Cranberry Lake Campground RV & Campground Guide
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Cranberry Lake itself is in one of the most remote areas of the Adirondack Mountains, and there are tens of thousands of acres of forest directly south of the campground. The lake was much smaller prior to 1867, which is when a public works project increased the lake's size to roughly what it is today. The fishing, boating, and hiking throughout both the campground and the surrounding Adirondack Park is world-famous. Adirondack Park itself is unique, covering more than 6 million acres that you can explore from a base at the Cranberry Lake Campground.
Nearby Cities:
Potsdam, NY
Long Lake, NY
Watertown, NY
Saranac Lake, NY
Spring 37-64 F
Summer 55-82 F
Fall 39-72 F
Winter 0-39 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Cranberry Lake Campground
Campground Accommodations
Cranberry Lake Campground
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 40 feet
Other amenities: Flush toilets, dump station, hot showers, picnic tables, fire rings, grills, a pavilion for rent, boat launch, a bathhouse on the beach, and an amphitheater
Blue Jay Campsite
Located in Tupper Lake, New York, Blue Jay Campsite is one of the nicest RV campgrounds you will find close to Cranberry Lake. It is known for providing guests with a variety of amenities, including picnic stations and fire pits. It has been a locally owned and operated business since 1946. The campground’s location gives you the chance to enjoy the inspiring beauty of the Adirondack Mountains. The address of Blue Jay Campsite is 1339 State Route 30 Tupper Lake, NY 12986.
Thornbush Acres RV Park
Thornbush Acres RV Park is an RV campground located near Cranberry Lake in Indian Lake, New York, the state’s white-water rafting capital. Near it, you will find numerous lakes, ponds, and rivers that you can use for fishing or swimming. It is also located very close to attractions such as The Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts and The Indian Lake Museum. The nightly rate for sites here that come with a full hookup is $30. The address of Thornbush Acres RV Park is 211 Big Brook Rd, Indian Lake, NY 12842.
What to Do at
Cranberry Lake Campground
Cranberry Lake isn't deep, so you'll have to limit your boating to craft with a shallow draft, such as canoes, kayaks, and most powerboats. The fishing is terrific, as well, but the main activity at Cranberry Lake Campground occurs every autumn when the foliage turns colors. Because the Adirondacks aren't more than a few thousand feet tall, there is no tree line. So, the colors stretch to the horizon in every single direction.
Take advantage of numerous outdoor activities while visiting Cranberry Lake Campground. In warmer months, you can go hiking and swimming while in the winter, you can go snowmobiling on the park's trails designed especially for this.
Inside Cranberry Lake Campground
A couple of the park’s main features for water activities are Cranberry Lake and Oswegatchie River. At the river, you can enjoy kayaking, row boating, canoeing, and powerboating. When it comes to fishing, there is a vast amount of game that ranges from trout to panfish. Do not forget to also check out hiking trails such as the challenging and rewarding Bear Mountain Trail. If you want to go skiing, you can head to the Peavine Swamp Ski Trail System, which is located nearby.
Hiking
The chief trail in the area is the Bear Mountain Trail, which has its trailhead near campsite No. 27. The trail is 3.7 miles long and is moderately challenging. The nearby Cranberry Lake 50 is a 50-mile loop trail that is quite challenging, so plan on multiple days if you decide to try this hike.
Stargazing
On clear nights with no moon, the skies over Cranberry Lake are quite dark. You can stargaze directly from the beach, so bring a telescope with a tripod to capture almost all of the 6,000 stars that can be seen on a clear night.
Climbing
There are seven intermediate-to-difficult climbing routes near Cranberry Lake Campground. The easiest of them, Catnip, is rated 5.7 while the toughest, Catatonic, is rated 5.11d. Six of the seven climbs in the area are traditional, but The Last Tupper, which is rated 5.8, is a sport climb.
Fishing
Anglers have caught northern pike measuring 4 feet in length in Cranberry Lake in the last couple of years. Even if you're not lucky enough to land one of these legendary fish, you can still chase trout, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass. Occasionally, you can catch yellow perch and brown bullhead, too.
Boating
You can set out with your powerboat from the boat launch, or you can start your canoe or kayak journey from anywhere on the shore. You can also take a 16-mile trip along the Oswegatchie River. If you want to combine that with another 14.5-mile trip, then you can portage the canoe 3.5 miles through the woods to the Bog River Flow.
Geocaching
There are a couple of geocaches in the campground itself, and there are many more scattered throughout Adirondack Park. In Cranberry Lake Campground, you'll have to practice some detective work to find the caches.
Swimming
There is a sandy beach, but there are no lifeguards on duty. When you arrive at the campground, the staff will provide you with safety protocols for swimming.
How to Get to
Cranberry Lake Campground
From Potsdam, travel south on Route 56 to the junction with Route 3. Turn west on Route 3 until you reach Lone Pine Road. Turn south on Lone Pine Road, which will take you straight to the campground.
From Watertown, take Route 3 east all the way to Lone Pine Road. Then, turn south on Lone Pine Road all the way to Cranberry Lake Campground.
From Warrensburg, and all points south thereof, take Route 28 northwest until you reach Route 28N. Turn north on Route 28N and follow it to Route 30. Follow Route 30 to Tupper Lake. In Tupper Lake, turn west on Route 3. Follow Route 3 to Lone Pine Road. Then, turn south on Lone Pine Road, and follow it to the campground.
Entering Cranberry Lake Campground
There is no charge to park in the day-use area of Cranberry Lake Campground.
Cranberry Lake Campground Per vehicle (1-4 adults) : $0.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Lake Campground
The best time of year to visit Cranberry Lake Campground is in the autumn so that you can see the fall foliage in its full splendor. Late summer is fine, too, because the boating and swimming are good, and you avoid blackfly season.
You can encounter deer, black bears, beavers, and even an occasional moose. Be sure not to approach wildlife closer than 75 feet. With predators, it should be 175 feet.
Yes, there are 171 RV-specific campsites at Cranberry Lake Campground. Site Nos. 6, 50, 52, 95, 101, 113, and 159 are handicap-accessible. Some of the campsites periodically undergo renovation. Contact the campground to find out if any sites are unavailable for the time you want to visit.
Yes, reservations are required. In most cases, you can make them the same day that you arrive. Contact the campground for further details. The cost is $20 per night. If you don't live in New York, then there is an additional cost of $5 per night.
Yes, you may bring your pets. You must leash them and clean up after them. The leashes must be no more than 6 feet long.