There is no shortage of amazing campgrounds in the Adirondack, but the ones with campsites right on the water are true treasures. Lake Eaton has some of the most stunning lakeside camping in all of the Adirondacks. But in truth, there isn’t a bad campsite in the entire campground.
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Lake Facts
Elevation: 1,721 Feet
Area: 558 Acres
Shoreline Length: 5.0 miles
Mean Depth: 26 Feet
Camping
This was, without a doubt, one of our favorite camping trips to date. Our campsite was enormous and right on the water. One of the nice things about this campground is how the campsites are laid out. They try to ensure that the campsites are spread out and not right on each other.
There are 135 campsites at Lake Eaton, with a little less than half of them perched right on the water. That’s not to say that the other campsites that aren’t on the water aren’t just as amazing… they are. In fact, as wooden campsites go, many of them offer more privacy than you will find anywhere. Several campsites have stairs leading from the parking area to the campsite, making the sites ultra private.
Facilities
The toilet and shower facilities at Lake Eaton aren’t top-notch, but they aren’t primitive either. Several bathrooms are spread throughout the campground with flush toilets and simple sinks (no electric outlets). There is only one bathhouse with showers. The showers are deep stalls with a rubber curtain separating the actual shower from the dressing room. The showers were exceptionally clean, and even though there was no temperature control, just a push button, the water temperature was just right.
Boating
The boat launch for Lake Eaton is located within the campground and is accessible to kayaks, canoes, row boats, and power boats. Guests can also rent row boats, kayaks, canoes, and standup paddleboards.
Fishing
This is a good fishing lake, and fishermen will find lake trout, brook trout, white fish, smelt, smallmouth bass, sunfish, yellow perch, brown bullhead, sucker, rainbow salmon, and minnow. This is a DEC campground; therefore, you will want to ensure that you have a fishing license if you plan to fish here.
Wildlife
There is a plethora of wildlife at Lake Eaton. When we arrived at our campsite, we were immediately greeted by ducks, who were very friendly and as interested in us as we were in them. We also encountered loons and redhead ducks. I love loons! Their cries in the night are one of the quintessential sounds of camping that I long to hear.
When we check-in we were warned about heavy black bear activity in the area. We were handed a brochure with instructions on how to keep our campsite “black bear free.” We didn’t see any black bears at all during our visit, but we were vigilant about keeping our campsite clean, and our food packed away.
Beach & Day Use Area
There is a great sandy beach with lots of picnic tables, barbeque grills, and a beach volleyball court. There also appeared to be a big bonfire ring as well.
Out and About With Nova
Lake Eaton is a very dog-friendly campground. In fact, it is safe to say that when we visited, there were more campers with dogs than without. Dogs aren’t allowed on the beach or in the buildings at Lake Eaton, but they are welcomed everywhere else. From our campsite, Nova could frolic in the water and enjoy sitting on the rocks, watching the lake.
- Current proof of rabies inoculation is required at check-in (metal tags will not be accepted).
- At any time during your stay, pet owners may be required to provide proof of rabies inoculation upon request. Be sure to have this information available to present to park staff.
- Where pets are permitted, there is a maximum limit of 2 pets per site.
- Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6ft and controlled at all times.
- Do not leave pets unattended, and always clean up after them.
- Pet owners/permit holders are liable for any damage, personal injury, or nuisance caused by the pet.
- Contact the park directly before your stay if you have questions regarding pets.
Nearby Attractions
There are some great places to visit while camping at Lake Eaton, from hiking trails to waterfalls.
Hiking
Owl Mountain Trail and Fire Tower
Visitors can access this trail from the campground. It is a long hike to the summit and fire tower from Lake Eaton.
Castle Rock
This hike is listed as moderate, but in some places along the trail, it is downright difficult. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Adirondack. From the summit of Castle Rock, you get an incredible view of Blue Mountain Lake and the mountain beyond it.
Waterfalls
Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk Falls is an easy-to-reach waterfall that is almost just off the highway. The falls are wide and usually quite full.
Death Brook Falls
The name might not sound appealing, but the falls themselves are gorgeous. Bonus, this is another easy waterfall to get to.
Getting To Lake Eaton
Address: 1671Tupper Lake Street, Long Lake, NY