Lake Placid / Whiteface Mtn. KOA Holiday Blog
Book Your Summer Adirondacks Getaway Today - Stay 3 Nights Get 15% Off!
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
We now have 2 Check-in Locations:
Mountainside Reservations and Camp Store: 5591 NY- 86.
Riverside RV Sites and Motel Reservations: 5636 NY-86, Wilmington, NY 12997
From the South: Interstate 87, Exit 30. Left on Route 73. Right on Route 9N towards the town of Jay. Left on Route 86. Left at the stop sign. From the North: Interstate 87, Exit 34. Route 9N towards the town of Jay. Right on Route 86. Left at the stop sign.
Riverside and Motel check in is just 0.2 miles northeast on NY-86 across from the A&W Family Restaurant.
There is so much to explore and do in the Adirondacks, home to 2.6 million acres of forest preserve, with mountains, falls and lakes. In particular, the Adirondack Park National Historic Landmark has much to offer throughout the year. Read this guide to find out the best time to visit the Adirondacks for different activities and experiences.
The warmer, sunnier summer days are the best time to enjoy watersports and long hikes in the Adirondacks.
Here are just a few of the best summer activities for the Adirondacks:
Summer in the Adirondacks brings the best of the warmer weather, with average temperatures reaching 62°F in Lake Placid. It can be colder in the peaks, especially with wind exposure, so make sure you pack layers. Include some waterproof layers, as even during summer, there can be around 13 inches of rainfall. There may still be some muddy areas, so bring appropriate hiking footwear.
Adirondack Park is also home to around 4,000 black bears. They emerge from hibernation in April and are active until November. While they generally avoid human contact and are easily spooked, you can prepare by following the DEC's guidelines on bear canisters to store any food or items with a scent away from tents.
Remember your bug spray for black fly season and pack sunscreen for the higher UV levels.
From late September to early October, you can enjoy the Adirondacks' peak foliage, including the leaf peeping hot spots in the High Peaks region. Be ready for larger crowds in this area on weekends during these times.
Here are a few fall outing ideas for the Adirondacks:
In the fall, there can be a sharp transition in temperatures ranging from 72°F to 35°F in Lake Placid. Be prepared for the changing weather conditions by layering up and bringing hats and gloves, especially when climbing the peaks, as temperatures will be lower. It is common to find ice at higher altitudes, and in the fall, there is around 12 inches of snowfall on average.
The beauty of the falling leaves in the Adirondacks can also create slippery conditions underfoot, so pack a sturdy pair of footwear with good traction.
Winter transforms the Adirondacks, and with all the snow and ice comes a wide range of winter sports. Lake Placid hosted the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. The Lake Placid Olympic & Paralympic Training Center is used for winter sports training year-round today, and visitors can explore various facilities.
From high-adrenaline snowsports to relaxing at a brewery, there is plenty to do in the wintertime in the Adirondacks:
Wrap up warm when visiting the Adirondacks in winter, as temperatures can drop below 10°F. The DEC recommends you dress appropriately with base, windproof and waterproof layers. Snowfall averages at around 65 inches on average for the season, so waterproof, insulated boots with good traction are a must. Gaiters can also help your lower limbs and feet stay dry, and micro spikes can give you extra stability when traversing icier climbs.
The Adirondacks are usually quieter in the winter, and part of the reason for this is the difficult conditions. Some trails can become inaccessible due to avalanches in the backcountry, for example. Be prepared to change routes or take more care when traveling or hiking.
As the snow melts and rushes down the falls, spring is often a quieter, transitional season in the Adirondacks and is a great way to beat the crowds.
Things to do in the Adirondacks in Spring include:
Spring weather is variable, with temperatures ranging from an average of 28-49°F. Snow still falls in the spring, with 27 inches of snowfall on average, and rain is common. While forecasts can be helpful, you should still pack enough layers and waterproof boots.
Do you have further questions about exploring the Adirondacks throughout the year? Here are some answers to FAQs:
In late spring, the melting snow and ice turn many trails into sometimes impassable wet and muddy sections. Mudslides can occur, which means you should check the status of the trails before you travel. You can still hike on lower-elevation trails that are below 2500 feet while the mud dries. In the meantime, you can find alternative, paved routes or head into town.
From May to June, you will likely encounter black flies throughout the forests in the Adirondacks. You can deal with the black flies by wearing light clothing, as they are attracted to dark colors, and by using bug nets and bug spray. Wear long-sleeved pants and shirts to protect your skin. You can also avoid them by spending time in breezier, more open areas.
The best time to visit the Adirondack Mountains depends on your priorities. From ice climbing on frozen waterfalls to enjoying nature hikes among the spring flowers, each season brings a new experience and activities.
If you want to avoid the crowds, try visiting during the winter or spring seasons. Summer and fall tend to have larger crowds.
The Adirondacks are a must-visit destination in New York State and can be enjoyed all year long. Whether you are a seasoned hiker, kayaker or fishing enthusiast, there are various recreational activities for families, couples and solo travellers alike.
Every adventure needs a home base. When you stay at Lake Placid / Whiteface Mtn. KOA Holiday, you have the option of Deluxe Cabins, Camping Cabins, RV Sites, Tent Sites or even a Motel to suit your needs. The campground is ideally placed to explore the local surroundings as well as the wider New York region.
Book your next getaway today by calling us at 1-800-562-0368 or reserve your place online.
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.
