Camping options near Ray Brook, New York situate visitors within the central Adirondack region at approximately 1,700 feet elevation. The area experiences significant seasonal temperature variations with winter lows often below 0°F and summer highs reaching 80°F. Local campgrounds typically operate from May through early October when access roads remain clear of snow and ice.
What to do
Gem mining and activities: Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks offers family-friendly activities beyond traditional camping. A camper noted, "Being a fan of gems, I definitely bought an embarrassing amount of dirt for the gem mining (Got some good finds, so worth it!)" while others mentioned train rides available at the campground.
Water recreation: Camp Whiteface Mountain sits alongside the Ausable River, creating opportunities for fishing, wading, and nature observation. Its location provides a strategic base for broader exploration as one visitor explained: "20 minutes from downtown Lake Placid at the base of Whiteface mountain. 2 hours away is Montreal or Burlington VT."
Historical sites: Brookwood RV Resort offers proximity to Fort Ticonderoga, approximately 10 miles north, where visitors can explore historical reenactments and exhibits. A reviewer mentioned: "Ft. Ticonderoga and Lake George are right around the corner," making this location suitable for history enthusiasts.
What campers like
Quiet environments: Several campgrounds emphasize peaceful settings away from urban noise. At Davey Falls ADK, a camper appreciated the "Amazing secluded creekside spot. Private waterfall, hiking trails," noting it was the "Perfect location to explore eastern Adk."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintaining cleanliness receive consistent positive feedback. One reviewer at Brookwood RV Resort praised the "Level, shaded site" with "Full hookup (sewer, water, 50 AMP)" and mentioned additional amenities including "Pool, Cornhole, Chess, Connect 4, Playground, Bath house, Laundry."
Security: Solo campers specifically note feeling secure at certain locations. A visitor at Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks shared: "First time camping solo- great place! Felt safe and campground was quiet and clean."
What you should know
Limited wifi access: Cell service and internet connectivity vary significantly throughout the region. A camper at Brookwood RV Resort reported: "We got crappy cell service, and the camp wifi was spotty- but hey, we were camping, right?"
Seasonal closures: Most facilities operate on limited schedules. Shady Oaks Camping Resort runs from "May 1 - Sep 30" with approximately 100 sites available during this period, while others like Thornbush Acres operate "Mid-May thru Mid-Oct."
Site variations: Campground quality and features vary between locations and specific sites. Some campgrounds consist primarily of seasonal residents with limited overnight options. At Shady Oaks, a visitor observed it was "Mostly Seasonal area with some overnight spots. No tents allowed."
Tips for camping with families
Check pool supervision: Pool safety protocols vary between facilities. Some locations may have inadequate lifeguard coverage during busy periods, so maintain personal supervision of children when using aquatic facilities regardless of posted lifeguard status.
Look for dedicated play areas: Iroquois Campground & RV Park provides family-oriented recreational options, though one visitor noted it's "Dated but nice" with "fun activities, campers friendly and welcoming." Another campground visitor cautioned that some locations are "quite more for Adults, no playgrounds or things for kids to do."
Consider site privacy: Family camping often benefits from more secluded sites. One Iroquois camper noted sites were "somewhat small and tight but there are some larger sites," suggesting families request specific site recommendations when booking.
Tips from RVers
Prepare for uneven terrain: Many RV sites require significant leveling equipment. At Thornbush Acres RV Park, visitors found "Basic sites with amenities. Very roomy and spacious," but terrain varies significantly between campgrounds in the mountainous region.
Check electrical service capacity: Electrical service ranges from 30-amp to 50-amp depending on the facility. Babbling Brook RV Park offers "Electric, water and sewer available. Reasonable rates" with adequate spacing between sites, according to recent visitors.
Verify size restrictions: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs despite marketing claims. While many advertise as "big-rig friendly," actual access roads, turning radiuses, and site dimensions vary significantly. Campgrounds like Iron City RV Park typically require advance confirmation for vehicles over 30 feet in length.
