Camping near Round Lake, New York provides access to Great Sacandaga Lake, a 29-mile-long reservoir with 125 miles of shoreline. The camping season typically runs from May through mid-October with average summer temperatures ranging from 55°F to 85°F. Water levels in local lakes can fluctuate significantly throughout the season, affecting both campsite quality and water recreation opportunities.
What to do
Kayaking and paddleboarding: The region offers several waterfront access points with rentals available. At Northampton Beach Campground, campers can enjoy Great Sacandaga Lake from a swimming beach or boat launch. "Kids have floated in the channel all day. Lots of bike riding and walking. Couple nice general stores that are reasonably priced AND a miniature golf place right outside of the entrance," notes Dan H.
Hiking trails: Multiple trail systems provide opportunities from beginner to advanced levels. Moreau Lake State Park Campground features "over 20 miles in hiking trails" according to Michi P., who adds that "it's very woodsy between sites, so it seems very private." The park's network includes routes suitable for winter cross-country skiing.
Bird watching: The wetlands and forests offer diverse bird habitats. At Schodack Island State Park Campground, visitors can access specialized viewing areas. "Best part was hiking out to a couple of different blinds to look for birds. Did see a juv eagle," reports Patsy E., adding that the park offers "excellent birding" opportunities throughout the seasons.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds in the area feature natural barriers that create secluded camping spaces. Campers at Schodack Island State Park Campground appreciate that "The state did an excellent job designing sites with dense foliage as sound and site barriers creating good privacy for campers," according to Kevin C., who also notes the campground has "all the amenities you expect, located on the Hudson River."
Waterfront access: Direct lake access is highly valued by visitors seeking swimming and boating options. At Alpine Lake RV Resort, "waterfront sites worth the dollars! Bring your boats and SUP boards for lots of fun!" according to Deb V., who describes the grounds as "large and well maintained" with "lots to explore."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers are consistently mentioned in positive reviews. Kara W. reports that at Schodack Island State Park Campground, "The bathrooms are clean. The showers are large," though she notes they "operate on a push system where you can't adjust the pressure, temp, or how long the water comes out, so just be aware of that."
What you should know
Bathroom conditions vary significantly: Facility quality can differ between campgrounds and during busy periods. At Northampton Beach Campground, one camper reported that "The bathrooms were pretty awful though. The showers were broken and there was no hot water the entire 5 days we were there," while others had better experiences during different time periods.
Noise levels fluctuate: Some campgrounds experience significant noise during peak times and events. At Lee's Park Campground, which hosts music festival campers, Gabe W. notes that "Some of the crowd seemed a little rowdy but overall nothing that was obnoxious," adding a practical warning: "DON'T GO IN THE WOODLINE you'll get mobbed by mosquitoes."
Water levels change seasonally: Lake access can be affected by seasonal water level fluctuations. Robert L. advises visitors to Northampton Beach Campground to "pay attention to the time of year as the water level can drop considerably over the summer," despite the campground having "MANY campsites with lakeside access."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. Ushers Road State Forest provides "access to bicycle-friendly nature trails" that families can enjoy together, according to The L., who explored "both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side."
Swimming options: Beaches with lifeguards provide safer swimming for families with children. Amber A. notes that Moreau Lake State Park has a "Nice sandy beach with lifeguard hours" and is a "nice stopover or basecamp for this area," making it suitable for families wanting water recreation with supervision.
Space for group activities: Look for campgrounds with large sites that accommodate multiple tents and group gatherings. Chris D. notes that Schodack Island State Park features a "Large playground, boat ramp and hiking/biking trails. It sits under some extremely large cottonwood trees and there is an abundance of wildlife."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven sites requiring additional preparation. Lauren from Adventure Bound Camping Resort at Deer Run notes: "Our site was large and shaded. The draw back is where you need to park the camper is about 7 inches out of level. If we stay in the same site again we would come better prepared."
Road conditions: Interior campground roads may present navigation difficulties for larger rigs. April L. advises that at Alpine Lake RV Resort, "The roads are narrow and many should be one way, but are not. It would have been impossible many places in the grounds to pass a rig on the road due to the amount of other's vehicles, golf carts, decorations etc... so patience is important when arriving and departing."
Utility access: Water pressure and electrical service can fluctuate during peak usage times. Brandilyn W. appreciated that at Adventure Bound Camping Resort at Deer Run, "All of the sites are pull through so no worries about backing in," making it easier for first-time RVers, though she noted facilities were basic but clean.
