Located in northern New York near the Canadian border, Malone offers camping options at elevations between 700-1200 feet with typical summer temperatures reaching 80°F during the day and cooling to 50°F at night. Cell coverage varies throughout the region, with stronger signals near larger towns and spotty service in more remote camping areas. Winter camping is limited as most campgrounds close by early October.
What to do
River activities: At Babbling Brook RV Park, visitors enjoy the riverside location. "This place is a paradise. Located near river," notes camper Ioan P. The park provides a natural setting for fishing and relaxation during the camping season from May through September.
Swimming opportunities: The region offers several swimming options beyond traditional campground pools. At Riverside Campground, you'll find "a cute little beach and nature center with youth programs." Though rocky in some areas, these beaches provide cooling relief during summer months.
Hiking trails: Trails near Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday connect directly to Whiteface Mountain. "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," explains Nancy W. These accessible trails feature small streams and diverse terrain.
What campers like
Family-oriented activities: Pine Ridge Park Campsite in Constable receives praise for its focus on children's activities. "The whole time they are open they have activities planned for the kids all summer long," says Kyle I. Another camper notes they "celebrate all the holidays" with special events throughout the season.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds near Malone maintain good sanitation standards. "The bathrooms were always clean and shower areas had great water pressure," reports a visitor to Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA. Similarly, at Grand Isle State Park Campground, guests appreciate the "clean bathrooms" despite their "vintage" nature.
Waterfront views: Some campgrounds offer waterfront settings. "Beautiful river views," reports Scott about Riverside Campground. This access to water creates opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and scenic enjoyment during camping stays.
What you should know
Site spacing varies: The spacing between RV sites near Malone, New York differs significantly by location. At Blue Haven Camp Ground, a visitor noted, "Cramped sites, lots of year round RV and trailers." In contrast, at Iroquois Campground & RV Park, "Sites somewhat small and tight but there are some larger sites."
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate from May through September, with a few extending into October. Very few remain open during winter. Facilities like Babbling Brook RV Park specifically operate from "May to September 30."
WiFi reliability: Internet access varies by location. At Iroquois RV Park, a camper reported, "Wifi at campsite was inconsistent and unreliable. Had to work from rec center and pool which was ok but not what we were told."
Tips for camping with families
Book sites near activities: Families should request sites near playgrounds and activity centers. At Pine Ridge Park Campsite, "Children are safe and can enjoy the outdoors. Many events for adults and children," according to Erika M. Requesting these locations when making reservations ensures easier access.
Look for structured programs: Some campgrounds offer organized activities for children. "The camp grounds is the best family owned place to camp. They do alot with the children," says a visitor about Pine Ridge Park. These programs provide entertainment without requiring parents to plan additional activities.
Consider lean-to options: At Grand Isle State Park Campground, families appreciate the covered lean-to structures. "We had a lean-to site that was just far enough from the bathroom that it felt far. I found the site to be well maintained," notes Ashley J. These structures provide protection from rain while still offering an outdoor experience.
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: Large RVs may face challenges with campground roads and tree clearance. Nancy W. warns about Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday: "One thing we noticed was that all the campers were clustered together while they could have been spaced out so there was an empty site between us and our neighbors."
Full hookup availability: RVers seeking full hookups should target specific campgrounds. At Shady Oaks Camping Resort, visitors note there are "100 sites with water, electric, and sewer connections" though without 50-amp service for larger motorhomes. Iron City RV Park provides sanitary dump service but has limited information about other hookups.
Advance reservations: RV sites near Malone fill quickly during peak season. Rick G. describes Iroquois Campground as having "lots of seasonal sites and folks," indicating that many spots are taken by long-term campers. Securing reservations well in advance, especially for holiday weekends, is essential.
