Emerald Lake State Park Campground features three camping loops surrounding a 20-acre lake with turquoise water that reaches depths of 60 feet. The campground sits at an elevation of 850 feet in the Taconic Mountains region with sites nestled among hardwood forests. Camping season runs from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October with summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F during the day and dropping to 50-55°F at night.
What to do
Water activities at Bomoseen: Visitors can enjoy the lake at Bomoseen State Park Campground, where one camper noted "we stayed 2 nights me my mom and 7 kids all my moms grandkids it was a lot of fun we got 2 leantos they are great it was my kids first time camping EVER they loved it. our spot was close to the beach which had a fantastic park." The beach area provides excellent swimming from late May through early September.
Hiking nearby trails: The area offers numerous hiking options with varying difficulty levels. A visitor at Half Moon Pond State Park mentioned "There are some hiking trails right from the campground and we saw lots of efts!" Trails range from flat lakeside paths to moderate mountain climbs with elevation gains of 500-1,200 feet.
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds provide fishing access, particularly during early morning and evening hours. At Half Moon Pond State Park Campground, a camper shared "We had a waterfront site so we could launch our kayaks right from our site. The pond is very weedy, so fishing was not so great, but the hiking trails around the park were fun." Bass, perch, and pike are commonly caught in area lakes.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Campers appreciate the well-designed sites at many parks. At Moose Hillock Camping Resorts, one reviewer explained, "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 and provide lots of privacy."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers are consistently mentioned by visitors. A camper at Lake George RV Park reported, "This park is amazing! So much to do right in the park with clean sites, friendly staff, awesome amenities and even a trolly to get around this huge park or get down town to Lake George."
River access for recreation: The Battenkill River provides excellent water recreation near Wells. A visitor at Camping On The Battenkill shared, "Friends and I camp here every June, and we love being close to the river. We sleep in tents so the sound of the river put you to sleep at night. Excellent campground for cooking delicious meals over the fir and sitting around the fire later. We also tube down the river."
What you should know
Weather considerations: The region experiences variable weather patterns, particularly in spring and fall. Pack layers and rain gear regardless of season. A visitor at Half Moon Pond mentioned, "Unfortunately, we stayed here on a pretty rainy weekend in June, but I have nothing but good things to say about our visit to Half Moon Pond."
Reserve early for prime sites: Waterfront and more private sites book quickly, especially for summer weekends and holiday periods. At Camping on the Battenkill, a camper advised, "I stayed right on the river in site 14 with a small popup. The river is beautiful and the site was huge. We did some fishing and swimming. I get the feeling the other end of the campground with the RVs is not as nice and can be loud, but you can avoid it by staying on the tent side."
Limited connectivity: Cell service and WiFi can be spotty throughout the region. At Lake Bomoseen KOA, one camper noted, "There is NO cell coverage and the Wi-Fi is poor and very slow if you can connect. The lake is swampy at this end so not much to look at." Plan accordingly with downloaded maps and activities that don't require internet.
Tips for camping with families
Lean-to options for convenience: Several parks offer lean-to structures that simplify camping with children. A visitor at Bomoseen State Park shared, "we stayed 2 nights me my mom and 7 kids all my moms grandkids it was a lot of fun we got 2 leantos they are great." Lean-tos typically cost $5-10 more per night than standard tent sites but provide shelter from rain and simplify setup.
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreation areas. At Dorset RV Park, a visitor mentioned, "Great location near a fantastic quarry, country store, and Manchester shopping. The camp grounds were family friendly and quiet. They even had rabbits and chickens for the kids to enjoy."
Swimming options: Many area campgrounds feature swimming areas with varying characteristics. One camper at Moose Hillock described their pool as "a nice staff, a very well appointed general store, laundry, arcade, marina with boat rentals, mini theater, and indoor mini put." Consider swimming preferences when selecting your campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: For larger RVs, carefully review campground maps before booking. A visitor to Dorset RV Park cautioned, "Larger rigs might want to avoid loop 6-14, especially for sites 8-12. Tree placement and a pretty sharp 110+ degree turn makes it challenging to maneuver." Most campgrounds in the region best accommodate rigs under 35 feet.
Seasonal campground operation: Most campgrounds in the Wells area operate seasonally from mid-May through mid-October. Check opening dates before planning early spring or late fall trips. At Lake George RV Park, a visitor noted the benefits of traveling mid-week: "We camped here for two nights for a mid-week getaway. The park is small, quiet and very well cared for."
Hookup availability: Full hookup sites are limited at state parks but more common at private campgrounds. A camper at Camping on the Battenkill mentioned, "We have W/E/S with cable and wifi, and is nicely shaded-25b." State parks typically offer water access points but limited or no electrical hookups at individual sites.
