Tent campsites near Johnsburg, New York offer rugged backcountry experiences within the southeastern Adirondack region, where elevations range from 1,200 to 3,000 feet. Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping conditions, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during day and 50-60°F at night. Winter camping requires specialized gear with temperatures regularly dropping below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Kayaking on Lake George: Access prime paddling routes from Glen Island Group where boat-accessible campsites provide direct water access. "Spent the rest of our time kayaking, swimming, hiking in the mountains and eating at our favorite local joint, George's," reports one visitor who recommends "Bolton Landing a short drive down the coast" for kayak rentals.
Mountain hiking: The Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake serves as an ideal base for accessing Adirondack trails. "You can hike Algonquin, Iriquois, Wright Peak, and Mt. Jo all right from the campground," notes one camper who found the 32-site property "never felt too crowded." Many hikers use this location to prepare for Mount Marcy ascents.
Fishing from island sites: Fish directly from shoreline campsites at lake islands. A camper at Glen Island reports: "Definitely need a decent sized boat with gas outboard to get there, but wow. Me the wife and our 3 children had an amazing time...Great fishing, lots of fun to be had on the water and quiet peaceful evening by the campfire."
What campers like
Private riverside camping: Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off offers solitude despite road proximity. One camper noted: "Site was big enough to pull our mid-size SUV down and unfold rooftop-tent, but we did have to back out in the morning; not enough room to turn around." Another mentioned appreciating the "sound of the river down the hill from the campsite which helps keep it fairly cool at night."
Island isolation: Campers prize the boat-only access at Narrow Island Group. A reviewer explained: "You must have a power boat ride out there or be up for a long paddle. TAKE EVERYTHING you need including extra ice. Once there, settle in & relax, you aren't going anywhere." This forced disconnection creates what another camper called "forced relaxation if you want to read, sleep, have limited interaction."
Flat terrain options: While many Johnsburg area sites feature uneven ground, select locations offer level camping spots. At Heart Lake, a camper reported: "Our site (#10) was spacious and relatively private, flat, and shaded." These sites typically fill fastest during summer weekends.
What you should know
Weather preparation: Pack for temperature fluctuations, especially near water. At Narrow Island, a camper advises: "Check the weather before your stay- you may be able to swap for a site on the opposite side of the island if you get an idea of where the winds will be coming from. Don't under estimate this tip."
Vehicle restrictions: Some primitive campsites have limited vehicle access. At Cod Pond, a visitor warned: "A car is not recommended. Possible to turn around but you definitely need a smaller SUV." Larger vehicles may need to park at trailheads and camp gear must be carried in.
Seasonal crowds: Weekday camping provides more solitude than weekends. As one Cedar River Entrance Camping visitor mentioned: "Town is about 20-30 minutes away. Several trails nearby. Would recommend." Peak season (July-August) requires reservations months in advance for most sites.
Tips for camping with families
Secure food storage: Wildlife encounters are common, especially with raccoons. One Long Island camper warned: "We were literally bombarded with a group of raccoons each night. It was bad." Bring rope for proper food storage or use bear canisters where required.
Lake access evaluation: Not all water access points are kid-friendly. For family-appropriate swimming, try Stony Creek Family Campground, which one camper described as "a nice family ran campground" where they "love it here and plan to come back!"
Trail difficulty assessment: Some hiking trails connecting campgrounds require preparation. A Murphy Lake visitor noted the trail "is a technical challenge to hike, or bike in on. And be prepared to go over downfalls." Research trail ratings before bringing children on backcountry routes.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most Johnsburg tent sites cannot accommodate recreational vehicles. The exceptions include Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake, which one visitor confirmed has "two wash houses with showering and bathroom amenities that are cleaned weekly" plus "multiple water fill stations sprinkled throughout."
Road condition awareness: Access roads to primitive camping areas frequently have rough surfaces. A Heart Lake visitor warned: "Road going in is very rough use extreme caution on a motorcycle with street tires." This applies doubly for RVs attempting to reach remote camping locations.
