RV camping near Ballston Spa, New York provides access to the southeastern Adirondack foothills where elevations range from 480 to 900 feet. The camping season typically runs from May through mid-October, with July and August temperatures averaging 70-85°F during the day and 55-65°F at night. Most campgrounds in the region sit on gravelly, well-drained soil formed from glacial deposits, allowing sites to dry quickly after rain.
What to do
Waterfront activities: Alpine Lake RV Resort has a lake for kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming. "Waterfront sites worth the dollars! Bring your boats and SUP boards for lots of fun! Hikers and water enthusiasts will live this place! Lots to explore," notes one camper who appreciates the water access.
Family entertainment: Lake George Escape Campground offers organized activities throughout the week. "They have movies, dances and even some kayaking, padding, etc. They have these dinos scattered throughout the park and also a few pools. So much to do on the camp ground and great for group camping!" The campground runs scheduled events from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Hiking trails: Local trails connect to many campgrounds. "Grounds are large and well maintained. Hikers and water enthusiasts will live this place! Lots to explore," mentions a visitor to Alpine Lake RV Resort. Trails range from flat, accessible paths to more challenging routes with moderate elevation changes.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Ledgeview Village RV Park maintains spotless restrooms and common areas. "The shower room is very tidy and I like it very much!" shares one happy camper. Another notes, "Bathrooms very clean. Pool was nice. Campground nice for younger families."
Riverside settings: Arrowhead Marina & RV Park offers sites along the Mohawk River. "Well maintained, located on the Mohawk River. Shady, grassy areas. Boat launch and pier. Friendly people. A perfect campground," according to one visitor who appreciated the waterfront location.
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer room to spread out. At Arrowhead Marina & RV Park, "Our site was back-in and had plenty of space. There's a lot of green space in this campground and it's right on the river. We were next to a little fenced in area for dogs that our dog loved."
What you should know
Seasonal population: Many campgrounds host long-term seasonal guests. At Lake George Schroon Valley Resort, "Most of the campers in the campground seem to be weekend warriors who leave their campers on premises to enjoy them on the weekends." This affects availability and social dynamics.
River access variations: Sites with water views often have specific considerations. "Our site had a steep drop off to the lake, not all are like this, but be cautious about this if you have young kids," warns a camper about Alpine Lake RV Resort.
Background noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise despite natural settings. At Lake George Schroon Valley Resort, one camper noted "the downside is the noise from the Northway within earshot and from the noisy seasonal campers who insist on blasting their music to the whole campground. Loosely enforced quiet hours."
Tips for camping with families
Look for recreation amenities: Dorset RV Park offers family-friendly facilities. "The campground was family friendly and quiet. They even had rabbits and chickens for the kids to enjoy. Spotless grounds and helpful staff," shares one reviewer. When booking, ask about playground equipment condition and age-appropriate activities.
Consider pool temperatures: Many campgrounds advertise pools, but conditions vary. "The pool was very cold but spotless, which was surprising since there's pine trees all around," notes a camper at Ledgeview Village RV Park, highlighting that tree cover can affect water temperature.
Check entertainment schedules: Special events enhance family stays. "There are community activities like bonfires, bingo, pot luck dinners, and complementary donuts & coffee every Sunday morning," mentions a visitor to Dorset RV Park. Most activity calendars are available online or upon check-in.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Lake George RV Park offers various site types. "We were on site 58 which backed up to the splash park. It was one of the largest sites we've ever stayed in. The sand/dirt was a bit of a nuisance but not a deal breaker," one RVer explains. Call ahead to discuss specific requirements for your rig.
Road navigation challenges: Interior roads can be tricky for larger RVs. At Dorset RV Park, "Tree placement and a pretty sharp 110+ degree turn makes it challenging to maneuver. I don't think campground staff is familiar with their own campground and that larger rigs are likely to have issue in this loop."
Convenience features: Look for campgrounds with practical amenities. Lake George RV Park impressed a camper who noted, "The garbage cans on every site was a wonderful addition which they empty everyday for you." This eliminates daily trips to a central dumpster.
