I plan to take my son and his 3 college-age friends camping for 3-4 days in the Adirondack Mountains in early September (after Labor Day). Our ideal campground would be on or near a lake, with access to nice scenery, hiking, canoe rental, and a few cheap restaurants or bars to have dinner in the evening. We are driving from Philadelphia. Any recommendations of campgrounds / areas to explore / useful websites would be most appreciated. Thanks!

NOt being a camper I can only suggest the Lake George area. My son used to camp on one of the islands in the lake. Good luck

The NY State Dept Env. Conserv. runs the state camprgrounds in NY. They range from minimal facilities (fire pit/picnic table, level tent spot) to more so (tent platform, bathroom/shower facilities).

They tend to be well maintained and are a good deal.

www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/camping.html

Although it has been several years we stayed at Meacham Lake and loved it. Beautiful open green spaces with lots of tres and right on the lake. You are also close to Lake Placid and Saranac. Several of my colleagues have went based on our suggestion and loved it as well. I would definitely recommend.

I'm not a camper, but I live nearby and Northampton campsite might fit your needs. This is a beautiful area of the Adirondacks.

The Northville-Lake Placid Trail begins here and there are other hiking trails as well.

http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/d...thhampton.html