Best Campgrounds near Croghan, NY
Camping options in the Croghan area of northern New York include both developed facilities and dispersed sites, particularly around Stillwater Reservoir and along the Beaver River. Soft Maple Campground offers a small but well-maintained camping area with about a dozen sites for tents and RVs, featuring a clean beach and boat access. Stillwater Reservoir provides numerous primitive dispersed camping sites that are primarily accessible by boat, with only one drive-up site available. The region also includes established campgrounds like Adirondack Mennonite Camping Associates and Whitaker Falls Park, which offer a mix of tent sites, cabins, and in some cases, glamping options within the Adirondack foothills.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from May through September or early October due to the northern New York climate. Several areas require advance planning for access, particularly boat-in sites at Stillwater Reservoir. "It was nice and peaceful," noted one visitor to Stillwater, though another mentioned "a 20 mile ride of just woods on a bumpy road" to reach the reservoir. Cell service is extremely limited throughout much of the camping region, with several reviews noting the complete absence of connectivity at Stillwater Reservoir. The terrain varies from lakefront beaches to wooded sites, with a mix of level grounds suitable for RVs and more primitive areas accessible only by hiking or paddling in.
The region's camping areas receive consistently high ratings for water access and natural beauty. Multiple developed campgrounds provide amenities like showers, drinking water, and trash disposal, while the dispersed sites offer greater seclusion and direct water access. According to a visitor at Soft Maple Campground, "The beach is lovely and clean. There's boat access for canoes and kayaks as this is part of the Beaver River route." Waterfront sites are particularly sought after, with several reviews highlighting swimming and paddling opportunities. Wildlife viewing opportunities include bald eagles and loons, as mentioned by visitors to Stillwater Reservoir. Campgrounds like Whitaker Falls Park complement the camping experience with hiking trails leading to waterfalls and scenic overlooks, while still remaining close to the small communities in the area.
