Tent campsites near Mechanicville, New York provide access to the eastern edge of the Adirondack foothills where elevations range from 300-500 feet. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing with summer averages in the mid-70s, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions. Most primitive sites require campers to pack out all trash and follow specific fire regulations that vary by location.
What to do
Water activities at Lake George: Long Island Group campground offers island camping with dedicated boat slips for easy water access. A camper noted, "Worth a trip from just about anywhere. Absolutely beautiful and you can't beat camping on an island."
Trail exploration: The Stratton Pond Shelter area provides access to three major trail systems. "The shelter is at the intersection of AT, LT and Stratton Mountain trail... The lake looks great and is one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail," reports one winter camper.
Whitewater adventures: Several campgrounds serve as bases for river recreation. One visitor to Zoar Outdoor mentioned, "The campground is connected to an adventure/outing company that provides white water rafting, tubing and other water activities on a nearby river."
What campers like
Island camping privacy: Lake George island sites offer seclusion despite popularity. "We had a great spot on Long Island! Beautiful view, chill atmosphere, easy boat parking on the slip," shared one camper about the Long Island Group — Lake George Islands.
Family-managed campgrounds: Smaller operations provide personal attention. As one visitor to Stony Creek noted, "It's a nice family ran campground. We love it here and plan to come back!"
Winter camping opportunities: For cold-weather enthusiasts, sites like Stratton Pond Shelter remain accessible. "Spent the weekend here on the last weekend of Feb. 2024. Cold, Snow, Wind, full moon in the middle of the woods with only the people I hiked in with. It was great!"
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for animal visitors, particularly at established sites. One camper at Long Island Group warned, "We were literally bombarded with a group of raccoons each night. It was bad."
Bathroom facilities vary dramatically: Some sites offer maintained outhouses while others have no facilities. Seth Warner Shelter provides basic toilets along with tent platforms. "It's .2 miles off the Lt/At and sleeps 6-7 people. There is a fire pit."
Trail conditions change seasonally: Expect moisture after rainfall. Some areas become difficult to navigate during wet periods, requiring appropriate footwear and equipment. Routes that work for summer camping may be impassable in spring.
Tips for camping with families
Book island sites early: Lake George Islands fill quickly during peak season. A family noted, "We had sites 3-7 and they were all the same," indicating that reserving adjacent sites works well for group camping.
Consider campgrounds with amenities: Some locations provide more comfort for younger campers. At Cherry Plain Sanctuary Farm, sites include access to drinking water and toilets while still offering a primitive camping experience.
Check fire restrictions: Many campgrounds have specific fire rules that impact cooking options. At Zoar Outdoor, "They don't allow fires at the campsites though which is annoying," reported one visitor, making alternative cooking arrangements necessary.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most primitive camping areas near Mechanicville cannot accommodate RVs. For those requiring hookups, Carrie W's Land offers drive-in access while maintaining a natural setting.
Access road considerations: Many forest roads leading to campsites have poor maintenance, tight turns, or low clearance issues. Larger rigs should research access thoroughly before attempting to reach primitive sites.
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds with RV facilities operate on limited schedules, typically closing by early September. Some locations with winter tent camping do not permit RV access during cold months due to road conditions.
