Adirondack campgrounds near Brantingham, New York offer seasonal accommodations between May and October, with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 feet. Weather patterns shift dramatically from warm summer days averaging 75°F to cooler fall temperatures in the 50s, affecting camping conditions throughout the region. Cell service weakens significantly in valleys and remote areas between Brantingham and Old Forge.
What to do
Water activities: Access fishing and paddling opportunities at several locations throughout the Adirondack region. Old Forge Camping Resort features a small lake for paddleboarding and fishing. "There is a volleyball court, playground and even a lake to fish or rent paddle boards," notes one visitor who enjoyed the amenities. Nearby locations offer additional water recreation with varying regulations.
Wildlife viewing: Keep a safe distance from local wildlife including black bears and deer. "Lots of black bears in area heed the warnings regarding keeping cars and camper locked keep food and cooler secure," advises a camper who stayed at Old Forge. Many campgrounds provide wildlife safety information at check-in, with specific instructions for food storage.
Golfing: Reserve tee times in advance during peak summer months when courses fill quickly. Streamside RV Park & Golf Course combines camping with a 12-hole golf course. "There is a 12 hole golf coarse that surrounds the campground," reports a visitor, noting that many seasonal campers are golf enthusiasts.
What campers like
Lake Ontario views: Sites facing west provide optimal sunset viewing conditions across multiple locations. Sun Outdoors Association Island receives consistent praise for its waterfront locations. "We were treated to gorgeous sunsets and minimal light pollution at night. The stars were everywhere," describes one visitor who appreciated the clear night skies over Lake Ontario.
Spacious sites: Availability varies seasonally with some campgrounds offering larger sites than others. "Sites are spacious, lots to do for kids, facilities are new and clean," reports a camper at The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone, where paved sites accommodate different rig sizes.
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain regular cleaning schedules with varying levels of amenities. "Bathrooms/showers were clean. Site we stayed at had full hook ups," notes a visitor to Brennan Beach Campground, who appreciated the well-maintained common areas and comprehensive site utilities.
What you should know
Electrical capacity issues: Power limitations affect larger RVs at certain campgrounds during peak usage periods. "We used a surge protector when plugging in to electric. It wasn't long before our power kept kicking off," cautions a visitor to HTR Adirondacks, who discovered that "they do not have enough power for all of the campsites they have."
Seasonal population shifts: Weekends become significantly busier than weekdays at most Adirondack campgrounds. "It was PACKED on the weekend, but they have a really efficient check in process and the staff is super nice," explains a camper describing the population density fluctuations at Brennan Beach.
Campground terrain: Site conditions vary from gravel to dirt with potential drainage issues after rain. "The lots are also not gravel and not level. Ours was dirt and mostly mud," reports one RVer about site conditions at a local campground, suggesting travelers check recent weather patterns before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Water safety: Life jackets required for children under 12 years at most waterfront campgrounds. Ontario Shores RV Park offers access to Lake Ontario, though recent changes have affected beach conditions. "The lake level flooding a few yrs ago ruined the sandy beach, but it's still a great view," notes a visitor who found alternative water activities for children.
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain play areas with varying equipment and age-appropriate features. "Nice play area for the kids!!!" comments a visitor to HTR Adirondacks who found the playground suitable for children of different ages.
Family-friendly scheduling: Plan activities around peak times to avoid crowds at popular attractions. "Spent 3 nights with our 2 sons and my husbands 2 granddaughters, all under age 12," shares a family who visited Brennan Beach Campground and found the pools, playground, and restaurants accommodated their multi-generational group effectively.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Bring additional leveling blocks as many sites throughout the region require adjustment. "Our site was a little narrower than others based on our proximity to a corner, but we still loved it," notes a camper who stayed at Sun Outdoors Association Island in a site that required some adaptation.
Navigation challenges: Plan routes carefully for rigs over 35 feet to avoid difficult turns and narrow roads. One traveler to Fort Drum Recreation Area found it "easy to get to and several forms of outdoor entertainment," though access to other campgrounds may require more careful planning.
Water quality: Filtering recommended at several campgrounds due to high chlorine content in local water systems. "Water pressure good but water reaks of chlorine. DO NOT drink the water," warns an RVer who discovered the water quality issues at HTR Adirondacks and recommends bringing drinking water.
