New York State has some of the most incredible campgrounds that you will find anywhere in the country. Many of these campgrounds can be found in the Adirondacks, where the lakeside camping is exceptional and abundant. We found Nicks Lake to be just as amazing as all the other Adirondack campgrounds that we have visited.
Camping
If you are looking for an Adirondack Experience without having to venture too deeply into the Adirondacks, then this is the perfect destination for you. Nicks Lake is located just outside the town of Old Forge which is fairly large as Adirondack towns go.
There are 112 campsites spread out among 5 different loops. Each of the loops has at least one or two campsites along the water. Some loops such as Loops D & E have quite a few. The campsites are all more or less shaded by large mature trees. While not completely private, most of the sites are massive, especially by state park standards, and have some sort of shrubby or trees around them to create borders between sites.
Most of the sites at Nicks Lake are large enough to accommodate a full-size RV.
Boat Launch
Nicks Lake is the perfect destination for paddling because motorboats are not permitted. There is a small car-top boat launch that will accommodate canoes, rowboats, and kayaks.
Day Use Area
There is a fantastic Day Use area that has loads of picnic tables with grills, a playground, hiking trails, a swimming area, and a bathhouse. This area of the park is really picturesque and with lots of tall pines and a wooden bridge that stretches over the far side of the Lake. Many of the picnic spots are set over large concrete pads. These picnic sites are probably some of the nicest sites I’ve seen at any park.
Swimming
Nicks Lake State Park has an enormous sandy beach and a large roped-off swimming area. Swimming hours are posted at the beach and are only permitted while a lifeguard is on duty. There is also a bathhouse close to the beach where Day Use Area patrons can change.
Fishing
Visitors can enjoy fishing for a large variety of fish in Nicks Lake including brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout, bass, white sucker, yellow perch, brown bullhead, common sunfish, golden shiner, blacknose dace, creek chub, and common shiner. This is a DEC run park, so make sure that you carry your fishing license with you.
Hiking
There are over 5 miles of hiking trails within Nicks Lake State Park. They run along the shoreline of the lake and there is a stunning nature trail that starts on the far side of the beach and Day Use Area. Nicks Lake also backs up to the Black River Wild Forest which is 122,000 acres and full of hiking trails.
Wildlife
The Adirondacks is of course renowned for the vast amount of wildlife. Visitors to Nicks Lake have the opportunity to view black bears, moose, beavers, eastern coyotes, river otters, little brown bats, and whitetail deer. The whitetail deer at Nicks Lake are exceptionally friendly. We saw one in the middle of the road, and my husband rolled down his window to jokingly tell the deer to get out of the road and it ran up and licked his hand.
Other Things To Do Near Nicks Lake
Nicks Lake is located in Old Forge which is a popular tourist destination. There are lots of gift shops, restaurants, and other tourist attractions to keep visitors busy.
Getting to Nicks Lake
278 Bisby Road, Old Forge, NY 13420
GPS Coordinates – 43 41 18.06106N, 074 58 54.25877W
Have you camped at Nicks Lake? What do you like about this park? What is your favorite Adirondack destination? We would love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment below.