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Best Campgrounds near Schenectady, NY

674 Reviews

Several good camping options surround Schenectady for families who want to get outside. Schodack Island State Park Campground sits 21 miles from town and has sites spaced apart with trees and bushes that add privacy. The bathrooms and showers stay clean, which many campers appreciate. About 12 miles away in Altamont, Thompson's Lake Campground at Thacher State Park works well for families and puts you close to hiking trails. If you prefer something more basic, check out DevilDoc Campsites in Caroga Lake where things are quiet and simple. Watch out for the roads to these places - some can get tricky when it rains. The area has lots of wildlife, so store your food properly to keep animals away from your campsite. Places like Moreau Lake State Park Campground let you fish and kayak right there. Most sites have decent access roads, but it's smart to check conditions before you head out. You'll find spots that work whether you're in a tent or driving an RV. Pack for changing weather since temperatures swing quite a bit in this region. The most comfortable camping weather usually happens in spring and fall.

Map showing campgrounds near Schenectady, New YorkExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Schenectady, New York (172)

    1. Thompson's Lake Campground — Thacher State Park

    7 Reviews
    Altamont, NY
    12 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!"

    2. Arrowhead Marina & RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Rotterdam Junction, NY
    5 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."

    3. Schodack Island State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Selkirk, NY
    21 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!"

    4. Frosty Acres Campground

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

    5. Ushers Road State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Round Lake, NY
    11 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. Adventure Bound Camping Resort at Deer Run

    3 Reviews
    Mechanicville, NY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (866) 333-7462

    "There was a nice little dog park fenced in area for my dog to run around in."

    7. Lee's Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Saratoga Springs, NY
    19 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. McConchie Heritage Acres Campground

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

    "No lake but has a swimming pool"

    9. Moreau Lake State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Gansevoort, NY
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 793-0511

    $20 - $75 / night

    "This campground is close to the highway between Albany and the Adirondacks. There’s a nice big lake and the Hudson RIver. Many campsites are near the lake."

    "Moreau Lake has (in my opinion) superb facilities as far as state run campsites go."

    10. North-South Lake Campground

    43 Reviews
    Palenville, NY
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 589-5058

    $22 - $44 / night

    "Our first campground was in New York Aug 8th. Unfortunately, Debbie was socking New York hard. North South Lake Campground in the Catskills was our camping home."

    "Had a great time at this campground- surrounded by many returning campers which gave the whole experience a good community vibe. Ice cream truck comes around each evening in the summer."

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Recent Camping Photos near Schenectady, NY

731 Photos of 172 Schenectady Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Schenectady, NY

674 Reviews of 172 Schenectady Campgrounds

  • 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!!!

  • licia S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Somerset Airfield

    No Wifi, Resevoir Beautiful

    Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and resevoir- saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping. It's been quiet and peaceful and sometimes generators running all night. I arrived after the 4th of July and a neighbor said it was rowdy during the holiday with illegal fireworks set off every night over the dry forest. These pics are from a weekday morning. It's great to see families camping. There are pit toilets. AT.T service at bridge prior to camp- short walk. SOS only in camp. Another camper told me Starlink works here.

  • Ricky H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    Not terrible

    Site was littered with places previous campers had left human excrement. While not in the site directly, it was all around it. Also had someone who decided to use the area to sight in his rifle. Which was very unexpected as it was incredibly loud with no warning at all. Was not aware this was a gun range. Tried to flag down a park ranger, but he just drove on by.

  • Willliam A.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Woodford State Park Campground

    Good way to start my trip

    Came in here hoping to start off my weekend with a nice reserve site. Had plenty of room for my truck and RTT. Close enough to your neighbors to see but you’re not exactly on top of each other. Waterfront campsites are very scenic.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Mt. Greylock Campsite Park

    Great Little Campground in the Berkshires

    The owner of this campground really cares about her job and making sure each and every camper has a great experience. I have a very large tent but was able to fit it on my site. The site was slightly slanted but that did help with drainage when we had torrential downpours the last 24 hours we were there. There seems to be a lot of seasonal campers but they were so friendly. The bathhouse was incredibly clean. Showers were great. The pool was cold, but really nice and again very clean. I loved that they deliver firewood to your site when you purchase from them. And again, I can’t say enough about the owner. She welcomed me with open arms when I arrived and I can tell she takes a lot of pride in her job and in her campground. I do hope to return again.

Guide to Schenectady

Camping near Schenectady, New York, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: The Catskills are nearby, providing great trails for all skill levels. One camper mentioned, “This is a hiking park... Kaaterskill Falls is an exception - short, easy trail, but the parking fills up quickly.”
  • Swimming: Many campgrounds have access to lakes or streams. A reviewer noted, “There are two nice lakes with beaches,” making it a perfect spot for a refreshing dip.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper shared, “There are bears that visit the campground... they showed us a picture - it was a large black bear.”

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the beautiful surroundings. A review stated, “The Catskills are very scenic & we enjoyed our time there!”
  • Privacy: Many sites are well-spaced, allowing for a more secluded experience. One camper remarked, “Each of the campsites... has a lot of foliage around it, creating privacy between you and the site next to you.”
  • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and showers are a big plus. A reviewer mentioned, “The bathrooms/showers are state park clean - which means not very,” but others found them acceptable.

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared to unplug. One camper noted, “There is NO cell service & just forget about WiFi. You are unplugged.”
  • Bear Activity: Keep food secured to avoid attracting bears. A camper warned, “There’s a lot of bear activity here, so constantly cleaning up your food is very important.”
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular sites can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A reviewer advised, “It can get a little busy on the weekends, so worth reserving in advance.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. One camper said, “There is a FULL schedule of themed activities for the kiddos, weekly.”
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. A family shared, “The campground has some great hiking trails and a cozy vibe in a beautiful part of NY.”
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep everyone happy. A reviewer mentioned, “The store was fairly well stocked with things you might’ve forgot to pack.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some sites may not accommodate larger RVs. A camper noted, “Our site was fine and large enough to accommodate our RV and tow car but some campsites were pretty small.”
  • Know Your Hookups: Make sure to check for electric and water hookups. One reviewer stated, “The sites are spacious and well spaced out,” which is great for RV camping.
  • Be Prepared for Fees: Some campgrounds have additional charges. A camper shared, “Had to pay $100 for early arrival!!!” so be aware of the campground policies.

Camping around Schenectady, NY, has something for everyone, from nature lovers to families looking for fun. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Schenectady, NY?

The Schenectady area offers excellent camping options within a reasonable drive. Thompson's Lake Campground — Thacher State Park is one of the closest options, offering beautiful sites with amenities like toilets and water access. For a unique experience, Luzerne Campground is the only campground in New York that accommodates horseback riders with sites that include horse stalls. Other notable options include Frosty Acres Campground and Arrowhead Marina & RV Park in nearby Glenville. Most campgrounds in the region are open from May through October, with peak season being June through August. Weekday visits are recommended to avoid crowds, especially during holiday weekends.

Are there waterfront campsites available near Schenectady?

Several waterfront camping options await within driving distance of Schenectady. Northampton Beach Campground offers excellent lakeside sites with great facilities and friendly staff. Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds features two private lakes for fishing plus river access (state fishing license required for the river). Other waterfront options include Moreau Lake State Park Campground and Schodack Island State Park, both offering scenic water views. For lake enthusiasts, the Lake George area provides multiple waterfront camping experiences about an hour from Schenectady. Most waterfront sites are in high demand, so reservations well in advance are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends.

What RV camping options are available in the Schenectady area?

Spacious Skies Woodland Hills offers excellent RV accommodations with pull-through sites available and is particularly welcoming early in the camping season. Lake George RV Park is worth the short drive, providing premium RV facilities about 2 miles from I-87. Additional RV-friendly options include Arrowhead Marina & RV Park in Glenville and Adventure Bound Camping Resort at Deer Run in Schaghticoke. Most parks offer full hookups (water, electric, sewer), and many can accommodate big rigs. Amenities typically include restrooms, showers, dump stations, and recreational facilities. The camping season generally runs May through October, with some parks offering limited winter availability. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend stays during peak summer months.

Where can I rent a camper in Schenectady?

While there aren't dedicated camper rental services within Schenectady itself, several options exist in the surrounding area. Treetopia Campground in the Catskills offers on-site rental options including RVs, yurts, and custom accommodations. Cooperstown KOA also provides rental trailers, camping cabins, cottages, and lodges for those wanting a camping experience without bringing their own gear. For traditional RV rentals, check online platforms like RVshare and Outdoorsy, which connect travelers with local RV owners offering rentals. Many of these services will deliver and set up at your chosen campground for an additional fee. Reservations should be made well in advance, particularly during the peak summer camping season from June through August.

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