Ticonderoga camping areas offer accessibility to both Lake George and Lake Champlain, with elevation ranging from 100 to 900 feet throughout the region. Summer temperatures typically range from 55Ā°F at night to 85Ā°F during day, with higher humidity near the lakes. Most campgrounds in the area operate from mid-May through early October with limited seasonal sites available during shoulder seasons.
What to do
Paddle multiple connected ponds: At Putnam Pond Campground, you can explore beyond just one body of water. "We spent a day on the ponds (Putnam & North Pond are connected) and it is beautiful. The water is cool, clean and beautiful," notes Michael G., who recommends bringing your own boats to avoid the $20 rental fee.
Explore historical sites: Fort Ticonderoga is just one of several historical attractions in the area. "Ft Ticonderoga is a few miles to the north where you can explore history with re-enactors," explains Jean C. from Brookwood RV Resort. Crown Point Campground offers additional historical exploration with "the ruins of Fort Douglas and the bridge were both amazing views," according to Matthew L.
Hike to abandoned mines: Rock Pond Trail near Putnam Pond Campground offers unique hiking opportunities. "Take the yellow trail through the sites to the Rock pond lean-to. Along the pond there are great views and potential swimming locations. Take the red trail around and you will come across the old graphite mine, which was cool to look at its remnants," reports Michael G.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: While some campgrounds have close quarters, others offer more secluded options. At Moosalamoo Campground, "The campsites are well spaced and staggered for maximum privacy. Hosts are pleasant and very helpful," according to Nancy M. This differs substantially from the more crowded feeling at other area campgrounds.
Waterfront access without crowds: Half Moon Pond State Park provides quieter water access than the main beaches. "We stayed in site T06, which is right on the water. We were easily able to go straight from the tent to our kayak, which was so awesome," shares Tara S., who suggests exploring "all the cool ponds, lakes, and hiking trails nearby."
Clean facilities despite remote locations: Paradox Lake Campground maintains high cleanliness standards. "They have recently replaced many of the fire places. The roadways have also recently been paved. The grounds are kept very clean," notes Jo W. from Paradox Lake Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal variations affect experience: Weekday visits offer drastically different experiences than weekends. "This place is packed on the weekends. If you want to avoid the rush of campers, definitely try to make the trip on a weekday. Sitting by the lake is really relaxing when you're all alone!" advises Carrie J. about Rogers Rock.
Water conditions vary by location: Some lakes have better swimming than others. At Half Moon Pond State Park Campground, "The pond itself is pretty shallow and has some weeds, but there is a deeper swimming area," reports Michele S., while other campers note clearer conditions at Rogers Rock and Putnam Pond.
Connectivity challenges: Most pet-friendly campgrounds near Ticonderoga have limited connectivity. At Brookwood RV Resort, "We got crappy cell service, and the camp wifi was spotty- but hey, we were camping, right?" remarks John. Similar issues exist at Lake Bomoseen KOA where "Cell services on ATT and TMobile were nonexistent. Campground WiFi is a joke (less than 1mbps)."
Tips for camping with families
Midweek camping for quieter experience: When camping with pets or children, timing matters significantly. "I was here midweek, so it wasn't packed, but I image when it's full that it may be noisy - and not just from the people," observes Jean C. about Rogers Rock Campground.
Look for dual-access beaches: Some dog-friendly campgrounds near Ticonderoga offer separate beach access points for pets. At Bomoseen State Park, one camper notes: "Walk over to Glen Lake, which is a very quiet lake with a pretty trail alongside it. This was great for us because we brought our dogs and they could swim in Glen Lake without disturbing others with their antics, plus they're not allowed at the Lake Bomoseen Beach."
Choose sites away from main roads: Road noise can disturb light sleepers and anxious pets. At Lake Bomoseen KOA, Scott A. warns, "I was surprised how much road noise we heard inside of our trailer... Again, you will hear some road noise." Consider requesting sites further from roadways when making reservations.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters for larger rigs: Not all advertised RV sites accommodate bigger vehicles comfortably. "It was a little tight for our 36ft 5th wheel but managable. The sites are a good size and relatively level," reports Dave S. about Lake Bomoseen KOA, suggesting RVers should specifically request sites with adequate turn radius.
Water hookup quality varies seasonally: During drought conditions, some campgrounds restrict water usage. Jean C. notes at Brookwood RV Resort: "With COVID-19 restrictions this year, the bathrooms are closed to those who have facilities in their RV. There's also a drought and they're on a well, so water conservation is essential." RVers should arrive with partially filled tanks during dry periods.
Check individual site level before setup: Many RV sites require substantial leveling despite campground descriptions. "Sites aren't particularly level or large," warns Jean C. about Rogers Rock, suggesting bringing extra leveling blocks even when sites are advertised as suitable for RVs.
