Camping opportunities around Thurman, New York extend beyond the immediate Lake George area into less-visited portions of the Adirondack Park. Located at approximately 850 feet elevation, the region experiences temperature variations of 30°F between daytime and nighttime during spring and fall camping seasons. Winter camping options remain limited due to access constraints when unpaved forest roads become impassable after snowfall.
What to do
Archery sessions: Lake George Escape Campground offers organized archery activities for campers of all skill levels. "Archery was awesome!" reports Kimberly S., highlighting one of the many structured activities available during summer months.
Bike trail access: Whippoorwill Campsites connects directly to the Warren County Bikeway, a paved path running from Lake George to Glens Falls. "The private access to the bike path in the back is a nice addition," notes Craig C., making this an ideal base for cyclists wanting car-free access to attractions.
Fishing opportunities: The region offers diverse fishing options from lake shores to small ponds. At Luzerne Campground, campers appreciate the combination of swimming and fishing access. "My daughter loves it here. We get our site close to the lake so we can walk down and swim and my husband fishes," explains Antoinette W.
Primitive hiking experiences: For those seeking solitude, Crane Mountain Pond Campsite provides backcountry camping accessible only by hiking trail. "After a short hike up steep crane mountain we watched the beautiful sun set. One of the nicest places I've camped at," shares T K., describing the reward for the challenging access.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Moose Hillock Camping Resorts stands out for site size and privacy. "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., highlighting a major differentiator from more crowded options.
Dog-friendly amenities: Pet owners appreciate dedicated facilities at Lake George RV Park. "Best part- the 2 acre dog park with shaded seating for humans, bathrooms and a dog wash station," notes April L., making this a standout choice for campers with four-legged companions.
Proximity to attractions: King Phillip's Campground offers easy access to downtown Lake George. "We road the bike path each day to and from Lake George. It was downhill on the way there and a little bit of an uphill battle on the way back but totally worth it!" shares Stephanie H., highlighting the practical transportation options.
Small, quiet camping experiences: For campers seeking a less commercial experience, Daggett Lake Campsites offers a more intimate setting. Sharon M. describes it as having "Lots of cute chipmunks, clean and nice people," providing a quieter alternative to larger campgrounds.
What you should know
Seasonal pricing variations: Some of the best places to camp near Thurman experience significant price increases during peak periods. "It was $66/night during the first part of our stay but then jumped up to in-season rates that were $99/night plus $20/night because it was a holiday weekend," reports Nancy W. about Moose Hillock.
Site selection importance: At Hearthstone Point Campground, location within the campground significantly impacts experience. "The bottom part of the campground is gorgeous...the beach area is beautiful but keep in mind not all sites are created equal though so def scout around for next stay," advises Jessica H.
Road noise considerations: Sites near main roads experience traffic noise. "Friday and Saturday night there was a ton of street noise from Rt9," warns Ryan K. about Hearthstone Point, suggesting midweek stays for light sleepers or selecting interior sites.
Bathroom maintenance issues: During peak periods, facility cleanliness becomes challenging. "The bathrooms constantly flooded from broken toilets," reports Coleen about their stay at Hearthstone Point during a busy summer weekend.
Tips for camping with families
Water features for children: Lake George Escape Campground offers multiple water activities. "Slide into Summer with a fun trip! This place is great for families, it has different activities, a waterslide, peddle carts, kayaks and boats for rent, dancing, and teen specific activities too!" shares Meag F.
Community fire pits: Some campgrounds foster social opportunities. "There is a fire pit at every campsite along with a large community fire pit to socialize with and meet other campers. It's a great way to let the kids find someone to play with while being supervised," explains Mallory K. about Whippoorwill Campsites.
Entertainment options: Many campgrounds offer scheduled activities. "Free shows every night at the playhouse kids loved. Animal shows kept daytime events going strong," reports Michael C. about Lake George RV Park, providing entertainment options during extended stays.
Safety considerations: Smaller campgrounds often provide better environments for younger children. "It is safe to let kids ride their bikes around the campground, go to the arcade, pool, or playground because nothing is too far away," notes Mallory K. about Whippoorwill's compact layout.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling needs: Some campgrounds require additional equipment for RV setup. "Sites are pretty level and level...bring boards to level your trailer for some sites are quite uneven!" warns Michelle D. about Lake George RV Park.
Dump station availability: Not all sites offer full hookups. "If you opt for a site without sewer, they have a dump station that you can use on the way out which is what we did," advises Craig C. about Whippoorwill Campsites.
Road condition awareness: Access to some sites requires careful navigation. "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," warns Nancy W. about Lake George Escape Campground.
Site dimension considerations: RV size limits campground options. "We have a 27 foot camper and was slightly difficult to maneuver into the site. If your camper sits low, chances are it will hit the road on some of the inclines," cautions Cat R. about King Phillip's Campground.
