Wilmington Notch, Whiteface, & Santa's Workshop

Wilmington Notch is a state campground and I highly recommend it to anyone who would like to camp in the area of Whiteface or Lake Placid. The rangers there, Harlan and Adam,
are very nice, it is clean and very well kept.

It sits at the base of Whiteface, in between High Falls Gorge and Whiteface Mtn. Ski Lift which has gondola rides in the summer. The campground is open until after Columbus Day. It is best to reserve a spot in the back, so you are away from the road and the traffic noise. You will be near the Ausable River (great fishing!) and the roar from it will lull you to sleep at nite.

The campground is about five miles from Santa's Workshop, Lake Placid (home of the Olympics), and Whiteface Mtn. Memorial Highway. There is also an A & W drive-in down the road. The town has a lake with swimming and a picnic area. They have free concerts on Thursday nites. Beware the lake was very chilly! It was fun swimming in though.

Santa's Workshop is a fun place to go with kids. They have rides and shows and animals to feed and pet. And, of course, Santa! You can bring in your own food and drink, or leave and come back.

Whiteface Mtn. Memorial Highway is beautiful. You can drive to the top of the mountain, then either walk up the rock stairway or take an elevator to the top of the mountain. The views are beautiful and it is accessible to everyone. There is a toll for going up there. But, it's definitely worth it! We try to go at least once a year. It was a bit cloudy this time, and chilly, but still nice. Be sure to take a sweater.

There are lots of trails in the area. We went on the trail to Coppernas Pond. You can watch the fly fisherman out in the river. There are so many things to do, that the simple campground of Wilmington Notch is perfect. It does have showers!

The nites were beautiful, it was so dark you could see so many stars. We slept without the rain covers on the tents. And, the leaves are starting to change, a hint of things to come!