Caroga Lake camping and glamping options range from established campgrounds to secluded wilderness sites in the southern Adirondacks, sitting at approximately 1,300 feet elevation. The region experiences typical mountain weather patterns with temperatures ranging from mid-70s during summer days to cool 50s at night, making insulated sleeping gear essential even during peak season. Summer thunderstorms can develop quickly, requiring proper rain protection at campsites.
What to do
Hiking at Echo Cliffs: Access this moderate trail directly from Little Sandpoint Campground for spectacular views of Piseco Lake. "Hike to Echo Cliffs right from the campground," notes Kyle M., who appreciated the convenience of trails connecting to camp.
Rock hunting excursions: Just 25 minutes from Caroga Lake, Ace of Diamonds Mine & Campground offers a unique opportunity to search for Herkimer diamonds (double-terminated quartz crystals). "Great diamonds to find! Very busy during the day," reports Jennie, highlighting the dual camping and mining experience available.
Water recreation options: Tubing opportunities abound at campgrounds like Lake George Escape, where activities extend beyond swimming. As Christina M. describes, "There were plenty of outdoor activities to do such as swimming, tubing, kayaking, sports, and bike rentals." Most water rentals run $20-35 per day depending on equipment type.
What campers like
Private camping experiences: DevilDoc Campsites offers secluded sites around its Artesian-fed pond with minimal crowding. According to Jeff W., "Primitive dispersed camping is what you get, and EXACTLY what we wanted. We had the entire campground and the small Artesian fed pond to ourselves until our last night when other campers arrived."
Well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently praise the cleanliness of Lake George RV Park, which features paved roads and multiple amenities. "This park is amazing! So much to do right in the park with clean sites, friendly staff, awesome amenities and even a trolly to get around this huge park," notes Carrie M.
Access to local information: Many reviewers appreciate campground hosts who provide insider knowledge about the region. Tony F. observed at DevilDoc Campsites: "Rich could be the most hospitable host we've had so far. Music, libations, fire wood and coffee. All were offered and shared."
What you should know
Varying campsite conditions: Site quality can differ dramatically within the same campground. At Caroga Lake Campground, Vijay K. noted: "Site F-90- there is a slope on the site with limited privacy. I suggest avoiding this site but there are quite a few other sites that looked nice and a stream flowing through."
Seasonal considerations: Many Adirondack campgrounds, including those near Caroga Lake, operate on limited schedules. Caroga Lake Campground runs from May 19 to September 30, while Moreau Lake State Park is available May 6 to October 13. Fall campers should verify campground availability before planning trips.
Weather preparation: The mountainous terrain creates rapid weather changes. As Christina M. reported from Lake George Escape: "We had to evacuate the mountain our last evening because of really bad thunder and lightning but the ranger was very helpful and came around to warn us all and encourage us to be careful."
Tips for camping with families
Consider activity-focused campgrounds: Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA provides numerous organized events and facilities for children. Jeani B. recommends it as a "Very beautiful campground with tons of planned activities for the kids. Outdoor pool and clean shower/bathrooms."
Select sites with natural play features: Streams and small water features keep children entertained. Scott W. found DevilDoc Campsites ideal for a family weekend: "I wanted to do some camping and hiking in this area. DevilDoc Campsite was perfect for my needs. I meet my brother here and we had a great weekend hiking."
Verify swimming access: Not all campgrounds provide beach access or swimming facilities. Yoni N. noted about Caroga Lake Campground: "The campsite connects to the beach area and there is boat rental, but no pets allowed in the beach area. For us, a drawback was a lack of any hikes connecting to the campsite."
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Larger RVs require careful site selection, as Nancy W. discovered at Cooperstown KOA: "Our site (#41) was a pull-thru but there was no way we could drive our 45' motorhome forward out of the site because of a large tree and narrow roads. So we ended up having to back out."
Water pressure considerations: RVers should prepare for occasional utility issues. As Jim G. observed at Cooperstown KOA: "One annoyance is the water pressure seemed to drop on occasion and one night was low for quite a while due to the pool being filled. We had to wait to do dishes until the next morning."
Utility hookups vary: Many campgrounds offer different hookup levels across sites. Douglas J.B. experienced this at Ace of Diamonds Mine Campground: "I was put at a lower site that was cramped and wet. My fault for not checking before going...Either those were full or they just gave me a crappy site."
