Camping near Lewis, New York provides access to the eastern Adirondack region where elevations range from 500 to 4,000+ feet, creating diverse microclimates throughout the camping season. Summer nights can drop below 50°F even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s, requiring proper layering for overnight comfort. Most campgrounds in this area don't offer Wi-Fi, and cell coverage remains spotty outside populated areas.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 0.25 miles from Wilmington Notch Campground, campers can access an impressive cascade on the Ausable River via a trail from the rear of the campground. As one visitor noted, "There is an accessible trail from the back of the campground to an amazing waterfall on the west branch of the Ausable River and plenty of spots to trout fish/swim."
Mountain summit views: Multiple hiking options surround Lewis area campgrounds, with Mt. Philo offering some of the most accessible panoramas. A camper explains that "Vermont's oldest state park has just 10 campsites (7 tent sites and 3 lean-tos)...my favorite part about camping here is getting up early and hiking the short trail to the top for a spectacular sunrise."
Swimming and lake activities: Several campsites near Lewis provide water access, including Button Bay State Park Campground which features both lake access and a swimming pool. "The waterfront sites are fantastic, they are wide so smaller units can be parked parallel to the lake," reports one reviewer who appreciates the versatility of waterfront camping.
What campers like
Secluded waterfront sites: Many Lewis area campers seek water-adjacent sites like those at Lincoln Pond Campground, where "remote boat-in (29R-31R)" sites provide maximum seclusion. A visitor explains, "The main campground offers full service bathrooms with showers; remote sites (including several drive-in sites) have an outhouse, but no potable water."
Free hot showers: Unlike many primitive camping areas, several campgrounds near Lewis offer complimentary shower facilities. At Sharp Bridge Campground, a visitor appreciated that "Bathrooms are a bit run down but great value for how much it costs!" Another camper at Wilmington Notch confirmed "Clean and quiet campground...great clean bathrooms with free hot showers."
Urban-wilderness balance: North Beach Campground provides a unique combination of natural setting with urban convenience. "Bring your bikes! You're tucked away in the woods on gorgeous lake champlain and can bike into burlington for meals and city street strolls," reports one enthusiastic visitor about this best-of-both-worlds location.
What you should know
Seasonal operation limitations: Most campgrounds around Lewis close after mid-October, with specific closing dates varying by location. Mount Philo State Park Campground runs "Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend" according to their official season.
Site privacy varies dramatically: Many campgrounds in this region offer limited visual barriers between sites. One visitor to Wilmington Notch commented, "Close to a lot of activities but too open for my tastes. No privacy between sites." Consider requesting end sites when available, as they typically provide more space and fewer neighbors.
Road noise considerations: Several campgrounds in the region experience highway noise due to their proximity to major routes. At Draper's Acres, one camper observed it was "right off the highway and there was a lot of road noise," though they noted that "at night time when you're sleeping it doesn't seem to be much of a problem."
Tips for camping with families
Look for playground amenities: Several Lewis area campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. Button Bay State Park stands out with a visitor noting it "has a great playground for kids and a nice swimming pool! You can hike on the trail and Lake Champlain is right there!"
Consider bathhouse proximity: When camping with children, bathroom accessibility becomes crucial. At AuSable Chasm Campground, visitors appreciated that "showers and restrooms were nearby" though cautioned that bathroom doors "are always kept open which means bugs but not too buggy as they are cleaned daily."
Seek out educational opportunities: Several campgrounds near Lewis connect to natural attractions with learning potential. AuSable Chasm Campground sits across from its namesake gorge, offering "great hiking trails and rafting/tubing" and access to "the Chasm to hike, Tube down the river, raft, rock climb, adventure course."
Tips from RVers
Check site leveling before booking: RV campers report significant variation in site levelness throughout the region. One RVer at AuSable Chasm reported, "RV site 8 is so out of level that we couldn't get our Airstream level unless we put 10" of blocking under both axles."
Consider tree clearance for larger rigs: Navigating narrow campground roads with overhanging branches creates challenges for larger vehicles. One visitor to Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA noted "The roads are really tight for big rigs. Between the trees, rocks, and low hanging branches, you have to take it really slow."
Bring water adapters: Water connections at some campgrounds require special equipment. At Wilmington Notch, a camper advised, "Luckily I had a water bandit, as the water spigot does not have threads for a hose."
