Look, the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks is stunning. I mean, it really is. Those 500-million-year-old sandstone walls rising 175 feet above the water? They’re something else. But let me be straight with you: finding hotels near Ausable Chasm can be a bit of a puzzle if you don't know the layout of the North Country.
People often think they’re going to step out of a Hilton right onto the Elephant's Head rock formation. It doesn't quite work like that. The Chasm is tucked away in Keeseville, which is a tiny village. It’s charming, sure, but it’s not exactly a "hotel strip" kind of place.
If you want a bed and a roof, you're usually choosing between staying 15 minutes north in Plattsburgh or crossing the lake to Burlington (which sounds close on a map until you see the ferry schedule). Or, you could just lean into the woods and stay right on the property.
The Closest Sleep: Ausable Chasm Campground and Cabins
If you want to be as close as humanly possible, you’re basically staying at the Chasm. The Ausable Chasm Campground is right there. Honestly, it's the only way to avoid a morning commute.
They have about 150 sites. Some are just for tents, some have the full 50-amp hookups for your massive RV. But for the "I don't do tents" crowd, they have these basic camping cabins. They're rustic. Think: four walls, a roof, and some beds. You’ve got to bring your own linens and sleeping bags. No pets in the cabins, either, which is a dealbreaker for some.
One thing most people miss? If you stay at the campground, you usually get a discount on the "Classic Tour." It’s worth checking the current rates because they vary wildly between a Tuesday in May and Labor Day weekend.
Moving North: The Plattsburgh Hub
About 12 miles north of the Chasm lies Plattsburgh. This is where most people end up because, let's face it, we like air conditioning and continental breakfasts.
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The Family Favorites
If you’ve got kids who aren't tired out by hiking the Inner Chasm, the Comfort Inn & Suites Plattsburgh-Morrisonville is a frequent go-to. Why? They have an indoor water park. It’s not the Bellagio, but when it’s raining in the Adirondacks, that water park is a lifesaver.
Then there’s the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham. It’s consistent. It’s clean. It’s right off I-87. You know what you're getting there. It’s about a 15-minute drive to the Chasm entrance.
A Bit More Character: Valcour Inn & Boathouse
This one is a bit of a "local secret" that isn't really a secret anymore. Located in Peru, NY, the Valcour Inn & Boathouse is only about 5 or 6 miles from the Chasm.
It’s a historic estate right on Lake Champlain. If you want to wake up, see the mountains reflected in the water, and then drive ten minutes to go rafting, this is the spot. It feels significantly less "cookie-cutter" than the chain hotels further up the road. Lauren and the staff there have a reputation for actually remembering your name, which is a nice touch in 2026.
The Vermont Factor: Is it Worth the Ferry?
You’ll see Burlington hotels like the Hotel Champlain or the Green Mountain Suites pop up when you search for hotels near Ausable Chasm. On a map, they look like they’re just a stone’s throw away.
They are. But there’s a giant lake in the way.
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To get from Burlington to the Chasm, you have to take the Port Kent ferry or drive all the way around through Crown Point or Rouses Point. The ferry is a beautiful ride, but it adds cost and a strict schedule to your day.
- Stay in Vermont if: You want a high-end boutique hotel experience and a great food scene in the evening.
- Stay in New York if: You actually want to be at the Chasm when the gates open at 9:00 AM without stressing over a boat captain's schedule.
The Lake Placid Alternative
Some people try to do the "Adirondack Double" by staying in Lake Placid and driving over. It’s about a 45-to-55-minute drive depending on how many slow-moving logs you get stuck behind on Route 86.
The High Peaks Resort or the Mirror Lake Inn are fantastic, world-class stays. If you’re already planning to hike Mt. Marcy or see the Olympic sites, it’s a doable day trip. Just don't call it "near."
Hidden Gems and Vacation Rentals
Don’t sleep on Vrbo or Airbnb for this area. There are some incredible historic cottages in Keeseville and "camps" (that's Adirondack-speak for lake houses) on the shores of Lake Champlain.
I’ve seen places like the Historic Edgehill Cottage or lakefront rentals near Port Kent that give you a way better vibe than a highway motel. You get a kitchen, usually a fire pit, and that specific pine-needle-scented air that you just don't get at a Best Western.
A Quick Reality Check on Booking
The Adirondacks get packed. Between the "Leaf Peepers" in the fall and the summer hikers, things fill up months in advance.
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- July and August: Absolute peak. Expect to pay a premium.
- The "Shoulder" Season: Late May or September. The weather is better, the bugs are fewer, and the hotels are cheaper.
- The Tuesday Rule: If you can visit mid-week, do it. The Chasm trails are less crowded, and the local motels often have lower rates.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often underestimate the "wilderness" aspect of the North Country. Cell service can be spotty once you get off the main drag of Route 9.
Also, the Starlight Inn in Colchester is often listed as "close." It's a cool, vintage-themed spot with movie star decor, but again—it's in Vermont. If the ferry isn't running (it’s seasonal!), you’re looking at a very long drive. Always check the Lake Champlain Transportation Company website for the Port Kent ferry status before you book a Vermont hotel for a New York attraction.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
If you're ready to book, here is how you should actually play it:
- For the Early Bird: Book a cabin or site at the Ausable Chasm Campground. Wake up, walk to the entrance, and beat the tour bus crowds that arrive at 10:30 AM.
- For the Family Traveler: Stick to the Plattsburgh hotels near the intersection of Route 3 and I-87. You'll be close to grocery stores, Target, and restaurants for when the kids get "hangry" after the trail.
- For the Romantic Getaway: Look at the Valcour Inn. It's quiet, historic, and has those lake views that make the trip feel special.
- Check the Ferry: If you are coming from the New England side, verify the Burlington-Port Kent ferry dates. It doesn't run year-round, and it's the only direct way across.
- Gear Up: Regardless of where you stay, bring sturdy shoes. The "Easy" trail is still a lot of stairs. Your hotel's "luxury linens" won't save your blisters if you try to hike the Chasm in flip-flops.
The North Country doesn't have a thousand hotels, but the ones it has are generally run by people who love the area. Pick your base camp based on how much you value your morning coffee versus how much you value your proximity to the canyon walls.
Check the local weather forecasts for Keeseville, NY, about 48 hours before you arrive; mountain weather changes fast, and the raft tours can close if the river levels rise too quickly from heavy rain.