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Best Campgrounds near Caroga Lake, NY

601 Reviews

Caroga Lake, New York provides a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping areas within the southern Adirondack region. Caroga Lake Campground, located directly on State Highway 29A, offers tent and RV sites with hookups, while DevilDoc Campsites provides more rustic camping experiences with tent, RV, cabin, and glamping options. The surrounding area features several mixed-use campgrounds including Crystal Grove Diamond Mine & Campground and Royal Mountain Campsites, both offering cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping. Most developed campgrounds in this region operate seasonally, typically from May through September or October.

Access to camping areas varies significantly with the seasons, as many campgrounds close during winter months due to harsh Adirondack weather conditions. Caroga Lake Campground operates from May 19 to September 30, while nearby Royal Mountain Campsites runs from May 12 to October 9. Most established sites require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when facilities reach capacity. The region experiences typical northeastern seasonal patterns with warm summers and cold winters, making late spring through early fall the primary camping season. Cell service can be limited in more remote areas, so advance planning is recommended. According to one visitor at Caroga Lake Campground, "Our site was bordered by a small stream so expect mosquitoes and the occasional visit from wildlife. We had raccoons at our site each night, so kept food in the car."

Waterfront camping represents a significant draw for visitors to the Caroga Lake area. Northampton Beach Campground, situated on the Great Sacandaga Lake about 15 miles east of Caroga Lake, receives consistently high ratings for its lakeside sites and swimming areas. A camper noted it as "one of my favorite campgrounds" with "many campsites with lakeside access." Several campgrounds in the area feature fire pits, picnic tables, and varying levels of amenities from primitive to full-service. DevilDoc Campsites has been described by visitors as offering a more immersive natural experience with pond-side camping and private sites spread across wooded property. The mix of state-operated and privately-owned campgrounds provides options ranging from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV camping and cabin rentals, accommodating different camping preferences and budgets.

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Royal Mountain Campsites

Royal Mountain Campsites

7 min away

Crystal Grove Diamond Mine & Campground

Crystal Grove Diamond Mine & Campground

15 min away

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Best Camping Sites Near Caroga Lake, New York (141)

    1. DevilDoc Campsites

    14 Reviews
    Caroga Lake, NY
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 844-1591

    $15 - $25 / night

    "My buddy and I were looking for a campsite for a quick overnight stay before a bike trip around the Adirondacks, and this spot was a perfect fit."

    "He and his buddy, Rick, live on acres and acres of forested property, with my favorite campsites located at a seemingly magical pond surrounded by beautiful pine and birch trees."

    2. Caroga Lake Campground

    6 Reviews
    Caroga Lake, NY
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (518) 835-4241

    $20 / night

    "This site also is bordered by a small stream so expect mosquitoes and the occasional visit from wildlife (we had raccoons at our site each night, so kept food in the car)."

    "It is also conveniently situated for a variety of nearby hikes."

    3. Crystal Grove Diamond Mine & Campground

    5 Reviews
    St. Johnsville, NY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 568-2914

    "Along with staying at this peaceful wooded campground, one can “mine” Herkimer Diamond quartz crystals adjacent to the campground via a bridge over the stream.

    I enjoyed a site next to the stream."

    "A fine campground with it's own Herkimer Diamond Mine walking distance (or you can drive up your vehicle) to the mining area. A fairly small, nicely wooded campground."

    4. Northampton Beach Campground

    11 Reviews
    Northville, NY
    16 miles
    +1 (518) 863-6000

    $22 - $40 / night

    "MANY campsites with lakeside access, although do pay attention to the time of year as the water level can drop considerably over the summer. large swimming area and great fishing."

    "Lots of bike riding and walking. Couple nice general stores that are reasonably priced AND a miniature golf place right outside of the entrance."

    5. Royal Mountain Campsites

    3 Reviews
    Caroga Lake, NY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 762-1946

    "The ice cream shop at the entrance was a huge bonus. We both ordered a small and it was near enough to consider a full meal! A very pleasant stay!"

    "Plenty to see nearby or just stay in.

    Truly loved camping here and will go back if the option ever presents itself again."

    6. Spruce Creek Campground

    7 Reviews
    St. Johnsville, NY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 429-3650

    "The land is next to a river. They keep it mowed and it went on for a while. The dogs enjoyed the walk!"

    "Upon arrival my husband told the owner that we had never set up before and he came and walked us through the whole process. He also gave us tips on equipment to get etc."

    7. Pine Lake Campground and RV Park

    1 Review
    Caroga Lake, NY
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 835-4930

    "This campground has a variety of offering including tent sites and RV, great swimming locations at many of the sites and there is a public beach with life-guards on duty a stones throw away!"

    8. St. Johnsville Campsite and Marina

    3 Reviews
    St. Johnsville, NY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 568-7406

    "A train track is close by so it can be kind of noisy."

    "Only drawback is steady stream of trains going by around the clock. I didn’t mind by my wife didn’t sleep well."

    9. Little Sandpoint Campground — Piseco Lake

    9 Reviews
    Piseco, NY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 548-7585

    $20 - $40 / night

    "The short but steep trail to Echo Cliffs within walking distance was my favorite part because it was so close and you could see Piseco Lake below."

    "Loved being right on the water and having access to trails from the camping area. Spots were large and wooded. Was very quiet and enjoyable!!"

    10. Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    3 Reviews
    Fort Plain, NY
    15 miles

    "Continue driving past the original coordinates until you reach the dirt parking lot on the right. You’ll see signs that say “No Vehicles Past This Point” — those apply only to the grassy picnic area."

    "It offers sounds of the highway and freight trains going by, my wife and I love it. If you need quiet, keep on moving. There are grills in the grassy area for tent camping, also a potable water tap."

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Showing results 1-10 of 141 campgrounds

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Recent Camping Photos near Caroga Lake, NY

406 Photos of 141 Caroga Lake Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Caroga Lake, NY

601 Reviews of 141 Caroga Lake Campgrounds

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Hide-A-Way Campsites

    Quaint and truly hid away

    Well maintained clean campground. Friendly attendants guided us to site and directed in spot. Gravel unlevel pad full hookups.

  • T&J F.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    West Canada Creek Campground

    Nice place, a little pricey

    Pros: clean campground, camp store, ice cream/pizza shack, shuttle to tubing, sites are pretty flat, pool is large and clean, quiet hours are enforced. Cons: $5 per dog "surprise" when we arrived. Even though we camped there 2 nights for 3 years in a row, $15 per person for the tubing shuttle seems steep; a discount or free would be nice for campers, as drop off points are just down the road. Sites are narrow.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Hartwick Highlands Campground

    Closest campground to Dreams Park

    Great campground very well kept and closest to Dreams Park. We drove around to the three closest RV parks to Dreams Park and would definitely stay here with the team and / or on your own. Security gate to enter and exit, pool, store, arcade, wide open where the RV’s are.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Cooperstown Beaver Valley Campground

    Great proximity to Dreams Park

    Cute cabins, lots of great amenities, pools, corn hole, volleyball net, nicely kept baseball fields , store, areas for group picnics. You could have the whole team stay here in the cabins and bring RV’s too. Only 10min or so to dreams park. Wooded area where RV’s are and separate area where the cabins are. Great spot. Festive and well kept.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Cooperstown Family Campground

    Great spot for a week at Dreams Park

    Peaceful, quiet, spread out. We had a big grass baseball field almost all to ourselves. Showers, bathrooms, efficient store, 24 hours laundry, 12 or so arcade machines in a cute barn they’ll open up for you when you want to play. Fire circles great for evening campfires. A pool across the street that seemed well cared for. A couple ponds that have Canadian geese. You feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. Tons of trees and wide open space. Healthy grass sites to park on with water, electric and sewer hook ups.

  • C
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Lake George RV Park

    Best campground we’ve stayed at

    We’ve stayed here three times now and it never disappoints! Well maintained from the roads now to the gardens. They pay attention to every detail. Staff is super friendly and honestly seemed very happy to work there. Only complaint is we wished we lived closer so we could go more often. We will definitely be back!

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest

    Site 4

    Site 4 is magical, it is road side, but the view, and access to the river is great. There is a path right from the site. Occasionally you will get the yahoo that speeds by and makes a dust cloud but otherwise it’s great. There is zero Verizon cell service in the whole area. So plan accordingly,

  • Laura S.
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Schroon River Campsites Inc

    Not as described

    Stayed in cabin #84 for 2 nights. Dirty cabin. Worst part was the description which was “sleeps 4.” Queen bed also in description. Not a Queen bed, but rather, full. Only sheets for the bed were provided. Very small and uncomfortable futon plus an air mattress were the other choices for 2 sleepers. But, no bedding? You’re kidding…how does this sleep 4 if you don’t provide bedding? Towels were very thin. All in all, definitely NOT worth $300 per night. The same rate as a canon with 2 actual beds. I would not stay here again.

Guide to Caroga Lake

Camping near Caroga Lake, New York, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Kayaking and Canoeing: The area around Caroga Lake is perfect for paddling. Many campgrounds, like Glimmerglass State Park Campground, have easy access to the water. One visitor mentioned, "You can just launch your kayak or canoe right there."
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, you’ll find great spots around the lake. A camper at Moose Hillock Camping Resorts noted, "The campground is on both sides of the road...easy access to the river for your fishing desire."
  • Hiking: There are several trails nearby for hiking enthusiasts. A review from Moreau Lake State Park Campground highlighted, "The hiking trails and lake...great outdoor recreation."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at places like Lake George RV Park. One reviewer said, "The sites are large and well spaced out."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A visitor at Moffitt Beach Campground remarked, "Facilities and park in excellent condition."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Lake George Escape Campground offer a full schedule of themed activities for kids. One parent shared, "There is a FULL schedule of themed activities for the kiddos, weekly."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads. A camper at Hearthstone Point Campground mentioned, "Friday and Saturday night there was a ton of street noise from Rt9."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A review for Moose Hillock Camping Resorts noted, "For the price of this place we expected a packed schedule of activities."
  • Bear Country: Some areas are known for bear activity. A visitor at Lewey Lake - DEC advised, "You HAVE to keep all your food covered in a sealed container."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly options like Old Forge Camping Resort, which offers plenty of activities. One family said, "This is one of the most family-friendly resorts."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to check the schedule of events at campgrounds like Lake George Escape Campground to keep the kids entertained. A parent noted, "There are tons of activities, lots of families and 'stuff' going on all the time."
  • Pack for the Beach: If you're near a lake, bring beach gear. A camper at Glimmerglass State Park Campground mentioned, "The park is an ideal spot to stay if you are wanting to take in any of the Glimmerglass music or theater productions."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure the campground can accommodate your RV size. A reviewer at Moose Hillock Camping Resorts said, "Some campsites were pretty small and would not fit large RVs."
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have narrow roads. A visitor at Old Forge Camping Resort noted, "The roads are through the campground are very tight making backing into a spot very difficult."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check ahead. A camper at Lake George RV Park mentioned, "Our pull-thru site was level and the full hookups all worked fine."

Camping around Caroga Lake, New York, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reserve a campsite at Caroga Lake in New York?

To reserve a campsite at Caroga Lake in New York, visit the New York State Parks reservation system at reserveamerica.com or call 1-800-456-CAMP. Reservations typically open 9 months in advance, and it's recommended to book early, especially for summer weekends and holidays. Similar to Eighth Lake Campground and Delta Lake State Park Campground, you can choose sites based on size, proximity to water, and whether you need electric hookups. A non-refundable reservation fee applies in addition to the nightly camping fee.

What amenities are available at Caroga Lake Campground?

Caroga Lake Campground offers amenities similar to other Adirondack state campgrounds. You can expect bathroom facilities, showers, and a dump station. For water activities, there's likely boat access and swimming areas. Most Adirondack campgrounds like Pine Lake Campground and RV Park near Caroga Lake provide water access, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. For more extensive amenities, Lake George RV Park about an hour away offers premium facilities including full hookups, WiFi, and recreational activities, though at a higher price point than state campgrounds.

What do reviews say about Caroga Lake Campground?

Reviews of Adirondack campgrounds near Caroga Lake are generally positive. Visitors to Golden Beach Campground praise the beautiful sunsets and flexible site layouts, which would be similar to what you might experience at Caroga Lake. Lake Durant Campground receives compliments for its early fall colors and peaceful atmosphere. Campers appreciate the affordability of state park campgrounds compared to private options. Many reviewers note that Adirondack campgrounds offer a good balance of natural surroundings while still being accessible to nearby towns for supplies and activities.

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