The Pittstown area sits at elevations between 600-1,200 feet in New York's Capital Region, experiencing cold winters with significant snowfall and warm summers with occasional humidity. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October due to regional weather patterns, though a few private campgrounds offer extended seasons. The terrain varies from riverside locations to forest settings with hardwood canopies.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing opportunities: At Aqua Vista Valley Campgrounds, campers can enjoy water activities on the riverside sites. "We chose a site right by the river and were able to adjust it to our needs for our dogs and grandchildren," notes Kim H. The campground provides river access for water recreation throughout the season.
Hiking on Mount Greylock: The Sperry Road Campground serves as a base for exploring Massachusetts' highest peak with numerous trail options. As one camper shared, "Depending on the time of year, there are a couple of nearby waterfalls a short hike from the campground. Trails also leave here and head to the summit of Greylock or to the Stony Ledge Overlook." The trails offer varying difficulties, suitable for different skill levels.
Themed weekend events: Many campgrounds in the area host special activities, particularly during summer and fall. Aqua Vista Campground organizes seasonal events like Halloween celebrations. "We went for the Halloween event, and the kids had a great day and evening! They really enjoyed trick or treating!!!" reports Mary F. These organized activities typically occur on weekends from June through September.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The natural layout at Pine Hollow Campground in Pownal, Vermont, provides a quieter camping experience. Robert K. mentioned, "It is a really cute little campground with a pond and surrounded by small mountains/hills covered in trees." Campers appreciate the natural buffers between sites, especially for longer stays.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the region maintain good standards for bathrooms and showers. At Schodack Island State Park Campground, "The bathrooms are clean. The showers are large, but they do operate on a push system where you can't adjust the pressure, temp, or how long the water comes out," reports Kara W. State park facilities typically include token-operated showers while private campgrounds offer more amenities.
Spacious campsites: Many campers note the generous site sizes throughout the region. One camper at Schodack Island State Park noted, "The site was SO spacious and felt secluded because of all the nature and greenery." Sites near water features tend to be more popular and should be reserved further in advance.
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: The region has active wildlife populations including deer, bears, and various bird species. At Mt. Greylock Campsite Park, campers report seeing "so many different ducks and crannies and so many different levels up and down the hill and Valley and just a beautiful peaceful place in the woods." Always store food properly, as black bears are present in parts of the region.
Varying topography: Some campgrounds feature challenging terrain for larger vehicles. At Mt. Greylock Campsite Park, one camper noted, "Some of the sites are up hills and might be difficult for some to park their trailers. We watched a fifth wheel try to back up a hill and then turn into a site and couldn't get a grip because of the incline and the loose gravel."
Cell service limitations: Coverage can be spotty throughout the region. While some campgrounds report workable signal strength, many rural locations have limited connectivity. Schodack Island State Park reports "ATT and Verizon fluctuate between 1-3 bars. It was enough for me to work - downloading files, sending emails, and conducting non-video zoom calls."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated children's activities: Many campgrounds offer weekend programs specifically for younger campers. At Cherry Plain State Park Campground, the layout supports family camping. One visitor suggested, "We love the loop of sites near the entrance near the water for views but close to the bathroom, ranger station, and trails. Farther from the beach so there is less impact from the day visitors."
Consider water access for swimming: Water features are important for family enjoyment during summer months. At Cherry Plain State Park, campers report, "The bathrooms are clean. The place is quiet. The camps are well kept. Some camp sites are very small but others are really good. The view is great."
Reserve walk-in sites for extra privacy: For families wanting more seclusion, walk-in sites offer advantages. At Cherry Plain State Park, one reviewer noted, "Quiet campgrounds with multiple kinds of sites. We stayed in a hike in site, near the bathroom facilities, but out of view. It's a steep, short hike uphill."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability varies significantly: Many state parks offer electric-only sites while private campgrounds provide full hookups. At Camping On The Battenkill, "Our site has S/W/E with cable and wifi, and is nicely shaded-25b." Seasonal campers often secure the most desirable hookup sites months in advance.
Be prepared for uneven terrain: Leveling can be a challenge at some campgrounds in the region. One camper at Adventure Bound Camping Resort at Deer Run noted, "Our site was large and shaded. The draw back is where you need to park the camper is about 7 inches out of level. If we stay in the same site again we would come better prepared."
Consider RV size limitations: Many of the best places to camp near Pittstown, New York cannot accommodate larger rigs. State parks typically have more limitations on length, while private campgrounds offer more options. Pine Hollow Campground accommodates larger vehicles, with campers noting "Large RV welcome, but it seems tight for the big ones."
