Siamese Ponds Wilderness Campsites

The Siamese Ponds Wilderness (SPW) is one of the larger Wilderness designated areas in the Adirondack Park. It extends some 24 miles north and south and 18 miles east and west and contains approximately 114,010 acres of Forest Preserve lands. Associated with the SPW are the Dug Mountain, Forks Mountain and Chatiemac Primitive Areas. During the early part of the nineteenth century, logging became an important industry in the region, and most of the Wilderness was heavily cut over. Devastating fires at the turn of the century continued to significantly impact this natural resource.

Today, however, the area shows little evidence of these past impacts and has become known for its natural beauty. Popular points of interest include the Siamese Ponds that gave the area its name, Puffer Pond, Puffer Mountain, Chimney Mountain, Auger Falls, and Thirteenth Lake. Thirteenth Lake features accessible campsites, picnic tables, port-a-johns and a route to the beach for a canoe launch.

For your safety, backcountry camping for more than three nights, or in a group of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger. Camping at designated sites in the backcountry is done on a first come, first served basis. There is no reservation system for these primitive campsites. Campsites in popular areas fill up quickly on weekends so plan accordingly. Please observe all State Land camping and hiking rules and, to learn more about backcountry camping, visit www.dec.ny.gov.