Nestled between the Adirondack Mountains, Paradox, New York sits at 880 feet elevation with a humid continental climate that brings warm summers and cold winters. The camping season typically runs May through September, with autumn offering cooler temperatures for camping as foliage changes. The Schroon River provides multiple water recreation opportunities for campers seeking alternatives to Lake George.
What to do
River activities at Schroon River: The river offers excellent kayaking, tubing and fishing opportunities from multiple campgrounds. At Medcalf Acres Riverfront Campground, visitors can rent tubes and float directly from the property. One camper noted, "We had a relaxing weekend getaway. The staff was nice to make sure you are taken care of."
Mountain hiking access: Several campgrounds provide direct access to nearby trails and mountains. Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday features trails that lead directly to Whiteface Mountain from the campground. As one reviewer mentioned, "Behind the 100-Acre section are trails that lead to Whiteface Mountain so you don't have to get in the car to start a hike."
Water recreation at Lake George: Located at the northern end of Lake George, Rogers Rock Campground provides boat inspection, launching facilities, mooring options and beach access. A visitor explained, "There's a boat launch ramp close to the beach. The beach has a lifeguard to watch over the swimmers... Also close to the beach area kayaks and canoes are available to rent for about $10-$15 per day."
What campers like
Private riverside sites: Campers appreciate the secluded waterfront locations at several campgrounds. At Medcalf Acres, campers enjoy direct access to Schroon River with ample privacy. One seasonal camper shared, "I have been a seasonal camper for 7 years and there is just no better place than Medcalf Acres. There is always something for the kids to do... You can float/swim in schroon river. There is Wi-Fi, cable, sewer, water and electric."
Lakefront views: Sites along Lake George provide scenic morning and evening views. At Rogers Rock Campground, waterfront sites offer prime locations. One visitor described, "I was lucky to book a site (#68) on the water. Beautiful views and morning sun. There is a nice trail to walk that follows along the shoreline. Each site has a fireplace and table."
Wooded camping areas: For those seeking shade and natural settings, several campgrounds offer heavily wooded sites. Crane Pond Dispersed Site requires 4WD access but rewards visitors with pristine settings. A recent camper reported, "There is a stone cliff near it that goes down about 12(?) feet and is great for fishing or jumping off of. There is also a stone area right by the water if you want to fish or just sunbathe."
What you should know
Site selection matters: At many campgrounds, site quality varies significantly. At Eagle Point Campground, locations and size differ greatly. One reviewer advised, "The sites are small. They are great for tents and smaller RVs. Truck campers would also fit in nicely." Another noted, "Site 233 has a ton of bugs and mosquitoes being so close to the creek run off, head closer to the lake if possible."
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate from May through early October. During peak summer weekends, expect crowds at popular sites. One camper at Rogers Rock Campground suggested, "This place is packed on the weekends. If you want to avoid the rush of campers, definitely try to make the trip on a weekday."
Road access challenges: Some dispersed camping areas require appropriate vehicles. At Crane Pond, a visitor warned, "Please note Crane Pond Road from the lower parking lot to the pond itself is NOT maintained and often gets very muddy. 4WD is required, if you go back there without it your day is gonna suck."
Tips for camping with families
Dedicated family programming: Several campgrounds offer structured activities for children. The staff at Medcalf Acres receives particular praise for kid-friendly programming. One visitor mentioned, "The staff is always very friendly. They went out of their way to make sure my kids were having fun."
Swimming options: For families with children, having safe swimming locations makes a difference. Button Bay State Park Campground offers both lake access and a pool with lifeguards. A camper explained, "This is a good campground for families that are not too rowdy. There is a pool for swimming, paved roads are good for bikes & scooters, pavilion for activities, lake for swimming & fishing and hiking trails."
Family-friendly amenities: When glamping in Paradox, New York area with children, look for campgrounds with playgrounds and recreational facilities. Button Bay State Park gets high marks from families: "This state park is so fun to camp at! It has a great playground for kids and a nice swimming pool! You can hike on the trail and Lake Champlain is right there!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many RVers note issues with finding level sites in the Paradox region. At Eagle Point, an RVer mentioned, "Some roads are unpaved, unmarked with directional signs, very narrow, and tough to navigate. The site was much smaller than expected."
Hookup availability: Full-hookup sites are limited at state campgrounds but available at private campgrounds. The Lake Placid KOA offers complete services with "full hook-up sites that were plenty long enough for our 45' RV and tow car."
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds require caution. At Rogers Rock, a visitor noted, "Public road running through the campground with uncontrolled access to part of the campground. And a warning sign would be advised on that 55 mph road. It can be difficult to cross."
