The Adirondack region near Ticonderoga, New York sits at elevations between 100-1,200 feet, with Lake Champlain creating a unique microclimate that keeps summer nights cooler than surrounding areas. Fall camping typically offers daytime temperatures in the 50s-60s with nighttime drops into the 30s-40s. The area's glacial history has created distinctive rocky terrain that shapes campground layouts and riding trails.
What to do
Lake activities: Branbury State Park Campground offers excellent water recreation on Lake Dunmore with rental options including "kayak, canoe, paddle boat and paddle board rentals," according to J L. The park includes "a wonderful beach with a swimming area and boat launch" with "large trees providing shade on a grassy lawn."
Trail riding: AuSable Chasm Campground provides direct access to numerous riding trails, making it perfect for equestrian camping near Ticonderoga. One visitor noted, "I didn't know that this was a biking campground and there were SO MANY trails. Made the most of them with running, but overall, a fantastic campground."
Hiking excursions: Moreau Lake State Park Campground features "over 20 miles in hiking trails" and as Michi P. states, "it's very woodsy between sites, so it seems very private." Robert L. adds that "the park has a large number of hiking trails for every level of outdoorsman and the staff is friendly and helpful."
Historical exploration: Within 30 minutes of most area campgrounds, Fort Ticonderoga offers living history demonstrations from May through October. Nearby Essex Chain Lakes provide remote paddling routes with 11 interconnected lakes spanning 18 miles of shoreline.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Moreau Lake State Park Campground, campers appreciate the natural buffers. Nancy W. reports, "Campsites are spacious, shady, and had good separation between the neighboring sites which we enjoyed." Another camper adds, "The sites are shady and close together, but still feel fairly private."
Clean facilities: AuSable Chasm Campground maintains high standards for bathrooms and showers. As one camper noted, "The campground staff was friendly, and worked hard to keep the bathrooms and showers clean." YM C. confirms, "Bathrooms and showers weren't too bad, the doors are always kept open which means bugs but not too buggy as they are cleaned daily."
Outdoor recreation variety: Campers enjoy the range of activities without leaving their campground. At Luzerne Campground, Antoinette W. shares, "We get our site close to the lake so we can walk down and swim and my husband fishes. The showers are so nice and private and clean. Love that we can rent boats too."
Equestrian accommodations: Horse owners appreciate specialized facilities for equestrian camping in the Ticonderoga region. Brittnay B. notes that Luzerne Campground is "The only campground in all of New York that acquires to house back riders. There are campsites that also come with stalls for your horse!"
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: June brings significant insect activity at Frontier Town Campground. Butch K. warns, "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."
Wildlife awareness: At Branbury State Park Campground, Nicole E. cautions, "Just make sure you put your food and trash away—there are black bears in the area!" Lisa S. reiterates this warning at another campground: "There are bears in the area, so be aware and store all food properly."
Campsite selection: For equestrian camping near Ticonderoga's Frontier Town Campground, Chelsea B. recommends, "We stayed in site 33 which is in the equestrian camping area. It's really open with little tree cover which is perfect for those who work remote using Starlink."
Local supplies: Some campgrounds have limited on-site provisions. Chelsea B. advises, "Get your supplies before you arrive! Not many places around to quickly grab charcoal if you need it." Other campers mention small country stores near entrances that carry essentials.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Branbury State Park Campground offers excellent recreation for children with "a large playground" and as J L. notes, the park includes "biking trails, nice beach and grounds. Fishing, kayak, canoe, paddle boat and paddle board rentals. There's a nature center with all kinds of information and activities."
Climbing opportunities: Families with active children will appreciate natural features at some sites. Desiree V. describes her experience: "We stayed in a wooded area surrounded by large rocks my daughter could climb on. The beach was nearby and included in the stay with horseshoes and a playground."
Swimming areas: Most campgrounds in the Ticonderoga region offer swimming beaches with varying levels of supervision. Robert L. describes Moreau Lake as having "a nice, large picnic facilities, and the campgrounds are well maintained with nice bathroom/shower buildings."
Educational activities: Several campgrounds offer ranger-led programs during summer months. At Branbury State Park, "the nature center with all kinds of information and activities" provides learning opportunities for children of all ages.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Luzerne Campground offers spacious sites for larger rigs. While the campground is described as "older camp facilities but well maintained," Robert L. notes there are "nice sites, great fishing" making it suitable for extended stays.
Hookup information: Travelers seeking equestrian camping near Ticonderoga should know Frontier Town has good utility access. Charles K. explains, "Stayed twice - first time at site 59 with a 28' travel trailer and second time at 56 with a tent. This is a great home base to explore from the Lake George region to Ticonderoga."
Access roads: Some campgrounds have challenging entry routes. Nancy W. shares her experience at Moreau Lake: "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 (Loop A seems to be the best for big-rigs)."
Satellite considerations: For those requiring internet connectivity while horse camping, Chelsea B. recommends Frontier Town's equestrian camping area: "It's really open with little tree cover which is perfect for those who work remote using Starlink. We had fantastic connection."
