Adirondack camping near North Creek offers diverse terrain across elevations ranging from 800 to 2,600 feet. The region experiences typical mountain weather patterns with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day and dropping to 50-60°F at night. Cell service remains inconsistent throughout the area, with stronger signals closer to Lake George and weaker or non-existent coverage at inland camping locations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Indian Lake Islands Campground provides excellent fishing access where "everyone caught fish even the two year olds" according to one camper. The lake is known for lake trout and various other species.
Stargazing excursions: Fox Lair Campsites offers primitive camping with unobstructed night sky views. One visitor noted, "We managed to snag a spot at the very top of a wide open hill... This is definitely the site to seek if you're a star gazer."
Paddling adventures: Indian Lake Islands Campground offers a unique boat-in camping experience where "all sites are boat in only and offer beautiful panoramic views of the lake and surrounding forests." The lake features numerous bays and islands to explore by kayak or canoe.
Mountain hiking: Access Crane Mountain Pond via a steep but rewarding trail. A camper shared, "After a short hike up steep crane mountain we watched the beautiful sun set. One of the nicest places I've camped at."
Swimming beaches: Rogers Rock Campground features a lifeguarded beach with views of northern Lake George. "The day use area has shady spots and grills, nice for the kids," reports one visitor.
What campers like
Waterfront access: At Lewey Lake Campground, campers appreciate the lakefront sites despite occasional highway noise. "There is a little road noise but the lakefront sites are fantastic!" notes one reviewer.
Privacy options: The more secluded sites at Lewey Lake Campground offer greater isolation. One camper explains, "Some of the designated sites are on off shoots of the main camping loops so more primitive (out house, no running water) sites are available for booking."
Island camping experience: Indian Lake Islands gives campers the feeling of having their own private island. A visitor explains, "Visit with a kayak or canoe and camp on your own private island!! You can also camp on the land, which would still be pretty, but there's nothing like having your own island."
Beach cleanliness: Scaroon Manor receives consistent praise for beach maintenance. One camper notes, "Beach is always clean and well kept with toys for the kids kept there on the beach for all kids to use."
Primitive camping cost savings: Fox Lair Campsites offers free camping with basic amenities. Sites include fire rings and some have creek access, providing a no-cost alternative to established campgrounds.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Campgrounds fill quickly, especially waterfront sites. For Indian Lake Islands, one camper advises to "Reserve WAY in advance, as this is one of the very best campsites in the whole Adirondack region."
Weather preparation: Temperature swings can be significant. At Lewey Lake, a camper noted that "we had a little bit chillier than normal temperatures, so things would start getting cold around 4PM."
Wildlife concerns: Lewey Lake Campground has active wildlife. One camper warns, "This is a bear area... you HAVE to keep all your food covered in a sealed container... we ended up with a fleet of mice making merry with some of our food."
Site selection strategy: Hearthstone Point has varied site quality. A camper suggests, "The bottom part of the campground is gorgeous...But keep in mind not all sites are created equal though so def scout around for next stay."
Road noise considerations: Several campgrounds experience road noise. At Eagle Point, "The campground is right off of a pretty busy road so it wasn't as serene & quiet as one might like."
Tips for camping with families
Water activity options: Lake George Escape Campground offers numerous water recreation options. A visitor notes, "So many activities, dance floor and kids meals comes in frisbee plates. You can mine for gold, chill by the pool or even try your shot at archery!"
Family-friendly programming: Lake George Escape provides structured activities for different age groups. One camper mentions, "Great Camper camp ground! This place is great for families, it has different activities, a waterslide, peddle carts, kayaks and boats for rent, dancing, and teen specific activities too!"
Bathroom facilities: When camping with children, bathroom quality matters. Lewey Lake receives praise: "The restrooms and showers were very clean, which we appreciated."
Swimming areas: Rogers Rock features a supervised beach. "There is a boat launch ramp close to the beach. The beach has a lifeguard to watch over the swimmers," explains one visitor.
Site spacing considerations: For families needing space, consider Lewey Lake where "sites range in size" but many are "nice and level."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: At Lake George Riverview Campground, RVers should be aware of space limitations. One RVer notes, "The water sites are a little small but still a nice overall campground."
Hookup options: Lake George Riverview offers full amenities. A visitor explains, "They can accommodate any size camper from the 45' motorhome with 50 amp service to a tent just wanting electric and water. All sites have cable TV hookup and free WiFi."
Leveling requirements: Certain campgrounds present leveling challenges. At Eagle Point, an RVer warned, "This is a very tight place to camp. If you have a camper, good luck on getting in this campsite. Very tight sites and some are very hard to get level."
Dump station availability: Riverview Campground provides convenient services. One RVer noted, "Dump station on site was convenient. Also, they had propane there, so I topped off."
Surface conditions: Site surfaces vary by campground. At Riverview, an RVer observed, "Many of the sites in the older section have sand/dirt patios and sandy roads which makes it very dusty. The new area has crushed gravel and lots more room and some pull-thru sites."
