Camping options near Altamont, New York extend throughout the foothills of the Adirondacks and Catskills, with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,400 feet above sea level. The region experiences four distinct seasons with average summer temperatures between 70-85°F, making May through October the primary camping season. Winter camping is available in limited locations, with temperatures often dropping below freezing from December through March.
What to do
Hiking directly from campsites: DevilDoc Campsites offers access to trails that connect to nearby lakes and extend through the Adirondack region. According to one camper, "Hiking is also available directly from the campgrounds and connects to nearby trails, leading wherever your heart desires, from treks to the lakes nearby to one that even goes all through the Adirondacks."
Nearby waterfall exploration: Max V. Shaul State Park serves as a convenient base for exploring local waterfalls. A visitor noted, "there's no pond/lake here but there's several waterfalls nearby and vromans nose."
Seasonal water activities: Moreau Lake State Park provides swimming, boating and fishing opportunities from May through October. "Nice sandy beach with lifeguard hours," reports one camper, while another mentions "The beach is nice, large picnic facilities, and the campgrounds are well maintained with nice bathroom/shower buildings."
What campers like
Secluded pond settings: At DevilDoc Campsites, campers appreciate the private pond areas. One visitor shared, "We were escorted to our site upon arrival and I certainly appreciated that as we were very tired after a long day of travel." Another mentioned, "We had the whole camp ground to myself so that was even better. It is definitely off the beaten path but we'll worth it if your just trying to escape a little bit."
Clean, modern facilities: Glimmerglass State Park Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance standards. A camper noted, "It is clean great bathroom and showers. Very friendly campers and plenty to do at camp grounds and around the area." Another mentioned, "The beat grooms and showers are well kept."
Winter camping options: For cold-weather enthusiasts, Frosty Acres Campground offers year-round options. "We stayed from April until October then decided to stay over winter. They have a small winter section. You'll have the entire mountain side all to yourself! Snowshoe, cross country ski. Winter campfires," shared one winter camper.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the Altamont area operate from May through October. At Max V. Shaul State Park, the season runs "May 19 to October 10," according to their official schedule.
Limited hookups at state parks: Max V. Shaul State Park Campground offers basic accommodations. A visitor explained, "The Max V. Shaul State Park is small and quiet - only 30 sites here, which are large, flat and sited well apart from each other. The park is currently undergoing construction on 2 new bathhouses. No hookups, just a picnic table, firepit."
Varying water quality: Water conditions can differ between campgrounds. At Nickerson Park Campground, one camper advised, "BRING YOUR OWN WATER!!! The water smelled like raw sewage, loaded with sediment and very discolored. Little to no pressure and a couple times no water at all."
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Multiple campgrounds offer dedicated children's play areas. At Max V. Shaul State Park, a camper mentioned, "There is a children's playground and pavilion. Firewood is available to purchase. The bathrooms and showers are clean and well-kept."
Water recreation for children: Moreau Lake State Park Campground provides safe swimming areas with supervision. "Nice swimming area and enough room to kayak around. The wildlife is fun to look and and it's a great destination year round," noted one visitor.
Educational opportunities: Glimmerglass State Park's proximity to historical sites offers learning experiences. A camper shared, "With Cooperstown 15-20 minutes away no lack of things to do for adults and kids. Great restaurants also. No reason to ever get bored."
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: Nickerson Park Campground offers terraced camping areas suitable for various RV sizes. A visitor explained, "Groups of sites sit on level terraces stepped down toward the river. The center area of each grouping of sites had a common use area with tether ball, playgrounds, privies, or additional parking."
Big rig accessibility: Country Roads Campground accommodates larger RVs with 118 sites available. A camper noted, "Mainly an RV ground, but they have about 10-15 great tent sites back beyond the RV area. There are water spigots near all the tent sites and they are nice and spread out."
Electric options near Altamont: Electric hookups are available at several glamping locations near Altamont, including Whispering Timbers Glamping, which offers electric service at their two specialty sites for glamping enthusiasts seeking modern conveniences while camping.
