The Pittstown region sits in New York's Capital District at an elevation of approximately 800 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with warm summers and cold winters, limiting most camping facilities to operation between May and October. Water access varies significantly between campgrounds, with several offering lakefront sites along with full hookup capabilities for RVers.
What to do
**Hiking trails: Access the West River Trail at Jamaica State Park Campground where a gravel path follows the river upstream for 2 miles to Hamilton Falls. "The prime lean-to sites on the water are beautiful and spacious," notes M.A.D. P., who recommends exploring the waterfall despite cautioning that "people have lost their lives at these falls so be extra cautious with children around the falls."
Kayaking options: Paddle at Alpine Lake RV Resort where waterfront sites provide direct lake access. "Peaceful for such a large campground. Waterfront sites worth the dollars! Bring your boats and SUP boards for lots of fun," recommends Deb V., who adds that "hikers and water enthusiasts will live this place! Lots to explore."
Fishing spots: Cast your line at Lee's Park Campground, where river access allows for casual fishing. While primarily known for hosting festival crowds, the park offers natural recreation opportunities. "There was a shuttle service set up to allow campers to get from the campgrounds to the Music Festival grounds. A great option to allow people like me who drove there to avoid the traffic," notes Daniel B.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Lake George RV Park maintains exceptionally well-kept grounds and amenities. "Great for families. Nicely wooded and not crazy packed. We only stayed one night because we were passing thru but it was easy to get a spot! Too hilly to ride bikes but walking to lake is fine," reports Kirsten J., who appreciated the convenient location and accessibility.
Entertainment options: Many campers value the scheduled activities at Lake George Escape Campground. "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," writes Meag F., adding that "sites are pretty spacious and encompass that camping feel without roughing it."
Pet amenities: Dog-friendly campgrounds are abundant, with Lake George RV Park offering dedicated pet areas. "Absolutely beautiful and CLEAN campground. Shaded and full sun site options as well as rental units if you don't have an RV... Best part- the 2 acre dog park with shaded seating for humans, bathrooms and a dog wash station," reports April L.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most RV parks near Pittstown close during winter months. Mt. Greylock Campsite Park operates seasonally with specific amenities dependent on time of year. "We only stayed for two nights but we found the campground quite pleasant. There is a tall canopy of large trees, deciduous and fir, giving a comforting ambience," notes Kevin P., who appreciated the staff generosity when "we were unable to use the firewood they provided due to rain storms and we were not charged for it."
Site selection considerations: Alpine Lake RV Resort requires careful site selection based on your needs. "Booked an 'Elite 50amp' site but had no realistic map to go by. Many of these types of sites are parallel to the water, but the map makes them look like back in sites," cautions April L., noting that "once in our site had a steep drop off to the lake, not all are like this, but be cautious about this if you have young kids."
Traffic patterns: Campground roads can become congested, particularly at Alpine Lake. "The roads are narrow and many should be one way, but are not. It would have been impossible many places in the grounds to pass a rig on the road due to the amount of other's vehicles, golf carts, decorations etc..." warns April L., suggesting that "patience is important when arriving and departing."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Dorset RV Park offers family-centered amenities and attractions. "Great location near a fantastic quarry, country store, and Manchester shopping. The camp grounds were family friendly and quiet. They even had rabbits and chickens for the kids to enjoy," reports Rachelle S., who appreciated the "spotless grounds and helpful staff."
Pool options: Several campgrounds maintain swimming facilities with varying features. Ledgeview Village RV Park provides clean pool areas surrounded by pine trees. "The pool was very cold but spotless, which was surprising since there's pine trees all around. We would definitely go back," notes Cecilia K., though she cautions that "if we brought our kids, ages 8, 16 and 19, they might be a little bored."
Playground access: Many sites include play structures for children. Ledgeview Village RV Park offers playground equipment in addition to their swimming areas. "This is our second time at this campground. Very nice sites, peaceful. Has a playground and pool. Kids enjoyed the area," reports Lauren, who gave the facilities a top rating.
Tips from RVers
Hookup reliability: Arrowhead Marina & RV Park provides consistent services for RVers seeking full connections. "This was one of our favorite campgrounds of our cross-country trip. Our site was back-in and had plenty of space. There's a lot of green space in this campground and it's right on the river," reports Tina, who particularly appreciated the "little fenced in area for dogs that our dog loved."
Site leveling: Some campgrounds require additional equipment for leveling RVs. Mt. Greylock Campsite Park can present challenges on this front. "I think its an ok place, they seem to really care about the campground but our site was like sitting in an open spot on display. Call them up and ask for their help choosing something that offers privacy," advises Todd M., noting "we had a water hookup and gray water dry well."
Navigation challenges: Tree placement at certain campgrounds can make maneuvering difficult. At Dorset RV Park, "larger rigs might want to avoid loop 6-14, especially for sites 8-12. Tree placement and a pretty sharp 110+ degree turn makes it challenging to maneuver," warns Katie E., who observed "several neighbors in my 10 day stay with major issues navigating."
