P
Peter L.
Traveler
TravelerVanderwacker Mountain Wild Forest
Quiet fire rings with outhouse
Multiple small fire ring, camping spots with an outhouse down a trail by site 3.
Camping near Hillsdale, NY
227 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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The area surrounding Hillsdale, New York features a mix of private campgrounds and state parks offering varied camping experiences throughout the region. Moose Hillock Camping Resort in Fort Ann provides spacious sites with amenities including tent camping, RV hookups, cabin rentals, and glamping options. Lake George RV Park offers similar accommodations approximately 30 miles northwest of Hillsdale. Granite Hill Lodge and Campground provides a more intimate setting with only 20 sites primarily serving RV and cabin campers. Several campgrounds in the area include swimming pools, hiking trails, and water access while maintaining proximity to the Adirondack region.
Most campgrounds in the Hillsdale area operate seasonally, typically from May through mid-October, with peak season running from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. Advance reservations are strongly recommended during summer months, particularly for holiday weekends when facilities reach capacity quickly. Weather conditions vary significantly through the camping season, with potential for summer thunderstorms and cooler evenings in early spring and fall. Many campgrounds implement specific rules regarding visitor fees, early arrival charges, and minimum stay requirements during peak periods. Road access is generally good with most sites accommodating both smaller vehicles and larger RVs. As one visitor noted, "Some friends came for a 2 hour visit & had to pay a $12/per person visiting fee. Wicked unreasonable, we've camped a lot and I've never seen the fee so high."
Campers consistently highlight the privacy and spaciousness of sites at many campgrounds near Hillsdale as a major advantage. A reviewer mentioned, "The sites at Moose Hillock are huge. You could have parked three RVs in our site. Added bonus is that there is nice separation between sites with trees and shrubs that block out your neighbors." Swimming pools represent a popular amenity, with several campgrounds featuring heated pools, water slides, and dedicated swimming areas. Family-friendly activities are common at larger campgrounds, though smaller facilities may offer more tranquil experiences. Campground proximity to natural attractions, including Lake George and the southern Adirondacks, provides additional recreational opportunities for hiking, boating, and fishing. While most campgrounds offer full hookups and modern amenities, pricing varies significantly, with premium sites and additional guests often incurring substantial surcharges.
Best Campgrounds near Hillsdale (227)
1. Moose Hillock Camping Resorts
"Golf cart rentals (4 and 6 person) were expensive so we just walked the park multiple days. Each site is gigantic and well thought out and can easily say there is not a bad site in the place."
"The park is very large so if you want to be near the pool/entertainment area or nearby bathrooms, pick your site accordingly."
2. Emerald Lake State Park Campground
"The camp sites are quite a bit of a walk up the hill from the lake where there is swimming, kayaking, paddle boating and picnicking."
"Nice lake for canoeing with trails from the camping area. Family friendly with semi private sites. A little road noise from nearby highway but it quiets down for a good night's rest."
3. Lake George RV Park
"**Lake George RV Park may be the greatest campground we’ve stayed at yet!"
"We rented a golf cart from an outside course which was SUPER expensive, so it would be nice if the campground offered their own rentals, but if that's our only complaint, we're happy campers."
4. Hearthstone Point Campground
"I am so thankful that l live close to the Adirondack park- where there are so many places to camp within this huge park."
"Close to Lake George. Went on the trolley to the village. New adventure."
from $22 - $40 / night
Check Availability5. Granite Hill Lodge and Campground
"Great facilities/location."
"This is a very nice campground but it is not at Lake George. It is about 25 min to Lake George Village. We had no trouble getting level and the bathhouse was very nice and CLEAN!"
from $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability6. Camping On The Battenkill
"Site 16 had a path to the river and was slightly tucked away. Sites 13 and 14 were cool spots too, I’d imagine in the summer you may have less privacy because it’s near the swimming area."
"Friends and I camp here every June, and we love being close to the river. We sleep in tents so the sound of the river put you to sleep at night."
from $45 - $57 / night
Check Availability7. Lake George Escape Campground
"Campground is placed 10 minutes from the bottom of Lake George with great hiking trails in the surrounding area. The campground it’s self it’s very clean in every aspect."
"Restaurant and bar right next to the pool. Decent size spots."
8. Slateville Secluded Campsites - Wood Included
from $55 - $75 / night
Check Availability9. Moreau Lake State Park Campground
"This campground is close to the highway between Albany and the Adirondacks. There’s a nice big lake and the Hudson RIver. Many campsites are near the lake."
"Moreau Lake has (in my opinion) superb facilities as far as state run campsites go."
from $24 - $95 / night
Check Availability10. Ledgeview Village RV Park
"Only downside was the road noise, our site was adjacent to the road and you could hear the loud noise of the tractor trailers all night."
"The pool was very cold but spotless, which was surprising since there’s pine trees all around. We would definitely go back."
Drive Time
- 31 min from Glens Falls, NY
- 1 hr 9 min from Albany, NY
- 1 hr 36 min from Pittsfield, MA
- 1 hr 42 min from Burlington, VT
Recent Camping Photos near Hillsdale, NY
384 Photos of 227 Hillsdale Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Slateville Secluded Campsites - Wood Included
Granite Hill Lodge and Campground
Lake Hadlock Inn, Beach and CampgroundC
Moose Hillock Camping Resorts
Emerald Lake State Park Campground
Ledgeview Village RV Park
Lake George RV Park
Long Island Group — Lake George IslandsA
King Phillip's Campground
Whippoorwill CampsitesV
Hearthstone Point CampgroundT
Lake George Battleground Campground
Recent Reviews near Hillsdale, NY
844 Reviews of 227 Hillsdale Campgrounds
Jessica M.
GuideKelley Stand Rd - NF Dispersed Camping
Interesting, decent site
Free dispersed camping site in the Green Mountain National Forest, off a dirt road. The site curves around past the driveway so you can tuck up into the trees to be more private. The upper part there has a circular open area, surrounded by thin trees. There’s a fire ring set up midway on the site. It felt more isolated than other sites I’ve stayed at and there were quite a few animal sounds in the woods, including large animal bones left past the treeline. They seem to be left behind from people (based off of how the bones were cut). Dispersed camping so don’t expect facilities of any sort. Decent site and pretty large compared to some of the other spots. Heard Barred Owls in the distance which was awesome. Uploaded a video of the site at night and pics of the area on a map that my friend was able to pull up.
- Jessica M.Guide
Dispersed site along Forest RD 71
Cute dispersed spot
Went with a friend on an impromptu last minute camping trip up in the NF and hoped we could find a spot on a Friday night. Quite a few spots were taken but there were still some free ones. We stayed at one near the creek just over a little bridge. Cute little site, nice fire pit, clean, perfect rock to put a big water jug on. The sound of running water was soothing. In the morning, adorable little red squirrels with big personalities made themselves known and there were wildflowers blooming all over with hummingbirds going about their business. This is dispersed camping so there’s no rest rooms, running water, etc. The particular site we stayed at did have another site on the other side of the creek and we could hear the family during the day and see them as they walked past, so it wasn’t as isolated as some of the other sites. It was a cute spot and I’ll def be back.
Dayton B.TravelerSomerset Airfield
Forest Service Raod 71
This is a good spot if you don’t mind being social. The main camping area is a large grassy opening where multiple people park and camp together, and there is a bathroom, but there isn’t much privacy between sites. If you continue farther down the forest road, there are several smaller pull-offs with much more private dispersed camping spots. I’d recommend checking those out if you’re looking for a quieter experience.
- KKevin F.Traveler
Krawczyk Farm
Dyrt done messed up
Dyrt done messed up! So far, very disappointed in this app. Difficult to use! We reserved this spot through Dyrt. The directions to the campground are way off. The host was not notified that we were coming. Don’t trust Dyrt; contact the campground asap after you reserve through Dyrt to confirm the reservation directly and confirm the address and directions.
- KKaSondra S.
ScoutCrown Point Camping Area
Disappointed
Very Disappointed With the Changes
Crown Point Campground used to be a wonderful place to camp. Unfortunately, since Happy Grounds purchased the campground, we have seen a significant decline in the overall experience.
I do want to make one thing very clear: the woman managing the campground is absolutely wonderful. She genuinely cares about the campers, is kind, helpful, and does her best to make people feel welcome. Our frustrations are not directed toward her. She deserves recognition for the effort she puts in, especially given the circumstances.
Unfortunately, there are serious concerns with the direction the campground has taken. There is no reliable Wi-Fi or cell service, which is especially concerning because there is no dependable way to call out in the event of an emergency. We have also seen a significant change in the atmosphere and clientele. Drugs have been found on the premises, including needles, which is extremely concerning for the safety of campers, especially families with children.
The campground has also become increasingly overcrowded. Tent sites have had upwards of 10 people on a single site, creating a very different camping experience from what many long-time campers originally signed up for.
Seasonal campers were told that there would be a gradual increase over two years to bring rates up to the new “going rate.” However, when the new contracts came out for next year, the price had increased by approximately $900. That is a substantial increase for a campground that, in our opinion, has continued to decline rather than improve.
What was perhaps most disappointing was how campers' concerns were handled. When people questioned the increase and expressed their frustrations, the response from the corporation was, and I quote:
“Get out and leave. I’ve heard enough complaints. Just leave if you don’t like it.”
That is an incredibly disappointing way to speak to people who have supported this campground for years.
It is heartbreaking to see what Crown Point Campground has become. There are good people here, and the campground itself has so much potential. Most importantly, the manager genuinely cares about the campers, and she deserves credit for that.
Our hope is that Happy Grounds will listen to the people who have invested years of their time and money here, address the safety and overcrowding concerns, and bring back the sense of community that once made Crown Point such a wonderful place to camp.
- Dayton B.Traveler
42.99045° N, 72.98195° W
Forest Service Road 71, West Dover, VT
Great little dispersed camping area off Forest Road 71 in West Dover, Vermont. Once you get onto the forest service road, everything is gravel/dirt, with several small pull-offs and primitive campsites scattered along the road. Some sites are only a few feet from the road, while others are tucked back around 100 feet and offer a little more privacy.
The individual pull-offs can be a little more challenging to reach. Most involve some combination of hills, rocks, ruts, and mud, although nothing was too crazy. Some spots are definitely easier to get into than others, so having a vehicle with decent ground clearance is helpful.
There was a decent amount of traffic passing through the area while we were there, but nothing too crazy or disruptive. The campsite we stayed at had a fire pit, but there was no running water at our site, and I don’t believe the other dispersed sites have running water either.
Overall, a pretty good option if you’re looking for a primitive, low-key camping spot with multiple sites to choose from. Just don’t expect complete solitude, especially during busier times.
- ddan H.Guide
Crown Point Campground
NY State park campground. Worth staying at
Good size campground with three loops. 2 shower / restroom facilities. Many of the sites are simply grass. There are a few gravel ones. The staff has no problem with driving on the or parking on grass. All sites have a firepit. Wood can be obtained locally. There is no store at the camp. There is only one dump station. There is a boat launch with limited trailer parking although when we stayed (Aug 2026) the water was only 18 in to 2 ft deep at docks. Heavily choked with vegetation. Shower facilities were clean enough but could use more attention, heavy cobwebs at lights, corners and edges of shower pretty dark with mold. Plenty of fresh water spigots throughout the camp. Camp is on the banks of lake Champlain, although only a couple sites have a lake view. Ruins of two pre-revolutionary war forts are within walking distance and offer a great introduction to life in the early 18th century. Fort Ticonderoga is a 30 min drive and will take most of the day to tour. Well worth the trip. Only 3 min drive to Vermont. I would stay again.
Matt S.
LegendMoose Hillock Camping Resorts
Huge sites but sloped, dirty, and pricey
We spent a long weekend at Moose Hillock in Fort Ann, New York, to visit Lake George. This is a difficult place for me to review. But I’ll do my best to share my experience.
The pool is the main attraction here and probably the largest and most ridiculous I’ve ever seen at a campground. Great for young kids.
THINGS I LIKED:
— The sites are enormous and private, probably the biggest sites we’ve ever seen at any campground we’ve stayed at.
— The mature trees are everywhere, great for privacy.
— It’s located about 25-minutes to the heart of Lake George. Easy drive away but not in the loud and busy area.
— The camp store is pretty good and sells snacks, drinks, basic supplies, and souvenirs.
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
— Our site(# 709) was sloped, so much that even with leveling boards under the rear wheels, rear jacks fully extended and front jacks fully retracted, we couldn’t level. That’s annoying and so easily fixed by a campground this size with this array of equipment and resources.
— Except for the entry roads, the rest of the park is gravel and dirt, which was extremely dusty. Our vehicles and our stuff were instantly covered by this dusty dirt which was a never-ending battle to keep outside.
— I’m ok paying premium money for a great site, but this site wasn’t matched to the price. I paid$647.38 for 3-nights. That’s$215.79 per night.
WOULD WE COME BACK?
Probably not. For me, having a level site that’s not covered in dirt and dust is important— especially when it costs$215 per night. There’s a much nicer park about 10-minutes away(closer to Lake George) where we’ve stayed in the past. The sites are smaller, but they’re level.
Guide to Hillsdale
Camping near Hillsdale, New York ranges from secluded riverside retreats to family-focused resorts with water amenities. Located in the southwestern edge of Columbia County where the Taconic Mountains meet the Hudson Valley, Hillsdale sits at approximately 700 feet elevation and experiences typical Northeast seasonal changes with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and occasional evening temperature drops into the 50s even in July.
What to do
Swimming in crystal-clear quarries: Dorset RV Park's location provides easy access to nearby swimming quarries. As one camper noted, "Great location near a fantastic quarry, country store, and Manchester shopping. The camp grounds were family friendly and quiet. They even had rabbits and chickens for the kids to enjoy."
Trout fishing in scenic rivers: Camping on the Battenkill in nearby Arlington, Vermont offers prime fishing opportunities just 30 minutes from Hillsdale. "Small, mostly wooded, quiet campground. Facilities were spotless. The owners are so nice and welcoming. Great river for tubing or hanging out in the swimming hole," reports one visitor.
Exploring trails in state parks: Moreau Lake State Park Campground offers extensive hiking options about 45 minutes from Hillsdale. "Over 20 miles in hiking trails, this is one of the nicest parks, I've visited," says one camper, while another mentions "The park has a large number of hiking trails for every level of outdoorsman and the staff is friendly and helpful."
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Campers consistently praise the site size at Camping On The Battenkill. "We were at site 17, and it was a massive site. Lots of room would be great for a large family or group," notes one review. Another states, "I stayed right on the river in site 14 with a small popup. The river is beautiful and the site was huge."
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Emerald Lake State Park receives high marks for upkeep. One reviewer mentions, "Clean, well spaced, and paved roads." Another describes it as a "Nice campground with decent amenities. Pay showers so save your quarters."
Lake swimming options: Emerald Lake State Park Campground offers swimming in a distinctive turquoise lake. "Beautiful campground in south central Vermont. On a lovely emerald green small lake with nice beach. Good for fishing and kayaking," says one visitor. Another adds, "Swimmers can swim out the a small island in the middle of the lake and check out the rope swing."
What you should know
Seasonal operation limitations: Most campgrounds in the Hillsdale area operate from May through mid-October, with limited shoulder season availability. At Hearthstone Point Campground, their season runs "May 19 to September 10" according to their listing.
Water access considerations: Not all campsites offer direct water access despite being near lakes or rivers. As one Emerald Lake visitor explains, "While there are trails down to the lake from the campground, none of the sites are waterfront, or even water view. In fact, many of them are perched on a steep ledge."
Site variability: Quality and size of sites can differ dramatically even within the same campground. At Hearthstone Point, "Sites range in size. Some have a slight change in grade. Woods. Our particular site had several small rocks through out. We also notice certain locations would have ponding after heavy rains."
Limited RV sites at smaller campgrounds: Granite Hill Lodge and Campground has just 20 total sites, making advance reservations critical during peak season. A visitor notes they offer "larger sites, and beautiful views from their lookout. They even have flower beds sprinkled around that are well manicured."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with organized activities: Lake George RV Park offers extensive programming for children. One family mentioned, "The campground is so clean and nice! Perfect for the dogs with best dog park I ever saw. Pools and hot tubs extremely clean and the grounds looked more like a hotel resort than campground. Free shows every night at the playhouse kids loved. Animal shows kept daytime events going strong."
Choose parks with shallow swimming areas: Safe swimming options matter for families with small children. An Emerald Lake visitor points out, "It's an awesome park for kids, and the turquoise water is a dream to cool off in. There's a small, sandy beach at one end of the lake, with a bath house and changing rooms nearby."
Consider site location carefully: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain not ideal for families with young children. At Emerald Lake, "many of them are perched on a steep ledge, making them a bit sketchy for families with kids. If you have little ones, check out the map before you reserve a site and find one on the opposite side of the ledge."
Tips from RVers
Verify site dimensions before booking: Big rigs may face challenges at some of the best places to camp near Hillsdale. At Dorset RV Park, one RVer cautions, "Larger rigs might want to avoid loop 6-14, especially for sites 8-12. Tree placement and a pretty sharp 110+ degree turn makes it challenging to maneuver."
Expect varying hookup options: Lake George Escape Campground offers full hookups but site quality varies. A reviewer notes, "Campsites in the park are pretty inconsistent– meaning some are long and wide with good privacy but others are not. With over 400 campsites there are a lot to chose from and hard to know which is best for you unless you have been there before."
Budget for additional fees: Many campgrounds near Hillsdale charge premium rates during peak season. At Lake George RV Park, one visitor shared, "We love going to Lake George RV Park. It's got large sites, virtually all blacktop roads, bike trails, dog park, indoor pool, outdoor pool and another (new) water park with zero-entry pool... My only minor issue was with WIFI on one trip, but most of the time it's pretty good for a campground."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Hillsdale, NY?
What camping is available near Hillsdale, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Hillsdale, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 227 campgrounds and RV parks near Hillsdale, NY and 38 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Hillsdale, NY?
Which is the most popular campground near Hillsdale, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hillsdale, NY is Moose Hillock Camping Resorts with a 4.1-star rating from 22 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hillsdale, NY?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hillsdale, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 38 free dispersed camping spots near Hillsdale, NY.
What parks are near Hillsdale, NY?
What parks are near Hillsdale, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Hillsdale, NY that allow camping, notably Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests and Green Mountain National Forest.
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