The Adirondack region surrounding Upper Jay, New York offers diverse camping options at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 feet. The area experiences cooler summer temperatures compared to surrounding lowlands, with July averaging 75°F during the day and dropping to 55°F at night. Campers should prepare for temperature fluctuations and occasional mountain thunderstorms, particularly during late afternoon summer hours.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Camp Whiteface Mountain provides an ideal base for exploring nearby hiking paths. "Nestled in the trees by the Ausable River it's a convenient place to explore the area. 20 minutes from downtown Lake Placid at the base of Whiteface mountain," notes Christina W.
River activities: The Ausable River offers refreshing swimming and paddling opportunities. At Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday, one camper discovered "a secret the last day. Walk to the back of the campground to the Ausable river, go down the path about 500 ft. There is an awesome swimming hole."
Historic exploration: Fort Ticonderoga sits just a short drive from several Upper Jay area campgrounds. A visitor to Brookwood RV Resort mentions "Ft. Ticonderoga is a few miles to the north where you can explore history with re-enactors."
What campers like
Private waterfront access: Many campers appreciate direct access to natural water features. At Davey Falls ADK Creekside, Keith D. enjoyed an "amazing secluded creekside spot. Private waterfall, hiking trails."
Kid-friendly amenities: Families find plenty of activities at Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks. "The kids loved the gem mining and train rides!! We enjoyed the water view and the staff was so nice to us!" reports Gayle S.
Wooded campsites: Shaded spots provide comfort during summer months. Nancy W. recommends Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA's separate camping area: "We stayed in site #73 of the 100-Acre section and would highly recommend staying in this area. This section has tall shad trees and much more space between sites than the resort area."
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Most RV sites near Upper Jay, New York operate within specific seasonal windows. Brookwood RV Resort runs from "May 15-October 15," while Iroquois Campground & RV Park maintains a "May 1 to Oct 1" season.
WiFi reliability: Internet connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. At Iroquois Campground, Kirsty W. found "Wifi at campsite was inconsistent and unreliable. Had to work from rec center and pool which was ok but not what we were told."
Site levelness: Some camping areas require additional equipment for proper setup. One KOA reviewer notes, "The roads in the park are gravel and were very dusty. There is a liquor store on property and the general store sells lots of different kinds of beer and has a few on tap."
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. At Plattsburgh RV Park, families enjoy "a pool, community center, mini golf, it is a great summer spot."
Kid-friendly activities: Structured recreation programs keep children engaged. One parent at Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks mentioned, "This is such a nice campground and a great experience! The kids loved the gem mining and train rides!!"
Family-friendly layout: Some campgrounds design spaces specifically for multi-generational camping. Nancy W. observed at Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA that "In the resort are most of the amenities like the store, playground, volleyball, swimming pool, horseshoes, etc. Each section has their own bathhouses, laundry, and game rooms."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: When booking motorhome camping sites near Upper Jay, consider specific location factors. At Thornbush Acres RV Park, Debbie W. notes sites are "not very private you are close to your neighbors. Great for Day trips around the area."
Hookup availability: Full-service RV sites offer varying levels of amenities. Beth R. found Brookwood RV Resort provided "Full hookup (sewer, water, 50 AMP), level, shaded site," though she noted the "gravel site" as a minor drawback.
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging entry roads. Kristine B. advises about Lake Placid KOA, "Check in was a little tricky, as we missed the 'REGISTRATION' sign at the Lodge and had to drive around again. We were directed to our site across the street in the 100 Acre Wood and set up rather easily."
