111 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options in the Croghan area of northern New York include both developed facilities and dispersed sites, particularly around Stillwater Reservoir and along the Beaver River. Soft Maple Campground offers a small but well-maintained camping area with about a dozen sites for tents and RVs, featuring a clean beach and boat access. Stillwater Reservoir provides numerous primitive dispersed camping sites that are primarily accessible by boat, with only one drive-up site available. The region also includes established campgrounds like Adirondack Mennonite Camping Associates and Whitaker Falls Park, which offer a mix of tent sites, cabins, and in some cases, glamping options within the Adirondack foothills.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from May through September or early October due to the northern New York climate. Several areas require advance planning for access, particularly boat-in sites at Stillwater Reservoir. "It was nice and peaceful," noted one visitor to Stillwater, though another mentioned "a 20 mile ride of just woods on a bumpy road" to reach the reservoir. Cell service is extremely limited throughout much of the camping region, with several reviews noting the complete absence of connectivity at Stillwater Reservoir. The terrain varies from lakefront beaches to wooded sites, with a mix of level grounds suitable for RVs and more primitive areas accessible only by hiking or paddling in.
The region's camping areas receive consistently high ratings for water access and natural beauty. Multiple developed campgrounds provide amenities like showers, drinking water, and trash disposal, while the dispersed sites offer greater seclusion and direct water access. According to a visitor at Soft Maple Campground, "The beach is lovely and clean. There's boat access for canoes and kayaks as this is part of the Beaver River route." Waterfront sites are particularly sought after, with several reviews highlighting swimming and paddling opportunities. Wildlife viewing opportunities include bald eagles and loons, as mentioned by visitors to Stillwater Reservoir. Campgrounds like Whitaker Falls Park complement the camping experience with hiking trails leading to waterfalls and scenic overlooks, while still remaining close to the small communities in the area.
"Would recommend if you want to break away from technology because you get zero service out there"
"It's first come first serve so best to find another place if you intend to drive up to your campsite. The drive up campsite had an outhouse though so that was nice"
from $25 / night
Check Availability"The entire campground is accessible, with gravel pack paths, and level sites. Charlie is the caretaker here and everyone says he is the nicest person you’ll meet. "
from $20 / night
"We also hike the gorge hiking trail. What a wonderful hike. Mid level rigor but the view of the gorge from the top are truly breath taking!!"
from $21 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Great getaway in upstate New York"
"This is one of the most family friendly resorts and a perfect weekend getaway for those living in other parts of New York State."
"Beaver Camp (or, officially Adirondack Mennonite Camping Assoc.), is a classic summer youth sleep-away camp on Beaver Lake."
"Great for swimming, kayaking, and a gorgeous place to wake up next to the water. There are two access points to the water, the more hidden point is where you hike in for camping."
"Great campground with nice sites and access to other areas in the ADK ... easy hikes up Bald Mountain or Rocky Point."
"I love camping anywhere where there is a lake. I love kayaking, so normally if there is a lake nearby, then I always bring my kayak."
from $22 / night
Check Availability"Clean bathrooms with showers, sites for tents and rv’s, and a breathtaking trail to overlooks and waterfalls."
"The sites are small, but there are mature trees between them & woodsy areas around the campsites. The campground is clean and well kept. The laundry room and bathrooms were clean."
from $40 - $131 / night
Check Availability
GuideMy boyfriend and I rented out cabin 26 at this camping resort and it was very worth it ! Our cabin was right next to the bathroom/shower facility. We also had a very spacious cabin with a fire pit outside.
GuideVery nice night spent at Winona State Forest with my boyfriend and our dog, Michelob. Lots of horseflies and mosquitoes but big spray did help and the fire. We have a truck bed tent we used for this trip and a canopy tent to put all of our stuff under. Each site does have a fire pit of some sort.
ScoutWe are hiking the northville placid trail and left a car here for a resupply, spent a night, quiet campground, excellent showers that were super clean and appear to be new.
TravelerWe thought the campground was beautiful, tight to your neighbors on majority of sites, and lack of trash cans for pet waste especially since the campground is so big. It has ball field, 2 playgrounds, rec room, camp store, lake Ontario to swim, trails for multi use, and pavillions. Down fall for us was small site , lack of trash cans to toss pet waste, not being told about fill station because there is no water faucets like most state parks along campground. We were there for first time so not familiar with park. Office did not offer us a map to get to our site or clue us in on filling our tank prior to parking camper. Main gate personnel not on same information. bathrooms could be cleaned more often. bathhouse building is all gender with bathrooms on one side of building and showers on other. Bathroom and showers are private space rooms. Beach is very rocky with little sand area. Life guards only guard one side of beach making everyone crowded to one side
ScoutNot very welcoming at night. Kinda creepy.
TravelerThe campground facilities are very outdated. That's most likely due to the majority of "campers" having RV's and not needing to use the facilities. The restrooms/dish sink area Only having Cold water to wash up hands & dishes, the 1 and Only shower area for All 3 Loops reminded me of being in a horror film...full of dead insects everywhere, ther are signs posted letting you know its gonna take about 5 minutes to semi-heat up, and the shower spray directly on the floor vs staying contained withvh
GuideI've stayed here twice, once in 2024 and again in 2026, both on Memorial Day Weekend. In 2024 I woke to the sound of loons but did not hear them in 2026.
This is a large campground on the shores of Cranberry Lake with access to many hiking trails and other activities. Quite a few of the sites are lakefront but they seem to book up fast. Most of the sites are spaced out fairly well although a few are close and will result in you seeing & hearing everything your neighbors are doing. However, they are mostly designed well and blend into the environment. A few seem like afterthoughts and are right on the road, so you'll want to choose carefully.
Dumpsters are in the center of the campground near the bathhouse, which has hot showers. There is a sandy beach area near the entrance of the campground and a volleyball area near the dumpsters/bathhouse.
It's a beautiful area and is mostly quiet. Other campers were respectful and didn't play loud music although a few talked loudly late into the night. There are lots of trailer camping sites, so you should expect to hear generators although most people were considerate and only ran them in the daytime.
This is a great campground for exploring the Adirondack Mountains. The town of Cranberry Lake seems mostly dead so don't plan on eating in restaurants nearby.
TravelerGood place to fish and stay. Good welcoming friendly host also. Well come back
TravelerStill quite a bit of snow at the entrance once I got past that it was easy site are perfect right on the water with a little out house across. Breathtaking views!
Dispersed camping opportunities near Croghan, New York span several lakes and waterways within the western Adirondack region. The area sits at approximately 1,200-1,500 feet elevation with mixed coniferous and deciduous forests. Camping season typically runs May through October, with July temperatures averaging 65-80°F during the day and 50-60°F at night.
Paddle on pristine waters: Francis Lake provides excellent kayaking opportunities with secluded camping spots. "This spot is totally gorgeous, perfectly clean, and quiet. Room for two or three tents, two fire circles and has an outhouse. Great for swimming, kayaking, and a gorgeous place to wake up next to the water," notes a visitor to Francis Lake.
Hike to scenic overlooks: Whitaker Falls Park features trails leading to impressive views. "Whitaker park is such a fabulous place to spend a picnic day or stay for a few! Wide open flat fields for kickball or baseball and a view of the Adirondack foothills... and a breathtaking trail to overlooks and waterfalls," according to a camper at Whitaker Falls Park.
Explore islands by boat: Stillwater Reservoir offers numerous island camping options accessible only by water. "My wife and I kayaked to Long Island and stayed for a weekend. It was quiet and had the whole island to our self. Would recommend if you want to break away from technology because you get zero service out there," reports a camper who visited Stillwater Reservoir.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning wildlife sightings are common throughout the region. "We saw Bald Eagles and Loons, enjoyed swimming, canoeing and paddleboarding with the family," notes a visitor to Stillwater Reservoir about their experience at site #37.
Private beaches: Many campsites offer direct water access. "Our spot had gorgeous waterfront to it, a stone fire circle where someone had left extra fire wood, and ample trees. The season had had unusually low water all over and it left a really unusual landscape on the beach to explore," explains a camper at Stillwater Reservoir.
Multiple exploration options: The variety of waterways provides diverse camping experiences. "This was my 3rd trip to Stillwater in 3 yrs and it gets better each time! Our first trip was an overnight to test some backpacking gear... Next year we took a canoe to our site... Our latest trip was to site 10, an island site with a large sandy beachfront," shares a repeat visitor.
Limited amenities: Most dispersed sites have minimal facilities. "I came here a couple days ago only to realize that all except one campsite needs a boat to be reached. It's first come first serve so best to find another place if you intend to drive up to your campsite," advises a visitor to Stillwater Reservoir.
Technology disconnection: Cell service is non-existent in many camping areas. A camper at Nicks Lake Campground explains the appeal: "The campground is on nicks lake and it is the only establishment on the lake. No other camps, houses or businesses. It is too shallow for motors so kayaks and canoes only which makes it very calm and peaceful."
Weather considerations: Rain can be frequent in certain seasons. "Good little spot, stayed here 6 nights in late September. Nice color changes, but it does rain a lot here. (Almost every day and night)," notes a camper from Nicks Lake Campground.
Water access planning: Consider water levels when planning activities. "The beach is manned by a lifeguard until 6pm and is very well maintained. We love brining the kids here without worrying about loud crazy campers up until all hours of the night," shares a visitor at Nicks Lake Campground.
Wildlife awareness: Take proper food storage precautions. "There were some pesky bears wandering at night looking for an easy meal. Although if you are careful about your food items they will not even stop at your site," advises another Nicks Lake visitor.
Organized activities: Old Forge Camping Resort offers structured recreation. "The visitors/welcome center has everything you need, including firewood, sweatshirts and homemade breakfast sandwiches. There is endless RV camping, tent camping, cabins and cottages available. There are hiking, biking and running trails galore. A volleyball court, playground and even a lake to fish or rent paddle boards."
Site selection: Choose established campgrounds for larger vehicles. "We have a 37ft fifth wheel & fit into our site no problem! Good cell reception & tons to do near by. But I highly recommend checking out their beach area- beyond gorgeous!" shares an RVer at Nicks Lake Campground.
Power considerations: Electric options vary by campground. "Small guiet park, sites are large not all sites have the same electric, there 2- 50 amp, some 30 amps and some 15 Amp," notes a visitor to Whetstone Gulf State Park Campground.
Seasonal options: Some best places to camp near Croghan remain open for winter activities. "Beaver Camp is a classic summer youth sleep-away camp on Beaver Lake. Weekend and week long programming for youth and families, or site rental of cabins and platform tents is available, as well as day use access to the beach and high ropes course," explains a visitor describing the Adirondack Mennonite Camping Associates facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Croghan, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Croghan, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 111 campgrounds and RV parks near Croghan, NY and 14 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Croghan, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Croghan, NY is Stillwater Reservoir with a 4.9-star rating from 9 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Croghan, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 free dispersed camping spots near Croghan, NY.
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