.
Accessible Features
Comfort Station near Site 127. Full listing of DECs 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
Power boats, rowboats, and canoes allowed. Rowboat and canoe rentals are available. A new boat launch is located within the campground on the eastern shore of Meacham Lake. The boat launch has a concrete ramp with floating docks designed for use by people with disabilities; 21 parking spaces for vehicles and boat trailers - including one parking space reserved for people with disabilities.
The old boat launch located outside the campground along Meacham Road in the northwestern corner of the lake remains open for the launching of canoe, kayaks, and other car top boats free of charge. The parking area has 15 spaces for cars with trailers, including one accessible trailer spot, and 6 vehicle only spaces.
Fish in the area include: northern pike, yellow perch, and bullhead. Fishing licenses are no longer being sold at any of our campground facilities, but can be conveniently purchased on-line or by phone.
Debar Mountain at Meacham Lake and St. Regis Mountain in Paul Smiths both offer excellent views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.
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.
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.
Get driving directions from Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
Planning and Management
The Final Meacham Lake Public Campground Unit Management Plan Amendment (PDF) (UMP) 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 easier download, the document has been split into two parts:
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 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.
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.
