Tent campsites near Keeseville, New York sit at the edge of the Adirondack Mountains where elevations range from 500 to 4,000 feet throughout the region. Winter temperatures often drop below 0°F, while summer brings moderate 70-80°F days with cool nights even in July. The area features significant wildlife diversity including black bears, moose, and over 100 bird species that campers frequently encounter during overnight stays.
What to do
Hike nearby mountains: Poke-O-Moonshine offers access to trails with substantial elevation gain. "The views here are unbelievable, you must see for yourself," notes Brian H. The campground provides easy access to both Poke-O-Moonshine mountain and several smaller peaks in the area.
Paddle to island campsites: Valcour Island requires a boat crossing but rewards with unique camping experiences. "Beautiful Boat access only camping. Pick anchorage or sites early as it's always busy on weekends and first come first served (no reservations). Excellent bass fishing and miles of hiking," reports LauraandJosh W.
Winter camping opportunities: Seasonal camping extends beyond summer at some locations. Knight Island State Park can be accessed year-round with proper permits. One camper notes, "Knight Island is a summer camping oasis but you can obtain a permit from the Vt. State Parks to winter camp. There are some nice leantos on the east side of the island that give you access to the lake and some good fishing."
What campers like
Secluded riverside settings: Adirondack Acres Trail and Camps offers true privacy at its tent sites. Samuel B. explains, "This prime location is very private. There is absolutely no one around as far as the eye can see in the area close to the river. If you have a good 4x4 and some driving skills, you can reach the river with your car."
Remote island experiences: Knight Island State Park Campground provides waterfront campsites accessible only by private boat. Ruby L. describes it as "Not for the faint of heart, Knight Island is only accessible by private boat, though there are a few unregulated boat taxis that will agree to take the boat-less out there."
Lake Champlain access: Waterfront camping opportunities abound on the shorelines and islands. "Beautiful island with primitive camping" is how one camper describes Valcour Island, noting the excellent bass fishing and miles of hiking trails available on the island itself.
What you should know
Wildlife considerations: Bear activity requires proper preparation. At Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake, secure food storage is essential. While the campground provides amenities, wildlife remains a concern as the area borders true wilderness.
Access challenges: Many tent campsites near Keeseville require boat transportation or hiking. Indian Brook Reservoir features tent platforms "that you can access by foot or by boat. They are spacious but not too private," according to M.A.D. P. Another camper, Erin B., warns, "I mistakenly assumed they had drive up campsites. They do not. It was a 15 minute hike to the site, so pack light."
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate between Memorial Day and Labor Day, though exceptions exist. Burton Island State Park Campground runs "from Memorial Day Weekend through the Tuesday morning after Labor Day," requiring advance planning as sites book quickly.
Tips for camping with families
Consider platforms and lean-tos: Indian Brook Reservoir offers an alternative to ground tents. "Nestled in the woods are several tent platforms that you can access by foot or by boat. They are spacious but not too private. There is a shared privy among the sites," explains M.A.D. P.
Look for campgrounds with amenities: Some sites offer more facilities than others. Mount Philo State Park Campground provides clean facilities according to campers: "Very well-maintained! Recommend nearby Charlotte town beach for swimming ($10 for non-residents)," notes K G.
Plan for transportation logistics: When camping on islands, factor in extra time for ferry schedules or paddling. At Burton Island, "After getting all of our stuff packed on the ferry and arriving on the island, we chose to have the campground deliver our stuff to our campsite for $10... it was well worth it," reports Michael L.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options near Keeseville: Few campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. Mount Philo State Park Campground allows RVs but with limitations. "The road is steep and winding, it's not suitable for RVs," cautions Tara S., indicating that smaller rigs might manage but larger ones should seek alternatives.
Consider alternative base camps: Most tent campsites near Keeseville are not RV-friendly, so RVers might need to set up at more accommodating campgrounds further away. Burton Island State Park Campground technically allows RVs but requires ferry transport, making it impractical for most recreational vehicles.
Pack-in camping from RV sites: Some RVers use their vehicles as base camps and hike to more remote tent sites for overnight adventures. This hybrid approach allows access to electricity and water at the RV site while experiencing more primitive camping at tent-only locations throughout the region.
