Moreau Lake State Park Campground and Alpine Lake RV Resort provide dry camping options with varied site privacy levels at elevations ranging from 330-1,100 feet near Ballston Lake. The region experiences typical Northeast seasonal patterns with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Winter camping options remain limited with only select facilities maintaining year-round access.
What to do
Hiking nearby state forests: Just 25 minutes from Ballston Lake, DevilDoc Campsites connects to extensive trail systems perfect for day hikes. "Hiking is 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," notes Ellis L.
Cross-country skiing routes: Winter camping enthusiasts can access designated trails at Frosty Acres Campground, located at 1,409 feet elevation with panoramic valley views. As James S. describes, "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."
Water recreation beyond the major lakes: Smaller ponds and waterways offer quieter alternatives to Lake George. One camper at Moreau Lake State Park shares, "Nice state campground, very clean, nice staff. Lake is nice for canoeing and kayaking but fish number and sizes are limited due to number of people fishing it on a regular basis."
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Moose Hillock Camping Resorts features unusually large campsites with natural buffers. "The sites at this park are huge. You could have parked three RVs in our site. Added bonus is that there is nice separation between sites with trees and shrubs that block out your neighbors and provide lots of privacy," explains Nancy W.
Clean facilities with extended season access: Many campers praise the maintenance standards at Lake George RV Park, open May through Columbus Day. One visitor noted, "Showers and Showers are clean. Over 20 miles in hiking trails, this is one of the nicest parks, I've visited."
Off-site transportation options: Seasonal trolley service connects several campgrounds to local attractions. According to a Lake George RV Park visitor, "There is also a trolley to get around the camp ground as well as to the local outlets. Fun family activities and quite a few pools to relax in."
What you should know
Seasonal crowds impact experience: During peak periods, especially holidays, campgrounds fill quickly and water recreation areas become crowded. At Moreau Lake State Park Campground, "Campground and swimming area becomes very crowded, especially on holiday weekend due to proximity to I-87 and number of downstate tourists that frequent the park."
Limited water and dump facilities: Some smaller campgrounds have restrictions on water usage. At DevilDoc Campsites, one camper noted: "Only con was that they were limited on water so could not dump tanks during our stay, had to travel to another place, a little hassle."
Site positioning affects privacy: For yurt camping near Ballston Lake, New York, site selection significantly impacts experience. A camper at Ledgeview Village RV Park mentions, "Our site was adjacent to the road and you could hear the loud noise of the tractor trailers all night. We camp in a pop up, I don't know if you would hear the noise in a trailer."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated recreation areas: Woodford State Park Campground offers family-focused amenities despite being smaller than some commercial resorts. "Perfect for families! There are tons of different types of campsites with either tent spots, lean-tos, and a few (hard to get) cabins. Beautiful clean swimmable lake with a walking trail around it," shares Sambath T.
Consider mid-week stays: Weekends bring significantly higher occupancy and noise levels at most campgrounds. One visitor at Woodford State Park noted, "If you're looking for a quiet spot maybe don't look here. If you have kids and don't mind them making friends and roaming the campground then this is great!"
Pack sand-appropriate gear: Many sites feature sandy terrain that becomes problematic with rain. At King Phillip's Campground, a visitor mentioned, "The site was gravel but just out our door was sand which made for a mess when it rained. The patio area was pretty large but very little grass and mostly sand."
Tips from RVers
Bring leveling blocks: Uneven sites can present challenges even at well-maintained campgrounds. At Lake George Escape Campground, "Our site was fine and large enough to accommodate our RV and tow car but some campsites were pretty small and would not fit large RVs. Roads in the park are confusing because none are parallel or perpendicular."
Check hook-up positioning: Some campgrounds have unconventional utility layouts. One RVer at King Phillip's Campground explained, "The sewer hook-up was very weird and at an angle that was hard to secure my hose to. Instead of flowing straight down into the ground, it was at 45 degrees and took a big rock for me to secure it."
Consider alternative water sources for extended stays: Yurt camping near Ballston Lake requires water planning at primitive sites. A DevilDoc Campsites visitor shared, "There's no running water at the tent sites, but the pond is available and with a carbon water filter, it was delicious. Bringing your own water also works."
