Putnam Station camping offers diverse experiences within the Adirondack Mountain region, where elevations range from 400 to 1,600 feet above sea level. Located between Lake George and Lake Champlain, the area experiences typical Northeast seasonal patterns with warm summers averaging 75-85°F and cold winters. Spring campers should prepare for unpredictable weather patterns with temperature swings of up to 30 degrees between day and night.
What to do
Hiking trails for all abilities: The Putnam Pond Campground trail network connects to the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness with multiple hiking options. "Although I prefer to rough it this campground offers remote campsites and traditional sites. Bathrooms and public spaces are kept very clean," notes Natalia D. about Putnam Pond Campground.
Kayaking and canoeing: Several ponds are connected and accessible for water exploration from Putnam Pond Campground. "We spent a day on the ponds (Putnam & North Pond are connected) and it is beautiful. The water is cool, clean and beautiful," shares Michael G.
Swimming in crystal waters: Multiple swimming areas are available across different parks, each with their own character. At Half Moon Pond State Park Campground, "The pond is clean and swim-able and great for kayaks/canoes (near Glen Lake and Lake Bomoseen for boating and more kayaking/canoeing). There are a couple of small hikes in the park and more hiking nearby," reports Susan E.
Historical exploration: Fort Ticonderoga is nearby and offers educational experiences. "Ft Ticonderoga is a few miles to the north where you can explore history with re-enactors," mentions Jean C. about Brookwood RV Resort.
What campers like
Private, secluded sites: Many campgrounds provide spacing between campsites with natural barriers. At Moosalamoo Campground, "The campsites are well spaced and staggered for maximum privacy. Hosts are pleasant and very helpful," notes Nancy M.
Waterfront camping options: Several campgrounds offer sites directly on lakes or ponds. "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," shares Lauren S. about Rogers Rock Campground.
Clean facilities: Despite being in remote areas, many campgrounds maintain clean restrooms. At Bomoseen State Park Campground, "bathrooms were the cleanest of any campground we've ever stayed at. Sites are pretty close together but if you can score a lean to your right on the lake with good spacing between each," says Jessica H.
Multi-activity options: Campgrounds often offer a range of activities beyond just camping. At Moosalamoo Campground, "Lots of great hiking accessible from the campground, or within a short drive. Silver Lake and Lake Dunmore are nearby. Both have beaches: Silver Lake is accessible only by foot, down a .6 mile trail from the parking area," explains Nancy M.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Some campgrounds are only open from May to October, and conditions vary throughout the season. "We stayed here on a pretty rainy weekend in June, but I have nothing but good things to say about our visit to Half Moon Pond," writes Tara S.
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor or non-existent connectivity. "Located at the northern end of Lake George and about 7 miles south of Ticonderoga, Rogers Rock is a boater's paradise. I was here midweek, so it wasn't packed... Cell phone coverage is spotty, I was getting 1-2 bars with Verizon," reports Jean C.
Crowding differences: Weekdays and weekends can offer very different experiences. At Lake Bomoseen KOA, "We visited mid-week so it was quiet, but there are a lot of seasonal rigs there so weekends could be busy. There is NO cell coverage and the Wi-Fi is poor and very slow if you can connect," notes Dave S.
Bugs and wildlife: Prepare for insects, especially in early summer. "The deer flies were horrible everywhere but in our site. The bathrooms were always clean, the showers were always clean and the campground as a whole was ALWAYS CLEAN," shares Michael G. about Putnam Pond Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Choose waterfront sites: Kids enjoy direct water access and activities. At Bomoseen State Park Campground, "We stayed 2 nights me my mom and 7 kids all my moms grandkids it was a lot of fun we got 2 leantos they are great... our spot was close to the beach which had a fantastic park it was clean not busy at all," says Cristy-Ann L.
Look for playgrounds: Several campgrounds have dedicated play areas for children. "There is a nice beach and dock and a boardwalk path through the marsh. We wish would could have spent more time here," notes Kelly B. about Bomoseen State Park Campground.
Consider cabins for convenience: For families new to camping, cabins provide an easier introduction. At Brookwood RV Resort, they offer "Full hookup (sewer, water, 50 AMP), Level, shaded site, Wi-Fi, Pool, Cornhole, Chess, Connect 4, Playground, Bath house, Laundry, Nice picnic table," according to Beth R.
Plan for weather changes: Mountain weather can shift quickly. "Unfortunately, we stayed here on a pretty rainy weekend in June, but I have nothing but good things to say about our visit to Half Moon Pond," writes Tara S.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Not all sites accommodate larger rigs. "The campground is ok. It was a little tight for our 36ft 5th wheel but managable. The sites are a good size and relatively level," shares Dave S. about Lake Bomoseen KOA.
Hookup availability: Full hookups aren't available at all pet friendly camping near Putnam Station, New York. "This campground has large full hook up campsites and plenty of them. Each site is mostly level and seems private with having greenery around each site," notes Sheri S. about Moose Hillock Camping Resorts.
Dump stations: Plan for waste management, especially at parks without sewer connections. "It fills on weekends so reservations are recommended. They have nice grassy sites and lean tos," advises Kelly B. about Bomoseen State Park Campground.
Consider space between sites: Some RV parks offer more privacy than others. At Moose Hillock Camping Resorts, "The sites at this park are huge. You could have parked three RVs in our site. Added bonus is that there is nice separation between sites with trees and shrubs that block out your neighbors and provide lots of privacy," reports Nancy W.