Adirondack camping near Johnsburg offers diverse terrain at elevations ranging from 1,400 to 2,600 feet, with significant temperature variations between day and night even in summer months. The region's mix of state-managed and private campgrounds provides access to both motorized and non-motorized waterways. Campsites typically fill quickly on holiday weekends, especially those with waterfront access.
What to do
Paddling on Schroon River: Bring your own kayak or rent one at Lake George Riverview Campground where the river runs through the property with a small beach and boat launch on site. "We brought our kayak and my friend brought her stand up paddle board. We spent all day on Saturday on the water soaking up the sun," shares a camper from Lewey Lake Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Fish for lake trout at multiple locations throughout the region, including less crowded spots during weekdays. "My dad also did some fishing while we were boating, and he actually caught some type of salmon—which we had for dinner that night and it was amazing," notes a visitor at Luzerne Campground.
Hiking at Siamese Ponds: Access the trailhead just 2 minutes north of Fox Lair Campsites for a challenging day hike. "I hiked round-trip to the Pond, almost 12 miles, making for a grueling all-day hike. The swim in the pond was worth it, an oasis after a wild trail," reports one camper who completed the full journey.
What campers like
Private bathroom facilities: Many campgrounds in the region offer individual bathroom units rather than communal facilities. "The bathrooms are very nice and all individual with a toilet and shower in one," mentions a review from Lake George Riverview Campground.
Stargazing opportunities: Find open hilltop sites with minimal light pollution, especially at primitive camping areas. A camper at Fox Lair Campsites notes, "We managed to snag a spot at the very top of a wide open hill. There was a fire ring, and a wide open grassy hilltop. This is definitely the site to seek if you're a star gazer."
Lakefront access: Sites directly on water bodies command premium reservations but offer convenience for water activities. "Our lakeside campsite had electric right at the site, so charging my stuff while traveling was made easy. Spacious site with enough room for many tents," shares a visitor at Hearthstone Point Campground.
What you should know
Weather preparation: Temperature swings can be significant, especially at higher elevations and near water. "We had a little bit chillier than normal temperatures, so things would start getting cold around 4PM," notes a camper from Lewey Lake.
Insect management: Black flies can be particularly troublesome in certain areas during summer months. "There were many annoying black biting flies, but a little bugspray went a long way against them," advises a visitor at Fox Lair Campsites.
Cell reception variables: Connectivity varies dramatically between campgrounds, even those in close proximity. A camper at Lewey Lake Campground reports, "I use T-Mobile and there is no cell phone or wifi service," while others noted adequate reception at nearby locations.
Food storage requirements: The region has active wildlife, including mice and bears. "You HAVE to keep all your food covered in a sealed container. We didn't have a sealed container for our dry goods, which in the past has been fine just leaving it in the car, but we ended up with a fleet of mice making merry with some of our food," warns a Lewey Lake camper.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access considerations: Look for campgrounds with maintained swimming areas for children. "The beach area & lake were fantastic & very clean. The beach was dragged & groomed every night," mentions a visitor at Eagle Point Campground.
Site selection strategy: For pet-friendly camping near Johnsburg with children, consider site location within the campground carefully. "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," advises an Eagle Point camper.
Recreational alternatives: Find campgrounds with multiple activity options for weather flexibility. "There are so many activities in this area. Archery was awesome!" shares an enthusiastic visitor at Lake George Escape Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites in the region have natural slopes requiring preparation. At Hearthstone Point, a camper notes, "Very tight sites and some are very hard to get level. No grass on the sites."
Road navigation concerns: Some campgrounds have complex internal road systems that can be difficult for larger vehicles. "Roads in the park are confusing because none are parallel or perpendicular so we had to go slow just to make sure we didn't miss a turn in the RV," explains a visitor to Lake George Escape Campground.
Variable site sizes: Check specific site dimensions before booking, as sizes vary significantly even within individual campgrounds. "Some sites 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," advises a Lake George Escape camper.
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