If you’ve ever considered camping in northern New York, Lake George offers some amazing destinations for a family-friendly getaway. Picking the perfect campground not only brings you and your family closer to nature but also saves money because you won’t have to pay for a hotel room and dine out at every meal. Located at the southeast base of the Adirondacks, Lake George has something for inexperienced campers, seasoned campers and everyone in between. Here are some of the best Lake George campgrounds this beautiful area has to offer.
- Lake George Escape
Lake George Escape boasts 178 acres of beautiful greenery surrounded by the scenic Adirondack Park, which can offer mountain adventures. It’s a prime location, close to the major speedway, which means easy access to local attractions. The resort alone offers an endless number of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Take a turn on the new 19-foot water slide, try your hand at life-size board games or have fun playing frisbee golf or laser tag. Spend the day swimming, fishing, tubing or boating on the Schroon River and make it back in time for Mystery Dinner Theater. For an added charge, kids can go fossil hunting and gem mining. And if everyone is looking to escape the camp, a full day of water park activities await at Six Flags Great Escape & Hurricane Harbor, which isonly a short distance away.
- Lake George Island Camping
If you’ve wanted to camp on your very own island, look no further. Several state-owned islands are home to almost 400 different campsites, accessible only by boat, and available to the public. The Lake George Islands campsites are broken up into three groups: the Glen Island, Narrow Island and Long Island. Island camping is a fun way to enjoy a true Lake George getaway. From islands perfect for a couple’s romantic getaway to sites big enough for hosting group getaways, there’s a little slice of heaven for everyone. Every site offers a little something different, but they often fill up fast. If you’re interested in this unique family experience, it’s wise to book in advance.
- Moose Hillock Camping Resort
Moose Hillock offers a never-ending stream of entertainment for the whole family. Its claim to fame is the huge pool featuring a Caribbean beach entry, waterfalls, waterslides and caves, which is decked out with LED lights and surround sound. Every weekend, the resort offers a variety of themed games and activities. Families can participate in events such as basketball competitions, family dodge ball tournaments, water balloon fights, volleyball and more. The private areas of the park are great for setting up base camp and exploring the surrounding Adirondack Park or enjoying water activities at Lake George. It is also less than ten miles from downtown Lake George.
- Adirondack Camping Village
Only three minutes from Lake George, Adirondack Camping Village — a secluded and serene location — is the ideal family-friendly campground in the mountains. Even though rustic, this getaway spot still provides some homey comforts for guests. Relax in the heated pools, watch the nightly movie or roast marshmallows over a fire. Kids can visit the playground, have fun in the game room or hop on the daily hayrides. If that’s not enough, nearby attractions include Six Flags, boat cruises on Lake George, Saratoga Raceway, Fort William Henry, Prospect Mountainand Million Dollar Beach.
- Lake George Battleground Campground
Established in 1927, just south of the Village of Lake George, is a popular, nature lover’s resort with a historical twist. Because this option is located near Prospect Mountain, great views are guaranteed, but many come to see the remnants of colonial-era military activities. The campground itself is near a self-guided historical trail at Lake George Battlefield Park. If you’re not a history buff, you can opt for a quick walk to the beach and enjoy swimming, fishing, sunbathing and more. Plenty of hiking opportunities allow avid hikers a gorgeous 100-mile view into five different states from the peak of Prospect Mountain. You can also take the family for a day of shopping or amusement parks, which are available nearby.
- Hearthstone Point Campground
Hearthstone Point Campground is located on the west shore in the southern end of the picturesque Lake George. Unique to Hearthstone is a Junior Naturalist Program where young campers can enjoy completing educational games and activities to earn an embroidered naturalist patch at the end of their training. Hearthstone Point is perfect for families who enjoy lake activities and hiking. All types of watercraft are permitted here, and hiking trails wind all around the grounds — even down to a swimming beach.