Moffitt Beach Campground & Day Use Area
- Dates of Operation:
- Opening Date: May 19
- Closing Date: September 4
- Camping Fee: $22 per night (out of state residents surcharge additional $5 per night)
- Address: 205 Page Street, Lake Pleasant, NY 12108 (directions below)
- County: Hamilton
- GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude): 43 29 36.19480N, 074 23 54.52652W
- Campground Phone: (518) 548-7102
- Regional Office Phone: (518) 863-4545
- Make Your Camping Reservation: ReserveAmerica
Moffitt Beach 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).
This popular family campground offers large, level sites within the 70 to 80 feet tall white pine trees to provide a rustic camping ambience. Many of these sites are located on the water's edge. A newly constructed boat launch aides in accessibility to Sacandaga Lake's fine fishing and water sport opportunities. From July to Labor Day, this campground offers an Interpretive Activity Program and a Junior Naturalist Program to enrich the camping experience. The campground also offers a guarded natural sand beach from mid-June to Labor Day; a large picnic area with pavilion; and an informal nature trail.
Amenities
261 campsites (some designated as accessible for the mobility impaired), picnic area with tables and fireplaces (some designated as accessible for the mobility impaired), picnic pavilion rental, hot showers/flush toilets (one women's and one men's, designated as accessible for the mobility impaired), trailer dump station, recycling center, boat launch, sand beach, bathhouse, swimming area, and pay telephone.
Sites 115, 117, 139, 197, 199, 234, 240, 243, 260, Comfort Station near Sites 140 and 238. 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. Boat launch available.
Fish include: walleye, rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, brown bullhead, perch, rock bass, and white fish. Fishing licenses are no longer being sold at any of our campground facilities, but can be conveniently purchased on-line or by phone.
Hiking opportunities are available within a short drive of the campground. The 47,000+ acres Jessup River Wild Forest, which boarders the campground offers miles of hiking trails. The hike to Fawn Lake on the Fawn Lake Trail is popular and also connects in the larger wild forest trail system.
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 NYS Thruway (I-90), Exit 27 at Amsterdam and follow Route 30 north approximately 50 miles to the Village of Speculator. Turn left on Route 8, travel west 2 miles, turn right onto Page St. after encountering sign - follow 1 mile - campground on left.
From NYS Thruway (I-90), Exit 31 at Utica, proceed north on Route 8 approximately 65 miles, campground is on the left.
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
Shopping, restaurants, boat rentals and golf courses are nearby.
Historic Interest
The lands upon which the campground is situated once belonged to Josiah Moffitt, a local stone mason, and woodworking mill operator who settled in the region prior to 1840. The beach area was a popular picnic and camping area. High quality sand was mined by Mr. Moffitt for his mason trade, and by local residents to develop many of the sand beaches that now exist in the area. Development of the campground was begun in 1932. In 1933 the Civilian Conservation Corps was established, and in 1934 their permanent camp was set up at the site of the present 4-H Camp near the campground entrance. Work continued on the campground until the camp was abandoned in 1942. Until the late 1950's there were approximately 100 campsites. In 1955 the Village of Speculator requested that the Conservation Department enlarge the campground. This was accomplished shortly thereafter, doubling the size.
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.
