The Johnsonville area sits at the intersection of New York and Vermont's diverse landscapes, offering varied camping terrain from river valleys to forested highlands. Most campgrounds near Johnsonville, New York operate between May and mid-October with site availability dwindling during peak summer months and holiday weekends. Local forests provide a mixture of shaded and open sites with elevations ranging between 500-1500 feet.
What to do
Swimming in natural settings: Aqua Vista Valley Campgrounds features water access that campers appreciate. One visitor noted, "We chose a site right by the river and were able to adjust it to our needs for our dogs and grandchildren." The campground has regular seasonal events that keep families entertained.
Fishing opportunities: At Mt. Greylock Campsite Park, visitors can access nearby waterways for fishing. While the campground itself doesn't have water features, a camper mentioned, "There is a nice shop just around the corner, north on Rte 7, with all sorts of food, drink and locally made gifts." Many campers use this as a base for regional outdoor activities.
Tubing adventures: Several waterways around Johnsonville offer tubing opportunities during summer months. One camper at Camping on the Battenkill shared, "We also tube down the river. Very clean restrooms and nice staff." Water temperatures typically remain cool even during summer months, making this a refreshing activity on hot days.
What campers like
Wooded privacy: Campers consistently mention the value of tree coverage at sites near Johnsonville. A visitor to Moreau Lake State Park Campground observed, "Campsites are spacious, shady, and had good separation between the neighboring sites which we enjoyed." The forested setting provides natural barriers between sites.
Riverside camping: The region features several campgrounds with river access. A review for Camping On The Battenkill states, "I stayed right on the river in site 14 with a small popup. The river is beautiful and the site was huge. We did some fishing and swimming." These waterfront sites typically book fastest during reservation periods.
Themed weekends: Seasonal programming enhances the camping experience at many Johnsonville area campgrounds. According to a camper at Aqua Vista Valley Campgrounds, "They have hayrides, many activities, themed weekends. Activities going on all the time. Great place for family and kids." Halloween weekends are particularly popular with another visitor noting, "We went for the Halloween event, and the kids had a great day and evening! They really enjoyed trick or treating!!!"
What you should know
Site positioning challenges: Some campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring preparation. At Adventure Bound Camping Resort at Deer Run, a visitor reported, "Our site was large and shaded. The drawback is where you need to park the camper is about 7 inches out of level. If we stay in the same site again we would come better prepared."
Bathroom facilities vary: While most established campgrounds provide bathrooms, their condition and availability differ considerably. A camper at Woodford State Park Campground noted, "The bathrooms were the cleanest campground bathrooms I've ever seen!" However, busy weekends often mean bathroom lines with one visitor mentioning, "Long waits in the morning- two shower stalls and lots of teenagers."
Weather preparedness: The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations, especially in early and late season. At Pine Hollow Campground, a visitor advised, "We had a site with Electric and Water hook up." Having heating or cooling options extends comfortable camping seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Water features for kids: Pine Hollow Campground offers family-friendly water options. A camper mentioned, "Great little campground close to Albany. We needed a place to stop for the night but could have stayed all weekend. There is a small pond that is fun to fish and swim in." The pond is stocked for catch-and-release fishing.
Playgrounds and recreation: Several campgrounds feature designated play areas. Regarding Woodford State Park, a visitor shared, "If you're looking for a quiet spot maybe don't look here. If you have kids and don't mind them making friends and roaming the campground then this is great! Boat rentals!" The park offers both land and water recreation options.
Space considerations: When camping with families, site size matters. A visitor to Mt. Greylock noted, "Our site was big and, while not completely level, was workable. There are two bathrooms for the whole camp, but the bathrooms never ran out of toilet paper or soap and stayed pretty clean." Reserving larger corner sites often provides more room for family activities.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Several campgrounds require significant leveling. One RVer at Ushers Road State Forest observed, "Given that camping is permitted anywhere in the woods as long as it's at least 150 feet off the trail, the surrounding area offers an abundance of potential camping spots." Many RVers bring extra leveling blocks for the region's varied terrain.
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging roads or site approaches. A visitor to Mt. Greylock Campsite Park mentioned, "Some of the sites are up hills and might be difficult for some to park their trailers. We watched a fifth wheel try to back up a hill and then turn into a site and couldn't get a grip because of the incline and the loose gravel."
Hookup availability: Electric service varies widely between campgrounds near Johnsonville. At Pine Hollow Campground, an RVer reported, "This place was recommended by a friend. It is exactly what she said. Clean, friendly stuff, large RV welcome, but it seems tight for the big ones." Calling ahead to verify amperage available prevents electrical issues upon arrival.
