The Adirondack region near Bloomingdale sits at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 feet, creating distinct microclimates throughout the area. Summer temperatures typically range from 45°F nights to 80°F days, with humidity levels lower than surrounding lowland areas. Winter camping options remain available at several locations, with snowfall averaging 100+ inches annually in higher elevations.
What to do
Paddle through connected lakes: At Rollins Pond Campground, visitors gain access to multiple waterways. "Great kayak and canoe access to a whole network of lakes in the St. Regis/Saranac area," notes Jeffrey B. The campground offers rentals during peak season for those without equipment.
Hike from your campsite: Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake provides direct trail access. "Behind the 100-Acre section are trails that lead to Whiteface Mountain so you don't have to get in the car to start a hike," explains Nancy W. Multiple High Peaks trailheads originate at or near the property.
Find swimming holes: Local water features beyond the main beaches offer refreshing alternatives. "Walk to the back of the campground to the Ausable river, go down the path about 500 ft. There is an awesome swimming hole," reveals Laura T. about Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday.
Explore Burlington: For a day trip, the Lake Champlain ferry connects to Vermont. "Burlington is my favorite city by far... Biking into Burlington takes 5-10 minutes and you're also right on the beach of Lake Champlain," shares Brittany R. about North Beach Campground.
What campers like
Waterfront yurt options: Yurt camping near Bloomingdale offers lake access at several properties. "Almost all the sites are lakefront. Great kayak and canoe access to a whole network of lakes in the St. Regis/Saranac area," notes Jeffrey B. about Rollins Pond Campground.
Seasonal wildlife viewing: Local animal sightings enhance the camping experience. "We always have wildlife at our site. This past trip we had chipmunks, squirrels, ducks, and a crane. The time before, we had a family of loons!" shares Kristina L.
Separate camping environments: Many properties offer distinct camping zones. "The west side is way cooler, less bugs and more views. The east side is RV/camper heaven," explains Colin J. about Meacham Lake Campground. This separation creates different experiences within one property.
Tent platform sites: At certain locations, elevated platforms keep gear dry. "The West side of the campground is reserved for primitive tent campers with a few choice sites right on the water. These sites generally have tent platforms which is a good thing," notes Kristin G. about Meacham Lake.
What you should know
Seasonal facility changes: Amenities vary throughout the year. "The boathouse doesn't open until June/July, which was not mentioned on the website, so we weren't able to rent kayaks," warns Francesca L. about Rollins Pond. Check operating schedules before planning water activities.
Hike-in requirements: Some premium sites require carrying gear. "The sites are sandy and our site was mostly flat. Some sites do have an uphill driveway lined with trees," explains Danielle S. about Buck Pond Campground. Consider equipment weight when selecting sites.
Road conditions: Access roads to remote sites may present challenges. "Road going in is very rough, use extreme caution on a motorcycle with street tires," advises Max about Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake. Vehicles with low clearance may struggle on certain approaches.
Weather variability: Early season camping brings unpredictable conditions. "I would caution going prior to June unless you are prepared for varying weather. I have been up there pitching the tent in a t-shirt one day only to need to throw on a jacket the next day due to rain and even snow," reports Alex G.
Tips for camping with families
Ice cream options: Local treats provide memorable experiences. "There was an ice cream place not far away, with a long line, and it was the best ice cream we had all summer!" raves Trina W. about Buck Pond Campground.
Bathroom logistics: Facility layout affects family comfort. "The bathroom area has one sink with no shelving so carrying your necessities in a shower caddy especially when you have kids that need to brush their teeth," advises Danielle S.
Evening entertainment: Communal activities enhance family experiences. "Ice cream truck every night. Ice and firewood available. Close store for goods," notes surfycampers about Rollins Pond. Some campgrounds feature regularly scheduled programs.
Pool alternatives: When lake swimming isn't ideal, look for swimming pools. "There is a pool for swimming, paved roads are good for bikes & scooters, pavilion for activities, lake for swimming & fishing and hiking trails," shares Lacy C. about Button Bay State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for large vehicles: Finding appropriate RV sites requires research. "We stayed in a full hook-up site that was plenty long enough for our 45' RV and tow car," reports Nancy W. about Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday, noting that "there are two distinct sections of this campground—the 'Resort' section and the '100-Acre Woods' section."
Dump station locations: "No hookups, so a bit trickier for RVs, but being right on the water makes it worth it," explains Erin about Rollins Pond Campground. Most state parks provide dumping facilities but may not offer full hookups.
Levelness considerations: Some sites present challenges for larger vehicles. "RV site 8 is so out of level that we couldn't get our Airstream level unless we put 10" of blocking under both axles," shares Brian P. about AuSable Chasm Campground.
Road clearance issues: Access roads to wilderness camping and yurt sites near Bloomingdale can be rough. "The road through the campground is dirt and rutted but the speed limit is 5 mph, so it wasn't that bad, but it would be a mess if it was raining," notes Lee D.
