Camping near Duanesburg, New York offers a mix of wooded sites and lakeside options throughout the Southern Adirondack foothills. With elevations ranging from 800 to 1,400 feet, campgrounds in this region experience cooler temperatures than surrounding areas, often 5-8 degrees below Albany. Winter camping options typically close by mid-October, with most facilities reopening in late April or early May when ground conditions permit.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: 3-4 miles from Max V. Shaul State Park, visitors can access several waterfall trails. As one camper notes: "there's no pond/lake here but there's several waterfalls nearby and vromans nose" (Max V. Shaul State Park Campground).
Swimming in North-South Lake: 1-hour drive from Duanesburg provides one of the region's most popular swimming destinations. A regular visitor shares: "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time" (North-South Lake Campground).
Winter activities: Available at DevilDoc Campsites for those seeking off-season adventures. A winter camper explains: "We stayed from April until October then decided to stay over winter. They have a small winter section. You'll have the entire mountain side all to yourself! Snowshoe, cross country ski. Winter campfires."
What campers like
Private campsites with lake access: Some sites at Thompson's Lake offer direct water access. "Very friendly and helpful staff, well maintained property. Some of the lakeside sites have private foot trails down to the water which was very nice" (Thompson's Lake Campground).
Dog-specific areas at campgrounds near Duanesburg: The region offers multiple pet-friendly options with dedicated spaces. At Arrowhead Marina & RV Park, one camper noted: "We were next to a little fenced in area for dogs that our dog loved" (Arrowhead Marina & RV Park).
Modern bathroom facilities: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Duanesburg have recently upgraded their amenities. One visitor to Max V. Shaul stated: "The bath house is clean and modern. $27.50/night for non-resident."
Stargazing opportunities: The higher elevations provide excellent night sky viewing. A DevilDoc Campsites guest mentioned: "Loved staying up by the pond and exploring all the old relics around the area. Our spot was peaceful and quite. You'll fall asleep to the sounds of bull frogs, oh and the star gazing is pretty darn nice as well!"
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Elevations affect temperature ranges significantly. A camper at Schodack Island notes: "ATT and Verizon fluctuate between 1-3 bars. It was enough for me to work - downloading files, sending emails, and conducting non-video zoom calls" (Schodack Island State Park).
Road conditions: Some access roads require careful navigation. "The roads in are definitely patched and bumpy, but once your in the loop things are smooth!"
Pet documentation requirements: Always bring proper paperwork for pet-friendly campgrounds near Duanesburg. "Be sure to bring your dogs rabies records!! They don't let you in with just the tag, it has to be the paper records. We're full time so not a problem as it's always with me, but they are very strict on rabies requirements"
Water availability: Varies significantly by campground. "Water is available at different spots in the campground but not at the sites."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds for children: Several campgrounds offer family-focused amenities. As one Thompson's Lake visitor commented: "This campground has always been my go to. Now that I have kids, I appreciate the playground area near the beach more. All public areas including the bathrooms are very clean" (Thompson's Lake Campground).
Camp store access: Important for last-minute supplies with children. "They have a great beach with swimming, kayak and boat rentals, a nature center next door you can walk too and the bathrooms are refurbished!"
Proximity to emergency services: Most campgrounds maintain 20-30 minute distances from urgent care facilities. "Staff at Devil Doc could be the most hospitable host we've had so far. Music, libations, fire wood and coffee. All were offered and shared."
Noise considerations: Weekend activity levels increase significantly at popular campgrounds. "Avoid holidays to avoid the crowds."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campgrounds require additional equipment. "Gravel unlevel pad full hookups. Friendly attendants guided us to site and directed in spot" (Hide-A-Way Campsites).
Size limitations: Several dog-friendly campgrounds near Duanesburg have restrictions on larger vehicles. "This is a small campground but very quiet and nice. The people that run it are very nice and accommodating. Would highly recommend it."
Hookup variations: Electric service varies widely between locations. "The sites are well spaced out. Great for families. The lake is huge."
Winter storage options: Limited facilities remain open year-round. "You'll have the entire mountain side all to yourself! Snowshoe, cross country ski. Winter campfires. Owners Mike and Sherri are great. Dumpsters, laundry with coin machine. Very remote. Windy as all get out. Elevation about 1409 feet."
