Are you thinking about camping in upstate New York? If so, Lake George is the perfect destination for camping and hiking, and is also quite popular during the summer with locals. Some of the best Lake George campgrounds are very inexpensive as well. However, the campgrounds aren’t the best thing about this awesome destination. There are also a ton of extra things you can do in the area during your stay, from exploring the natural caves along the lake to taking relaxing steamboat rides.
Your Lake George camping trip could be seriously enriched by visiting these seven awesome destinations! Check out our list of fun things to do when camping near Lake George, NY below.
Lake George Steamboat Company
In addition to relaxing Lake George campsites, visitors can also enjoy a mini-cruise on one of Lake George Steamboat Company’s vintage steamboats. Perfect for special events such as birthdays and weddings, the Steamboat Company’s steamboat rides are quite the experience.
There are a number of different time slots available for different cruises. We recommend opting for the dinner cruise in order to enjoy the beautiful New York sunset over the lake. The staff are amazing, according to reviews, and you can enjoy a wide variety of drinks from local wineries and breweries as well.
If you love boat rides and want to enjoy an absolutely gorgeous view, we recommend taking a steamboat ride during your Lake George camping trip!
Hike up French Mountain
French Mountain is a very special nature landmark that borders Lake George off of the Warren County bike trail. This moderate 3.3-mile hike boasts an elevation gain of 1,066 feet and is an out and back trail. Dogs are allowed on this trail and it is accessible year-round.
While this hike is ideal for inexperienced hikers and easy enough for families with children, it’s worth noting that it is one of the most heavily trafficked hiking trails in the area. You can enjoy a few different activity options on your hike as well, but there is nothing like the view you’ll get from the top of the trail!
Fort William Henry
Fort William Henry is an old British fort at the southern point of Lake George. Built in 1755 during the French and Indian War, this fortress has a wealth of history to behold. Abandoned for over 200 years after being destroyed by the French military, the fort was reconstructed in the 1950s and is now a history museum.
You can visit this historic attraction and participate in period-specific tours and a variety of year-round events. If you’re a fan of in-depth period-specific experiences complete with actors and a convincing vintage environment, you’ll love this place during your camping trip.
Beaches
When you decide to leave your Lake George family campsite for a little beach excursion, you have a few options available. Some popular beaches in the area include:
● Million Dollar State Beach: This beach offers $10 parking and is open seven days a week.
● Shepherd Park Beach: This beach offers free parking and is open seven days a week.
● Usher Park: This beach offers free parking and is open seasonally during the summer, seven days a week.
● Lake George Dog Beach: This beach offers free parking and is open seasonally. Currently, due to the pandemic, this beach is restricted.
● Rogers Memorial Park Beach: This beach offers $5 parking and is open seven days per week.
● Hague Town Beach: This beach offers free parking and is currently restricted due to the pandemic, and also charges a $20 launch fee for non-New York residents.
Natural Stone Bridges and Caves
Natural Stone Bridge and Caves is a great spot for visitors who want to enjoy the natural side of Lake George. The Stone Bridge is the eastern United States’ largest natural marble cave entrance, and continues to be worn and molded by Trout Brook.
Tours for Natural Stone Bridges and Caves are self-guided during the summer. If you want a more adventurous and memorable tour, you can sign up for a guided “Adventure Tour”. This tour lasts about four hours and involves spelunking and a cave float ride. A great spot for people with families and children!
Revolution Rail Co.
There are many old railways around this area in New York, but did you know you could actually go on a ride on some of these rails without a train? Revolution Rain Co. offers railbike rides that explore a portion of the Adirondack railroad that was once used for commercial freight.
You can choose between a North Bridge Run and a South Riven Run. These tours span 7 and 8 miles respectively and mimic an out-and-back hiking trail. You’ll get killer views of the forest canopies and the Hudson River in addition to Lake George. Make sure you have strong legs though-- this trek is entirely self-powered and can last up to two and a half hours. Each railbike seats two people.
Watersports
It’s not a real lake camping trip if there isn’t a bit of swimming and watersports to participate in! Lake George has a ton of great options available for kayaking, rafting, tubing, and even paddleboarding.
Sacandaga Outdoor Center offers a number of rafting, tubing, and kayaking services. Adirondack Adventures Whitewater Rafting is another great option for inexperienced rafters who need a little extra instruction from knowledgeable and experienced staff. If you’d prefer to keep things chill and relaxed, we recommend checking out Adirondack Adventure Center to rent some tubes to go whitewater rafting and lazy river tubing.
We hope you enjoyed our guide to fun things to do while camping near Lake George and don't forget to book your next adventure!
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