Dispersed camping near Caroga Lake, New York occurs primarily in the Adirondack Forest Preserve lands surrounding the lake area, with limited official dispersed sites but several unofficial camping spots along forest roads. The southern Adirondack region sits at elevations between 1,500-2,000 feet, creating cool summer nights even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s. Most dispersed campers utilize the areas off Route 29A and County Highway 112 where roadside pull-offs accommodate tent camping.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Caroga Lake area offers excellent fishing in both East and West Caroga Lakes, with many campgrounds providing direct water access. At Little Sandpoint Campground, visitors can rent kayaks for water exploration. "They rent out kayaks for $20 for 24 hours which in my opinion is a total steal," notes one visitor.
Hiking to viewpoints: Several trails accessible directly from camping areas provide rewarding views with minimal driving. One camper at Little Sandpoint mentioned, "The short but steep trail to Echo Cliffs within walking distance was my favorite part because it was so close and you could see Piseco Lake below."
Diamond mining: Located about 20 miles from Caroga Lake, Crystal Grove Diamond Mine & Campground offers a unique activity where campers can search for Herkimer Diamond quartz crystals. A visitor shared, "Along with staying at this peaceful wooded campground, one can 'mine' Herkimer Diamond quartz crystals adjacent to the campground via a bridge over the stream."
What campers like
Waterfront access: Many campsites in the region provide direct lakefront access for swimming and launching personal watercraft. At Northampton Beach Campground, campers appreciate the proximity to Great Sacandaga Lake. One reviewer noted, "Drive your boat up to your campsite," highlighting the convenience for boaters.
Privacy between sites: Unlike crowded commercial campgrounds, several camping areas in the Caroga Lake region offer well-spaced sites. At DevilDoc Campsites, a visitor explained, "The campsites themselves are huge - this isn't a state park site where you're smushed on top of your neighbor."
Night sky viewing: The limited light pollution in the Adirondack region creates ideal conditions for stargazing. A DevilDoc Campsites visitor mentioned, "You'll fall asleep to the sounds of bull frogs, oh and the star gazing is pretty darn nice as well!"
What you should know
Seasonal operation limitations: Most campgrounds in the Caroga Lake area have limited seasons, typically closing between mid-September and mid-October. Royal Mountain Campsites operates from May 12 to October 9, representative of the typical camping season in the region.
Wildlife encounters: Several campgrounds report regular wildlife activity, particularly at night. Campers should store food securely. A reviewer at DevilDoc Campsites cautioned, "We had tons of privacy as it is well clear of the host's home and neighbors. There's quite a bit of clutter and discarded stuff as we arrived a few days after a bonfire party."
Water level fluctuations: Lake levels can change significantly throughout the season, affecting waterfront sites. A Northampton Beach visitor observed, "MANY campsites with lakeside access, although do pay attention to the time of year as the water level can drop considerably over the summer."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming areas: Beaches with designated swimming areas provide safer options for families with children. Northampton Beach Campground receives consistently positive feedback for its swimming facilities. A visitor commented, "Nice sites at this campground. A lot of water sites that are very spacious with a beautiful view."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment to keep children entertained. Spruce Creek Campground offers "a small playground available, the creek which both boys swam/waded in and our older son went fishing."
Ice cream proximity: Royal Mountain Campsites features an ice cream shop that doubles as the campground office. A family noted, "The 'office' is an ice cream shop off the side of the road that all the locals apparently love based on lines and what we tasted!"
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup availability: While many campgrounds advertise electric hookups, amperage can vary significantly between sites. At Royal Mountain Campsites, an RVer reported, "Website stated sites were 30Amp so very happy to have found 50Amp upon arrival!"
Assistance with setup: First-time RVers may find campgrounds with helpful staff particularly valuable. At Spruce Creek Campground, one visitor shared, "Upon arrival my husband told the owner that we had never set up before and he came and walked us through the whole process. He also gave us tips on equipment to get etc."
Road conditions: Some campground access roads present challenges for larger RVs. A Spruce Creek camper warned, "Not good for larger rigs, largest site was too short for mine. Pot holes in the campground road are so bad that it caused damage to my trailer."
