The Chestertown area sits within the Adirondack Park at approximately 850 feet elevation, characterized by dense forests and numerous waterways including Schroon River and Friends Lake. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-80°F, with cooler evenings even during peak season. Many campgrounds offer river and lake access with sandy beaches for cooling off during warmer months.
What to do
Paddle the Schroon River: Riverview Campground offers kayak and canoe rentals right on the river. "The river is the attraction at this Campground that provides hours of entertainment," says Happy Camper L. about Lake George Riverview Campground.
Visit local historical sites: Ticonderoga is accessible from Rogers Rock Campground. "Ticonderoga offers some history and is worth a half-day visit. Lake Champlain isn't far away, either," notes Jean C. about the area surrounding Rogers Rock Campground.
Morning hikes: Several moderate trails are within 15 minutes of Chestertown. "We got up and went on a beautiful hike. There are a few different hikes nearby. We did Prospect Mountain...the views were gorgeous! The trail was well maintained and easy to follow," shares Sue T.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Moose Hillock offers unusually large campsites with natural buffers. "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," explains Nancy W. about Moose Hillock Camping Resorts.
Rustic lakeside camping: Some sites offer direct water access with basic amenities. "We stayed in the rustic campground right down the road from the main campground. We parked in a lot and walked about 5 minutes to the campgrounds on the lake. They were beautiful and well kept, even had a small pile of fire wood for us," reports Drew H. about Scaroon Manor Campground.
Swimming options: Lake beaches and pools provide different swimming environments. "The beach area is beautiful... location is great to all things in Lake George area," mentions Jessica H. describing Eagle Point's sandy shoreline.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Campgrounds vary significantly in noise levels and privacy. "Look carefully at the map when choosing your site. Many of them are near the main road. Sites aren't particularly level or large," advises Jean C. about Rogers Rock.
Bathroom conditions vary: Facilities range from new to dated across different campgrounds. "Bathrooms stunk of weed all weekend. If that wasn't bad enough, a toilet seat ripped off the toilet and thrown in the middle of the bathroom," reports one disappointed visitor to Hearthstone Point Campground.
Seasonal differences: Some campgrounds reduce services outside peak season. "We camped in May (which is early in the season) so not all the amenities were open. Essentially, we were paying for things we did not use," notes Nancy W. describing a common off-season experience.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Several campgrounds feature updated play areas for children. "This campground did have a newer playground which my kids loved," mentions Kasey M. about Lake George Schroon Valley Resort.
Kid-friendly dining: Look for establishments catering to families. "Kids meals comes in frisbee plates. You can mine for gold, chill by the pool or even try your shot at archery! Something for everyone here, teen nights, family days and everything in between," says Michelle D.
Entertainment amenities: Some campgrounds offer organized activities. "This is a total family playground and if that is what you are looking for, this is your place! There are tons of activities, lots of families and 'stuff' going on all the time," explains Nancy W. about Lake George Escape.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Bring leveling blocks as many sites have uneven terrain. "My only 'knock' against is the fire pits. 3 haphazardly arranged rocks does not constitute a legitimate fire area," notes Tony B. about Moose Hillock's otherwise spacious sites.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Chestertown: Most welcome pets but have specific amenities. "Campground is pet friendly and have a small dog park. Pool was looking a bit outdated when we were last there but totally functional," reports Jason B. about Lake George Escape Campground.
Laundry considerations: Limited facilities exist in the area. "The bathrooms and laundry were clean but laundry costs were high at $3.50 for a wash and $3.00 for a dry," cautions Nancy W., noting that some campgrounds have no laundry facilities on-site.
Scout
