Best Campgrounds near Plattsburgh, NY

State parks and campgrounds along Lake Champlain's western shore provide the primary camping options near Plattsburgh, New York. Cumberland Bay State Park Campground, located within city limits, offers tent and RV sites with electric hookups and lake access for swimming and boating. Just south of Plattsburgh, Ausable Point Campground sits on a peninsula with waterfront sites popular for watching sunrises and sunsets over Lake Champlain. Across the lake in Vermont, Grand Isle State Park and Burton Island State Park provide additional camping opportunities accessible by boat or ferry. Valcour Island, reachable only by boat, offers primitive tent camping with minimal facilities for those seeking a more remote experience. Most established campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering cabin rentals for those preferring more shelter.

Most campgrounds in the Plattsburgh area operate seasonally from May through mid-October, with reservations strongly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods. Winter camping is generally unavailable due to harsh Adirondack weather conditions. As one camper noted about Cumberland Bay State Park, "Lots of shady spots, very nice camping spots on Lake Champlain and the morning sunrise is beautiful!" Road access to most established campgrounds is suitable for standard vehicles, though boat-in sites require water transportation. Cell service is generally reliable near Plattsburgh but may be limited on islands or in more remote areas. Many campgrounds are situated close to town amenities, with one reviewer mentioning Monty's Bay Campsites is "very close to Plattsburgh which has the mall and anything you might need."

Waterfront sites consistently receive the highest ratings from campers, particularly those with views of the Adirondack Mountains across Lake Champlain. Kayaking, swimming, and fishing are popular activities, with one visitor to Cumberland Bay noting, "Kayaking is probably one of my favorite things to do, and the lake is perfect for this." Sites at AuSable Chasm Campground provide convenient access to hiking trails, tubing, and rock climbing at the adjacent natural attraction. Campers frequently mention the region's proximity to Canada (15 minutes from some northern campgrounds) and Vermont as advantages for day trips. Road noise can be an issue at campgrounds near highways, with several reviewers recommending sites farther from main roads. Evening temperatures can drop significantly even in summer, with one camper advising, "Make sure you bring a light jacket in the summer, the evenings can still get chilly from time to time."

Best Camping Sites Near Plattsburgh, New York (130)

    1. Grand Isle State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Grand Isle, VT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 372-4300

    $6 - $28 / night

    "Beautifully set on Lake Champlain in Vermont! This is a relatively large campground but is well laid out and doesn't feel small even when it's packed to the gills."

    "We biked to this park from Burlington via the Island Line Trail. It was a super trip. The lakeside lean-to was awesome."

    2. Apple Island Resort

    12 Reviews
    Grand Isle, VT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 372-3800

    $55 - $105 / night

    "Brewery and vineyards close by"

    "The campground is located a short trip away from Burlington and about an hour away from Stowe. The store on the property was very cute! I suggest visiting Arbor Farm Market down the road!!"

    3. Cumberland Bay State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Plattsburgh, NY
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 563-5240

    $17 - $24 / night

    "I'm from this part of Upstate New York State, and we came up for a weekend to go to a baby shower and decided to camp out at Cumberland Head!"

    "The Cumberland Bay State Park in New York is a great place to go and relax. If you like the beach scene, swimming, or having a picnic, then you will enjoy this park."

    4. Ausable Point Campground

    11 Reviews
    Keeseville, NY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 561-7080

    $22 - $40 / night

    "Good birding, water activities, sunsets, geology/gorge, short easy forest hikes, beach walking, all the good stuff you expect from this part of New York."

    "Take a walk up the path next to the chasm. So relaxing listening to the water falls. Great place to watch the sunset! "

    5. North Beach Campground

    27 Reviews
    Burlington, VT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 862-0942

    $37 - $100 / night

    "Sites 1 to 16 are close to each other.

    Sites 113 to 119 are bad. Very close to each other. No redeeming qualities.

    Sites have 30 amp electric and water but might need a longish cord or hose."

    "A very short and easy drive right outside of Burlington, with direct access to the greenway along the lakefront."

    6. AuSable Chasm Campground

    11 Reviews
    Keeseville, NY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 834-9990

    "This camp ground is a short drive to Lake Placid, Plattsburgh, Vermont State and so much more. The Chasm has their own store and cafe"

    "Sites were a medium distance apart but still spacious enough to not be close to neighbors."

    7. Champlain Resort Adult Campground

    5 Reviews
    Grand Isle, VT
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 372-5938

    "This campground is a gem in the Lakes Region of Northern Vermont. It sits right on Lake Champlain and has the most amazing sunsets."

    "Our camp spot had an amazing view of the lake which we didn’t ask for specifically which made it even better."

    8. Plattsburgh RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Plattsburgh, NY
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 563-3915

    "Great location right near lake Champlain, and only about a 20 minute drive from Canada. The ferry to Burlington VT is also a very short distance away!"

    "Very close to Burlington VT and Canada there are many different hiking and adventuring options. It did seem that many of the sites were seasonal. Clean, and well kept."

    9. Burton Island State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    North Hero, VT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 524-6353

    "I've been exploring Vermont State Parks since before I could walk, and Burton Island State Park is my all time favorite!"

    "Burton Island is a 2.5 mile long island state park off of the shoreline of Lake Champlain."

    10. Valcour Island

    3 Reviews
    Plattsburgh, NY
    5 miles

    "Just a truly beautiful place ♡ One of Lake Champlains BEST hidden gems!"

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Showing results 1-10 of 130 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Plattsburgh, NY

505 Reviews of 130 Plattsburgh Campgrounds



Guide to Plattsburgh

Camping near Plattsburgh, New York, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the nearby trails, especially around the Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday. One reviewer mentioned, "There are plenty of hikes nearby to wear them out if you desire."
  • Water Sports: Enjoy kayaking and fishing at Fish Creek Pond Campground. A camper shared, "This is a gorgeous campground on the banks of Fish Creek Pond... perfect for dogs, kids, and hanging out in the water."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve often spot various animals. One visitor noted, "We always have wildlife at our site... chipmunks, squirrels, ducks, and a crane."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Grand Isle State Park Campground stated, "The cleanliness of the facilities was excellent."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at Moosalamoo Campground. One camper mentioned, "Sites are generously spaced out."
  • Friendly Staff: Good customer service is a highlight at many campgrounds. A visitor at North Beach Campground said, "Nice, helpful staff."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Saranac Lake Islands, are primitive and lack basic utilities. A camper warned, "Primitive camping with water access only."
  • Bugs in Spring: Be prepared for bugs, especially in late spring. A reviewer at Fish Creek Pond Campground noted, "Pretty buggy during the last week of May."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots fill up quickly. A camper at Rollins Pond advised, "Super popular, so plan ahead and reserve early."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. At Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday, one family mentioned, "They had lots of activities to take back to the campsite for rainy days."
  • Pet-Friendly Options: Many campgrounds allow pets, like Grand Isle State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "Pets allowed, picnic table, reservable."
  • Safety First: Ensure your campsite is safe for kids. A camper at North Beach Campground mentioned, "Very safe and super close to town."

Tips from RVers:

  • Big Rig Friendly: Many campgrounds, including Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday, are suitable for larger RVs. A camper noted, "Big rig friendly, drinking water, electric hookups."
  • Check Hookups: Make sure to check for electric and water hookups. A reviewer at Little River State Park Campground mentioned, "The restroom is a bit dated and dingy, but clean."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Some campgrounds may not have sanitary dump stations. A camper at Moosalamoo Campground pointed out, "There are outhouses, but no showers."

Camping around Plattsburgh, NY, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Plattsburgh, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Plattsburgh, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 130 campgrounds and RV parks near Plattsburgh, NY and 6 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Plattsburgh, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Plattsburgh, NY is Grand Isle State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 28 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Plattsburgh, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Plattsburgh, NY.