Nestled in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, Luzerne State Campground is an outdoor oasis for those looking to submerge themselves in pure, unspoiled nature. The park, constructed in the late 1960s along the shores of Fourth Lake, is a primitive campground that is perfect for families, horse enthusiasts, and lovers of Mother Nature. The campground is open from May through September when temperatures are at their best. Highs usually peak in the upper 70s, while lows often dip to the low 40s during the peak season.
Visitors to this New York park will never have a dull moment, with recreational opportunities ranging from swimming and boating to hiking and fishing. Kids can keep busy by participating in the Junior Ranger programs offered by the park, and horseback riders will find smooth trails and an equestrian campground, especially pleasing.
RVers will also have plenty of space to set up camp, with over 100 spacious sites to choose from in five different loops. With no hookups of any kind, this is primitive RV camping at its finest. So, if you're looking to get away from big city life for a night or two, put the camper in drive and head to Luzerne State Campground.
Located in eastern New York in the Lake George region, Luzerne State Campground is easily accessible from major roadways without sacrificing any of that backcountry feel. The park entrance is located off of NY-9N, via I-87. The park can also be accessed from Old Stage Road to the north, but those maneuvering big rigs should avoid this route due to narrow roads and sharp turns. Once inside the park, roads remain paved but narrow. Those with tall RVs or trailers should beware of low hanging branches when they enter the park.
Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway is a short, beautiful drive from Luzerne State Campground, especially when the fall foliage is in full swing. Just follow NY-9N until you reach the town of Lake George. The drive is perfect for those who aren't afraid of deep curves along the mountainside, and if you make it to the summit, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of Lake George below and the impressive Adirondack foothills peaking out from every direction. Drivers should note there is a small fee to drive up the mountain.
Extra parking is sparse at Luzerne, so it's a good idea to bring an extra vehicle or bicycles along to get to and from areas of interest within the park, like the beach, picnic areas, or boat launch.
You’ll love the life on the lake at Lake George/Saratoga KOA. Set up camp and be in the position to explore the nearby Adirondack Mountains or white water raft down the Hudson River. Towering pines shade the campground and sites can accommodate rigs up to 40 feet long. If you’re without an RV, sleep in one of the many on-site cabins available. Relax in the shade and connect to the Wi-Fi or lounge out by the pool. Firewood is plentiful, and available for purchase, to keep those campfires burning.
When you bring the RV to Luzerne State Campground, you'll find over 140 spacious sites that can accommodate rigs up to 30 feet in length. The campground really puts the R in remote, since there are no hookups of any kind available. Even with limited hookups, you won't be wanting for amenities, as there are restrooms with hot showers and flush toilets, a dump station, and additional parking areas located in the vicinity. Overnight guests will also find a picnic table and fire ring at their site. The campground is open from May through September, and reservations are available up to nine months in advance. Pets are allowed so long as they are leashed and well behaved.
At just over 50 acres, Fourth Lake is a popular fishing hole at the center of Luzerne State Campground. You won't want to be without your poles and tackle box when you bring the pop-up to the campground for the weekend, as anglers often have luck reeling in bass, northern pike, yellow perch, bullhead, trout, and pumpkin seed. A valid New York State fishing license is required for anyone over the age of 16 who hopes to cast out on the lake, and the state makes it easy to secure a permit. Licenses can be bought online or over the phone.
Campers who bring their horses along to Luzerne State Campground are in for a treat. Along with a modern equestrian campground, riders can take advantage of the park roads, a five-mile trail around Fourth Lake, and numerous other trails in the area surrounding the park. Those hoping to bring their horses to the park must show proof of current negative Coggins certificate, and those riders who are bringing horses from out of state must show a 30-day health certificate.
Although there are not many hiking trails directly inside of Luzerne State Campground, that doesn't mean you shouldn't pack the hiking boots in the campervan. Some of the best hiking in the state is to be found right next door in Lake George. The base of Prospect Mountain is just a 20-minute drive from the park, and at just under two miles, the moderate hike to the summit is doable even for hikers with little experience. Once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with a "100-mile view" of five states. For a small fee and a bit of courage, you can opt to drive rather than hike up the mountain.
If all the sites are full at Luzerne State Campground, you won't have to drive far to find accommodation for the night. There are several state parks in the nearby area that offer RV facilities for overnight guests. Moreau Lake State Park and Lake George Battleground are just a short drive from Luzerne and offer hundreds of additional RV campsites. Moreau Lake State Park is situated about 20 minutes south off of I-87 and offers similar facilities to those at Luzerne State Campground. Lake George Battleground Campground is just ten minutes up the road and is equipped with 68 primitive RV and trailer friendly sites.
If you brought the horses along on your sojourn, there are 21 equestrian camping sites available for use at Luzerne State Campground. Guests will also find an extra parking lot for trailers, covered standing stalls, a barn, water spigots, and restrooms in the horse camp area. Reservations are available between May and September, and sites can be booked up to nine months in advance.
There's no better way to enjoy the outdoors than by enjoying a picnic surrounded by scenic views and good company. If you're looking to dine outside during your RV vacation to Luzerne State Campground, you'll have plenty of options to choose from. Various tables are scattered around the park, and a picnic pavilion is available near the beach. If you're staying overnight, you'll also find a private picnic table and a fire pit at your site.
The tranquil Fourth Lake provides an oasis for campers visiting Luzerne State Campground during the warm summer months. Splash in the cool water, sunbathe from the shore on the sandy beach, or pack your lunch and enjoy a picnic at one of the many tables located next to the water. A swimming beach is located on the west side of the lake, along with restrooms, a changing area, a picnic pavilion, additional parking, and a volleyball court. No lifeguard is present, so those looking to enjoy the water must do so at their own risk.
Even if you didn't tow your own boat along behind the motorhome, you could still enjoy the scenic waters of Fourth Lake during your camping trip. The facilities are open between the months of May through September, and Luzerne State Campground offers rentals of kayaks, canoes, and rowboats. There is a boat launch in the day-use area, or you can hand-launch your watercraft from the beach area on the west side of the lake. Motorized boats are not permitted.
