Camping options within a 20-mile radius of Gansevoort, New York often combine wooded settings with access to nearby recreation areas. The region sits at the foothills of the Adirondacks with elevations ranging from 400-800 feet, creating varied terrain for campsites. Many campgrounds in this region offer spacious, tree-buffered sites rather than the tightly packed arrangements found in more developed areas.
What to do
Paddling at Lake Luzerne: Boat rentals available at Luzerne Campground provide an easy way to explore this small, motor-free body of water. "My husband fishes. The showers are so nice and private and clean. Love that we can rent boats too," notes Antoinette W., who has camped there for 15 years.
Swimming in heated pools: The "Aloha Beach Tropical Swimming Pool" at Moose Hillock Camping Resorts features waterfalls, caves and waterslides. According to one visitor, "It is touted as the largest heated campground swimming pool in the northeast and features caves, waterfalls, waterslides, led lights, swim-in theater for nighttime movies, and cabana rentals."
Trail access for hiking and biking: The bike path connecting Lake George to Glens Falls runs directly behind Whippoorwill Campsites. "This was a great amenity and can help avoid all the traffic at Lake George by riding bikes into town," explains a camper. The paved path stretches approximately 9 miles one-way.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Sites at Alpine Lake RV Resort are notably larger than average. "We had a nice spot on the lake and were able to fish from our spot," reports one camper, highlighting the waterfront sites that allow direct lake access for fishing.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds in the region maintain above-average bathhouses. "The shower building closest to us wasn't very clean but that was probably due to the volume of people using it," notes one camper at Lake George Escape Campground, indicating that even during busy periods, facility maintenance remains a priority.
Campsite amenities: Fire pits vary across campgrounds with some offering custom-built options. "Each site is mostly level and seems private with having greenery around each site," explains a visitor to Whippoorwill Campsites, where the attention to site layout enhances privacy despite modest spacing between neighbors.
What you should know
Seasonal popularity impacts experience: Weekdays generally offer a calmer experience than weekends. "Our site was fine and large enough to accommodate our RV and tow car but some campsites were pretty small and would not fit large RVs," reports a visitor to Lake George Escape, highlighting how site selection becomes crucial during peak times.
Highway noise can affect certain sites: Campers near main roads may experience traffic noise. At Hearthstone Point Campground, one visitor noted, "Campsite was a bit noisy due to location close to major road," suggesting site selection away from Route 9 improves the experience.
Water activities dominate recreation options: Most local campgrounds center their amenities around swimming, fishing and boating. "The small park but there is a lot to enjoy on site and even more nearby. Very wooded. Hiking trails become nice XC skiing trails. Nice sandy beach with lifeguard hours," shared a visitor to Moreau Lake State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with organized activities: Family-focused events keep kids engaged. At Lake George Escape Campground, "There are tons of activities, lots of families and 'stuff' going on all the time," notes one camper, describing the resort-like atmosphere that appeals to families seeking structured recreation.
Consider bike-friendly campgrounds: Cycling within campgrounds provides safe recreation for children. "It is safe to let kids ride their bikes around the campground, go to the arcade, pool, or playground because nothing is too far away," reports a visitor to Whippoorwill Campsites, emphasizing how compact layouts benefit families with young children.
Reserve waterfront sites early: Lakeside camping spots book months in advance. "The sites near the water fill up pretty quickly, so book well in advance if that's your choice," advises a repeat visitor to Hearthstone Point, highlighting the need for planning 6-9 months ahead for prime summer dates.
Tips from RVers
Verify site dimensions before booking: Some campgrounds have limited full-hookup options for larger rigs. At Ledgeview Village RV Park, "Big sites, grounds were very clean, level sites, quiet, staff was very pleasant," reports Eric C., noting that the gravel pads accommodate larger vehicles without leveling challenges.
Check dump station locations: Not all sites offer sewer connections. "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 camper at Whippoorwill Campsites, highlighting the practical workaround for RVers in water/electric-only sites.
Consider road quality within campgrounds: Interior campground roads vary in width and condition. One RVer noted at Moose Hillock, "The angled sites and wide roads make backing in very easy," suggesting that campgrounds with wider interior roads significantly simplify maneuvering for less experienced drivers.
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