The Adirondack region surrounding Johnsburg, New York features a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping options. Lake George Escape Campground and Lake George RV Park provide developed facilities with full hookups for RVs, while also accommodating tent campers and offering cabin rentals. Crane Mountain Pond offers primitive dispersed camping for those seeking a more remote experience. Most campgrounds in the area are situated along lakes or rivers, providing water access for swimming, fishing, and boating activities. The region's camping options range from family-friendly resorts with amenities to secluded forest sites for wilderness enthusiasts.
Seasonal considerations affect campground availability throughout the area, with many established sites operating from May through September or early October. "The campground is located in the Adirondack Park and it is located on a lake- my favorite part! The lake is gorgeous and you can do a lot of different water activities," noted one visitor about Lewey Lake Campground. Winter conditions can make access challenging, particularly for dispersed sites that require hiking or traveling on unpaved roads. Cell service varies significantly across the region, with several reviewers mentioning limited connectivity in more remote areas. Campers should check reservation requirements, as popular waterfront sites at Lake George and nearby campgrounds often fill quickly during summer months.
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the Johnsburg area, with several developed campgrounds situated on Lake George and smaller lakes throughout the region. Sites with lake views typically receive higher ratings from visitors, though they also tend to be more crowded during peak season. A camper described Rogers Rock Campground as having "lots of untouched woods with well-shaded little dirt plots, access to fresh water and some electricity, clean bathhouses, cliffs and small beaches to jump into the 30 miles of crystal clear water." Tent and RV sites at established campgrounds generally include fire rings and picnic tables, while dispersed camping areas offer more primitive conditions with fewer amenities. Mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV camping are common throughout the region, providing options for various camping preferences and equipment needs.
"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."
$22 / night
"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."
$41 - $75 / night
"This campground sits on the Schroon River just a few miles north of downtown Lake George and is very easy to access from I-87."
"You're 4 miles away from Lake George's downtown which is a great area. Plenty of nearby hikes. Each campsite had a BBQ-like fire pit. Campground has a very nice basketball court, pool and playground."
$20 - $25 / night
"We parked in a lot and walked about 5 minutes to the campgrounds on the lake. They were beautiful and well kept, even had a small pile of fire wood for us."
"Just next to the lake for a swim. So many mosquitos"
"**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."
$20 / night
"Lewey Lake was such a great experience, I really can't wait to go back!"
"There are a lot of options here, there are over 200 sites, scattered around Lewey and Indian Lakes."
$22 / night
"The only campground in all of New York that acquires to house back riders. There are campsites that also come with stalls for your horse!"
"We get our site close to the lake so we can walk down and swim and my husband fishes. The showers are so nice and private and clean. Love that we can rent boats too."
$22 / night
"Gorgeous days at the lake. Smores and campfires too."
"The Fox Lair campsites are named for some abandoned facilities nearby, which I did not see but you can research how to visit them."
"We came in when it was dark so we didn’t get to see our surroundings and it was slightly difficult to find but during the day it was very easy to tell that it was a campsite and as long as you get there"
GuideWe loved camping at Crane Pond. It was a little over 3 miles to hike into the waterfront sites. There is an outhouse nearby, several campsites, fire pits, and we went for a swim in the pond. Overall great experience!
LegendThis review is for primitive backpack or paddle in camping alogn the breathtakingly beautiful Sagamore Lake. On the southwest corner of the lake is located the historic Camp Sagamore, one of the so-called Great Camps of the Adirondacks and which is now a comfortable lodge and camping retreat which hosts lifelong learning workshops on crafts and history throughout the year. If interested in visiting it, see this link: https://www.sagamore.org/
However, beyond the grounds of the Camp is the vast Blue Ridge Wilderness of the Adirondack State Forest Park which completely surround the lake. Adhacent to camp Sagamore is a parking lot for campers and hikers, which includes an outhouse, picnic table, launch for canoes or kayaks, and trailhead for hiking and backpacking. The trail encircles Sagamore lake is is about 3.8 miles long. There is primitive and dispersed camping all along the trail and and along shore and beyond as long as you practice Leave No Trace principles. This basically means no campsite amenities other than the glorious woods and lake, but you will have your pick of remote spots to pitch a tent without having to backpack for hours. The trail does attract a fair number of day use hikers or paddlers, but few campers. The trail is reasonable to tackle for beginning dispersed campers, with the added safety of being able to hike out to the Camp within a couple miles in case of emergency. Highly recommended!
LegendThis is a small rustic state forest off the beaten track, remote from but not too far from the village of Inlet in the Adirondacks. It is smaller than some of the other are forest campgrounds, and more quiet and peaceful. While in a rustic location at a distance from the main road, amenities do include picnic tables and firerings, flush toilets as well as privvies, and a trailer dump station 9but no hooksups) Sites are spacious and private and well shaded. You can paddle and fish right here, with lots of good hiking in the area. Fairly easy to get to from the Utica area, and with reasonably close access to a quaint Adirondack village, but still providing a remote expereince at the edge of the wilderness.
Note: just 3.5 miles from the campground is the very nique and special Ferd's Bog reserve. There is a floating boardwalk into the trail, under the shadow of Cascade Mountain. Myriad unique boreal plants for view by botany fans, about a 1.2 hike in and back, and easy trail access from nearby Uncas Road, more info here: https://cnyhiking.com/FerdsBogTrail.htm
LegendThe Golden Beach campground has two sections: one is the main campground, with the usual state forest amenities including bathrooms, showers and beach, shared with a couple hundred campsites along the east side of Racquette Lake. However, the campground also manages a string of more remotely placed campsites located along the shor of the south bay of Racquette Lake, removed from the main campground and its amenities but with much more space between sites and direct access to the lake. They also are clustered in small spurs directly accessible to Rt 28, which has pluses and minuses. For me, these quieter more rustic sites are preferable, especially with the easy access for canoeing right on the lake. Picnic table, tent site, parking spot and fire ring are all provided, right along the beautiful lake. The smallest spur has only 2 campsites, which is perfect when you want a quiet spot! Big trees, peace and quiet, beautiful Adirondack experience, also not too far from the main campground and many hiking trails in the area
GuidePretty nice campground all things considered, bathrooms are definitely rustic but kept clean. Some of the campsites are very close together, and others have a decent amount of space between them, not necessarily a lot of trees in between campsites for privacy. Beautiful views of the water, and surrounding mountains. Staff was extremely friendly!
RangerWe stayed in site 33 which is in the equestrian camping area. It’s really open with little tree cover which is perfect for those who work remote using Starlink. We had fantastic connection. The sites in the equestrian camping area are huge and so clean. The bathrooms are the cleanest I’ve seen so far and we do this full time. The only disappointment was that the hot water doesn’t get very hot in the shower so you better do some jumping jacks to get pumped before showering during colder temps! The trails are well marked and well maintained. Overall, this is a fantastic campsite. There’s even a brewery a ten minute walk down the road. We didn’t go but looks nice. Get your supplies before you arrive! Not many places around to quickly grab charcoal if you need it.
GuideThe campsites are all in the trees with some sites not clearly defined. The sites seem good sized with new bathroom and showers, with individual showers with a toilet. There are a lot of monthly staying here. Overall a nice park
GuideIt was rocky getting there but super super remote - zero service. Great space for my jeep and honestly you could fit a LARGE RV. There is a bathroom at the entrance. No fires because it’s super remote. Peaceful and almost untouched.
GuideAlong Co 421, by Horseshoe Lake, there are 10-11 designated campsites. Most have fire pits.
Road is rough but easily doable if you take it slow.
As it’s a forest, the sites are pretty shaded, so solar and Starlink may present challenges. Slight AT&T at earlier sites.
Dispersed camping options near Johnsburg, New York include basic sites at Crane Mountain Pond, accessible by a moderate hike. This southern Adirondack region sits at elevations between 1,500-3,000 feet with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. The area receives significant rainfall even in summer months, making waterproof gear essential for campers in all seasons.
Archery activities: Lake George Escape Campground offers structured archery programs for beginners and experienced archers. "There are SO MANY activities in this area. Archery was awesome!" notes Kimberly S. The campground provides equipment and instruction for various skill levels.
Fishing opportunities: The Schroon River at Lake George Riverview Campground provides accessible fishing spots for campers. "My kids really enjoyed fishing & floating in the river," reports one visitor. The river contains various trout species and smallmouth bass.
Star gazing: Fox Lair Campsites features elevated sites ideal for astronomical viewing. "We managed to snag a spot at the very top of a wide open hill. This is definitely the site to seek if you're a star gazer," writes Tommy S. The remote location minimizes light pollution for optimal night sky viewing.
Private bathrooms: Lake George Riverview Campground offers individual bathroom facilities with showers. "The bathrooms are very nice and all individual with a toilet and shower in one," mentions Sammii D., providing privacy not commonly found at public campgrounds.
Dog-friendly amenities: Lake George RV Park maintains a dedicated two-acre dog park with specialized facilities. "Best part- the 2 acre dog park with shaded seating for humans, bathrooms and a dog wash station," writes April L., highlighting amenities specifically designed for pet owners.
Site spacing: Sites at Lewey Lake Campground provide adequate separation for privacy. "Some of the designated sites are on off shoots of the main camping loops so more primitive (out house, no running water) sites are available for booking," reports Dana M., noting the availability of both mainstream and secluded options.
Seasonal pests: Bug activity intensifies during certain periods, particularly at riverside locations. "There were many annoying black biting flies, but a little bugspray went a long way against them," explains Tommy S. from Fox Lair Campsites, suggesting preventative measures for comfortable camping.
Construction impacts: Several campgrounds undergo periodic renovations affecting site conditions. "Lots of dust and loud equipment certainly interrupted the thought of a peaceful afternoon outside," notes Nancy W., recommending campers check current renovation status before booking.
Cell service limitations: Scaroon Manor Campground has minimal connectivity. "Poor cell reception," Angelina B. notes simply, indicating campers should prepare for limited communication options during their stay.
Beach access: Luzerne Campground features family-friendly swimming areas. "Beautiful beaches, lots of places to hike and lots of places to take a bicycle and go exploring!" shares Amy M., highlighting multiple activities suitable for different age groups.
Entertainment options: Lake George RV Park provides structured programming for children. "Free shows every night at the playhouse kids loved. Animal shows kept daytime events going strong," reports Michael C., noting the availability of organized activities that require no additional fees.
Compact campground layout: Hearthstone Point Campground offers manageable walking distances for families with young children. "This is a great place for kids as it's small enough to let them roam & not so far into bear country you're worried about food being left out," explains Bella J.
Site selection considerations: Hearthstone Point Campground requires careful site selection for larger vehicles. "This is a very tight place to camp. If you have a camper, good luck on getting in this campsite. Very tight sites and some are very hard to get level," warns Sheri C., suggesting advanced research for RV campers.
Seasonal timing: Many Johnsburg area campgrounds operate with limited seasons, typically mid-May through early September. "We camped in May (which is early in the season) so not all the amenities were open," shares Nancy W., recommending campers verify facility availability during shoulder seasons.
Hookup availability: While Lake George Escape Campground offers full hookups, not all advertised amenities may function as expected. "The cable tv was a nice amenity since the trees would have blocked our satellite access," notes one camper, indicating tree coverage can affect satellite reception despite electrical service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Johnsburg, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Johnsburg, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 177 campgrounds and RV parks near Johnsburg, NY and 18 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Johnsburg, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Johnsburg, NY is Lake George Escape Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 25 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Johnsburg, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 free dispersed camping spots near Johnsburg, NY.
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