Best Campgrounds near Shushan, NY

The Shushan area in eastern New York sits near the Vermont border with several established campgrounds catering to diverse camping preferences. Lake Lauderdale Campground in nearby Cambridge offers 23 sites with both tent and RV options, operating from late April through mid-October. Camping On The Battenkill in Arlington, Vermont, approximately 10 miles northeast of Shushan, features 111 sites with tent and RV accommodations. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access Woodford State Park Campground and Emerald Lake State Park Campground, both offering tent sites, RV spaces, and cabin rentals. The region includes a mix of state park campgrounds, privately owned RV parks, and developed camping areas with varying levels of amenities.

Campground accessibility and amenities vary significantly by season throughout the region. Most established campgrounds operate from spring through mid-fall, with many closing after Columbus Day weekend. "Most sites can accommodate small campers as well as tents," noted a review of Greendale Campground. Developed campgrounds typically provide drinking water, fire rings, picnic tables, and toilet facilities, while some offer additional amenities like electric hookups, showers, and dump stations. Weather considerations affect camping conditions, with higher elevations experiencing cooler temperatures even during summer months. Reservation requirements vary by location, with state parks and private campgrounds generally requiring advance bookings, especially during peak summer weekends and fall foliage season.

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the region. Several campgrounds feature proximity to lakes or rivers, providing opportunities for swimming, fishing, and paddling. A visitor to Emerald Lake State Park observed, "The camp sites are quite a bit of a walk up the hill from the lake where there is swimming, kayaking, paddle boating and picnicking." Many campgrounds maintain well-marked trail systems, offering hiking opportunities directly from campsites. While some campgrounds like Lake George RV Park provide extensive resort-style amenities including swimming pools and entertainment, others like Woodford State Park offer a more rustic experience with basic facilities in a forested setting. RV campers will find full hookup sites at several private campgrounds in the region, while tent campers have options ranging from developed sites with amenities to more secluded locations in state parks.

Best Camping Sites Near Shushan, New York (178)

    1. Camping On The Battenkill

    20 Reviews
    Arlington, VT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 375-6663

    $45 - $57 / night

    "Site 16 had a path to the river and was slightly tucked away. Sites 13 and 14 were cool spots too, I’d imagine in the summer you may have less privacy because it’s near the swimming area."

    "Friends and I camp here every June, and we love being close to the river. We sleep in tents so the sound of the river put  you to sleep at night."

    2. Woodford State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Bennington, VT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 447-7169

    "Quiet, great fire pits, clean bathrooms, firewood and starter for sale plus access to day use area. The lake next to the campground is beautiful and has plenty of picnic tables and grills for use."

    "Woodford State Park is situated between Wilmington and Bennington VT in the southern part of the Green Mountain National Forest."

    3. Lake Lauderdale Campground

    2 Reviews
    Shushan, NY
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (518) 677-8855

    $49 / night

    "So many things near by to exlore. Lake lauderdale state park and Vermont is just 20 mins away. We really enjoyed our stay and exploring the neighborhood."

    4. Moreau Lake State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Gansevoort, NY
    21 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."

    5. Emerald Lake State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Danby, VT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 362-1655

    "The camp sites are quite a bit of a walk up the hill from the lake where there is swimming, kayaking, paddle boating and picnicking."

    "Nice lake for canoeing with trails from the camping area. Family friendly with semi private sites. A little road noise from nearby highway but it quiets down for a good night's rest."

    6. Dorset RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Dorset, VT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 867-5754

    "The roads and campsites are gravel and a little tight to get around because of all the trees but we were able to manage in our 45’ motorhome."

    "The location was very good in allowing us to visit family in nearby village and go into nearby Manchester Center. Much more of an RV Park (name is on the money) than camping where we had our site."

    7. Moose Hillock Camping Resorts

    22 Reviews
    Queensbury, NY
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 792-4500

    "Golf cart rentals (4 and 6 person) were expensive so we just walked the park multiple days. Each site is gigantic and well thought out and can easily say there is not a bad site in the place."

    "The park is very large so if you want to be near the pool/entertainment area or nearby bathrooms, pick your site accordingly."

    8. Lake George RV Park

    20 Reviews
    Queensbury, NY
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 792-3775

    "**Lake George RV Park may be the greatest campground we’ve stayed at yet!"

    "We rented a golf cart from an outside course which was SUPER expensive, so it would be nice if the campground offered their own rentals, but if that's our only complaint, we're happy campers."

    9. Grout Pond Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

    8 Reviews
    Sunderland, VT
    20 miles
    +1 (802) 362-2307

    $16 / night

    "My friend and I were desperately looking for a place to spend the weekend, and with Covid making it a little more difficult to rely on walking in and finding a campsite, we made a blind reservation for"

    "We were the only campers along the waterfront, but there were a few car campers in the sites near the road."

    10. Krawczyk Farm

    2 Reviews
    North Bennington, VT
    13 miles
    +1 (802) 440-2030

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Dolores had great communication with us, and we should have followed her written email instructions rather than rely upon the Get Directions link on The Dyrt which took us to the wrong location."

    "Krawczyk Farm has all the hookups for a relaxing stay in your RV, make sure to check out the Robert Frost House Museum close by to connect to one of the most famous poets in New England! "

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Recent Reviews near Shushan, NY

731 Reviews of 178 Shushan Campgrounds


  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Grout Pond Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

    Grout Pond Loop

    Camping Grout Pond Loop is truly nice after Labor Day (Sept 5-7). Campsites 15 & 16 offer pull-out space to turn around truck campers --we lucked out w/ 4 wheel camper pop-up). Over hanging trees would make it difficult for larger equipment, plus saw posting that excludes trailers from certain roads. We reserved well in advance; however many fellow campers were trying to find first come sites and ended up hiking in to camp around pond sites. Sites are in eye-site of each other but you don't feel crowded. Temps during day around 65-70 F. Nights dipped to 45-55F.
    We saw deer & turkeys driving the surrounding woods after short hikes.
    We love chatting w locals and learned of a special shrine that was faithfully built from stone to resemble original in modern day Turkey. What a special & serene place.

  • 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

  • Andy M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71

    Large Area with Fire Pit in the middle

    This was a great site.  I couldn't believe that the site was not being used at all, especially the just a couple of days before Fourth of July weekend.  Many other sites further south on 71 were filled and some were just TTs holding the space for the upcoming weekend.

    The site was very flat and could accommodate several small campers.  It was quiet during our overnight stay other than a car or two on Stratton-Arlington Rd.  There weren't many mosquitoes either.  Hiking trail to Stratton Pond close by.

  • Kenneth P.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fort Dummer State Park Campground

    Not So Bad

    We spent one night at site #20 and enjoyed our stay.  It was rather peaceful other than the hum of I-91. The staff was friendly and helpful. The sites were generally wooded, pretty level, and fairly spread apart from one another.  I saw no signs of the problems identified in the June 2025 review.  Yes, I must agree that the restrooms are old, but they were clean.  The other problems might happen anywhere and were obviously brought under control.  Clearly, the writer of the June 2025 post knew way more than any weekend camper would be aware of and this shows that is more to their story that should have been revealed in their post.

  • 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!!!

  • Laura W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Rogers Rock Campground

    Roger's Rock

    It was a pretty good park. Wooded nicely. Big lots where we were. Down near the water the sites were pretty crammed together Not parked in a row like an RV park.

  • 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.


Guide to Shushan

Camping sites near Shushan, New York range in elevation from approximately 500 to 1,500 feet above sea level, with the higher terrain offering cooler summer temperatures even during July and August. The region straddles the New York-Vermont border with terrain characterized by rolling hills, mixed hardwood forests, and waterways including ponds, lakes and the Battenkill River. Most camping facilities in the area operate under seasonal schedules, typically closing by mid-October when nighttime temperatures regularly drop below freezing.

What to do

Paddling opportunities: Camping on the Battenkill in Arlington, Vermont (10 miles from Shushan) provides direct river access. "We were at site 17, and it was a massive site. Lots of room would be great for a large family or group. The beach on the river is beautiful and clean! Easy swimming for all," notes Christina M. Sites along the river are particularly sought after for water activities.

Fishing excursions: Woodford State Park Campground features a lake with various fish species. "Beautiful clean swimmable lake with a walking trail around it," reports Sambath T. The park offers both shoreline fishing and deeper water access for those with watercraft.

Hiking trails: Access numerous trails ranging from beginner to advanced within a 30-minute drive. "Great place to camp and access nearby hiking including the AT and LT. Clean lodge (hostel) for hikers; access to a kitchen and showers as well," explains Bran P. about Woodford State Park. Many trails connect directly to campgrounds, allowing campers to start hikes without driving.

What campers like

Private wooded sites: Grout Pond Campground offers secluded camping experiences. "The sites are well dispersed and private," reports Miccal M. Sites require either hiking or paddling to reach, with some as far as a mile from parking.

Clean facilities: Campground maintenance standards vary significantly. "The bathrooms were the cleanest campground bathrooms I've ever seen! The campsites are pretty big and somewhat private which is nice," Jenny A. notes about Woodford State Park Campground. Several campgrounds offer token-operated hot showers.

Water recreation: Emerald Lake State Park Campground features distinctive water opportunities. "There's a small, sandy beach at one end of the lake, with a bath house and changing rooms nearby. Swimmers can swim out the a small island in the middle of the lake and check out the rope swing," describes Tara S. Many campers bring their own kayaks and canoes rather than renting.

What you should know

Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the area operate from May through mid-October. According to Melissa S. at Woodford State Park, "We heard coyotes at night and loons in the morning," highlighting the active wildlife even in developed camping areas. Fall foliage typically peaks in early October, making it the most difficult time to secure reservations.

Terrain challenges: Lake Lauderdale Campground in Cambridge offers 23 sites with mountain views. "We visited last year and were blown away by the beauty. So many things near by to exlore. Lake lauderdale state park and Vermont is just 20 mins away," shares Mansi D. Some campgrounds have significant elevation changes between sites and water features.

Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance bookings, especially during summer weekends and fall foliage season. "We have stayed here a couple times and loved it. they sites are nice and private. The views on some of the sites to the lake are beautiful," notes Sandy M. about Woodford State Park. Many campgrounds open reservation windows 11 months in advance.

Tips for camping with families

Look for dedicated recreation areas: Moreau Lake State Park Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "Nice sandy beach with lifeguard hours. Facilities are relatively modern but still basic, nice and clean," Amber A. reports. The park includes a playground and designated swimming area with lifeguards during peak season.

Select level sites: Many campgrounds feature hilly terrain with significant grade differences between sites. "Our campsite was spacious but required some maneuvering to avoid scraping trees with our RV. Campsites are spacious, shady, and had good separation between the neighboring sites," Nancy W. notes about Moreau Lake. Request sites away from steep drop-offs when traveling with small children.

Consider distance to bathrooms: Campground layouts vary significantly. "The camp sites are quite a bit of a walk up the hill from the lake where there is swimming, kayaking, paddle boating and picnicking," one visitor observed at Emerald Lake State Park. Families with young children should request sites closer to bathroom facilities.

Tips from RVers

Site access considerations: Dorset RV Park accommodates larger rigs but has some limitations. "Larger rigs might want to avoid loop 6-14, especially for sites 8-12. Tree placement and a pretty sharp 110+ degree turn makes it challenging to maneuver," cautions Katie E. Many campgrounds have narrow access roads with tight turns among trees.

Hookup availability: Full hookup sites (water, electric, sewer) are primarily available at private campgrounds rather than state parks. "Our site was level but some definitely were not. We got twenty or so television channels with the cable hookup," notes Nancy W. about Dorset RV Park. Most state parks offer water and electric only, with central dump stations.

Size restrictions: Larger RVs face limitations at many area campgrounds. "The roads and campsites are gravel and a little tight to get around because of all the trees but we were able to manage in our 45' motorhome," explains another Dorset RV Park visitor. Confirm maximum RV length before booking, as many sites cannot accommodate units over 30 feet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Shushan, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Shushan, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 178 campgrounds and RV parks near Shushan, NY and 21 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Shushan, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Shushan, NY is Camping On The Battenkill with a 4.5-star rating from 20 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Shushan, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 free dispersed camping spots near Shushan, NY.

What parks are near Shushan, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Shushan, NY that allow camping, notably Townshend Lake and Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests.