Essex Chain Parking Reservations

Essex Chain Parking Reservation System Information and FAQ’s

DEC is launching a no-cost parking reservation system in the Essex Chain Lakes Complex to allow up to four vehicles to park at Fifth Lake. A designated accessible two-vehicle parking area, an accessible campsite and an accessible hand launch are also located at Fifth Lake. (PDF). The four public parking spaces are available for reservation on the Town of Newcomb website (LINK).  The accessible parking area is part of DEC’s Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities (MAPPWD). Follow this link (LINK) to learn more about this program and how to use it. Please read the full FAQ section before making a reservation.

Operated by DEC Lands and Forests and the Town of Newcomb, parking reservations will be required from Memorial Day weekend until the gates close for winter in late November, early December to accommodate hunters.

Getting There

The main point of entrance to the northern portion of the Essex Chain Lakes Complex is by the Goodnow Flow Road which is reached by turning south onto Pine Tree Road, a short loop off State Route 28N in Newcomb. The Deer Pond Parking Area, (43.8866°N, 74.2640°W) Google Map, is the main point of access for the Essex Chain Lakes and surrounding water bodies and is free to use by the public without reservations. The Deer Pond Gate allows users with reservations or those with a MAPPWD permit, to continue to the parking area at Fifth Lake.

General Information

Located in the central Adirondacks, the 19,600-acre Essex Chain Complex contains the eight lakes of the Essex Chain, the Pine Lake Primitive and a number of other ponds & lakes. The Hudson River forms its eastern boundary.

 

Camping

There are 11 designated tent sites along the shores of the Essex Chain Lakes. A designated accessible two-vehicle parking area, an accessible campsite and an accessible hand launch are also located at Fifth Lake. The accessible parking area is part of DEC’s Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities (MAPPWD).  Follow this link (https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/2574.html) to learn more about this program and how to use it. Campers must abide by the following regulations:

  • Camping around the Essex Chain Lakes and other nearby lakes & ponds waters is allowed at designated tent sites only;

  • Campers must get a permit from the local Forest Ranger if they plan to spend more than three nights at a tent site;

  • No more than eight campers may stay at a tent site; and

  • Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings only -Do to the remoteness of the Essex Chain Complex, campfires must be fully extinguished to prevent forest fires.

  • For more general information on camping please follow this link:  Primitive Camping - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation

Fire Safety and Invasives

Extinguishing a campfire properly:

  • Be sure your match is out. Hold it until it is cold.

  • Never leave a campfire unattended. Even a small breeze could cause the fire to spread quickly.

  • Drown the fire with water. Make sure all embers, coals, and sticks are wet. Move rocks as there may be burning embers underneath.

  • Stir the remains, add more water, and stir again. If you do not have water use dirt. Do not bury your coals as they can smolder and fire can break out.

  • Consider using a small stove for cooking in remote areas vs making a campfire

Prevent the spread of invasive species - tree-killing insects and diseases can lurk in or on firewood. These insects and diseases can’t move far on their own, but when people move firewood, they can jump hundreds of miles. New infestations destroy our forests, property values, and cost huge sums of money to control

  • Don’t bring firewood from home or another forest to your next campsite. Instead, you can buy it where you burn it, buy certified heat-treated firewood, or gather on site when permitted.

  • Make sure your local firewood comes from within 50 miles, and ideally within 10 miles, of where you plan to burn it.

  • Leave any remaining firewood that you gathered on site at the campsite or with the camp host. Don’t take it home with you

Prevent The Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species

Boats, trailers, waders and other fishing and boating equipment can spread aquatic invasive species from waterbody to waterbody unless properly cleaned, dried or disinfected after use. State law requires boaters to take these steps before launching their watercraft into public waterbodies.

  • Check your boating and fishing equipment for invasive species.

  • Clean any visible mud, plants, fish or animals before transporting equipment.

  • Drain your boat before you leave an access site.

  • Dry boats, trailers and all equipment before use in another waterbody. The most effective way to ensure that no invasive species or fish diseases are transported to a new body of water is to completely dry your boating and fishing equipment.

  • Disinfect anything that came into contact with water if it cannot be dried before reuse.

  • Visit your local boat wash station which provides high pressure hot water for free. There is a self-service boat wash station at the Town of Newcomb Boat Launch.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Making a Reservation

  • How do I make a reservation?

    • Reservations can be made online at (LINK) or by calling the Town of Newcomb Information Center during open hours. Reservations require advance copy of a valid Drivers' License for person obtaining the permit.

  • Is there a cost associated with making a reservation?

    • No, there is no cost associated with making a reservation

  • How soon before my trip can I make a reservation?

    • The reservation system is first come, first serve, and based on availability. Plan in advance as much as possible when trying to make a reservation and also have a backup plan if reservations are unavailable.

  • How many reservations are available per day?

    • 4 reservations are available per day for 4 vehicles.

  • How long can I reserve a parking spot for

    • A parking spot can be reserved for up to 3 nights to comply with the camping permit process which allows campers to camp at one site for 3 nights before requiring a permit.

  • How many people are covered by a reservation?

    • Each reservation accommodates 1 vehicle. Vehicles carrying more than 8 people who intend to camp overnight should remember that no more than eight campers may stay at a tent site.

  • My group is coming in multiple cars. Can I make a reservation for multiple spots?

    • Only one spot can be reserved per reservation. Each driver will need to reserve a spot for their vehicle individually.

  • What kind of vehicle is allowed?

    • The road into the Deer Pond gate is an uneven surface of gravel and stone. Most cars can make the drive when conditions are dry but high clearance vehicles are recommended.

    • Motorhomes, buses, and trailers are prohibited.

    • Beavers can sometimes flood portions of the road.

When You Arrive

  • Where do I pick up my key?

    • You can pick up your gate key at the Town of Newcomb Information Center during open hours.

  • What do I need to pick up my key?

    • Bring a copy of your reservation and your driver license. Staff will make a copy of your license to keep on file with your reservation until the key is returned.

  • What if I arrive after the office is closed?

    • There will be 4 lockboxes labeled 1-4. Please let staff know if you plan to arrive after hours and a code will be given to you to retrieve your key from the correct lock box. Leave a copy of your reservation in the lock box after you have retrieved your key.

  • How do I get through the gate?

    • Once you reach the gate at Fifth Lake, use your key to unlock and open the gate. Please close and re-lock the gate once you are through. Please be sure to lock the gate so that the combination lock will remain usable on this gate also. This gate provides controlled access to authorized permit holders and does not provide access to the general public.

  • Do I need to a window tag to show my reserved spot?

    • Yes, a numbered tag (1-4) will be given to you indicating which spot to park in. Leave that tag on your dash while parked. Keep the gate key locked in you glove box while you are on your trip so it does not get lost..

When You Leave

  • How do I return my Key?

    • Return your key to the Town of Newcomb Information Center. If you are returning after hours, there will be a drop box to leave your key.

  • What if I lose my key and can’t get out of the gate?

    • Your key should remain locked in your vehicle while on your trip but if by chance you lose your key, DEC dispatch and a Forest Ranger will assist you.

  • Will there be trash cans at the parking area?

    • There are no trash cans at the parking area. All trash should be carried out with you and disposed of at home.