History of Fish Creek Pond

From the State of New York Conservation Department 1932 (Adirondack Campsites):

Fish Creek Pond is considered by many the finest and most attractive of all Adirondack campsites. Certainly it has few equals and no superiors. It embraces more than two miles of the shore line of the pond, providing campsites directly on the water for everyone. The sandy, well drained soil and the moderate shade of white birches and red pines makes this site an ideal one during wet weather. A fine beach runs almost the entire length of the campsite and bathhouses have been provided for transients. The location of this campsite in one of the best watered regions of the Adirondacks makes boating very popular. Boats may be hired nearby and one may embark at the campsite and explore more than a dozen bodies of water and return without once touching land. State Highway Route 10 passes the campsite.

Fish Creek was originally opened in 1920 by the Conservation Commission with open camp lean-tos and fire rings.

In 1926 campsites were established at designated areas with 20 sites in total along with sanitary facilities and a well.

In 1927 the campground was doubled in size to approximately 40 sites with 1,888 campers registered.

In 1928 the campground was again doubled in size to approximately 80 sites.

In 1931 the campground was expanded to 264 sites and was visited by 45,750 campers.

In 1935 the park was enlarged again by the Conservation Commission.

In 1936 Mr. Marvin Wilson was the camp naturalist at Fish Creek Pond.

In the 1940's, sites 250 and 251 had wooden platforms erect on them complete with tents. These were reserved for forest rangers or camp employees on vcation. Later in the 1950's the platforms were removed and the sites became available to the general public. (source Glen Peters).

In the late 1950's the only potable water was obtained from a hand pump located near site C8. Campers would go there every morning for water (source Kevin Kirsch).

During the 1950's there used to be platform camps in the area from site 200 to 230. These could be rented for the entire season. There were also platform camps on Follensby Clear Pond and up in Floodwood and Little  Square Pond (source Kevin Kirsch).

In 1951 Rollins Pond was opened to keep up with the ever increasing demand for campsites, with the original plans being completed in 1955.

In 1958 Rollins Pond was expanded to keep up with demand.

In 1960 Rollins Pond was expanded to keep up with demand.

In 1997 Fish creek was visited by 99,333 campers.

In 1998 Fish creek was visited by 102,651 campers.

In 1999 Fish creek was visited by 102,651 campers.

In 2000 Fish creek was visited by 112,989 campers.

In 2001 Fish creek was visited by 119,691 campers.

In 2002 Fish creek was visited by 116,352 campers.

In 2003 Fish creek was visited by 104,611 campers.

Today the park is now 121 acres in size with 355 campsites.

The original natural beach was located at approximately where sites 67-77 are today. It was later relocated to its currently location around 1969-1971. During the years of the old beach, Hickock's Boat Livery would be granted a permit each season to run their boat livery services on the site of the current beach. Once the beach was moved, Hickock's was revoked further permits at which time they aquired the property they currently own on the other side of the bridge on Route 30. Carolyn Hickock can still be found working over at the Livery with her son Robert. Carolyn grew up spending her summers living on one of the old tent platforms back in the 1930's.

NOTE! If you or someone you know has any additional information on the history of Fish Creek and 'The Birches', please email me at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . Any info would be greatly appreciated!

You may also want to watch the Fish Creek Historic Postcard Show and the NY State Photo Archive of Fish Creek from 1916 to 1934.

Also see Historical Recollection by Long Time Fish Creekers

A work in progress.... Certainly much more coming!

Special thanks goes out to Steve Collins for providing various postcards from his extensive collection,
for use on the site.