AuSable Chasm Campground offers tent, RV, and cabin camping in the Adirondack region approximately 23 miles northeast of Elizabethtown, New York. The campground provides access to hiking trails and biking paths through dense forest terrain. The Adirondack Park includes over 6 million acres with various equestrian trails accessible from nearby horse-friendly campgrounds.
What to do
Hiking and rafting excursions: AuSable Chasm Campground provides direct access to the AuSable Chasm attraction featuring various hiking trails and water activities. "The Chasm has their own store and cafe" with options for visitors to "hike, Tube down the river, raft, rock climb, adventure course," according to Susan S.
Cycling on dedicated trails: Multiple campgrounds in the region maintain marked cycling paths. Rebecca Y. notes about AuSable Chasm: "I wish I had my bike!!! I didn't know that this was a biking campground and there were SO MANY trails."
Horseback riding on maintained trails: Frontier Town Campground features multiple well-maintained trails specifically designed for equestrian use. One visitor reported: "The trails are well marked and well maintained," making it ideal for horse owners seeking varied terrain options near Elizabethtown.
Lake activities: Branbury State Park Campground, located across the Vermont border, offers comprehensive water recreation. According to one visitor, the park includes "fishing, kayak, canoe, paddle boat and paddle board rentals" with "a nice beach and grounds" for visitors to enjoy.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many horse campgrounds near Elizabethtown, New York maintain exceptional cleanliness standards. Chelsea B. commented about Frontier Town: "The bathrooms are the cleanest I've seen so far and we do this full time," highlighting the daily maintenance.
Spacious campsites: Sites at Branbury State Park Campground offer generous dimensions. Catherine M. noted: "I couldn't believe how large the lots were. While they aren't super far from one another, they are large enough that they seem further than they are."
Natural surroundings: The Adirondack region provides diverse landscapes for camping. Levi M. described AuSable Chasm as "cozy and tucked into the woods with town only being a few miles away," offering a balance of nature and convenience.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region supports diverse wildlife populations. One camper at Branbury warned: "There are bears in the area, so be aware and store all food properly," indicating the authentic wilderness experience available.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: June brings significant insect activity at Frontier Town. One camper reported: "I saw the bugs, some of them clearly mosquitoes... But I ended up with two lower legs and two forearms that constantly itch like mad. I will never go back in June."
Bathroom facilities vary: AuSable Chasm Campground has individual bathroom units with unique layouts. Lee D. notes: "Bathrooms and shower rooms are individual rooms, but the doors are not labeled so it's a game of 'what's behind door number 1?'" Additionally, "There was no light in the shower room that I looked at so a night shower would be out of the question."
Reservation planning: Weekends see significantly higher occupancy at equestrian campgrounds. Charles K. recommends Frontier Town as "a great home base to explore from the Lake George region to Ticonderoga to day hikes or cycling," but suggests booking early for prime sites.
Supply limitations: Remote locations require advance planning. Chelsea B. advises about Frontier Town: "Get your supplies before you arrive! Not many places around to quickly grab charcoal if you need it."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: AuSable Chasm Campground offers dedicated play areas for children. Larry mentioned: "play ground kids loved it," making it suitable for families with younger children needing recreational options.
Educational opportunities: Branbury State Park Campground incorporates learning elements. One visitor highlighted: "There's a nature center with all kinds of information and activities," providing educational experiences for children.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas. Heather M. noted AuSable Chasm is "within minutes of Ausable Chasm, which offers great hiking trails and rafting/tubing," activities particularly appealing to families.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Frontier Town's layout can present challenges for larger vehicles. According to Sheri C.: "Sites are built wrong so it is hard to get you camper into your site correct."
Hookup arrangements: Frontier Town Campground's equestrian area has unique utility setups. Chelsea B. explains: "We stayed in site 33 which is in the equestrian camping area... The sites in the equestrian camping area are huge and so clean," with "shared pedestals" for electrical connections.
Size accommodations: Frontier Town can handle substantial rigs. Butch K. reported about site 43: "it was long enough it could have fit two of the biggest RVs I have ever seen. My 75 foot starling cable did not even reach all the way back out to the road."
Ranger
