Moreau Lake State Park Campground offers diverse camping options in New York's Adirondack foothills, approximately 20 miles north of Mechanicville. Situated at an elevation around 400 feet, the park encompasses over 4,600 acres with terrain that transitions from lakeside beaches to wooded mountain slopes. Winter temperatures typically range from 10°F to 30°F, while summer averages hover between 70°F and 85°F with higher humidity during July and August.
What to do
Hiking trails: Moreau Lake State Park features extensive trail networks connecting to camping areas. "Over 20 miles in hiking trails, this is one of the nicest parks, I've visited," notes Moreau Lake State Park Campground visitor Michi P.
Water recreation: Many campgrounds offer multiple water activities beyond basic swimming. "Nice stopover or basecamp for this area... Very wooded. Hiking trails become nice XC skiing trails. Nice sandy beach with lifeguard hours," reports Amber A. about facilities at Moreau Lake.
Outdoor sports: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreational facilities. At Lake George Escape Campground, "There's a nice big lake and the Hudson River. Many campsites are near the lake. The sites are shady and close together, but still feel fairly private," according to Harry H.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Many campers appreciate room between sites. At Moose Hillock Camping Resorts, "The sites at this park are huge. You could have parked three RVs in our site. Added bonus is that there is nice separation between sites with trees and shrubs that block out your neighbors and provide lots of privacy," reports Nancy W.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting attracts various wildlife. At Frosty Acres Campground, "View of the sunrise over the entire valley are awesome. Very very cool place... Backed up to state forest land," notes James S. who also mentioned consistent wildlife sightings.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and amenities rank high on camper priorities. "The bathrooms and laundry were clean but laundry costs were high at $3.50 for a wash and $3.00 for a dry," mentions one visitor to Moose Hillock, noting both the cleanliness and pricing considerations.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most glamping close to Mechanicville, New York operates during limited seasons. At Woodford State Park Campground, which runs "Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend," a visitor reports, "We heard coyotes at night and loons in the morning. We're going back later this summer for a longer stay."
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. "The cabin is a few (hard to get) cabins," mentions Sambath T. about Woodford State Park facilities.
Weather preparedness: The region experiences variable conditions. "We unfortunately got hit with some pretty bad weather so we couldn't enjoy the grounds as much as we would have liked to but that was obviously not their fault," notes Christina M. about Lake George Escape Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Select campgrounds designed for children. "Perfect for families! There are tons of different types of campsites with either tent spots, lean tus, and a few (hard to get) cabins. Bathrooms are plentiful and clean, hot showers for a small price," reports Sambath T. about Woodford State Park.
Playground access: Look for built recreational facilities. At Lake Lauderdale Campground, "The campground is acres and acres of beautiful land. The management is very friendly. They really want you to have a good time," according to Sarika R.
Noise considerations: Family campgrounds can be lively. At Woodford State Park, "Those other reviews weren't kidding about kids and noise... as other reviews have mentioned there were a ton of happy noisy kids around, couple of unleashed dogs," notes reviewer B, providing practical expectations.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Consider your rig size when booking. "The road to our campsite was paved and in good shape but there were a few tight spots because of the trees that make it tricky for a big rig (Loop A seems to be the best for big-rigs)," explains Nancy W. about Moreau Lake State Park.
Utility hookups: Verify available connections before arrival. "This is dry camping so there are no hook-ups but there are restrooms and shower. Both were clean but the shower fluctuated between lukewarm, hot, and warm during my shower," reports Nancy W.
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have complex layouts. 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," cautions April L.
