Camping options around Keene Valley sit nestled in the High Peaks Region of the Adirondacks, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 feet. The region experiences wide temperature swings even in summer, with overnight lows sometimes dropping to the 40s while daytime temperatures can reach 85°F. Most tent sites in the area provide direct trail access to popular hiking routes including Cascade Mountain and Mount Marcy.
What to do
Paddle on Rollins Pond: At Rollins Pond Campground, kayak or canoe across the large body of water. "Great kayak and canoe access to a whole network of lakes in the St. Regis/Saranac area," notes Jeffrey B. The campground offers watercraft rentals and lakefront sites.
Hiking from Wilderness Campground: Hike directly from Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake without driving to trailheads. "You can hike Algonquin, Iriquois, Wright Peak, and Mt. Jo all right from the campground," according to Hannah O. The property sits at the base of multiple High Peaks trails.
Swimming at North Beach: Enjoy swimming at North Beach Campground on Lake Champlain, just a 45-minute drive from Keene. "Burlington is my favorite city by far, and this campground is right on the beach! You get the best of both worlds at this location," says Brittany R. The campground connects directly to Burlington's bike trail network.
What campers like
Private sites at state parks: Button Bay State Park offers a good mixture of open and secluded camping. "Simple campsites and not too crowded. Bathrooms are relatively close and complete with showers!" writes Isabel L. The park features basketball courts and waterfront access.
Trail access from campsites: Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday provides direct trail connections to surrounding wilderness. "Behind the 100-Acre section are trails that lead to Whiteface Mountain so you don't have to get in the car to start a hike," notes Nancy W. The nearby sections offer different camping experiences.
Quiet waterfront locations: Campers consistently mention the peace and quiet at certain locations. "We had a waterfront site and we're absolutely delighted to be able to sit on the beach and watch the sunset, kayak at our leisure, and swim," reports Amie C. about Rollins Pond. Most waterfront sites require booking 6-9 months in advance.
What you should know
Varying bathroom quality: Facilities range widely between campgrounds. At Draper's Acres, "Both bath houses were adequate, even containing shampoo and body wash," reports Brett N. However, other reviewers noted limitations: "The showers are a bit gross, but free."
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds near Keene sit close to roadways. "This campground was mediocre in my opinion. It was right off the highway and there was a lot of road noise," Rebecca A. mentions about Draper's Acres. Sites furthest from the road typically cost the same as roadside sites.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the region operate from mid-May through mid-October. "We tented here late in the season so it was very quiet," Sierra K. reports about Draper's Acres. Button Bay State Park typically operates from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with activities: Button Bay State Park offers multiple family-friendly amenities. "This state park is so fun to camp at! It has a great playground for kids and a nice swimming pool! You can hike on the trail and Lake Champlain is right there!" writes Debbie S. The park provides a pavilion for organized activities.
Look for ice cream options: Several campgrounds feature ice cream trucks or nearby shops. "We loved riding bikes, ice cream truck every night. Ice and firewood available," notes a reviewer about Rollins Pond. Donnelly's Soft Ice Cream near Buck Pond Campground serves a single rotating flavor daily.
Consider shower proximity: When camping with children, bathroom and shower access matters. "Bathrooms and shower rooms are individual rooms, but the doors are not labeled so it's a game of 'what's behind door number 1?'" reports Lee D. about AuSable Chasm Campground. Some facilities lack hot water or have limited hours.
Tips from RVers
Check site leveling requirements: Some RV sites require significant leveling work. At Rogers Rock Campground, "Sites aren't particularly level or large," according to Jean C. At other campgrounds, reviews mention similar issues with uneven terrain that might require blocks or leveling systems.
Research dump station locations: Not all campgrounds provide sewer hookups or dump stations. "No hookups, so a bit trickier for RVs, but being right on the water makes it worth it," notes Erin about Rollins Pond. The KOA in Lake Placid provides full hookups with 50-amp service and dump station access.
Luxury glamping near Keene, New York includes options beyond the safari tents and yurts mentioned previously. At Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks, campers enjoy "spacious sites close to great amenities" according to Amanda K. These upscale Adirondack glamping sites provide amenities including gem mining facilities and train rides for children.
