Best Campgrounds near Peru, NY

Camping near Peru, New York provides access to the western shoreline of Lake Champlain with opportunities for water recreation and mountain exploration. The camping season typically runs from May through mid-October with temperatures ranging from 45°F at night to 85°F during peak summer days. Sites near the water tend to experience stronger winds, while inland locations offer more protection from weather elements.

What to do

Paddling opportunities: At AuSable Chasm Campground, visitors can explore local waterways. "Terrific location to hike the different trails of ausable chasm. Good sized site with electric and water. Shady but also had sun to dry our shoes from the raft tour," notes one camper who enjoyed the water activities.

Biking exploration: The Champlain Valley offers extensive biking trails accessible from several campgrounds. At North Beach Campground, "bring your bikes! you're tucked away in the woods on gorgeous lake champlain and can bike into burlington for meals and city street strolls. it's great!"

Golf and recreation: Some campgrounds feature on-site recreation beyond standard offerings. "They have a 9-hole par-3 golf course with putting green," mentions a visitor at Apple Island Resort, adding convenience for campers who enjoy golfing without leaving the camping area.

What campers like

Private beaches: Many campers appreciate secluded water access points. At Ausable Point Campground, "Near the larger campground at the entrance is a private little beach with plenty of parking," providing a less crowded alternative to main beach areas.

Diverse accommodations: The region offers varied camping styles. "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," notes a visitor to Grand Isle State Park Campground.

Adult-only options: For those seeking quieter environments, specialized campgrounds exist. "It is child free which means it is super quiet and so relaxed. We spent about 11 days in absolute paradise at this campground," reports a camper at Champlain Resort Adult Campground, highlighting the relaxed atmosphere.

What you should know

Weather preparation: Despite mild summer days, nights can get cool. "Weather was cool and rainy the first two days. Friday was beautiful," notes a camper at Apple Island Resort, emphasizing the need to pack for variable conditions.

Rocky beaches: Many Lake Champlain access points feature rocky rather than sandy shorelines. "The beach is nice even though rocky, the lean to sites are a great way to help keep things dry," explains a visitor to Grand Isle State Park, suggesting appropriate footwear for water activities.

Reservation timing: For summer weekend camping, reservations should be made 2-3 months in advance, especially for waterfront sites. Holiday weekends often book 4-6 months ahead at popular locations like Ausable Point and Cumberland Bay.

Shower facilities: Most established campgrounds have coin-operated showers. "Showers are coin-operated, but $0.50 will get you 5 minutes of hot water!" notes a visitor to Grand Isle State Park, so campers should bring quarters for shower use.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday, "The campground on the mountain side has a playground, huge store, gem mining, arcade (which needs some love), hiking trails and a common area with some games."

Beach assessment: Family-friendly beaches vary in quality and safety. "Lake is good to swim in just a little slippery," advises a camper at Champlain Resort Adult Campground, suggesting water shoes for children at most Lake Champlain beaches.

Activity planning: During rainy days, indoor alternatives exist nearby. A Lake Placid KOA visitor notes: "The area is awesome with beach access along the river with a huge playground. Your at the bottom of whiteface mountain which is full of hikes and watering holes to swim in, lake placid downtown area is 20 mins away."

Tips from RVers

Site layout variations: RV sites may have unusual hookup configurations. "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," explains a camper at Apple Island Resort.

Navigating campground roads: Many campgrounds feature narrow, sometimes challenging roads. "The roads are narrow and dirt/gravel but able to navigate if you go slow," notes a reviewer at Champlain Resort Adult Campground, advising caution for larger rigs.

Sewer connections: Some sites present drainage challenges. "The hook-ups at our site were well-placed but the sewer pipe was high off the ground which did not let it drain even with a 'slinky,'" reported an RVer at Lake Placid KOA, suggesting additional sewer hose supports may be needed.