Emily F.
Guide
GuideMax V. Shaul State Park Campground
Site 13
Our site had a lot of space. Watched a video on YouTube that was a walk through of each site. So peaceful. Lots of good hiking. Sinks for dishes, clean bathrooms and showers.
Best Campgrounds near Schenectady, NY
Dispersed camping is limited but available near Schenectady, New York, with Ushers Road State Forest providing primitive sites for tent and RV camping. The camping landscape around the area encompasses a range of developed campgrounds including Frosty Acres Campground and Thompson's Lake Campground at Thacher State Park, offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins. Public lands near Schenectady provide varying levels of amenities, from basic dispersed sites with no facilities to full-service campgrounds with electric hookups, showers, and recreational activities. Arrowhead Marina & RV Park along the Mohawk River caters to both tent and RV campers seeking waterfront locations within 10 miles of the city.
The camping season in the Capital Region typically runs from May through October, with most developed campgrounds closing during winter months. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly at popular locations like Thompson's Lake and Arrowhead Marina. Weather patterns affect camping conditions, with occasional heavy rainfall creating muddy or flooded sites at certain campgrounds. Elevation differences between locations influence temperatures, with higher-elevation campgrounds like Frosty Acres experiencing cooler nights. Several campgrounds provide varying hookup options for RVs, though big rig accessibility differs significantly between locations. A camper at Ushers Road State Forest noted: "This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. Given that camping is permitted anywhere in the woods as long as it's at least 150 feet off the trail, the surrounding area offers an abundance of potential camping spots."
Waterfront locations receive consistently positive reviews, with campers highlighting sites along the Mohawk River and Thompson's Lake as particularly desirable. Arrowhead Marina & RV Park earns praise for its riverfront setting, with a visitor describing it as a "picture perfect location" that is "well maintained, located on the Mohawk River" with "shady, grassy areas." Family-friendly amenities feature prominently in reviews of Thompson's Lake Campground, where facilities include a beach with swimming, kayak rentals, and playground areas. Campers mention the mixed experiences at Lee's Park Campground, which transforms during concert events at the nearby Saratoga Performing Arts Center into what one reviewer called "a real festival experience" with "tents all over, drum circles, booze, and youth." The region's campgrounds vary significantly in atmosphere, from quiet nature-focused settings to more social environments that cater to event attendees.
Best Camping Sites Near Schenectady, New York (176)
1. Thompson's Lake Campground — Thacher State Park
7 ReviewsAltamont, NY12 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsRotterdam Junction, NY5 milesWebsite+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. Frosty Acres Campground
3 ReviewsDuanesburg, NY9 milesWebsite+1 (518) 864-53524. Schodack Island State Park Campground
17 ReviewsCoeymans, NY23 milesWebsite+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!"
5. Ushers Road State Forest
1 ReviewRound Lake, NY11 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 ReviewsMechanicville, NY16 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsSaratoga Springs, NY19 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsGalway, NY13 milesWebsite+1 (518) 882-6605"No lake but has a swimming pool"
9. Moreau Lake State Park Campground
18 ReviewsGansevoort, NY31 milesWebsite+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. Plotter Kill Camping
Be the first to review!Rotterdam Junction, NY5 milesWebsite$40 - $100 / night
Recent Camping Photos near Schenectady, NY
442 Photos of 176 Schenectady Campgrounds
Justin L.
Plotter Kill Camping
George D.
Thompson's Lake Campground — Thacher State Park
Brandilyn W.
Adventure Bound Camping Resort at Deer Run
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Campaway on Cotton Hill
Daniel B.
Lee's Park Campground
The Dyrt
Crystal Pond at Hogan's Landing
Tim H.
HOGAN'S LANDING
Jill G.
Schodack Island State Park Campground
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Forest Farm Waterfall Camp Site
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Belle Vue Pond and River Haven
Matt F.
Whitetail Meadows
Dilara E.
Abracadabra magic farm
Recent Reviews near Schenectady, NY
690 Reviews of 176 Schenectady Campgrounds
- Emily F.Guide
Sacandaga Campground — Adirondack Preserve
Cute and clean
Some sites have more privacy than others. Some are right on the river. There’s a good YouTube vid with walkthroughs of all the sites. Nice lil river running through the campground.
Jacob Y.
ScoutDevil's Tombstone Campground
Entitled Arrogant Staff
We have camped for years all over the Northeast and have never experienced campground staff as rude, patronizing, and overbearing as we did at Devil’s Tombstone Campground. It felt like our group was constantly being watched and corrected over every minor thing imaginable instead of simply being treated like paying guests trying to enjoy the weekend. The campground itself was disappointing, but the staff attitude was by far the worst part of the experience. Unless you want to be nitpicked every time you do literally anything, then you might not want to camp here.
- Jacob Y.Scout
Devil's Tombstone Campground
Entitled Arrogant Staff
We have camped for years all over the Northeast and have never experienced campground staff as rude, patronizing, and overbearing as we did at Devil’s Tombstone Campground. It felt like our group was constantly being watched and corrected over every minor thing imaginable instead of simply being treated like paying guests trying to enjoy a weekend camping. The campground itself was disappointing, but the staff attitude was by far the worst part of the experience. We do not recommend this campground to anyone, unless you want to have anxiety when they drive by every 5 minutes to check on every minor thing. By the way, the walk from the check in shack to the end of the campground is at most 0.2 miles.
Danielle S.ScoutDevil's Tombstone Campground
Experienced Campers — First Time Ever Leaving a Negative Review
FYI this is my first time ever writing a negative campground review, but this experience deserves one. Our large family group stayed at Devil’s Tombstone Campground over Memorial Day weekend, and despite having camped dozens of times over the years, this was by far the worst campground and staff experience we’ve ever had.
When we arrived there was no caretaker present, no cell service to call the posted number, and we were later condescendingly told we “should have checked in” and “should have knocked”— both of which we did. We were then told the posted number was “only for emergencies,” despite nowhere stating that. The first caretaker who checked us in was pleasant, but after that it felt like staff constantly monitored and corrected our group over extremely minor issues: partially parking on grass, briefly parking near the bathroom walkway, plugging into an outlet near the restroom during 40-degree rainy weather, hanging signs, and even checking our tarp lines on trees. Many of these rules were not posted anywhere.
After someone plugged into the bathroom outlet because they were freezing (there was no sign that said you couldn't and it was not listed in the rules), the bathroom power was shut off entirely, leaving the bathrooms without lights at night, which created an obvious safety issue. Around the same time, a camera suddenly appeared near the outlet area, which felt excessive and uncomfortable.
Meanwhile, staff spent hours mowing, weed-whacking, and chain sawing during the middle of Friday on Memorial Day weekend while simultaneously nitpicking campers over every little thing.
The final straw was being told we could not use a fully enclosed propane fire pit with no embers during cold, windy, rainy weather. After expressing frustration over the constant nitpicking, forest rangers were called on us the next morning. Staff reportedly told them we had garbage and food everywhere, which was completely false. Thankfully the rangers themselves were respectful and seemed to quickly realize we were simply a group trying to enjoy our weekend.
The campground itself was also very misleading compared to online photos. The “lake” is more like a shallow pond unsuitable for meaningful fishing, kayaking, or swimming. The supposedly stocked creek running through the campground was completely dry, there is no running water in the bathrooms, and a main road cuts directly through the campground with traffic flying by at highway speeds.
We still managed to have fun because we enjoy spending time outdoors together, but we would absolutely not return or recommend this campground.
- S
Sue
TravelerWoodford State Park Campground
Small reservoir clean sites
I have stayed at several of the waterfront tent and lean-to camp sites. It’s a nice organized place but can get pretty noisy when larger groups take over the loop c spots. There’s an open grassy field near the water at that end of the campground and it doesn’t take much to make a disturbance as sound carries over the water to loop b and a. Several people ignore the no dogs on the beach rule too. Those issues aside it’s a nice accessible campground with quiet water for kayakers like me. Generally I find the flies and mosquitoes are less of a problem once the dragon flies arrive.
Joe P.ScoutLake George RV Park
Sad
Had a site booked for Memorial Day weekend but had a complication to my 5th shoulder surgery in 2.5 years and had my 6th which was a 3rd attempt at rotator cuff repair in mid-May. Called to see if I could change my reservation since I cannot drive due to Dr.'s orders but no dice. Could care less and told me too late due to policy. Offered to provide doctors documentation but didn't matter. I did not ask for refund just to change the date. Rude, dismissive and unwilling to work with me. Sad that a family-oriented place is run this way. End result I am out over$600 and they are smiling. As a business owner myself I would be out of business if I treated my customers this way.
- NNora C.Traveler
Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground
Good sites good walking trails
All around good spot to camp the staff was all really nice the bathrooms were clean my one complaint was how bad the bugs were! Which is no fault to the park! Had a great time will probably go again!
- SStephen D.Guide
Lake George Camping Village
Dogs?
We emailed twice and traveled five hours to only find out they have a list of dog breeds they don’t accept. The list has no rhyme or reason. Our 7 year old 95lb Great Dane was not allowed. Ridiculous
Guide to Schenectady
Dispersed camping options near Schenectady provide access to the Adirondack foothills and Capital Region wilderness areas. Ushers Road State Forest sits at approximately 300 feet elevation with limited amenities but abundant camping possibilities. Many campsites in the region occupy the transition zone between the Hudson River Valley and higher elevations, creating microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the year.
What to do
Hiking and nature trails: Ushers Road State Forest offers bicycle-friendly trails that connect to potential camping spots. According to a camper: "This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. Given that camping is permitted anywhere in the woods as long as it's at least 150 feet off the trail, the surrounding area offers an abundance of potential camping spots."
Swimming and water activities: North-South Lake Campground in the Catskills provides lake recreation within 60 miles of Schenectady. "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time," notes one visitor. Another mentions the "great beach with swimming, kayak and boat rentals."
Birding opportunities: Schodack Island State Park offers excellent wildlife viewing about 25 miles from Schenectady. A reviewer details: "Best part was hiking out to a couple of different blinds to look for birds. Did see a juv eagle. Not time to fully explore. Would go back."
What campers like
Wooded sites with privacy: Moreau Lake State Park campsites feature natural separation between neighbors. "Campsites are spacious, shady, and had good separation between the neighboring sites which we enjoyed," notes one camper. Another mentioned: "The sites are shady and close together, but still feel fairly private."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities despite high usage. At Thompson's Lake Campground, campers report "nice bathroom facilities and dish washing station!" Another noted: "All public areas including the bathrooms are very clean."
Proximity to cities: Most camping options sit within 30-60 minutes of Albany, Troy, Saratoga Springs, and Schenectady. A Thompson's Lake visitor noted: "The biggest draw is the proximity to the Capital District. Less than an hour from Albany, so it's an easy way to get out of the city for a day or two."
What you should know
Weather and seasonal patterns: Higher elevation campgrounds experience different conditions than river valley sites. Frosty Acres Campground sits at about 1400 feet elevation, creating distinct weather patterns. A seasonal camper noted: "Elevation about 1409 feet. View of the sunrise over the entire valley are awesome. Very very cool place. Windy as all get out."
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds near Schenectady require advance booking, particularly during summer months and weekends. Wait times for lakefront sites can exceed 6-9 months at popular locations.
Cell service variability: Connectivity changes dramatically between locations and even within campgrounds. At Schodack Island, a camper reported: "ATT and Verizon fluctuate between 1-3 bars. It was enough for me to work - downloading files, sending emails, and conducting non-video zoom calls."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Deer Run Campground offers water attractions popular with children. "Family oriented. The kids loved love water attractions. Our site was large and shaded," notes one visitor. Other campgrounds feature dedicated playgrounds and recreation areas.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer nature programs and wildlife learning. At Moreau Lake State Park, families can access a "nature center next door you can walk to" according to reviews.
Safety considerations: Some campgrounds transform during concert events at nearby venues. At Lee's Park Campground, the atmosphere changes dramatically during Saratoga Performing Arts Center events. One camper described it as "family friendly" during normal operations but noted concert weekends have "people drank and played drinking games late into the night."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring preparation. A Deer Run visitor cautioned: "Our site was large and shaded. The draw back is where you need to park the camper is about 7 inches out of level. If we stay in the same site again we would come better prepared."
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly between campgrounds. At Schodack Island, one RVer noted: "The roads in are definitely patched and bumpy, but once your in the loop things are smooth!"
Pull-through availability: Some of the best places to camp near Schenectady for larger rigs offer convenient access. At Schodack Island State Park, a camper mentioned: "Fairly level pull-thru. Mix of large rock gravel, dirt, grass/weeds. Service side of rig faced a nice small grassy area with pretty trees."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Schenectady, NY?
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?
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?
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?
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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