Campgrounds are scattered throughout New York state — some are privately owned and others are owned and operated by the New York state Department of Environmental Conservation. There are seven campgrounds that are close to Wilmington and the Whiteface Region. I have listed them below for you to browse through. More in-depth information can be found on their websites.

Meadowbrook

Meadowbrook is located off Route 86 in the small hamlet of Ray Brook. This state campground is small and quaint, but stays quite busy. It is located a mere 15-minutes from Wilmington and offers several options for camping, as well as the following amenities:

• 62 campsites
• Hot showers
• Flush toilets
• Trailer dump station
• Recycling center
• A small day-use area
• Pavilion rental
• Firewood sales
• Hiking trail to Scarface Mountain

Address: 1174 Route 86, Ray Brook, NY 12977 
Phone: (518) 891-4351

North Pole Resorts

The North Pole Resorts have a bit of everything for everyone. The family-owned grounds have whatever accomodations you desire: tent sites, RV sites with full hookups, private cabins, and a 20-room inn. But you came to camp, right? The sprawling resort's campgrounds are spread over two sites — the resort section and 100 Acre Woods. The resort section is closer to amenities and has easy access to the Ausable River, while 100 Acre Woods offers a more rustic camping experience.

Here's a sampling of what you can find at North Pole Resorts:

• Rental boats
• Miniature golf course
• Two in-ground swimming pools
• General store
• Liquor store
• Laundry facilities
• Gemstone and fossil mining sluice
• Group hall
• Extensive beer selection

Address: 5644 Route 86, Wilmington, NY 12997
Phone: (518) 946-7733

Wilmington Notch

This campground is the closest to Wilmington and is scenically shadowed by Whiteface Mountain. It has:

• 54 campsites
• Hot showers
• Flush toilets
• Trailer dump station
• Recycling center
• Firewood sales
• Picnic area

Address: 4953 Route 86, Wilmington, NY 12997
Phone: (518) 946-7172

Lake Placid/Whiteface KOA

The well-known KOA campgrounds are scattered across the United States and Canada like miniature tent cities, and that's exactly what they feel like. At the Lake Placid/Whiteface KOA there's a large log-cabin looking lodge just past the entry gate. From there, roads lined with RVs, tents, and cabins head in every direction.

• Grocery store
• Gift shop
• General store
• Miniature golf course
• Arcade
• Play area
• Heated swimming pool
• Craft center
• Laundry mat
• Dining hall

Taylor Pond

Located on scenic Taylor Pond, you will have a wild and great camping experience at this campground. There is a scenic trail all the way around the pond, and others within minutes of the campground. Features include:

• 30 sites total: 25 drive-in sites and five Interior (boat access only) sites - three of which are lean-to sites; two of which are tent sites.
• This is a primitive campground, so there are no flush toilets or other amenities. There are outhouses and water spigots at various locations.
• There is a small day-use area. No swimming area is provided.

Address: 1865 Silver Lake Road, Ausable Forks, NY 12912
Phone: (518) 647-5250

Buck Pond

Located on the cool waters of Buck Pond, you are sure to have a great time relaxing by the water, listening to the loons, and hiking the local trails. Are you a paddler? If so, Buck Pond is for you - there are no motorboats allowed. If you are a fisherman and want to launch your motorboat, there is plenty of opportunity on the Lake Kushaqua side of the grounds.

• 116 campsites
• Hot showers
• Flush toilets
• Trailer dump station
• Recycling center
• Picnic area
• Boat launch (Lake Kushaqua)
• Car top boat launch (Buck Pond)
• Boat and canoe rentals
• Sand beach with bath house

Address: 1339 County Route 60, Onchiota, NY 12989
Phone: (518) 891-3449

Pokomoonshine

This state campground was located off Route 9 between Lewis and Keesevelle. Many of the sites can still be seen today and are often used. These are more primitive sites now with no amenities.  

Camping at a state campground is only one option for a good time in the Wilmington area. You can also choose a backcountry destination like Copperas Pond or Whiteface Brook Lean-to. You can also choose to go the private route and stay at the North Pole Campground in the town center or the KOA. No matter your choice, I have no doubt that you will have a fantastic time and return often.