Camping near Cleverdale, New York offers a range of options from primitive sites to full-service campgrounds within the southeastern Adirondack region. Most camping areas operate from May through mid-October, with seasonal closures during winter when temperatures regularly drop below freezing. Campgrounds in this area sit at elevations between 320-400 feet above sea level, providing moderate hiking conditions compared to the higher peaks further north.
What to Do
River activities: Float trips and paddling: At Lake George Riverview Campground, campers can access the Schroon River directly. "The river is the attraction at this Campground that provides hours of entertainment. My kids really enjoyed fishing& floating in the river," notes one visitor who appreciated the natural water access.
Mountain biking: Access to regional trails: Several campgrounds connect to the Warren County Bikeway. "Bike trails throughout with a connection to the local bike trails leading to Lake George and Glens Falls area," mentions a camper at Lake George RV Park. This paved path runs for miles through the region.
Archery: Family-friendly target practice: Lake George Escape Campground provides archery activities for visitors. "Archery was awesome!" exclaims one reviewer, highlighting the diverse recreation options beyond typical camping activities.
Wildlife observation: Early morning animal watching: Dawn hours at Luzerne Campground offer opportunities to spot local wildlife. "Great location. Small state run campground in the SE Adirondacks- plenty to do: tubing and white water rafting (spring) great hikes, horseback riding, canoe/kayaking," a camper reports.
What Campers Like
Spacious sites: Room to spread out: Moose Hillock Camping Resorts consistently receives praise for site size. "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," one camper explains.
Private bathrooms: Individual shower facilities: Some campgrounds offer upgraded bathroom facilities. "The bathrooms are very nice and all individual with a toilet and shower in one," notes a visitor at Whippoorwill Campsites, appreciating this uncommon amenity.
Dog amenities: Dedicated pet areas: Lake George RV Park offers exceptional pet facilities. "Best part- the 2 acre dog park with shaded seating for humans, bathrooms and a dog wash station," writes one camper, highlighting facilities rarely found at standard campgrounds.
Trolley service: Transportation options: Multiple campgrounds provide trolley service to local attractions. "You can leave your car/RV at your site and take the trolley into town/to the lake to avoid parking in town," a camper at Whippoorwill Campsites mentions, solving a common visitor challenge.
What You Should Know
Site surfaces vary significantly: Many campgrounds feature sandy or dirt sites rather than gravel pads. "The site pad was packed gravel and slightly unlevel. We have a 27 foot camper and was slightly difficult to maneuver into the site," reports a visitor at King Phillip's Campground.
Weekend noise levels: State campgrounds can get crowded during peak season. "Friday and Saturday night there was a ton of street noise from Rt9. Overall was a great weekend," notes a camper at Hearthstone Point Campground.
Limited cell coverage: Service can be spotty at more remote campgrounds. Coverage improves closer to Lake George Village but deteriorates in woodland areas and valleys.
Reservation windows: Most campgrounds open reservations 9-12 months in advance. Holiday weekends fill quickly, often within hours of release.
Tips for Camping with Families
Adventure options: Zip lines and water features: Multiple campgrounds cater specifically to families with children. "We didn't even have to leave the park because there was always something to do," writes a visitor about Lake George RV Park, highlighting the convenience of on-site activities.
Swimming areas: Lake vs. pool options: Moreau Lake State Park Campground offers natural swimming. "Nice sandy beach with lifeguard hours," notes a camper, contrasting with the developed pool options at private campgrounds.
Playground access: Quality varies by campground: Families should research playground facilities before booking. "Nice playground and beach, volleyball. Would reccommend," writes a Moreau Lake visitor about the recreational options.
Rainy day activities: Indoor options: Some campgrounds provide indoor recreation. "Arcades and game rooms are great for rainy days. Indoor pool too!" mentions a Lake George RV Park camper, highlighting weather contingency options.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Privacy considerations: At Moose Hillock, RVers appreciate the layout. "The angled sites and wide roads make backing in very easy," notes one camper, contrasting with tighter configurations at other parks.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. "If you opt for a site without sewer, they have a dump station that you can use on the way out which is what we did," explains a visitor at Whippoorwill Campsites.
Electrical service: Amperage varies between campgrounds. Some offer 30-amp service while others provide 50-amp connections for larger rigs.
Road conditions: Internal campground roads vary in quality. "Roads in the park are confusing because none are parallel or perpendicular so we had to go slow just to make sure we didn't miss a turn in the RV," cautions a Lake George Escape camper.
