Fort Ticonderoga
Ticonderoga, NY
An 18th-century star fort on Lake Champlain, taken by Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys in 1775 and restored with exhibits and demonstrations. Mount Defiance next door has the best view; admission is charged.
French troops began building the fort in 1755, calling it Carillon, at the strategically important link between Lake Champlain and Lake George. In 1758, about 4,000 defenders held it against 16,000 British soldiers. On 10 May 1775, the Green Mountain Boys under Ethan Allen, together with Benedict Arnold, took the small British garrison by surprise. In 1777 the Americans abandoned the fort after Burgoyne’s troops hauled cannon up Mount Defiance.
William Ferris Pell bought the site in 1820, and the Pell family opened it to the public in 1909. Today the fort is a museum and a National Historic Landmark, with costumed interpreters explaining soldiers’ daily life, and the King’s Garden. Mount Defiance offers a wide view over Lake Champlain, and the access road is narrow. A half to a full day is a good amount of time to allow; check opening times and admission beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Ticonderoga, NY
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 43.8416, -73.3875
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Brookwood RV ResortMotorhome stopover6 mi from Fort TiconderogaMotorhomes
- Half Moon Pond State ParkCampsite13 mi from Fort Ticonderoga · 52 pitchesTentsCaravans
- Lake Dunmore KampersvilleCampsite16 mi from Fort TiconderogaTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
- Silver Lake CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Fort TiconderogaTentsToiletsDogs allowed
- Rivers Bend CampgroundMotorhome stopover19 mi from Fort TiconderogaMotorhomes
- Moosalamoo CampgroundCampsite19 mi from Fort TiconderogaDrinking waterToilets
All campsites in New York · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Fort Ticonderoga?
Fort Ticonderoga is in Ticonderoga, NY, at GPS 43.8416, -73.3875. It is about 31 mi from Keene Valley.
Can you camp near Fort Ticonderoga?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Brookwood RV Resort, about 6 mi away; within 25 mi there are 79 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Fort Ticonderoga?
Fort Ticonderoga is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Adirondacks: Lake George, Ticonderoga, Whiteface and Old Forge.
What is there to see near Fort Ticonderoga?
Places worth a stop nearby: Mount Philo State Park (31 mi), Shelburne Museum (38 mi), Lake Placid (42 mi) and Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway (44 mi).
When is the best time to visit Fort Ticonderoga?
The most pleasant months are usually June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)