Tent camping near Riparius, New York encompasses a diverse landscape of Adirondack wilderness situated at 700-900 feet elevation along the Hudson River valley. Summer temperatures typically range from 45°F-80°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms common from June through August. Most primitive camping areas in this region lack cellular service, with the nearest reliable coverage available in North Creek approximately 15 minutes south.
What to do
Water exploration: Lake George Islands provide unique recreational opportunities with multiple island camping groups spread throughout the 32-mile lake. A visitor to Long Island Group noted, "So much to do at LG. Great island camping with amazing views." Another camper mentioned their experience at Narrow Island Group: "We ate fresh fish everyday. Great kayaking & hiking."
Hiking proximity: High Peaks region offers access to over 40 peaks within an hour's drive from Riparius. The mountains range from beginner-friendly summits under 3,000 feet to challenging climbs exceeding 4,000 feet. One camper at Wilderness Campground mentioned, "You can hike Algonquin, Iriquois, Wright Peak, and Mt. Jo all right from the campground."
Wildlife observation: Night sounds become part of the camping experience in this region. Barred owls, whip-poor-wills, and spring peepers create natural soundscapes at night. However, wildlife can include unwanted visitors too. A camper reported, "The raccoon situation...was bad. We were literally bombarded with a group of raccoons each night."
What campers like
Private waterfront access: River and lake sites provide direct water access with varying degrees of privacy. A camper at Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off shared, "There was a fire ring at the site and access to the river down a semi-steep bank. Beautiful to listen to at night."
Quiet weekday camping: Weekdays offer significantly less crowded experiences even during peak season. A visitor to Wilderness Campground noted, "We had a very pleasant stay here and personally found the weekdays to be best for 'camp days' given there were few people—weekends are PACKED."
Island isolation: Boat-access only sites provide a unique camping experience away from mainland crowds. One camper at Glen Island Group described the experience: "Me the wife and our 3 children had an amazing time on our three night stay. Definitely no amenities other than an outhouse but spectacular views and pristine waters."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Smaller SUVs are strongly recommended for accessing dispersed camping areas around Riparius. A camper at Cod Pond noted: "A car is not recommended. Possible to turn around but you definitely need a smaller suv."
Campsite selection: Many primitive sites appear level but prove problematic for tent setup. Another Cod Pond camper shared, "Plenty of space for multiple tents, ground may look flat but when sleeping-definitely is not."
Wildlife preparation: Food storage precautions are essential throughout the region. Island campers face particular challenges with wildlife. A Lake George Islands camper mentioned, "And the raccoon situation...was bad. We were literally bombarded with a group of raccoons each night."
Bathroom facilities: Toilet facilities vary widely across camping areas. At Cedar River Entrance Camping, one camper noted, "There are many outhouses, a picnic table, and a fire ring close by."
Tips for camping with families
Island adventures: Lake George island camping requires advance planning and proper boat transportation. A camper at Glen Island advised: "Definitely need a decent sized boat with a gas outboard to get there, but wow. What an experience."
Weather considerations: Prepare for significant temperature fluctuations even in summer months. Pack additional layers, rain gear and warm sleeping bags. One family camper shared, "Despite a rainy week we made the most of the easily accessible mountains."
Site selection for children: Choose sites with natural boundaries and level ground when camping with young children. A camper at Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake noted, "Our site was spacious and relatively private, flat, and shaded."
Noise level awareness: Some campgrounds maintain strict quiet hours while others can become noisy on weekends. A Heart Lake camper observed, "Weekends are PACKED and there were more than a couple of party sites."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most RV-friendly campgrounds near Riparius offer only basic electric hookups without sewer or water connections. Stony Creek Family Campground provides electric hookups but requires self-contained waste systems for most sites.
Size limitations: Large RVs over 30 feet face significant challenges on local roads and finding suitable campsites. Most campgrounds in the area cannot accommodate big rigs, with tight turns and low-hanging branches common on access roads.
Seasonal considerations: RV camping is generally limited from mid-May through early October due to seasonal road closures and freezing temperatures. Many campgrounds close completely after Labor Day weekend.
