Forest a-frames near Schroon Lake

With its lush, forested shores and sandy beach, Schroon Lake paints a pretty picture, but there’s more to this small town than photo-worthy views. Stay lakeside to swim, sail, and fish, try parasailing, or play a game of golf, then set out into the surrounding wilderness to hike the Hoffman Notch and Mount Severance trails. Winter visitors are within minutes of the Adirondacks ski resorts, but you can also enjoy snow tubing, sledding, and ice fishing around the lake. There’s a state campground and several private campgrounds to choose from, many with direct access to the water.

Lake Champlain Valley

East of Schroon Lake, the forested peaks and fishing lakes of the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area are dotted with rustic cabins and primitive campsites. For lakeside views, the island camping at Lake George is unrivaled, and you’ll have your pick of activities from hot air ballooning and paragliding to water-skiing and stand-up paddleboarding. Along the coast of the Adirondacks, Lake Champlain provides plenty of options for hiking, camping, and boating.  

High Peaks

The jagged peaks and forested valleys of the Adirondacks’ High Peaks loom on the horizon northwest of Schroon Lake. There’s hiking to suit all levels, from scaling the 5,000+ feet peaks of Mt Marcy and Algonquin to rugged wilderness trails, and camping here is all about getting back to nature. Pitch your tent at primitive campsites along the main trails or seek out remote backcountry camping in the valleys. 

Central Adirondacks

There’s more highland hiking and backcountry camping at the heart of the Adirondacks. Pitch your tent within the Blue Mountain Wild Forest or Siamese Pond Wilderness, or camp on the islands at Indian Lake. Also in the area is the Adirondacks’ largest ski resort at Gore Mountain and the popular resort town of Long Lake.

The best time for swimming and boating at Schroon Lake is May through September, and advance bookings are highly recommended for the town’s campsites. Summer through fall provides the most favorable weather for hiking in the Adirondacks, and leaf peepers will find autumnal views aplenty around the lake. With easy access to the region’s ski resorts, it’s a popular spot in winter, too, but some campgrounds close in low season, so check ahead.

• Having your own transportation is highly recommended to get to and around Schroon Lake.
• Schroon Lake has grocery stores, restaurants, and shops selling camping and fishing supplies. 
• Tick season runs from April through September in the Schroon Lake region, so cover up when hiking and check for ticks after outdoor activities.
• There is no fee to enter Adirondack Park, but state campgrounds charge a fee and many require reservations. A New York State Fishing License is required for any kind of fishing. 
• Backcountry camping is allowed on state forest land through Adirondack Park, but you can’t camp within 150 feet of any road, trail, or body of water unless marked with a “camp here” sign.