We have always stuck to the same areas of the Adirondacks and ventured out just for a day, but this time we decided to give it a go in a spot that was all new- to us. We booked 4 nights at Fish Creek Pond Campground (FCP) near Tupper and Saranac Lakes. Fish Creek is considered by many to be the best campground of all the state parks!! It gets rave reviews online and even has a website dedicated to the campground and its surroundings (fishcreekpond.com). The website is extremely thorough and can answer any question you might have- pictures of sites, when the sun hits, descriptions of biking and hiking trails and so much more. There is even a forum of dedicated FCP peeps that keep in touch with each other and share experiences they have had at the campground. The plethora of information and deep love for Fish Creek all meant that it had a lot to live up to!
FCP lived up to most of the hype with almost all of the campsites on the clear, calm, warm and beautiful water. There are trucks that drive through delivering wood, ice, coffee, pastries, and ice cream. You can rent kayaks or canoes and have them delivered, on the water, to your site. The opportunities for kayaking/canoeing in this area are numerous and can last for days through the many connecting waterways. Motorboats are also allowed on the pond and fishing is another popular activity. There is a bike path and hiking trails that start in the park and loop around the various ponds. There are also many more hiking trails nearby. The bathrooms are clean and there are plenty of showers. The recreation program offers something for kids of all ages and there are a volleyball and basketball court.
There is also a true camping store across from the park that is extremely well regarded in the community. The Trading Post or Knapps (after owner Phil Knapp) is the quintessential "camp" store with something for your every need. The subs were delicious and pizza was pretty good, also. The staff is hard-working and respectful and, although, you can not stand side-by-side in any of the aisles you can't help but love this stocked store with great customer service. There is an ice cream trolley out front that was named Good Golly, Sweet Trolley, through a Facebook naming contest. This summer they have also added an internet cafe, The Adirondack Perk. What more can you ask for?
Overall FCP met all of our expectations, but the road at the park was the one exception. The placement of the road keeps the campsites from being very deep and there is a lot of traffic for a camping road. The speed limit posted is 15 mph but it is not strongly enforced and people are flying through at all hours. We have pop-up sides on the camper and hearing car after car after trailer buzz through in the wee hours can be a bit of a distraction from snoozing. That said, we would still go back and maybe try the sister park, Rollins Pond next time. The road to Rollins seemed a little less traveled.
Fish Creek Pond is a perfect state park getaway with a lot to do within the campground and even more close by. Whatever you do here, be sure to check out the store, enjoy that waterfront property and, if you brought kids, check out the rec schedule! And for more ideas of what to do in the area check out my post:ADK Excursions.