While there are numerous DEC-run campgrounds in the Adirondacks, some are just in a class all by themselves, such as Luzerne Campground at Fourth Lake. It is hard to describe this gorgeous campground and truly do it justice. The lake here isn’t large but the camping more than makes up for that in a quintessential Adirondack camping experience.
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Lake Facts
Elevation: 630 feet
Area: 49 acres
Shoreline Length: 1.5 miles
Mean Depth: 19 feet
Camping
Campgrounds in New York State don’t get much better than the Luzerne when it comes to idyllic tranquility. There are 174 campsites, and as we walked around the campground, we quickly came to the conclusion that there wasn’t a bad site in the entire campground. They are all large and densely wooded with large pine trees, although not always private. However, the campsites are sufficiently spaced far enough apart that privacy really isn’t an issue.
On the campground map, it appears as if you can camp right on the lakeside at Luzerne. Those sites are, in actuality, on a hilltop, overlooking (minus the large trees in the way) the lake. You can see the lake in patched through the trees, but these sites are not right on the water. Many of these sites have trails that lead down to the water, where you can enjoy the water.
We didn’t have too much trouble with bugs other than the occasional mosquito. 90% of the campsites are shaded so this will alter the feel of the daytime temperatures. It was quite hot when we camped here, and the heat wasn’t nearly so suffocating at our campsite. The only downside I did discover was some of our items did get some pine sap on them (including our dog.)
Boating
Fourth Lake is a small lake, but it still offers great kayaking and canoeing for visitors. The park offers kayak, canoe, and row boat rentals. Motorboats are not permitted on the lake.
While we couldn’t enjoy a sunset over the lake, we were able to enjoy some spectacular sunset colors above the trees, reflected in the water.
Wildlife
The park is teeming with squirrels, both red and grey. You can hear the red squirrels just chirping away all day long. In fact, we had a red squirrel give our dog Nova a talking-to from a tree above her head. It was really rather comical.
This is the Adirondacks, and there are animals like bears and moose that occasionally will wander into the park. You need to take the proper precautions to keep your food locked up and, of course, never feed the wildlife.
Beaches & Day Use Area
There are two beaches at Luzerne, one in the Day Use Area and the other in the camping area. Neither beach has lifeguards, and guests must sign a waiver that they are swimming at their own risk.
There are picnic tables near the beach, so visitors can enjoy a lovely view of the Lake while enjoying their food. Please note that no alcoholic beverages, pets, or glass containers are allowed on the beach.
As I mentioned, there is a beach on the camping area side of the Lake. The sign says “no swimming,” but that didn’t stop anyone at the campground when we visited. We figure the no swimming sign was more a suggestion than an actual rule, as they had us sign the swim at our own risk waiver.
Horse Paddock
One of the most unusual features of this campground is that it is horse friendly. There is a horse paddock on the property with 22 stalls and campsites nearby. Only guests with horses booked to stay in the paddock can camp in this area during holiday weekends. Visitors without horses who book a campsite here during a holiday weekend will have it canceled upon arrival.
Guests bringing horses must provide a current negative Coggins certificate to enter the park. Out of State guests must provide a 30-day health certificate for their horse. Guests who bring their horses are responsible for cleaning their stalls during their stay and before departure.
Out and About with Nova
This was Nova’s second camping trip, and she really loved it here. Camping with your dog takes a little more preparation than hiking. The most important thing is to be respectful of your neighbors and the people who will be camping on the site after you. Guests camping with their dogs (maximum of 2 dogs) must provide a valid rabies certificate. Dogs must never be left unattended.
Nearby Attractions
Rafting & Tubing
There are numerous white water rafting and lazy river tubing companies quite close to Luzerne Campground.
Lake George
Lake George is 15 minutes from Luzerne, and there are so many fun family activities to enjoy in this Adirondack town.
Hiking
There is a hiking trail at Luzerne that we stumbled upon that took us to the nearby Third Lake.
Prospect Mountain
Prospect Mountain makes it easy for visitors to get to the top of a mountain in the Adirondacks. Drive to a parking lot just below the summit and walk or take a tram the rest of the way for an incredible view from the summit providing a 100-mile view of Lake George below.
Getting to Lake Luzerne
Address: 892 Lake Avenue, Lake Luzerne, NY 12846
Google Map Link
