Lake George, New York, nestled among the state's scenic Adirondack mountains, is a popular vacation destination year-round, although most campers will probably visit from spring through fall rather than brave the sometimes harsh upstate New York winters. Campers will find plenty of places to pitch their tents, as well as many activities to fill their time, from water sports such as swimming and boating to hiking and biking.
Know Before You Go
Lake George is just under a four-hour drive from New York City, making it a popular weekend getaway for active urbanites. However, its popularity means that you should get an early spot to avoid traffic and secure a site if you have not made reservations, as some of the more well known camps can fill up on summer weekends. Getting an early start will also mean that you will avoid many of the crowds on hiking and biking trails, though paddling out on the water in a canoe or kayak is another way to find solitude even on a Saturday in July.
Things to Do
There's no shortage of outdoor activities for the fitness-minded visitor to Lake George. Public beaches have designated swimming areas, and a few companies offer parasailing. Canoeing and kayaking are a popular way to get around, while miles of hiking and biking trails are also available, many of which explore the area's rich history, dating back to the Revolutionary War and beyond. Area farmers markets can provide healthy snacks or fodder for cooked meals.
Camping In Lake George
There are numerous tent campsites in the town of Lake George. Some have direct access to the lake's surrounding waterways for fishing, swimming or boating, while others are more secluded and better for hiking, walking or biking. Many also have their own amenities such as swimming pools and sports facilities, but none are a very long drive from the lake. A few campgrounds include the Adirondack Camping Village, the Riverview Campground and the Lake George Escape Camping Resort.
Camping On Lake George
Island camping is one way to get away from the crowds on shore and enjoy a secluded island for the night. It not only gives you the chance to paddle to your destination, but many islands also have hiking trails and swimming opportunities. Forty-four of Lake George's islands are open to campers, with hundreds of sites to choose from, but advance reservations are required. Some islands are large with dozens of available sites, while other islands may have room for only one or two tents. Therefore, you should choose what kind of experience you want and book with the state, which owns all of the sites on the lake.
Camping Near Lake George
The towns surrounding Lake George are also popular with campers, as they are close to the lake, but have their own attractions and waterways. Ausable Chasm Campground, in the town of the same name, offers trails to the eponymous chasm, as well as rafting and tubing on the Ausable River and exclusive biking trails open only to campers. The Lake George Schroon Valley Resort in Warrensville offers fishing and tubing in the river, or a heated pool if the natural waters are too cold.
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