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

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

Opens New York State Department of Environmental Conservation site

Official Website

Get Directions

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

Opens New York State Department of Environmental Conservation site

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

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.25

Satisfactory

Based on 155 reviews

206 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlakebeachstaff

Some mention

noise

"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 Maintenance issues, such as outdated bathrooms and occasional water outages, are also recurring themes."

Read all reviews

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

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.

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.

Best Time to Camp at Caroga Lake Campground

Experience the gentle rhythms of the Adirondack seasons at Caroga Lake. Summer brings pleasantly mild temperatures perfect for hiking and swimming, though afternoon thundershowers occasionally sweep across the lake, creating dramatic skies and refreshing the forest air. As autumn arrives, the surrounding woods burst into brilliant colors. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, with freezing temperatures and substantial snowfall creating opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing adventures right from your campsite.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season with guarded swimming, rentals and full activity roster; busy and lively on summer weekends.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

Not recommended

Campground closes after Labor Day; fall season largely unavailable on-site.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Opens Memorial Day weekend; reviewers positively note spring openings and early-season use.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Closed from post-Labor Day through spring; winter camping/activities not offered on-site.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: July 1 through Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.
Current Alerts: None explicitly mentioned, but some sites under restoration.

About Caroga Lake Campground

Nestled along the pristine shores of East Caroga Lake, this beloved campground offers the perfect blend of modern comforts and natural beauty. Whether you're lounging on the sandy beach, gathering around crackling campfires, or enjoying a lakeside picnic, you'll find everything needed for an unforgettable outdoor adventure. The campground's thoughtful amenities include hot showers to refresh after a day of exploration, convenient dump stations for RVs, and a welcoming bathhouse near the beach. During summer months, lifeguards watch over swimmers at the designated beach area, creating a safe haven for families to splash and play in the crystal-clear waters.

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.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the southern Adirondacks. History comes alive with thrilling Battle of Johnstown reenactments, where musket fire echoes across the valleys and costumed interpreters recreate pivotal moments from America's past. For those seeking modern excitement, the roar of engines at nearby stock car races provides an adrenaline-pumping contrast to the peaceful lake setting, making this region a unique crossroads of historical preservation and contemporary entertainment.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the gentle rhythms of the Adirondack seasons at Caroga Lake. Summer brings pleasantly mild temperatures perfect for hiking and swimming, though afternoon thundershowers occasionally sweep across the lake, creating dramatic skies and refreshing the forest air. As autumn arrives, the surrounding woods burst into brilliant colors. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, with freezing temperatures and substantial snowfall creating opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing adventures right from your campsite.

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 SceneryWake up to the serene beauty of East Caroga Lake reflecting the morning sun through towering pines and hardwoods of the southern Adirondack forest. This enchanting landscape invites exploration along winding hiking trails that meander through dense woodlands, where wildlife sightings and hidden waterfalls reward patient observers. The interplay of water and forest creates countless picture-perfect moments, from misty dawns over the lake to golden sunsets filtering through the canopy.

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.

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 layoutCampsites are grouped into loops, ranging from Loop A to Loop F.

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.

Amenities available

Showers

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

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.

HikingHiking is available within 10 miles of the campground, though specific trails and difficulty levels are not detailed.

FishingFishing is permitted, with one user mentioning catching a smallmouth bass. However, fishing quality varies depending on location.

SwimmingA guarded swimming area is available during the summer. The beach and swimming area are generally well-reviewed, though some users noted seasonal closures due to lifeguard availability.

BoatingBoat rentals, including kayaks and canoes, are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors must proceed to the beach for access after paying at the entrance.

Beach activitiesA small sand beach is available, described as 'nice' and 'beautiful' by reviewers. The beach area is equipped for swimming and sunbathing.

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

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

Active AlertsNone explicitly mentioned, but some sites under restoration.

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.

Weather at Caroga Lake Campground

Reviews

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

Positive aspects include 'friendly and polite staff,' 'beautiful lake and beach,' and 'clean facilities.' A few users described memorable family experiences and appreciated the opportunity for...

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

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Several users recommend bringing a grill due to fire pit grates being widely spaced. Others suggest choosing campsite locations carefully to avoid waterlogged spots during rain. Some users note that...

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

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

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

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Last updated January 5, 2026

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