📅 Book Early: Summer weekends and fall foliage season (late September–October) book out months in advance. If you’re visiting during peak season, reserve accommodations as early as possible — especially at campgrounds and popular lakeside cabins.
Types of Accommodation
The Adirondacks offer every type of lodging imaginable, from five-star lakeside resorts to completely free backcountry lean-to shelters. Here’s a breakdown of each option to help you choose what’s right for your trip.
🏨 Hotels and Resorts — $$ to $$$$
Full-service hotels and resorts are concentrated in Lake Placid, Lake George, and Saranac Lake. Expect amenities like restaurants, pools, spas, and lake access at the higher end of the price range. These are the easiest option for first-timers who want convenience and comfort.
- Mirror Lake Inn (Lake Placid) — Classic Adirondack luxury resort with stunning mountain and lake views
- The Sagamore Resort (Bolton Landing on Lake George) — Historic grande dame hotel on a private island
- Lake Placid Lodge — Intimate, Great Camp-style boutique experience on Lake Placid
- Crowne Plaza Lake Placid — Reliable full-service option with all amenities
🏕️ State Campgrounds — $
The Adirondacks have an exceptional network of public campgrounds managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). These well-maintained sites offer the quintessential ADK experience at a fraction of the cost of hotels.
- Limekiln Lake Campground (near Old Forge) — Excellent family-friendly campground with beach access
- Rollins Pond Campground (near Saranac Lake) — Beautiful, popular site on a pristine pond
- Lake George Islands Campground — Boat-in only sites on Lake George’s 170+ islands. Incredibly scenic.
- Fish Creek Pond Campground (near Saranac Lake) — One of the largest and best-equipped campgrounds in the park
Reserve at reservations.nysparks.com — summer weekend sites fill up months in advance.
🌲 Cabins and Vacation Rentals — $$ to $$$
Private cabins and vacation rentals with lake access are enormously popular in the Adirondacks and represent one of the most quintessential ADK experiences. Many rentals come with their own docks, rowboats, kayaks, and full kitchen facilities.
- Airbnb and VRBO both have hundreds of ADK listings — lake access commands a significant premium
- Old Forge, Inlet, Long Lake, and Schroon Lake have extensive cabin rental inventories
- Larger groups often find cabins more economical than multiple hotel rooms
- Search for “lakefront cabin” specifically if swimming and boating are priorities
🏡 Inns and Bed & Breakfasts — $$ to $$$
Charming inns and bed-and-breakfasts are scattered throughout Adirondack communities, offering a more personal experience that larger hotels cannot replicate. Most include a homemade full breakfast.
- Best concentrated in Lake Placid, Keene, Keene Valley, and Schroon Lake
- Many occupy historic Adirondack buildings with genuine character and charm
- Innkeepers are typically outstanding sources of local knowledge and recommendations
- Excellent choice for couples and solo travelers seeking a personal touch
⛺ Lean-Tos and Backcountry Camping — Free
The Adirondacks contain hundreds of free lean-to shelters throughout the backcountry — three-sided wooden structures that provide shelter from rain. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system.
- Free to use for anyone camping on public forest preserve land
- No reservations — arrive early, especially on summer and fall weekends
- If others arrive after dark and need shelter, you must share your lean-to
- Bring your own sleeping pad and bag — lean-tos provide structure only
- Camp at least 150 feet from water sources, trails, and roads
Choosing Your Hub Town
The park is vast — choosing the right base town makes a tremendous difference in your first-timer experience. Here’s a quick guide to the most popular options:
| Town | Best For | Character | Accommodation Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Placid | Hikers, skiers, history lovers | Mountain resort town with Olympic heritage | Budget to luxury |
| Lake George | Families, first-timers, water lovers | Classic resort town, most accessible from NYC | Budget to upscale |
| Old Forge | Paddlers, anglers, families | Gateway to the Fulton Chain, quieter and rustic | Budget to mid-range |
| Saranac Lake | Authentic ADK seekers, paddlers | Charming village, less touristy than Lake Placid | Budget to mid-range |
| Blue Mountain Lake | History, solitude, wilderness | Remote and quiet, excellent museum nearby | Rustic to mid-range |
| Schroon Lake | Couples, quiet retreats | Beautiful small village on a gorgeous lake | Budget to mid-range |