How much does camping cost at Caroga Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Caroga Lake Campground range from $9-$20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Caroga Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Caroga Lake Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Caroga Lake Campground?

Caroga Lake Campground is open July 1 through Labor Day.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Caroga Lake Campground?

Yes, Caroga Lake Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Caroga Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Caroga Lake Campground: Fires must be built in fireplaces provided. Chainsaws are prohibited.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Caroga Lake Campground have?

Caroga Lake Campground has 105 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Caroga Lake Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Caroga Lake Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Caroga Lake Campground?

Caroga Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Caroga Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Caroga Lake Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Caroga Lake Campground

4.25

155 reviews

3043 State Highway 29A, CAROGA LAKE, New York, 12032, United States

Summer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds New York

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,522 ft

Price

$9 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

105 campsites

Season

Open from Memorial D...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,522 ft

Price

$9 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

105 campsites

Season

Open from Memorial D...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Official Website

Get Directions

Caroga Lake Campground

$9.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

With recent user reviews, a campsite averages $20 per night, while day passes are approximately $9.

Standard Site Fee$20.00

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Campground Map

3043 State Highway 29A, CAROGA LAKE, New York, 12032, United States

Caroga Lake Campground

3043 State Highway 29A, CAROGA LAKE, New York, 12032, United States

Nearby places

Gloversville: Approx. 8 miles, 15 minutes

Johnstown: Approx. 10 miles, 20 minutes

Nearby supplies

Convenience store within 10 miles

nearby shops in Gloversville offering groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Driving directionsFrom the East (Albany) - Take NYS Thruway (I-90W) to Exit 27/Amsterdam. Go North on Route 30 through Amsterdam and Perth. At the intersection of Routes 29 & 30 turn left onto Route 29. At the light take a right turn onto Route 29A. Stay on Route 29A for about 16 miles and the campground will be on the left. From West (Utica) Take NYS Thruway (I-90E) to Exit 29/Canajoharie. At stop sign turn right and follow Route 10 north to the intersection of Rte. 29A. Turn Right on 29A and the campground will be on the right.

Roads are paved and accessible year-round. Driving conditions are straightforward, with no seasonal closures mentioned.

Weather at Caroga Lake Campground

Current alert: None explicitly mentioned, but some sites under restoration.

Best Time to Camp at Caroga Lake Campground

Summer delivers the best conditions, with highs around 70-80°F and nights in the 50s-60s. The beach, bathhouse, and full amenities operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day, making this the prime window for swimming and water sports. Afternoon thunderstorms can roll through, sometimes causing brief water outages. July and August draw the heaviest crowds, especially holiday weekends. Reserve early if you want a lakeside spot. Off-season visits mean reduced services and much quieter loops.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Full amenities, lifeguards, beach and rentals operate Memorial Day–Labor Day; prime season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: July 1 through Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.

About Caroga Lake Campground

Caroga Lake Campground sits on the shores of East Caroga Lake in the southern Adirondacks, offering 105 sites for tents and RVs at $9-20/night. The campground features a sandy beach with summer lifeguards, hot showers, and dump stations. Sites are small and close together, and the atmosphere can be noisy during peak season.

The campground offers tent and RV sites, but does not include electricity, water, or sewer hookups. Primitive and group camping options are not explicitly mentioned.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the best conditions, with highs around 70-80°F and nights in the 50s-60s. The beach, bathhouse, and full amenities operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day, making this the prime window for swimming and water sports. Afternoon thunderstorms can roll through, sometimes causing brief water outages. July and August draw the heaviest crowds, especially holiday weekends. Reserve early if you want a lakeside spot. Off-season visits mean reduced services and much quieter loops.

ElevationWhile specific elevation details await discovery, the campground's position in the rolling hills of the southern Adirondacks provides gentle terrain perfect for family camping adventures and scenic vistas of the surrounding forest and lake.

Natural Features and SceneryLocated in the southern portion of Adirondack Park on East Caroga Lake at 1460 feet elevation, the area features a basically flat landscape with predominantly hardwood trees such as beech, yellow birch, and sugar maple, scattered conifers including white pine, hemlock, and red spruce, large level campsites, and a sandy beach on the 198-acre lake.[1][2][3][6][9]

Geological RegionSituated in the southern reaches of the magnificent Adirondack Park, the campground rests in a landscape sculpted by ancient glaciers. This enchanting region, dotted with pristine small lakes and blanketed in lush forests, showcases the timeless beauty of upstate New York's wilderness. East Caroga Lake itself sparkles like a jewel amid the rolling, forested terrain, offering a peaceful retreat within one of America's most treasured protected areas.

Scenic ViewsNice views of East Caroga Lake. Some campsites offer scenic vistas.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is mentioned on-site, but the campground offers varied campsite options.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2PM to 9 PM.

Check-out

10 AM.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 cumulative nights during peak season from July 1 through Labor Day.

Guests Allowed Per Site

6individuals allowed per campsite, with 2 tents or 1 unit of wheeled camping equipment and 1 tent.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are arranged in loops A through F. Spacing is tight throughout, with reviewers consistently noting that sites sit practically on top of each other. RV pads accommodate equipment up to 40 feet on certain loops, but most sites are smaller. Some areas hold water poorly during wet weather.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the NYS DEC website.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are reservable online; walk-ins are discouraged per authoritative sources.

Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policy details available.

AccessibilityAt least one site is explicitly mentioned as accessible for mobility-impaired visitors.

Site SizeSites vary in size, with maximum equipment lengths ranging from 0 to 40 feet depending on the loop and site.

PrivacyUser reviews consistently describe campsites as small and lacking privacy. Comments include 'Campsites are practically on top of each other' and 'Sites are a little tight.

Total Campsites105 campsites

Recommended SitesCheck sites after rain to ensure they aren't waterlogged. For privacy, some sites close to the shoreline are worth considering.

Best CampsitesLarge, level sites accommodating tents to 40-foot RVs, with some accessible for the mobility impaired; relatively level with partial to full shade, but no specific site numbers recommended in reviews.[1][2][3][6][7]

Need help booking Caroga Lake Campground?

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Caroga Lake Campground offers a range of facilities including campsites, picnic areas with tables, fireplaces, and charcoal grills. Restrooms with showers (some of which are accessible), a trailer dump station, recycling center, boat launch, 18-station exercise course, sand beach, bathhouse, and a guarded swimming area during summer are available. A pay telephone is also on-site. Some user reviews highlight negative experiences with facilities, such as limited proximity of bathrooms to campsites, 'plywood stalls that need to be replaced,' and occasional septic odors. Shower facilities are located near the camp entrance, and many campers drive to access them. Additionally, wood can be purchased on-site.

Showers

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors have access to a variety of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, picnicking, and wildlife observation. Specific reviews mention kayaking and canoeing opportunities and a small beach area with life guards.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Beach activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsReports of loud neighbors and unruly behavior based on user reviews. Wildlife and terrain hazards not explicitly mentioned.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyFires must be built in fireplaces provided. Chainsaws are prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours enforced from 10 PM to 7 AM.

Emergency ServicesHospital: Approx. 10 miles in Gloversville; Police: Local law enforcement in Gloversville.

Trash & RecyclingA recycling center is available on-site.

Water FeaturesEast Caroga Lake is accessible for swimming, kayaking, and canoeing.

Camp HostStaff reviews indicate friendliness and responsiveness. No specific host contact info mentioned.

Cell CoveragePay telephone available; no specific cell reception details from campers or reviews.[1][2]

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.3

155 reviews

Satisfactory

Caroga Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

The user reviews for Caroga Lake Campground paint a mixed picture. Common praises include friendly staff, clean facilities, and scenic views of the lake and beach. However, many reviews criticize the noisy atmosphere, lack of privacy, and unruly camper behavior. Maintenance issues, such as outdated bathrooms and occasional water outages, are also recurring themes.

Review Summaries

Based on 155 reviews

What Campers Love

Exceptional for relaxing in nature, evening recreation, historic sites, lake activities, shaded sites, and modern amenities in a wooded Adirondack setting.[3][6][9]

Based on 155 reviews

Common Concerns

Key complaints include noise levels at night ('quiet hours are not enforced'), unruly behavior from other campers, and maintenance problems such as 'no hot water in showers' and 'plywood stalls that...

Based on 155 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews mention some areas, such as Site #27, as spacious enough for tents and hammocks but limited to one car. Another user noted that certain sites become waterlogged after rain.

Based on 155 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Registration booth open 8am-9pm; facility supervisor on site at all times; swimming only when lifeguards present (late June-Labor Day); dogs allowed with rabies vaccination.[2][7][9]

Based on 155 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that summer weekends can be particularly noisy and crowded, with some users experiencing unruly behavior from other campers. Memorial Day weekend and peak summer seasons tend to see...

Based on 155 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The staff was very friendly and polite every time I interacted with them.' 2. 'Campsites are practically on top of each other and tiny.' 3. 'The beach is nice, life guard present.' 4. 'Bathrooms...

Based on 155 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible site availability is noted, but no specific reviews from users with disabilities are included.

Based on 155 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed with proof of rabies vaccination. One user mentioned taking their dog for a swim, indicating pet-friendly features.

Based on 155 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Families chasing a guarded beach and kayak rentals on a budget will get real value here at $20/night. Summer is the sweet spot, and lakeside sites book fast, so reserving through NYS DEC early is the move.

Skip if

Light sleepers will struggle. Multiple reviewers call out noise well past 10 PM with little enforcement, and sites like those in the tighter loops sit close enough that you'll hear your neighbors' conversations all night.

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Northampton Beach Campground sits on the northwest corner of Great Sacandaga Lake, offering 225 campsites spread across generous, well-spaced terrain. The campground operates Memorial Day through Labor Day with nightly fees of $22. Sites range from secluded spots beneath mature white pines to open beachfront locations with direct lake access. Reviews consistently mention the spacious layout and friendly staff, though bathroom cleanliness varies.