Summer is the most popular camping season for a reason! 

Roasting marshmallows & sleeping under the stars. Long days of exploring & nights spent sharing stories around a crackling campfire: A summer camping trip is a go-to recipe for memories that last a lifetime!

Washington County offers a variety of lodging options for both short and long-term travels, including everything from historic farm stays to charming village townhomes. But if you’re looking for something a little more outdoorsy, we’re also home to some of the best campsites in upstate New York.

Stretching from Saratoga to Vermont, and all along the eastern shore of Lake George, Washington County has many different camping options to choose from, and each one offers its own unique adventure. Whether you’re looking for primitive camping, glamping, or a more structured campground experience, there’s something for everyone!

When choosing the right campground for your crew, you should consider:

• The type of campsite you are looking for (tent, RV, cabin)
• The amenities you can’t travel without (showers, laundry, Wi-Fi)
• The activities you want to do (hiking, fishing, swimming, boating)
• Your budget

Your answers will help narrow down your choices! Be sure to book your campsite in advance, because popular campsites fill up fast, especially during the summer months. 

Because we offer some of the best camping in upstate New York, Washington County’s campgrounds remain busy well into fall, as the weather turns a little cooler and becomes perfect for snuggling up by the fire in a warm blanket after a long day enjoying the autumnal color show and fun fall activities. Plus, not only do these campsites have plenty of outdoor recreation available on-site, but they’re also located near some of the best places to see, taste, and explore wonderful Washington County.

Private Campsites

Unplugging & unwinding: that’s what camping is all about. When all you want is to get away from the hustle and bustle and live in harmony with nature, a private campsite is what you want, and the rolling hills and valleys of Washington County offer some of the best around.

Slateville Farm Secluded Camps

A historic farm and home of some of the first red slate quarries in the world, Slateville Farm offers very private campsites, as well as a unique cabin stay at the Slateville Retreat. Each of the farm’s 6 private campsites features a different yet equally breathtaking view of the surrounding hills, forests, and open pastures.

Each campsite comes equipped with its own hand-made outhouse, stone fire pit, swivel park grill and wooden picnic table. A seasonal outdoor shower, sink and flushing toilet are available at the farmhouse and included in your stay.

Lake George Islands Campgrounds

For a truly unique camping experience, it doesn’t get better than this! Located on the “Queen” of American Lakes, Lake George, the Lake George Island Campgrounds are boat access only.

With a number of island campsites to choose from only a short walk from the water, this campground is the ultimate place to relax in the serene surroundings of nature and the soothing sound of water. The Lake George Island Campgrounds also feature unique picnic areas and hiking trails for campers’ enjoyment, and recycling centers and pit toilets for their comfort.

>> You can find even more unique, private camping spots in Washington County on sites like Tentrr and Hipcamp.

Developed Campgrounds

When you need a little something for everyone in the family, a developed campground would be your best bet! Featuring plenty of other campers for the kids to make friends with, activities to stay busy and dedicated restrooms with plumbing, a stay at these campgrounds will deliver that perfect mix of the beauty of nature with comfortable modern amenities.

Lake Lauderdale Campground

One of the most famous campgrounds around, Lake Lauderdale Campground has been the site of generations of sun-soaked childhood memories. With stunning views of Lake Lauderdale and the surrounding mountains, this campground offers over 50 acres to explore, as well as many different activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Like a small “town” by itself, Lake Lauderdale Campground is home to a general store, playground, clubhouse, and library, and offers a number of campsites, RVs, RV sites, and cabins for rent, as well as free wifi to all visitors.

Camp Little Notch

Camp Little Notch in Fort Ann is known for their reputable kids’ camps, but did you know they also offer open camping to the public? You can rent a cabin or tent for the night, or bring your own tent.

Get away from it all at this unspoiled location a little over an hour from Albany that includes 443 acres of pristine wilderness and an 80-acre private lake. (Please note, outside boats, kayaks, and canoes are not allowed to keep the lake free of invasive species.)

Bruce’s Campground

Bruce’s Campground is the penultimate old-style campground, with private campsites spaced throughout the property, a gorgeous lake stocked with fish and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Available to both campers and RVs, this campground features bathrooms with showers, sinks, and flushing toilets. The campground’s purpose is to enjoy nature, so internet and cable are not available.

Champs RV Resort

An hour and a half from Albany in Whitehall is another ideal RV campsite, Champs RV Resort. They have 26 RV sites, can accommodate RVs up to 45 feet, and offer full hookups, partial hookups, a dump station, sewer, water, 30/50 amp service, and more, including showers/restrooms and a restaurant and bar on site. They also have a playground, a picnic area, a tennis court, and opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing.

Moose Hillock Camping Resort

Moose Hillock Camping Resort is a hidden gem in Fort Ann an hour from Albany that is perfect for families, kids, and groups. They have one of the largest campsites in the Northeast and the largest heated swimming pool in the Northeast, plus there are options for RV sites, tent campsites, or cabins, so there is something for everyone. Upgrade your camping experience and impress the kids when you opt for a poolside cabana rental!

All cabin sites include a picnic table, fireplace, and charcoal grill. The RV sites can handle any size camper and come with water, sewer, cable TV, and 20-30-50 electrical service. Or, enjoy the best of both worlds with a tent camping site and relax in wooded privacy close to prime amenities like the zero entry, tropical-themed pool.

Glamping

Glamping: like camping, but with more luxury. If you desire all the fun parts of camping while keeping the comforts of the indoors, you’ll want to stay at one of Washington County’s premier glamping locations! 

Andelyn Farm

Andelyn Farm offers an upscale glamping and camping experience on over 100 acres of picture-perfect farmland. With uniquely furnished yurt tents that combine the comforts of a hotel room with the relaxation of camping, Andelyn Farm’s glamping options provide everything you need for a cozy stay. Plus, the farm offers free Wifi and receives a strong 4G signal!

Blind Buck Valley Farmstead

Nestled in a grove of pine trees, this private glamping experience is perfect for large groups or multiple families, as it comes with four fully-furnished tents! Each tent features one queen-sized bed, and can have up to two twin-sized mattresses added for accommodations of up to 16 people.

While Blind Buck Valley Farmstead is closely located to some of the area’s best shopping and hiking, the farm offers many activities on-site, including outdoor games, wagon rides, farm tours, farm-to-table picnics, nature hikes, wildlife watching, and stargazing. Featuring an outhouse and showers as well as camping essentials like hammocks and umbrellas, this farm has everything your large group needs for a fun-filled farm stay.

Noble Homestead

Snuggled in the woods on the Noble Homestead, this massive Tentrr glamping site is a beautiful mix of forest and field. Featuring a charming two-person swing overlooking serene mountains, The Magic Glamp also has a deck with a covered kitchen, a fire pit and a 3-person tent for extra campers. With everything you need for a magical glamping experience, The Magic Glamp is the ultimate canvas forest fantasy.

Primitive Camping

Want something a little more rugged? For backwoods and primitive camping options, explore official NYS DEC campsites! 

• Goose Egg State Forest and Batten Kill State Forest: These adjacent forests are close to the Vermont border in the towns of Jackson and White Creek. The Batten Kill runs through the Batten Kill State Forest, offering fishing and paddling opportunities for campers. And the Folded Rock Trail, which is primarily in the Batten Kill State Forest but does go through Goose Egg as well, offers a stunning view to the west.
• Chestnut Woods State Forest: Extensive logging roads run through Chestnut State Forest in White Creek, which is open for hiking, biking, skiing, and horseback riding. Campers may see a variety of wildlife in this forest, including turkey, grouse, coyote, and a variety of song birds, hawks, and owls.
• Mount Tom State Forest: Mount Tom State Forest, also in White Creek, teems with wildlife as well. Fun fact about this one: it’s one of the few state forests that can be driven through from one side to the other.
• Dolph Pond State Forest: Dolph Pond State Forest in Whitehall is known for its rich logging history. Skid trails around the property can make mountain biking difficult, but campers can feel free to hike along these old logging roads when it’s not hunting season, particularly as there are no official hiking trails in the forest. The DEC says of this forest that for those “looking for solitude and the freedom to roam wherever your curiosity takes you, this is the place.”

What are you waiting for? Start planning your Washington County camping trip today!