Campsites near Schenectady, New York range from elevations of 1,400 feet at higher points to around 300 feet in valley locations. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F and winter temperatures dropping below freezing from December through March. Many campgrounds in the region remain open from May through mid-October, with some offering special accommodations during shoulder seasons.
What to do
Fishing at multiple ponds: DevilDoc Campsites maintains two fishing ponds on its 25-acre property, with one designated for swimming. "There are two ponds to fish in, one you can swim in, kid friendly small pool, horseshoes and huge field to hit golf balls in with 3 holes," notes James S. of the DevilDoc Campsites.
Cross-country skiing: Winter sports enthusiasts can access trails during colder months at select locations. At Frosty Acres Campground, campers enjoy winter activities when most other sites close. "You'll have the entire mountain side all to yourself! Snowshoe, cross country ski. Winter campfires," explains a reviewer about the campground's small winter section at 1,409 feet elevation.
Hiking Vromans Nose: Located near Max V. Shaul State Park, this moderate 1.5-mile trail offers valley views and distinctive rock formations. While the park itself "has no pond/lake," according to Brian H., there are "several waterfalls nearby and Vromans Nose" that provide excellent day-hiking opportunities within a short drive.
Paddleboarding on calm waters: The small lakes and ponds throughout the region offer protected waters ideal for paddlesports. "Fun time at Alpine Lake with plenty of space to kayak around," notes a visitor, mentioning that "hikers and water enthusiasts will love this place" with opportunities to bring paddleboards and boats.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Moreau Lake State Park Campground features campsites set back in wooded areas for privacy. "I love the spacious campsites. It's very woodsy between sites, so it seems very private," writes Michi P. about Moreau Lake State Park Campground, adding that it's "one of the nicest parks I've visited."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds in the region maintain well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. At Max V. Shaul State Park Campground, "the bath house is clean and modern," according to Tom S., while another camper calls it the "cleanest facilities ever" with "good adjustable campfire cooking racks."
Natural setting with modern comforts: The balance between wilderness feeling and conveniences attracts many visitors. "Each site is mostly level and seems private with having greenery around each site," notes a Moose Hillock visitor, appreciating how the campground manages to create secluded spaces despite having numerous sites.
Plant and wildlife sanctuary: For nature enthusiasts, specialized glamping in Schenectady, New York area includes stays at wildlife conservation properties. A Promise to Gaia/Garden of One functions as a "Plant, Wildlife and Butterfly Sanctuary" according to Ashley F., with only three exclusive glamping sites available for booking.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds operate from May through mid-October. Moreau Lake State Park is open "May 6 to October 13," while Max V. Shaul's season runs "May 19 to October 10." Plan accordingly as reservations are required, especially for weekend stays.
Varying water access: Not all campgrounds offer swimming or boating options. As one camper at Max V. Shaul State Park notes, "there's no pond/lake here," though there are waterfalls nearby. Confirm water amenities before booking if swimming is a priority.
Hookup availability: Many sites offer limited or no hookups. Holly R. describes Max V. Shaul as having "no hookups, just a picnic table, firepit," while Moreau Lake has a dump station but most sites are primitive. Several glamping in Schenectady area accommodations do include electric service.
Popularity affects experience: During peak summer months, some parks become crowded. "Campground and swimming area becomes very crowded, especially on holiday weekend due to proximity to I-87 and number of downstate tourists," warns Robert L. about Moreau Lake, suggesting weekday stays for more solitude.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water features: Several campgrounds offer specially designed swimming areas for younger visitors. "Nice sandy beach with lifeguard hours," writes Amber A. about Moreau Lake, while Woodford State Park Campground receives praise for being "perfect for families" with "a small reservoir with a little beach that you can swim or kayak/canoe in."
Playground access: Many sites include play structures to keep children entertained. Moreau Lake features "a nice playground for kids to enjoy," and several other campgrounds in the region maintain dedicated play areas within sight of campsites.
Family-oriented activities: Scheduled events often cater to younger campers. "If you have kids and don't mind them making friends and roaming the campground then this is great!" notes a Woodford State Park visitor, mentioning the social atmosphere that develops among families.
Proximity to attractions: Consider locations near additional family-friendly destinations. Campgrounds within 30 minutes of Lake George provide access to water parks, mini-golf, and other attractions when children need a change from camping activities.
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: RV campers should check site dimensions before booking. At Alpine Lake RV Resort, "our campsite was spacious but required some maneuvering to avoid scraping trees with our RV," notes one reviewer, suggesting selecting sites carefully based on rig size.
Hookup limitations: Not all campgrounds offer full services for larger RVs. "No hookups but there are water spigots nearby," explains a visitor to Max V. Shaul State Park, which lacks sewer connections and dump stations.
Level sites: The terrain varies significantly between campgrounds. Some visitors to Moose Hillock Camping Resort appreciate that "sites are large and level," while others recommend bringing leveling blocks for specific campgrounds with uneven terrain.
Winter options: For cold-weather RV camping, select sites with appropriate facilities. Frosty Acres Campground maintains a "small winter section" where campers can stay year-round at elevation, though with limited services compared to summer operations.
