Situated in Adirondacks next to Ausable River, Wilmington Notch Campground is a sanctuary for fishermen trying to have an exciting experience, tourists in the mood for a gondola ride, or other unlimited attractions.
This campground is a piece of art, as nature has carved out its sheer rock walls and surrounded the area with stunning waterfalls and soaring cliffs.
Location
Wilmington Notch Campground is next to the West Branch Ausable River, a fisherman’s haven, as it offers splendid fishing and scenic locations.
The campground lies near the river and Wilmington Notch Falls. The Olympic Whiteface Mountain is situated on the other side of the river, and Lake Placid Olympic Village is also just 8 miles away. The latter is a shopping hub for tourists, as there are plenty of places for shopping, movies, restaurants
The Wilmington Notch Campground is located in a birch and pine grove at the foot of Whiteface Mountain. At Whiteface Mountain, visitors can enjoy hiking activities as many trails lead along the river and Stag Brook. The Olympic Whiteface Mountain also offers gondola rides up the mountain, but there is another route of driving up the summit through Veteran’s Memorial Highway.
The Wilmington Flume Trail System situated nearby has 13 trails and fishing and swimming holes. Wilmington Flume is a narrow gorge where tourists and visitors enjoy the breathtaking waterfalls created by the West Branch Ausable River.
The adventure doesn’t stop here, as Mirror Lake and Lake Placid offer paddling, swimming, and fishing activities. The Adirondack Flying Service allows one to observe the scenic plain flights for those who want to look at the mountains closely.
A Quick Look
The campground is run by New York State and offers 54 tents and multiple trailer sites. The facilities include three bathrooms, picnic tables for campers who want to use the day-use picnic area, and one shower building.
There are plenty of hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities nearby, and a trail leads down the river to a beautiful spot to view the falls. Wilmington Notch Campground is a perfect spot for a challenging fish catch in the Ausable River. The campground provides a unique environment as it is located in a birch and pine forest and is known for its astounding beauty. Enormous but steep cliffs rising from the river also create a spectacular backdrop.
Visitors can undertake many exciting activities like canoeing, mountain biking, and fishing. The surrounding areas of Wilmington Notch Campground deliver even more opportunities for ice skating, paddle boat, cultural activities, and rock climbing.
The campsites are pet friendly and accommodate an RV with a maximum of 30′ in length and even trailers up to 30′.
Activities in Wilmington Notch Campground
Two featured activities are most popular among the visitors of Wilmington Notch Campground.
1. Hiking
Easily accessible, and multiple hiking trails leading around the campground make them an easily enjoyed activity for both inexperienced and professional hikers. Apart from Wilmington Flume Trail System and Whiteface Mountain trails, there is the Sentinel Range Wilderness Area, situated at the campground’s south end. The Wilmington Wild Forest is located at the north end and features plenty of well-maintained mountain bike trails and hiking activities.
2. Fishing
The Ausable River provides a splendid opportunity to catch trout and other fishes in the west branch nearby Wilmington Notch Campground. However, one must possess a New York Department of Environmental Conservation fishing license.
Accessibility
The following facilities are available at Wilmington Notch Campground:
- Hot showers
- Flush toilets
- Recycling center
- Picnic area
- Trailer Dump Station
- 54 tents and trailer sites
Camping
There is a registration fee for anyone who enters the campground. Visitors must be at least 18 years of age and have equipment ready for camping at the time of registration.
Each campsite is limited to 6 visitors and has two tents, one hard-wheeled camping unit, one tent, and two vehicles. If campers bring additional vehicles, they can be parked in designated areas but will be charged additional fees.
General Behavior
If the use of generators by the campers is deemed loud by the campground staff and other campers, then its use can be prohibited or limited. Campers are asked to build fires only in designated fireplaces and never left unattended.
Only the dead and already down wood should be used for building fires, and cutting down trees, whether alive or dead, is strictly prohibited. Bringing chainsaws on the property, using fireplaces as chopping locks, and burning trash is also not allowed.
Fireworks and firearms possession is not permitted on the Wilmington Notch Campground. Firearms are only permitted during spring and fall hunting seasons.
Pets
Pets are allowed at the Campground, but only if they are rabies vaccinated. They must be kept on a leash, mustn’t be longer than 6 feet, and should not be left unattended. Moreover, if pet owners were to bring their furry buddies along, they must clean up after them too.
Boating and Swimming
Swimming is allowed at the campground only if a lifeguard is on duty. Supervised bathing is permitted, and beaches may be closed when lifeguards are unavailable for the safety of the visitors.
It is not permissible to swim outside the designated swimming areas and bring alcoholic beverages, glass bottles, inflatable devices, and underwater swimming gear.
Boating is allowed only if the boats are equipped with flotation devices for every person aboard.
Plants and Aquatic Life
Visitors must never feed any wildlife or harass the animals. Visitors must inform campground staff immediately if an animal is injured or acting in an unusual way.
Plants, fossils, and rocks must not be removed or disrupted. The NY State has made it compulsory for anyone over 16 years of age to have a fishing license, but the licenses are not available to purchase at the Wilmington Notch Campground.
Conclusion
Wilmington Notch Campground is an exceptional place in the State of New York where you can camp nestled between beautiful scenery and have a great time fishing in the Ausable River brimming with trout.