Adirondack camping near Childwold, New York encompasses sites along the western edge of the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park where elevations range from 1,500 to 1,800 feet. The camping season typically runs May through early October with summer daytime temperatures averaging 75-80°F, though nighttime temperatures can drop 20-30 degrees even in July. Most campgrounds in this region don't have cell service, with the nearest reliable signals found in Tupper Lake.
What to do
Kayaking exploration: At Cranberry Lake Campground, the expansive lake offers multiple paddling routes with islands and quiet bays. "We spent one day kayaking on the lake and another day hiking. This is a great lake for kayaking, clear and calm, lots of nooks and crannies to explore," according to one visitor who stayed in site #45 with great kayak access.
Winter recreation: Though most campgrounds close for winter, the trail networks remain accessible for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. A camper at Higley Flow State Park noted, "I cross country ski in the winter and the trails are fabulous!" Many summer hiking trails transform into excellent snowshoeing routes when temperatures drop.
Island camping: For a more remote experience, boat-accessible sites on Saranac Lake offer complete privacy. "We rented a motorboat to get to our own private little peninsula on the middle Saranac. One of the coolest experiences I've ever had in my life - surrounded by nature - water, woods, birds and fishing for pike, bass and sunfish!" reported one camper who enjoyed the boat-only access.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers repeatedly mention the spacing and natural buffers at Rollins Pond Campground. "This campground is beautiful, and most of the sites are lakefront. Some sites are more spacious than others, but with the lake views, you can't complain," reports one reviewer who appreciated the layout despite having no hookups.
Clean facilities: The bathroom and shower facilities receive consistent praise at many campgrounds. At Lake Eaton Campground, a camper noted, "The bathrooms are kept tidy, the shower house is classic and clean, and there is an extensive recycling facility." At Higley Flow, another camper mentioned, "Brand new bathhouses" as part of what makes it "absolutely perfect."
Lake access for swimming: The clear, sandy-bottomed lakes are ideal for swimming during summer months. "Lake Eaton is arguably the cleanest lake in the Adirondacks. Super sandy bottom that stays shallow for a ways out," according to a regular visitor who has made camping there an annual family tradition for over a decade.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Spring camping can be challenging with temperature fluctuations. A visitor at Fish Creek Pond Campground advised, "We try to make an annual trip here in late September, after the throngs of summer crowds have left... If you enjoy leaf-peeping, I recommend the last week of September when the colors and the mountains are just gorgeous!"
Water level changes: Some campgrounds on rivers experience fluctuating water levels due to dam operations. A camper at Higley Flow State Park observed, "Since this river has many dams and is used for hydro power the water level can go up and down 2-3 feet from one day to the next. It didn't affect our kayaking fun, swimming or fishing and was intriguing."
Insects: Mosquitoes can be problematic, especially on hiking trails away from lakeshores. A visitor to Carry Falls Recreation Area warned, "The major problem with this campground is that there are thousands of mosquitos who don't seem to be crepuscular! They are out all day and night and even found ways to get inside our camper."
Tips for camping with families
Beach accessibility: Look for campgrounds with gradual entry beaches for children. "The beach front area is great for families! Sites are fairly secluded!" reports a camper at Cranberry Lake Campground, while another visitor to Lake Eaton Campground shared, "This family friendly park and scenery was a beautiful background to watch my grandkids play in the water for hours while we hung out with the ducks on the beach."
Ranger programs: Several campgrounds offer educational activities for children. "There was a really fun ranger activity they earned badges from. We all left very happy campers but sad to leave the mountains," noted a grandparent who visited Lake Eaton with their grandchildren.
Playgrounds and recreation: Some campgrounds include play areas and sports facilities. One camper mentioned that Cranberry Lake has "a sand volleyball court and basketball hoop," while a visitor to Higley Flow State Park noted it has a "great playground for the kids, hiking trails and more."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Many Adirondack campgrounds weren't designed with large RVs in mind. A camper at Birch's Lakeside Campground and Marina noted, "In spot 14 where we were located the wooden platform was a little rickety," though they also mentioned the campground "has everything you could ever want" including WiFi.
Unlevel sites: Even paved sites may require leveling. A reviewer at Higley Flow State Park mentioned that most sites are "paved (not always very level!)" despite being large and wooded, so come prepared with leveling blocks.
Water and electric availability: Full hookup sites are limited in this region. A Fish Creek Pond Campground visitor with a 36-foot fifth wheel shared, "We have a rather large rig (36 ft fifth wheel plus the truck) & while fish creek is notoriously a tent only/small rig campground we fit perfectly & our site has cell service! 10/10! Site 106!"
