Camping options near Morrisonville, New York range from lakeside to mountain settings across elevations from 100 to 4,000 feet in the surrounding Adirondack region. Summer temperatures typically reach highs in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F, while evening temperatures can drop into the 50s even in July. Several campgrounds maintain coin-operated shower facilities that generally cost $0.50-$1.00 for 5-7 minutes of hot water.
What to do
Boating and water sports: Lake Champlain offers excellent conditions for kayaking and paddle sports at Ausable Point Campground. One camper reported, "We rented kayaks and a canoe from down the road Adirondack River rentals and they delivered and picked up from our site." The campground features a public beach with boat access within walking distance of most sites.
Golfing options: Several campgrounds provide golfing amenities within their boundaries. At Apple Island Resort, visitors can enjoy on-site activities without leaving the grounds. According to a reviewer, "They have a par 3 golf course and boat docks on site. FHU, at&t worked but not well." The course is suitable for beginners and casual players.
Biking opportunities: The region offers extensive cycling routes with varying difficulty levels. A camper at AuSable Chasm Campground mentioned, "I wish I had my bike!!! I didn't know that this was a biking campground and there were SO MANY trails." Many trails connect camping areas to nearby towns and attractions, allowing visitors to explore without driving.
Swimming in natural settings: Beyond established beaches, the area offers natural swimming locations. A visitor to Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday shared, "Walk to the back of the campground to the Ausable river, go down the path about 500 ft. There is an awesome swimming hole." These natural spots typically have no lifeguards, so appropriate safety precautions are necessary.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Lake views and direct beach access consistently rank as top features. A reviewer at Grand Isle State Park Campground noted, "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 and for the rangers to be kind and help." Many waterfront sites include fire rings positioned for optimal sunset viewing.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities receive frequent praise. A camper at North Beach Campground shared, "Bathrooms were more than acceptable," while others consistently mention the cleanliness of shower areas. Most shower facilities in the region use token or coin operations ranging from $0.50-1.00.
Quiet atmosphere: Many campgrounds enforce quiet hours from approximately 10 PM to 7 AM. A visitor to Champlain Resort Adult Campground commented, "This is by far the best campsite we have ever stayed at, the tone set by the owners really does attract a certain level of campers that are respectful and pleasant, there was no loud music, late nights or bright lights blazing through the night."
Proximity to attractions: Campsites serve as convenient bases for regional exploration. One camper noted, "Close enough to Burlington for a tourist day. Enjoyed local shops, restaurants, and the back roads for exploration." Most major attractions including Lake Placid, Plattsburgh, and Burlington are within 30-60 minutes of Morrisonville area campgrounds.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most popular sites book months in advance, especially for summer weekends. At Cumberland Bay State Park Campground, a reviewer warned, "It is a nice campground right on the lake but the road next to it is very busy. Just not my kind of place to be honest." For weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day, reservations 3-6 months in advance are recommended.
Site specifics: Site characteristics vary significantly even within the same campground. A camper at Champlain Resort Adult Campground advised, "There's a nice bath house with toilets and private showers. It was kept very clean and it was nice to know we could use that if needed." When booking, consider factors like sun exposure, proximity to facilities, and potential noise sources.
Beach conditions: Lake access points vary considerably in quality and terrain. A visitor to Ausable Point Campground cautioned, "People at check in are incredibly rude and dismissive... It's almost 10 pm, they had spots open and they wouldn't let us in." Beach areas may have rocks, logs, or other natural elements that impact swimming conditions.
Wildlife considerations: The region has active wildlife including bears, raccoons, and skunks. Food storage regulations should be strictly followed, with most campgrounds requiring food to be secured in vehicles or hard-sided containers overnight.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select sites near recreational facilities for convenience with children. At Cumberland Bay State Park, a family reported, "This is a great place for the family. The playground is great. New bath house. Some sites with electric." Most playgrounds are centrally located near bathhouses or camp stores.
Educational opportunities: Many campgrounds offer ranger programs or nature centers. A visitor to Grand Isle State Park noted, "It was a quiet, family friendly campground with a cute little beach and nature center with youth programs." Programs typically run from late June through August, focusing on local ecology and wildlife.
Beach quality assessment: Research beach conditions before booking, especially with small children. One camper suggested, "The beach is nice even though rocky, the lean to sites are a great way to help keep things dry, and there were great accessible all-gender bathrooms." Beach access points may involve steep drops or difficult terrain at some locations.
Weather preparedness: Pack for temperature fluctuations, particularly for evening activities. A reviewer recommended bringing "a light jacket in the summer, the evenings can still get chilly from time to time." Temperature drops of 20-30 degrees from daytime highs are common in the Adirondack region, especially near water.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose RV sites based on specific needs and vehicle configurations. A camper at Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday advised, "One thing is that their hook ups are on the passenger side. You have to pull straight in with the truck and camper. This is because a lot of class A prefer this way, not sure."
Hookup variations: Water and electric connections vary across campgrounds. As one RVer noted, "Water pressure was good, road noise was minimal, sites are spaced apart well, enough mature tree growth for shade and hammock!" Many sites have 30-amp service, while 50-amp connections are less common but available at larger facilities.
Tree clearance issues: Some campgrounds have low-hanging branches that can damage taller RVs. A visitor observed, "Another ding for us was that there were lots of tree limbs that needed to be trimmed. Maneuvering through the park was pretty tight for us and we had to take it really slow." RVs over 12 feet tall should call ahead to confirm access.
Dump station logistics: Timing for using dump stations affects departure experiences. Most dump stations operate from 8 AM to sunset, with peak usage occurring between 10 AM and noon on checkout days.
