Planning an RV roadtrip? Don't skip the Whiteface Region

You've got the RV packed, your route mapped out, and a rough idea of where you'll park for the night. Somewhere between Boston and Montreal, or Albany and the Canadian border, lies a corner of the Adirondacks that many road-trippers pass by without realizing what they're missing.

The Whiteface Region is an easy detour from major Northeast travel routes, making it an ideal stop on any Adirondack RV adventure. Wilmington, Jay, Upper Jay, and Au Sable Forks form a compact cluster of mountain, river, and back-road terrain that rewards a two or three night stay far more than a quick photo stop. Here's where to camp, what to explore, and why the Whiteface Region deserves a spot on your RV itinerary.

Where to park it

Lake Placid/Whiteface Mtn. KOA Holiday is the full-service option: pull-through and back-in RV sites up to 45 feet with full hookups, plus a camp store, laundry, and direct river access for kayaking and fishing right on-site.

Camp Whiteface Mountain prioritizes a classic Adirondack camping experience. RV and tent sites sit under towering pines a few minutes from Whiteface Mountain itself, built for travelers who want to unplug without giving up a place to park the rig.

Taylor Pond State Campground is the primitive option, and it's genuinely remote: 30 sites on a stunning pond, several reachable only by water for those interested in a canoe camping experience. It is a rustic, dry camping facility with no hookups, so you'll rely on your RV's self-contained batteries and water tanks. The campground accommodates RVs and trailers up to 30 feet in length, making it best suited for smaller rigs, camper vans, and tent trailers. The payoff is a peaceful, secluded camping experience you won't find at a full-hookup park.

Wilmington Notch State Campground sits streamside on the Ausable River, within walking distance of the base of Whiteface Mountain. This DEC-run campground features around 50 sites and accommodates RVs and trailers up to 35 feet long. While there are no electric hookups, the campground offers flush toilets, hot showers, and an on-site trailer dump station, making it a good fit for self-contained rigs. What it lacks in hookups it makes up for in location: you're just steps from the river, a short hike to a hidden waterfall, and minutes from the Whiteface Veterans' Memorial Highway and High Falls Gorge.

Need a night off from the rig? The region has a strong lineup of lodging options and vacation rentals scattered through Wilmington, Jay, Au Sable Forks, and Upper Jay. A night with real walls and a real shower is its own kind of reward partway through a long loop, and it's worth working one into the itinerary even if you're camping the rest of the trip.

In-region attractions

Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway is the kind of drive you’ll be talking about long after the trip ends. The five-mile toll road winds its way up Whiteface Mountain, one of the highest peaks in the Adirondacks, climbing to within a few hundred feet of the summit. Along the way, scenic overlooks and sweeping switchbacks reveal panoramic views of the High Peaks and surrounding landscape. Leave the trailer at camp for this one and take the tow vehicle or bikes instead; this is a road meant to be savored, not tackled with a full rig in tow.

The Cloudsplitter Gondola at Whiteface Mountain offers an easy way to experience the mountain without the legwork. It’s especially convenient for RV travelers without a separate tow vehicle, providing access to sweeping High Peaks views and scenic vistas without navigating the steep, winding road. The 15-minute ride each way delivers a memorable mountain experience in under an hour, making it a great addition to your itinerary on a clear, sunny day when visibility is at its best.

High Falls Gorge is a ticketed, family-friendly attraction that makes for an easy and memorable stop while exploring the Whiteface Region. The half-hour walk along suspension bridges and boardwalks takes you past four waterfalls on the West Branch of the Ausable River, showcasing some of the oldest exposed rock in the Adirondacks. With dramatic scenery packed into a short visit, it’s a great way to break up a day of driving or add a low-effort adventure to your itinerary.

Jay Covered Bridge is one of the last remaining covered bridges in the Adirondacks, spanning the East Branch of the Ausable River in the hamlet of Jay. It’s a quiet, five-minute stop and a great place to stretch your legs, take in the scenery, and cool off with a summer swim in the river.

Nearby, and worth the extra miles

The Whiteface Region isn’t a standalone detour; it’s a natural addition to any Adirondack itinerary. Two of the region’s biggest draws are close enough to combine into the same trip without adding an extra travel day.

Just 20 minutes down the road, Lake Placid is an easy addition to your Whiteface Region itinerary, offering a full day of history, adventure, and iconic Adirondack experiences. Use the Lake Placid Legacy Sites Passport to explore the town’s collection of Olympic attractions in one trip, including Whiteface Mountain, the Olympic Jumping Complex, a guided tour of the sliding facilities at Mt Van Hoevenberg, and the Olympic Center, where the 1980 Miracle on Ice became a defining moment in sports history. For those looking for an extra thrill, bobsled rides and the Cliffside Coaster at Mt Van Hoevenberg are available separately with advance reservations.

Billed as the oldest natural attraction in America, Ausable Chasm is a ticketed adventure experience that showcases a two-mile gorge carved by the Ausable River. Walk the rim trails, raft through the gorge, or cool off with a tubing adventure while taking in sandstone walls that date back roughly 500 million years. About 45 minutes east of the Whiteface Region, it’s an easy detour if you’re continuing toward Lake Champlain and exploring the Adirondack Coast.

Get outside

Hiking. The region backs right up to the High Peaks Wilderness, but you don't need a 46er checklist (peaks over 4,000ft) to find a good trail. Shorter routes around Wilmington and Jay deliver ridge views and river access without an all-day commitment, making them easy to slot in around driving days.

Mountain biking. This is bike country, and the region has leaned into it. Networks of singletrack and gravel trails connect Wilmington to the broader Adirondack trail system, and the local skills park is great for kids, beginners, and those looking to fine tune their riding. Beyond the mountain biking scene, the Whiteface Region is also a favorite for road cyclists looking to explore quiet climbs, mountain views, and winding backroads. If you're one of the many travelers rolling in with bikes already racked, you're in the right place.

Fly fishing. The West Branch of the Ausable River is one of the most storied trout streams in the Northeast, running right through Wilmington. Wade in for an afternoon or book a guide for a full day; either way, it's a reason on its own to slow down here.

The bottom line

The Whiteface Region rewards travelers who are willing to leave the interstate for a day or two with big peaks, a legendary trout stream, an Olympic mountain, and a range of places to park for the night, all close enough to the Northeast’s major cities to make it an easy addition to a larger Adirondack adventure. Give yourself a few days to explore, then continue on to your next destination with a new favorite corner of the mountains in your rearview mirror.