Camping options near Stillwater, New York range from basic tent sites to full-service RV parks with most facilities open from May through October. Many campgrounds in this region sit at elevations between 200-1,000 feet, creating moderate temperature variations between day and night. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, particularly in July and August.
What to do
Hiking trails: At Moreau Lake State Park Campground, visitors can explore over 20 miles of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels. "The park has a large number of hiking trails for every level of outdoorsman and the staff is friendly and helpful," notes Robert L. The trails connect to larger networks, making this an excellent basecamp for day hikes.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Lauderdale Campground offers shoreline fishing with bass and panfish in abundance. "We really enjoyed our stay and exploring the neighborhood," reports Mansi D. The small lake size means less fishing pressure compared to larger, more popular bodies of water in the region.
Water activities: Alpine Lake RV Resort provides waterfront access for kayaking and paddle sports without the crowds. "Waterfront sites worth the dollars! Bring your boats and SUP boards for lots of fun!" says Deb V. The resort maintains designated swimming areas separate from boating zones for safety.
Winter recreation: While most campgrounds close by mid-October, Moreau Lake State Park remains accessible for day use during winter months. "Hiking trails become nice XC skiing trails," mentions Amber A., highlighting the year-round recreational options available even when camping facilities are closed.
What campers like
Private sites: Moose Hillock Camping Resorts offers unusually large, well-separated campsites. "The sites at this park are huge. You could have parked three RVs in our site. Added bonus is that there is nice separation between sites with trees and shrubs that block out your neighbors," explains Nancy W. Most sites include custom fire rings and ample space for outdoor games.
Clean facilities: Ledgeview Village RV Park maintains spotless bathroom facilities. "Bathrooms were very clean. Pool was nice," notes Lauren, while another camper observed, "The shower room is very tidy and I like it very much!" This attention to cleanliness extends throughout the property.
Kid-friendly amenities: Woodford State Park Campground provides structured activities specifically designed for younger campers. "Great for kids! If you have kids and don't mind them making friends and roaming the campground then this is great!" mentions J L. The campground features shallow swimming areas and playgrounds specifically designed for younger visitors.
Accessibility: Several campgrounds in the Stillwater region provide accommodation options beyond traditional tent camping. "Nicely treed sites and cabins with a pretty lake. Hiking, biking, swimming, boat/canoe/paddleboard rentals," shares Nancy K. about Moreau Lake State Park, highlighting the variety of lodging choices available.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: The camping season in the Stillwater area typically runs from May through mid-October, with most facilities closed during winter. "We were there in May (which is early in the season) so not all the amenities were open," cautions Nancy W. Early and late season campers should verify which facilities and services will be available.
Reservation requirements: Lake George RV Park and similar popular campgrounds often book completely during peak summer months. "We only stayed one night because we were passing thru but it was easy to get a spot!" notes Kirsten J. about traveling outside peak times. Holiday weekends typically require reservations 6-9 months in advance.
Noise levels: Campgrounds closer to highways experience more ambient noise. "The main issue is the fact that due to its proximity to I-87...the park draws large crowds," explains Robert L. Sites farther from main roads generally offer quieter camping experiences, something to consider when selecting specific campsites.
Yurt camping options: Yurt camping near Stillwater, New York is available at select locations like Woodford State Park and Lake George Escape Campground. "We unexpectedly had a free Saturday afternoon and night and 2 borrowed kayaks. This was our first visit to Woodford," shares Melissa S. about her spontaneous yurt stay. Most yurts include basic furnishings and require advance reservations.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly sites: Woodford State Park Campground offers specialized family camping areas. "Perfect for families! There are tons of different types of campsites with either tent spots, lean-tos, and a few (hard to get) cabins," explains Sambath T. The campground maintains separate quiet camping sections for those without children.
Swimming options: Lake George RV Park features multiple swimming facilities designed specifically for families with children. "Kids spent all day there. Arcades and game rooms are great for rainy days. Indoor pool too!" shares Michael C. The pools include graduated entry points for younger swimmers and designated shallow areas.
Organized activities: Several campgrounds offer structured daily programs. "The campground is very family friendly and has many different activities that are great for families as well," explains Meag F. about Lake George Escape. These typically include nature programs, arts and crafts, and evening entertainment focused on younger campers.
Nature education: Piebald Mountain offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities. "We were greeted by some turkey and visited by some deer," mentions Tarah Z. Rangers at several parks lead junior naturalist programs where children can earn badges by completing wildlife identification activities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When booking an RV site, consider the surrounding terrain. "The road to our campsite was paved and in good shape but there were a few tight spots because of the trees that make it tricky for a big rig," warns Nancy W. about Moreau Lake State Park. Corner sites typically offer more space but may have increased foot traffic.
Hookup availability: Moose Hillock Camping Resorts provides full hookups at most sites. "There is a cable hook-up at each site. I was able to use my roof-mounted satellite dish and get reception but that would not be true for all sites," notes Nancy W. Campers requiring reliable internet should bring their own hotspot as Wi-Fi is limited or non-existent at most campgrounds.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "Roads in the park are confusing because none are parallel or perpendicular so we had to go slow just to make sure we didn't miss a turn in the RV," cautions Nancy W. Larger rigs should request specific driving directions when making reservations.
Laundry facilities: Limited laundry facilities mean planning ahead for longer stays. "The bathrooms and laundry were clean but laundry costs were high at $3.50 for a wash and $3.00 for a dry," reports Nancy W. Most campgrounds have only 2-3 washing machines, creating wait times during busy periods.
