RV parks near Bloomingdale, New York offer access to the western High Peaks region of the Adirondacks, with elevations ranging from 1,600 to 4,800 feet. The camping season typically runs from May through mid-October, with average summer temperatures between 70-80°F days and 45-60°F nights. Most campgrounds in this area experience significant elevation changes, making advance route planning essential for larger vehicles.
What to do
Hiking trails: Several campgrounds provide direct access to trails without needing to drive. At Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday, trails lead directly to Whiteface Mountain. As one camper noted, "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."
Swimming holes: The Ausable River offers natural swimming spots near several campgrounds. A visitor discovered, "Walk to the back of the campground to the Ausable river, go down the path about 500 ft. There is an awesome swimming hole."
Gem mining activities: Kids can enjoy gem mining at some RV parks in the area. At Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks, one camper shared, "The kids loved the gem mining and train rides! We enjoyed the water view and the staff was so nice to us!"
Paddling: Multiple lakes within 15-30 minutes of Bloomingdale RV parks provide paddling opportunities. A visitor at Thornbush Acres RV Park mentioned it's "Close to Lakes to Paddle, Store and Gas not far."
What campers like
Quieter camping areas: Many RV parks near Bloomingdale offer secluded sections away from busier areas. A camper at Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday praised the 100-Acre section: "This section has tall shade trees and much more space between sites than the resort area."
River access: Several campgrounds feature waterfront sites along rivers. At Davey Falls ADK, a visitor enjoyed the "Amazing secluded creekside spot. Private waterfall, hiking trails."
Family amenities: Many campgrounds include playgrounds, pools, and organized activities. One camper at Babbling Brook RV Park described it as a "Riverfront town park. Nice for families. Electric, water and sewer available."
Proximity to attractions: The location makes exploring the region convenient. A visitor at Camp Whiteface Mountain appreciated that it's "Nestled in the trees by the Ausable River its a convenient place to explore the area. 20 minutes from downtown Lake Placid at the base of Whiteface mountain."
What you should know
Shower facilities vary: Bathhouse quality differs between campgrounds and even between sections of the same property. One camper noted issues at a campground where "showers had to be pumped to run (no continuous water flow in either the showers or the sinks), and only 1 of the 4 stalls had lockable doors."
Visitor fees: Some campgrounds charge additional fees for day visitors or overnight guests. One camper at Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday mentioned, "Day passes for adults are $12 and $6/kid. Overnight fees are crazy high at $15/adult, $8/kid and $7/car."
Seasonal differences: Many RV parks near Bloomingdale have different sections with varying levels of shade and amenities. A visitor noted one campground had "2 sides, the mountain side and river side... The mountain side in general is my ideal campground full of trees and nature. The river side is new and on the side of the river but has you baking in the sun, there is no trees at all for shade."
Limited cell service: Mobile reception can be spotty throughout the region, especially in campgrounds located in valleys. Wifi quality varies significantly between campgrounds. At Iroquois Campground & RV Park, a camper reported, "Wifi at campsite was inconsistent and unreliable. Had to work from rec center and pool which was ok but not what we were told."
Tips for camping with families
Age-appropriate activities: Different campgrounds cater to different age groups. At Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks, families with children enjoy organized activities: "The kids loved the gem mining and train rides!"
Adult-focused options: Some campgrounds are better suited for adults. One visitor at Thornbush Acres RV Park observed it's "Quiet, more for Adults, no playgrounds or things for kids to do."
Safety considerations: Check lifeguard supervision at pools if traveling with children. A visitor at one campground observed concerning behavior where a "lifeguard on duty at the smaller pool across from the store was sitting down in a regular chair with a table with an umbrella between her and the pool, face down in her phone."
Swimming options: Natural swimming areas provide alternatives to pools. At Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA, a camper discovered, "walk to the back of the campground to the Ausable river, go down the path about 500 ft. there is an awesome swimming hole."
Tips from RVers
Tree clearance: Some RV parks near Bloomingdale have issues with low-hanging branches. A visitor mentioned, "There were lots of tree limbs that needed to be trimmed. Maneuvering through the park was pretty tight for us and we had to take it really slow."
Site selection: Consider whether you prefer wooded or open sites. At Shady Oaks Camping Resort, campers noted the mix of sites: "The families in the seasonal sites were very friendly. Overnight sites are grassy with fire rings."
Size limitations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs equally well. A visitor at Thornbush Acres RV Park noted it offers "Full hook ups and pull thru sites" but cautioned sites are "Not very private you are close to your neighbors."
First-time considerations: Newer RVers find certain campgrounds more welcoming. At Iroquois Campground & RV Park, a first-timer shared, "We went here for our first stay in our class c motorhome and had a wonderful weekend they have a beautiful pond and its peaceful environment."
