The Adirondack Park Agency (APA) began reviewing proposed improvements for two state campgrounds during its board meeting.
The plans, presented by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), target aging infrastructure and accessibility upgrades at Luzerne Campground in Lake Luzerne and Lincoln Pond Campground in Elizabethtown.
The morning session focused on Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan revisions, with Commissioner Ken Lynch, chair of the State Lands Committee, welcoming presentations on amendments under consideration.
DEC Program Specialist Oliver Miller briefed the board on usage trends, facility conditions, and natural resource inventories for the two campgrounds.
According to an article published by Sun Community News on August 15, Luzerne Campground, located on Fourth Lake, has 173 campsites and recorded 23,191 visitors in 2024.
Lincoln Pond Campground, with 35 campsites, drew 11,188 visits, including 3,333 day-use visits. Both facilities primarily serve residents of Essex and Warren counties, with day-use fees set at $8.
At Luzerne, DEC’s Unit Management Plan proposes replacing five-bathroom buildings to meet current standards and ADA requirements at a cost of $3.2 million.
Road reconstruction for all six miles within the campground is projected at $3.9 million. Water system rehabilitation, including a connection to municipal supply, would cost an estimated $895,000.
Other planned improvements at Luzerne include replacing overhead power lines with underground systems for $725,000, replacing a bridge at $425,000, and adding utility sinks to each restroom for $30,000.
Additional recreational upgrades include removing a volleyball court in favor of a playground and picnic pavilion for $125,000.
Landscaping, campsite restoration, dock removal, and equestrian trail upgrades are also planned. Total investment is estimated at nearly $9 million.
At Lincoln Pond, the DEC recommends nearly $5 million in upgrades. The most significant is a $2 million shower facility with six unisex units, a family room, accessible parking, and an outdoor utility sink.
“Design considerations for the new shower building will include six unisex shower units and a family room to accommodate individuals requiring assistance; accessible parking; universal accessibility within the current ADA guidelines and an outdoor utility sink for public use,” Miller said.
Lincoln Pond’s water system would be completely rebuilt at an estimated $650,000, replacing all existing lines with high-density polyethylene pipe.
The plan also calls for replacing a 70-year-old bathroom facility for $400,000 and upgrading wastewater infrastructure for $500,000.