Fish Creek Pond Campground.

On the shores of Fish Creek and Square Ponds, a landscape of natural sand shoreline and interconnected waterways defines this expansive campground, a long-standing favorite within the Adirondack Park. Often lauded as one of the region's most attractive camping destinations, it offers a distinct sense of immersion in the Adirondack landscape. Open annually from May 8 to October 12, it invites visitors to experience the ebb and flow of the seasons by the water.

With 355 campsites designed to accommodate everything from traditional tents to 40-foot RVs, the campground caters to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts. Most sites boast direct water access, allowing campers to step from their site to the water's edge. Eleven designated accessible campsites are available, alongside wheelchair-friendly features such as a fishing/viewing platform, picnic pavilion, and restrooms in both day-use and camping areas, complete with a charging station. Campers will find modern conveniences including hot showers available from late May to Columbus Day, flush toilets, and a trailer dumping station. Firewood sales are offered on-site, and a recreation activities program runs from July through Labor Day, complemented by volleyball and basketball courts.

The unique interconnectedness of Fish Creek Pond and Square Pond, both open to motorboats, allows for extensive exploration directly from the campground. A dedicated boat launch serves those bringing their own craft, with temporary parking nearby. Beyond these immediate waters, motorboat operators can access miles of open water on Upper Saranac Lake, while paddlers seeking quieter excursions are often directed to the serene ponds within the adjacent Rollins Pond Campground area or the nearby St. Regis Canoe Area, just three miles north. Though boat and canoe rentals are available just outside the campground, the opportunities for self-guided water adventures are truly vast.

Anglers can cast lines for black bass, northern pike, and pan fish in Fish Creek, Square, and Rollins Ponds. Upper Saranac Lake expands the catch to include lake trout and landlocked salmon, while the smaller Black and Whey Ponds hold brook and rainbow trout. Miles of trails, including popular routes like the Otter Hollow Loop and Floodwood Loop, depart directly from the campground, inviting hikers and bicyclists to explore the surrounding forest. Swimming is permitted at the designated beach area, though it remains unsupervised. The Junior Naturalist Program transforms the campground into an outdoor classroom for children aged 5-13 and their families, offering engaging games and activities.

The origins of this popular destination trace back to 1920, when the Conservation Commission began establishing camping sites. By 1926, twenty sites with sanitary facilities and a well were constructed, quickly earning it a reputation as one of the Adirondacks' most attractive public campsites. Continuous expansion, notably through the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1933 to 1935, reflects its enduring appeal and the sustained demand for its lakeside offerings. Reservations for this sought-after campground are managed through ReserveAmerica, and it is advisable to book well in advance, especially for peak season visits. Visitors should note the firewood restriction, limiting untreated firewood to a 50-mile radius to prevent the spread of invasive pests.