Sandy Beach
A Guide to North Lake Reservoir
If you are looking to camp on a lake without the cost or crowds in a state campground, look no further than North Lake Reservoir, roughly a 1 hour drive northwest from Utica. Tucked deep within the southwestern foothills of the Adirondacks, this 432-acre reservior serves as part of the vital headwaters of the Black River, and is managed by the state Canal Authority to manage Black River levels and feed the Erie Canal.
Lakeside Camping Opportunities 
North Lake Reservoir features 25 primitive campsites scattered along its shoreline.
- Drive-In Sites: Roughly 15 of these locations are accessible by vehicles (ideal for a small truck camper or camper van) along the eastern side.
- Paddle-In & Walk-In Sites: The remaining sites require a boat or a short hike to access, providing unmatched privacy right on the water’s edge.
- During Big Game Season Hunter May Stay In Truck Campers at the northern parking area.
- Eastern Shore-Leanto: There is a paddle-in lean-to north east of Atwell. The road running behind the lean-to is gated and there is no public motor vehicle access.
- South Reservoir: There is a few designated tent campsites at the nearby South Lake Reservior.
- Regulations: Sites are free and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. However, a self-issued permit at the registration booth is required for stays longer than three nights.
Motorboats Allowed; Fishing Modest 
Unlike many remote Adirondack ponds that restrict motorized use, motorboats are permitted on North Lake Reservoir. A small gravel boat launch makes it easy to get small motorized vessels, canoes, or kayaks onto the water. If you seeking solitude, you might be awoken by a motorboat. The reservoir is shallow and rocky in parts, use care when motorboating or paddling. While the reservoir has a medium acid content—making it a modest fish producer—anglers can still cast their lines for tiger muskie, white sucker, perch, and bullhead.
Development – Conservation Easement 
North Lake is partially developed. While you will enjoy plenty of pristine shoreline, you will also spot private cabins and camps interspersed along the south east of the waterfront:
- Southern Shoreline: Falling within the public, state-owned borders of the Black River Wild Forest.
- Northern Shoreline: Protected under the North Lake Conservation Easement Tract. This agreement allows for public recreation rights such as hiking, hunting, fishing, trapping and camping at designated sites.
Historic Atwell and the Valve House 
Rich local history is anchored at the reservoir’s southern tip in the historic, ghost-like hamlet of Atwell, New York. The settlement was named after Atwell Martin, a legendary local hermit rumored to protect a secret silver mine with silver musket balls. When visiting, you can drive across the North Lake Dam (built originally in 1857) and spot the historic valve house resting just below the embankment. Nearby sits the decaying 1892 North Lake State House, which once housed the official reservoir tender tasked with hand-turning the water valves to feed the Erie Canal network.
Nearby Trails, Peaks, and Twin Lakes 
The surrounding trail system connects you to excellent backcountry hikes and adjacent waterways:
- Ice House Mountain: Rising up near the easement tract, this peak offers a challenging hike through rugged boulder fields and dense Adirondack forests.
- Stone Dam Trail: Accessible from North Lake Road, this 11.5-mile path treks deep past small streams and Stone Dam Lake toward Chub Pond.
- South Lake Reservoir: Located just a short distance down the road, North Lake’s sister reservoir offers a largely undeveloped, deeply isolated paddling alternative once you leave the western most portion of the lake.
How to Get There 
While you start out on asphalt North Lake Road in Forestport, it is a nice smooth drive. However, rhe road gets notably rougher as you get closer to North Lake – eventually becoming dirt. The unpaved forest road is open to all vehicles however it can be punishing on your suspension with many bumps and washboards. Slow down! 
- From Route 28 in Forestport / Otter Lake, look for the turnoff heading east toward the old Buffalo Head restaurant site.
- Turn onto North Lake Road.
- Proceed with caution along this dirt and gravel forest service road for approximately 30 to 40 minutes (roughly 16 miles).
- The road will lead you directly into the hamlet of Atwell and across the reservoir’s dam.
Note: Cell service is virtually non-existent out here. Be sure to download offline maps or carry a physical topographic map before leaving Route 28!
Towards Sugar Loaf
Black River flows
Campsite 7
Sparking Sun on Shoreline
South Lake Road
About 2 miles from North Lake Reservoir, there is South Lake Reservoir, another State Canal Corporation Reservoir, providing water as necessary to the Erie Canal.
Sunday September 11, 2011 — North Lake Reservoir
