Camping near Severance, New York features diverse camping options within the Adirondack Park, which encompasses over 6 million acres of protected wilderness at elevations ranging from 100 to 5,000 feet. The area transitions between temperate hardwood forest and boreal spruce-fir zones, with average summer temperatures reaching 75-80°F during the day and dropping to 50-55°F at night. Most campgrounds remain open from mid-May through early October with limited winter access at designated areas.
What to do
Boating access at Rogers Rock: Located on the northern end of Lake George, this campground provides excellent water recreation. "Rogers Rock is a boater's paradise. I was here midweek, so it wasn't packed... There's a boat inspection station, boat ramp, and mooring as well as a beach," notes Jean C. The campground offers kayak and canoe rentals for approximately $10-15 per day.
Historical exploration: Fort Ticonderoga sits approximately 8 miles north of Brookwood RV Resort, making it an ideal base for history enthusiasts. "Ft Ticonderoga is a few miles to the north where you can explore history with re-enactors," explains one camper. The fort charges admission fees ranging from $12-24 depending on age.
Hiking trail access: Sharp Bridge Campground serves as an excellent hiking base. According to Christina M., "We did a few smaller hikes but the best and longest hike was up Giant Mountain. I highly recommend this hike! Beautiful views and Trail was well marked. It's on more of the challenging side so bring plenty of water and snacks to keep your fueled." This summit rises to 4,627 feet with a 3,050-foot elevation gain over 6 miles round-trip.
What campers like
Clear water for swimming: Many campers highlight the exceptional water clarity at Paradox Lake Campground. According to Melissa T., "Nice quiet campground. The lake was amazingly clear! Enjoyed kayaking here." The lake features a swimming area without lifeguards, and water temperatures typically reach the mid-70s by late June.
Remote island camping: For those seeking isolation, Putnam Pond Campground offers unique remote sites. "We have stayed here at the remote sites several times. Site roo5 is our favorite, a private island all to yourself! Roo6 is good too but a little further to row out to," explains Tara F. These sites require boat access but provide unmatched privacy.
Well-maintained facilities: The cleanliness of facilities receives consistent praise. Michael G. notes about Putnam Pond: "The bathrooms were always clean, the showers were always clean and the campground as a whole was ALWAYS CLEAN. We spent a day on the ponds (Putnam & North Pond are connected) and it is beautiful. The water is cool, clean and beautiful."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly across campgrounds. Lauren S. reports about Rogers Rock: "Cell service is iffy." Similarly, at Brookwood RV Resort, one reviewer noted, "We got crappy cell service, and the camp wifi was spotty- but hey, we were camping, right?" Verizon typically provides better coverage than AT&T in this region.
Seasonal insect patterns: Biting insects can be particularly intense during early summer. One camper at Frontier Town Campground reports: "I saw the bugs, some of them clearly mosquitoes and I never saw one get away with biting me. But I ended up with two lower legs and two forearms that constantly itch like mad. I will never go back in June."
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise. According to Bella J. regarding Eagle Point Campground: "The campground is right off of a pretty busy road so it wasn't as serene & quiet as one might like. The beach area & lake were fantastic & very clean."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Medcalf Acres Riverfront Campground provides numerous recreational facilities for children. According to Jake H., "Right on the paradox river; they rent tubes; they have a heated pool, a couple different playgrounds and an arcade for those rainy days." The heated pool maintains temperatures around 80°F throughout the summer.
Child-friendly water activities: Rogers Rock offers supervised swimming areas. Alice C. notes, "This is a very popular spot and it's nice to see so many people enjoying beautiful Lake George. The day use area has shady spots and grills, nice for the kids." Swimming areas are typically monitored by lifeguards from 10am to 6pm during peak season.
Rainy day alternatives: When weather disrupts outdoor plans, some campgrounds offer indoor options. Meike W. describes Rogers Rock: "Rogers Rock is a great campground with many things to do like hiking, kayaking, swimming, biking and playing on a playground." Several campgrounds maintain game rooms or covered pavilions for inclement weather.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Eagle Point Campground presents challenges for larger rigs. Sheri C. notes, "This is a very tight place to camp. If you have a camper, good luck on getting in this campsite. Very tight sites and some are very hard to get level. No grass on the sites." Most sites accommodate RVs under 28 feet in length.
Full hookup access: For those requiring complete amenities, Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks offers comprehensive services. The campground features "Spacious sites close to great amenities! Super staff! Clean and updated facilities," according to Amanda K. Sites include 30/50-amp electrical service, water, and sewer connections.
Off-season camping: Campgrounds near Severance typically operate on seasonal schedules, but timing varies. Kyle H. notes about Sharp Bridge Campground: "Checked in on 9/2 for one evening. The guy working the desk was very helpful with wood. The recent delivery of wood was sub-par, but he helped me with extra wood free of charge and fire starter." September often provides quieter camping with reduced crowds and cooler temperatures.
