Camping sites around Chestertown, New York sit within the southeastern Adirondack region at elevations ranging from 800-1,500 feet. The area experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months. Winter snow typically melts by late April, though some campsites remain muddy into May, particularly in low-lying areas along the Schroon River where several yurt camping options are available.
What to do
Archery practice: Lake George Escape Campground offers dedicated archery activities for all skill levels. "There are SO MANY activities in this area. Archery was awesome!" reports Kimberly S.
Fishing dock access: Explore fishing opportunities at Scaroon Manor Campground, which maintains a dedicated dock on Schroon Lake. "We stayed in the rustic campground right down the road from the main campground... The site had a relatively nice outhouse, a picnic table, a fire pit and a grate for grilling. It was right on the lake," notes Drew H.
Water activities: Lake George Riverview Campground offers river-based recreation along the Schroon. "The river is the attraction at this Campground that provides hours of entertainment... my kids really enjoyed fishing & floating in the river," according to Happy Camper L.
Biking options: Access the regional bike trail from King Phillip's Campground. "We road the bike path each day to and from Lake George. It was downhill on the way there and a little bit of an uphill battle on the way back but totally worth it! Bring your bikes!!" advises Stephanie H.
What campers like
Site privacy: Moose Hillock Camping Resorts offers unusually large and secluded sites. "The sites at this park are huge. You could have parked three RVs in our site. Added bonus is that there is nice separation between sites with trees and shrubs that block out your neighbors and provide lots of privacy," explains Nancy W.
Island camping: For a different experience, try Turtle Island on Lake George. "Camped on a little peninsula at the south end of the island. Gets a little loud with boat traffic at times, but really a great spot. Well maintained spots, plenty of shade, lots of trees!" shares James S.
Swimming options: Most campgrounds offer water access, though quality varies. At Eagle Point Campground, "The beach area & lake were fantastic & very clean. The beach was dragged & groomed every night," according to Bella J.
Bathroom facilities: Campgrounds range from basic to luxurious facilities. At King Phillip's Campground, visitors appreciate the "clean bathrooms" with Janet P. noting they're "very easy to find very easy to maneuver around into the campsites."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the Chestertown area operate from mid-May to early October, with specific opening/closing dates. For example, Rogers Rock Campground runs "May 19 to October 9."
Reservation timing: During peak season (July-August), reservations should be made 2-3 months in advance, especially for waterfront sites or yurt camping near Chestertown. Some campgrounds have minimum stay requirements during summer weekends.
Site selection: Choose carefully as quality varies widely. "Getting the right site here is key. Some have room, privacy, and trees. Others are close together, and out in the open," advises Ian P. about King Phillip's Campground.
Wildlife awareness: Coyotes are active in the area. At Scaroon Manor, one camper reported: "Coyotes were howling all night and definitely heard some around our campground," warns Drew H.
Tips for camping with families
Pool facilities: Lake George RV Park offers multiple swimming options for children. "Perfect for the dogs with best dog park I ever saw. Pools and hot tubs extremely clean and the grounds looked more like a hotel resort than campground. Free shows every night at the playhouse kids loved," shares Michael C.
Beach toys: Some campgrounds provide beach toys and equipment. While the existing description mentions beach toys at Scaroon Manor, similar facilities exist elsewhere.
Playground access: Select a site near play areas for convenience. At King Phillip's, Katrina J. notes: "Great campground for families, we stayed at a tent site right near the playground. Pool, arcade, a short trolley ride to downtown lake George."
Entertainment options: Look for campgrounds with organized activities. Lake George Escape offers "teen nights, family days and everything in between," according to Michelle D., while Lake George RV Park provides "Animal shows kept daytime events going strong" as noted by Michael C.
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: Larger rigs should carefully check site dimensions. At Scaroon Manor, Angelina B. notes: "It's in a great location. Clean, quiet, and well taken care of. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. No full hookups. Poor cell reception."
Leveling challenges: Many sites in the Adirondack region require leveling blocks. At Rogers Rock, Kim T. warns: "Some roads are unpaved, unmarked with directional signs, very narrow, and tough to navigate."
Water connections: Some campgrounds have unusual water hookups. At Scaroon Manor, one camper found: "The water is difficult to get as you can't connect a regular hose. Luckily a neighbor helped us out," advises Tara N.
Off-season facilities: When booking during shoulder seasons (May/June or September/October), verify which amenities will be operational. At Lake George Riverview, visitors received discounts when "the pool was closed during our stay" according to Nancy W.