Camping areas near Lewis offer access to both the Adirondack Mountains and Lake Champlain shoreline, with elevations ranging from 95 feet at the lake to over 4,000 feet at nearby peaks. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F, with cooler nights even during peak camping season. Most campsites in this region sit on a mix of sandy and rocky terrain, requiring proper tent stakes and sometimes padding for comfortable ground sleeping.
What to do
Hiking at Wilmington Notch: Located near the base of Whiteface Mountain, Wilmington Notch Campground offers access to excellent trails. "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. A mile down the road is flume falls trails, which leads to a great swimming hole and various height choice cliff jumping," notes Zachary M.
Winter camping options: Unlike many seasonal facilities, some campgrounds remain open year-round. "Lake Placid KOA and Shelburne Camping Area remain open year-round," providing options for cold-weather enthusiasts. Winter activities include snowshoeing on trails that are popular hiking routes during summer months.
Mountain biking trails: AuSable Chasm Campground offers dedicated mountain biking paths. "Disc golf and mountain biking/hiking trails" are available on-site according to Lee D., who adds "It also looked like there were cross country ski trails" for winter visitors. Most trail systems remain open from May through October, with some groomed for winter sports during snow season.
What campers like
Access to water features: Campers consistently mention water access as a highlight. "There is a huge range of sites from full hook-up campsites to rental cabins and cottages... Loved how close it was to... the AuSable River which provided amazing fly fishing," shares Nancy W., explaining why anglers specifically seek out these locations.
Privacy levels vary by campground: Mount Philo State Park Campground offers particularly secluded sites. "Sites 1, 6 and 8 are the best if you're only camping with those at your site as they're the most secluded and private. Sites 2 and 3 are more open, to both each other, and to those en route to the bathrooms," advises Drew Q.
Wooded shade protection: Lincoln Pond Campground provides natural cover that campers appreciate. "This state campground offers a variety of wooded sites, some drive in and others remote boat-in (29R-31R)... if you want a little more solitude, check out the remote sites," recommends Jean C., highlighting the balance between convenience and seclusion.
What you should know
Bathroom conditions vary significantly: Facilities range from basic to well-maintained across campgrounds. At Wilmington Notch, "Bathroom conditions vary at the campground depending on who the staff is from year to year, but all your basic amenities are provided (clean water, showers, bathrooms)... There is one shower building with two stalls for each gender, and showers are free," explains Rachael W.
Site selection strategy: Reserve carefully based on preferences. "If you want easy access to the beach and facilities, look to a site in the main loop, but if you want a little more solitude, check out the remote sites. That said, all waterfront sites fill quickly," advises Jean C. about Lincoln Pond Campground.
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds. "This campground was mediocre in my opinion. It was right off the highway and there was a lot of road noise. Also, the campground is literally in the middle of a neighborhood," reports Rebecca A. about Draper's Acres, though she notes "the campground did have free showers and decent bathrooms."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Button Bay State Park Campground offers 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!" says Debbie S., highlighting activities that keep children entertained.
Swimming options for kids: Supervised swimming areas provide safety for families. "Nice, clean, friendly park. Not a lot of trees for privacy, or for that wilderness feel, but the sites are spacious and the park has swimming pool with life guard," notes M.A.D. P. about Button Bay State Park, emphasizing the structured swimming area.
Multi-activity campgrounds: Look for sites offering varied recreation. "The park has lots of mature trees which provide nice shade but doesn't allow for much grass to grow so sites are gravel and can be dusty... Near the front of the campground is a game room that is really nice and opens to a community fire pit, playground and the pool area," explains Nancy W., describing amenities that accommodate different age groups.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: North Beach Campground offers full hookups but preparation is needed. "We loved being able to walk down to the beach, as well as having full hookups. We also met the nicest people here. You can purchase firewood at the office, and there are also propane options," advises Laura L., though other reviews note some sites require significant leveling.
Road conditions for large vehicles: Interior campground roads may present challenges. "The roads are really tight for big rigs. Between the trees, rocks, and low hanging branches, you have to take it really slow. I recommend unhooking your tow car at check-in so you are free to back up. Don't make a wrong turn or you will get stuck and down a road you can't turn around on," warns Nancy W. about navigating wooded campgrounds.
Electric reliability varies: Always test hookups before setting up completely. "The water spigot at our site broke when I was hooking up the water which was then gushing everywhere. Staff were really prompt at coming out and shutting off the water and getting it fixed," reports Nancy W., highlighting responsive maintenance but potential infrastructure issues at some campgrounds.
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