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Best Campgrounds near Rotterdam Junction, NY

606 Reviews

The Mohawk River Valley surrounding Rotterdam Junction, New York features a mix of established campgrounds and more rustic options within a 30-minute drive. Arrowhead Marina & RV Park in nearby Glenville offers full hookup sites with boat access from mid-May through mid-October, while Frosty Acres Campground in Schenectady provides tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and glamping accommodations. Thompson's Lake Campground at Thacher State Park, located south of Rotterdam Junction, maintains both tent and RV sites with electric hookups in a state park setting. For those seeking more primitive experiences, Ushers Road State Forest offers dispersed camping opportunities with minimal amenities but greater privacy.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through October, with limited off-season availability. As one camper noted about nearby DevilDoc Campsites, "Most state-run parks in New York close up before the middle of October, and this is a great option for an off-season camping spot in the area." Weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly during spring and fall, with summer thunderstorms common. Cell service varies significantly across the region, with better coverage at developed campgrounds closer to urban areas. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, especially for weekend stays during peak summer months. Wildlife encounters, including raccoons and occasionally black bears, necessitate proper food storage at all camping locations.

Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the region, with Northampton Beach Campground particularly noted for its lakeside access. According to one reviewer, "Many campsites with lakeside access, although do pay attention to the time of year as the water level can drop considerably over the summer." Family-friendly amenities are common at the more developed sites, with several campgrounds offering swimming areas, fishing opportunities, and hiking trails. Site privacy varies considerably, with some campgrounds featuring well-spaced, wooded sites while others have more open layouts. Proximity to local attractions, including the southern Adirondacks, Lake George, and the Capital Region, makes the Rotterdam Junction area a convenient base for exploring eastern New York's diverse outdoor recreation opportunities.

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Best Camping Sites Near Rotterdam Junction, New York (159)

    1. Arrowhead Marina & RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Rotterdam Junction, NY
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 382-8966

    "We were next to a little fenced in area for dogs that our dog loved."

    "Well maintained, located on the Mohawk River. Shady, grassy areas. Boat launch and pier. Friendly people. A perfect campground."

    2. Frosty Acres Campground

    3 Reviews
    Duanesburg, NY
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 864-5352

    3. Thompson's Lake Campground — Thacher State Park

    7 Reviews
    Altamont, NY
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 872-1674

    $17 / night

    "Some of the lakeside sites have private foot trails down to the water which was very nice."

    "Hiking was near by and also the beach and if you wanted to drive to where the falls are and the overlook it wasn't too far! We had an amazing time!"

    4. McConchie Heritage Acres Campground

    2 Reviews
    Galway, NY
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 882-6605

    "No lake but has a swimming pool"

    5. Ushers Road State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Round Lake, NY
    14 miles

    "This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side."

    6. Northampton Beach Campground

    11 Reviews
    Northville, NY
    22 miles
    +1 (518) 863-6000

    $22 - $40 / night

    "MANY campsites with lakeside access, although do pay attention to the time of year as the water level can drop considerably over the summer. large swimming area and great fishing."

    "Lots of bike riding and walking. Couple nice general stores that are reasonably priced AND a miniature golf place right outside of the entrance."

    7. Lee's Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Saratoga Springs, NY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 584-1951

    $20 - $45 / night

    "Close to SPAC, lots of area to set up tents, dog friendly, campfire friendly, and there’s a lake minutes away. Some of the crowd seemed a little rowdy but overall nothing that was obnoxious."

    "I have absolutely nothing but good things to say about Lee’s after spending my weekend there, the park staff was so awesome, the vibes were great, there was parking along the dirt pathed roads that ran"

    8. Pop's Lake Campground

    1 Review
    Galway, NY
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 883-8678

    "Love love love pops lake. The lake is beautiful especially during sunrise, and the sites are large. Will be returning soon."

    9. Schodack Island State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Coeymans, NY
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 732-0187

    $17 - $26 / night

    "The park ensures you’ll have what you need with stores within close proximity and the staff even offers ice and firewood delivery to your site."

    "Wonderful hikes and beautiful walks. Boat docks looked pretty easy for ins and outs, and the pavilions were huge!"

    10. DevilDoc Campsites

    14 Reviews
    Caroga Lake, NY
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 844-1591

    $15 - $25 / night

    "My buddy and I were looking for a campsite for a quick overnight stay before a bike trip around the Adirondacks, and this spot was a perfect fit."

    "He and his buddy, Rick, live on acres and acres of forested property, with my favorite campsites located at a seemingly magical pond surrounded by beautiful pine and birch trees."

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Recent Camping Photos near Rotterdam Junction, NY

636 Photos of 159 Rotterdam Junction Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Rotterdam Junction, NY

606 Reviews of 159 Rotterdam Junction Campgrounds

  • Pete V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 12, 2025

    Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    Nice quiet overnight stay

    This was a quiet overnight stay, just as the other reviewers say, a gravel parking lot that is easy to find a level spot in. This is on the river with a nice view. Lots of trains rolling through across the river but the noise wasn't an issue for me. There was a police officer that drove through the lot and drove around my campervan and continued on his way so I know that it is okay to overnight there.

  • M
    Oct. 26, 2025

    North-South Lake Campground

    Beautiful grounds HORRIBLE STAFF

    I don’t normally write reviews especially a negative one. We had a very upsetting experience at North-South Lake. We drove over two hours to visit my husband’s childhood campground for the first time with our three kids(ages 5, 7, and 9). When we arrived at the entrance, we were asked if it was a day visit, and we said yes, we were only staying for the day. We paid the fee, received a map, and drove in. My husband was so excited to finally share this place and create memories with our children. Looking for a place to park, we thought we were lucky to find an empty campsite in one of the loops where he used to camp as a child.

    We parked the car hoping to enjoy the view of the lake, take a walk, and maybe make the kids a couple of s’mores before heading home.

     At around 2:15–2:30 p.m., the “SUPERVISOR” in the white Kia approached us in an extremely rude and nasty manner, speaking as if we were committing a serious crime and comparing our situation to“sleeping in someone else’s hotel room.” She asked us if we had a reservation; we said no. She said,“Someone else reserved this spot.” We were very apologetic, embarrassed, and immediately put our stuff in the car. I said they could have told us; we would have moved right away. I’m sorry. 

    She said,“They aren’t supposed to talk to you; that’s why they send me here.” She told us we had ten minutes to leave, waited there while we put our chair, blanket, and s’more cookies in the car, and refused our 9-year-old daughter access to the bathroom while we packed up our three things, and even followed us out of the loop to make sure we didn’t park elsewhere. My daughter came to us crying because the lady told her she couldn’t use the bathroom and had to get in the car. Well, she had an accident in the car right as we were pulling out. 

    We were mortified and apologetic. My husband even offered to leave the firewood we had just purchased for the next campers, but she was dismissive and harsh about that as well. 

    The following day, I called and asked to speak with a manager to explain how we were treated. The manager was just as unfriendly and miserable sounding as the supervisor. I was told they had been looking for us“for hours” and that it’s“common sense” not to park in a campsite. She actually said it’s considered trespassing. So, a friendly warning for first-time visitors: Apparently, if you don’t know that“day use” doesn’t mean“park in any empty campsite,” just for the day, you’re officially a trespassing criminal, at least according to the manager. 

    Reading the website now, I see that check-in for people with reservations is at 2 p.m., which was the time we were trying to make a small fire, so unless someone left their site and returned, it’s unclear how they could have been looking for us“for hours.” We were right there at 2pm. 

    The website also states: Day Use• Anyone who is not camping is a day-user. Day-use hours are from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Day-users are not allowed between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. 

    We were not camping but didn’t realize we couldn’t park in an empty campsite. I think“common sense” would be to inform DAY USE visitors at the ENTRANCE to use public parking, especially for families or first-time visitors who may not be camping experts. Bottom line: this was my husband’s childhood family spot. We just wanted to take a beautiful fall drive and have a special day with our kids. 

    We understand now that we needed to reserve the parking spot ahead of time, and it was an honest misunderstanding. I would have even offered to pay for the campers’ stay for their trouble. What we wish for is that the staff had approached us respectfully and explained the situation instead of treating us like criminals. Imagine being such a miserable person and working in such a BEAUTIFUL and peaceful place for families. 

    This was meant to be a special family day, honoring memories of my father-in-law and creating new ones with our children. Instead, it became stressful and humiliating. Sadly, this is what our children will remember about the day and about North South Lake

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Brookside Campground

    Not a recreational campsite

    Full disclosure, we did not stay here. PLEASE, folks that leave reviews on this app, PLEASE say whether it’s a full-timer campsite or a recreational campsite. We paid for two weeks in advance of arriving at this site based on reviews available on Google and Dyrt. However, when we arrived we were surprised that this was mostly a trailer park. Call me picky, but I really prefer not to camp in an area where folks are living full time. Just not the vibe I’m going for. We decided to leave without staying. We called to see if we could get a refund and they were very kind and it wasn’t a problem. But just be warned… this is not a recreational campsite.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Whip O Will Campsites

    Not for recreational campers

    Full disclosure, we did not stay here. PLEASE, folks that leave reviews on this app, PLEASE say whether it’s a full-timer campsite or a recreational campsite. We arrived after leaving another campsite in the area (that was also 100% full timers) and were disappointed to find that this site was all permanent campers with crap everywhere. One site even had a funeral home sign hanging out front of an entire plywood addition to their camper…like what? Call me picky, but I don’t feel entirely comfortable camping for fun next to folks who live in the campground like this. After driving through the super narrow and rutted out roads to the site they recommend, a man came hauling a** into our site (with a beer in his hand) and was saying “hello hellooooo.” Said he was the owner of the campsite and asked if we were staying, we said we were thinking about it, just checking out the available sites (as the lady up front told us to do). TL;DR- bad vibes. Didn’t stay. Be warned this is a full time campsite with crap everywhere. The lady working the office was super nice though.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Bear Slide in Lake George Wild Forest

    Night alone in my jeep

    It was rocky getting there but super super remote - zero service. Great space for my jeep and honestly you could fit a LARGE RV. There is a bathroom at the entrance. No fires because it’s super remote. Peaceful and almost untouched.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Hide-A-Way Campsites

    Quaint and truly hid away

    Well maintained clean campground. Friendly attendants guided us to site and directed in spot. Gravel unlevel pad full hookups.

  • Lorraine H.
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Aqua Vista Valley Campgrounds

    2 month stay started July

    It's ok great water views stuff for kids to do every weekend it's the seasonal campers that make it not fun at times u have some very friendly then others that are noisy judging ,parting witch parting really ain't problem until ur not watching ur kids or being loud at times I give it a 7 out of 10

  • M
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Aqua Vista Valley Campgrounds

    kids always have a blast!

    We went for the Halloween event, and the kids had a great day and evening! They really enjoyed trick or treating!!!

Guide to Rotterdam Junction

Camping options near Rotterdam Junction, New York range from rustic pond-side tent camping to waterfront RV sites with full hookups. This region experiences temperatures that can drop below freezing between October and April, making off-season camping a specialized activity. The area's elevation varies from 330 feet in the valley to over 1400 feet in nearby highlands, affecting both temperature and wildlife activity.

What to do

Lakeside recreation at Thompson's Lake: Thompson's Lake at Thacher State Park offers multiple water activities including swimming, kayaking, and boat rentals. "They have a great beach with swimming, kayak and boat rentals, a nature center next door you can walk too and the bathrooms are refurbished," notes Sabrina H. about Thompson's Lake Campground.

Outdoor hiking options: The area connects to extensive trail networks, with some campgrounds offering direct trail access. At DevilDoc Campsites, "Hiking is also available directly from the campgrounds and connects to nearby trails, leading wherever your heart desires, from treks to the lakes nearby to one that even goes all through the Adirondacks," according to Ellis L.

Bird watching opportunities: Several campgrounds provide excellent wildlife viewing, particularly for birders. At Schodack Island State Park Campground, one camper noted, "Best part was hiking out to a couple of different blinds to look for birds. Did see a juv eagle."

What campers like

Private wooded sites: Many campgrounds offer secluded camping spots with natural barriers. "The state did an excellent job designing sites with dense foliage as sound and site barriers creating good privacy for campers," writes Kevin C. about Schodack Island State Park.

Accessible water features: Waterfront access receives consistently positive reviews, with several campgrounds offering direct water access. At Northampton Beach Campground, "There are so many really nice sites at this campground. A lot of water sites that are very spacious with a beautiful view," according to Alyssa C.

Off-season availability: Some campgrounds stay open later in the fall when state parks close. "Most state-run parks in New York close up before the middle of October, and this is a great option for an off-season camping spot in the area," one camper notes about DevilDoc Campsites.

What you should know

Site privacy varies significantly: Some campgrounds provide wooded privacy while others have more open layouts. At Frosty Acres Campground, James S. explains, "We stayed from April until October then decided to stay over winter. They have a small winter section. You'll have the entire mountain side all to yourself!"

Bathroom facilities differ widely: From primitive sites with no facilities to well-maintained shower buildings. "Bathrooms and showers were very clean," reports Megan S. at Schodack Island State Park, while primitive sites like Ushers Road State Forest have no facilities at all.

Local wildlife encounters: Several campgrounds report frequent wildlife sightings, requiring proper food storage. "Many 'exotic' birds... We had frequent visits from Gray Catbirds, and I saw a glimpse of a Bald Eagle through the treeline," notes Joseph C. at Schodack Island State Park.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. Dana O. recommends Thompson's Lake: "This campground has always been my go to. Now that I have kids, I appreciate the playground area near the beach more."

Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with designated swimming areas during summer months. "They have a great beach with swimming, kayak and boat rentals, a nature center next door you can walk too," shares Sabrina H. about Thompson's Lake.

Clean facilities: For family camping, bathrooms with proper facilities make a big difference. "Nice bathroom facilities and dish washing station!" reports Melissa S. about Arrowhead Marina & RV Park.

Tips from RVers

Electric hookup availability: Most developed campgrounds offer electric sites, but amperage varies. "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," writes Tina about Arrowhead Marina & RV Park.

Site leveling requirements: Terrain varies across the region, affecting RV setup. At Northampton Beach, many sites are described as spacious with good views, though leveling may be required on some.

Winter camping options: Limited locations offer winter RV camping near Rotterdam Junction. At Frosty Acres, "We stayed from April until October then decided to stay over winter. They have a small winter section... Snowshoe, cross country ski. Winter campfires."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping near Rotterdam Junction?

Rotterdam Junction offers several excellent camping options within driving distance. Arrowhead Marina & RV Park in nearby Glenville provides convenient access with drive-in sites, water, and toilets, plus it's big-rig friendly. For those seeking a more natural setting, Thompson's Lake Campground — Thacher State Park near East Berne offers both boat-in and drive-in access. If you're willing to venture a bit further, you'll find additional options in the broader Capital Region and Mohawk Valley areas.

What amenities are available at Rotterdam Junction campgrounds?

Campgrounds near Rotterdam Junction offer a range of amenities to enhance your stay. Frosty Acres Campground provides essential facilities including water and toilets with drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in access options. For more extensive amenities, Spacious Skies Woodland Hills features pull-through sites perfect for RVs and early May visits offer a quieter experience before peak summer crowds. Many local campgrounds also provide picnic tables, fire rings, and access to recreational activities in the surrounding area.

When is the best time of year to camp in Rotterdam Junction?

The ideal camping season near Rotterdam Junction runs from late spring through early fall. North-South Lake Campground is best enjoyed in summer, though campers recommend avoiding holidays to escape crowds. Late August through October offers beautiful fall foliage, particularly at Cooperstown KOA where mature trees create spectacular autumn scenery. Be prepared for varying weather conditions – early May can be quieter but cooler, while summer provides warmer temperatures but higher visitor numbers. Always check water levels when camping near lakes, as they can drop considerably during summer months.

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