The best camping near Lake George, New York.

Just east of the Adirondack Mountains, this upstate New York town offers a quintessential lakeside camping experience. Named "The Queen of the Lakes," George stretches for miles with clear, tranquil waters. Boating, water-skiing, and fishing are all big here. Historic villages dot the shore, catering to visitors with ice cream parlors and horse-drawn carriage rides.

The Lake George village is in Warren County on the lake's southern tip. This busy waterfront has boat rentals, parasailing tours, and a steamship making daily cruises. On land, restaurants, and shopping await in the historic downtown. You can also find some one-of-a-kind activities, including hot air balloon rides and zip line courses.

If you want to camp close to the action, check out Lake George Battleground. You can walk into town from the campgrounds, or head to Million Dollar Beach to swim and sun. In the 1700s, this small park was the site of fierce battles during the French and Indian War. Fort William Henry, a former British fort, now operates here as a history museum.

The Prospect Mountain trailhead starts in town. The 1 1/2 mile trail is steep, but rewards climbers with 100-mile views of the lake and Adirondacks. You can also drive to the summit on the Veterans Memorial Highway.

Further from town is Hearthstone Point, a quiet state park on the western shore with more privacy. Close by is Millionaire's Row, a stretch of Lake Shore Drive where Gilded Age millionaires built their mansions.

Island camping is a thing on Lake George. The Lake George Islands campground has several dozen islands near the northeast shore, accessible only by boat. Reserve early enough and you may even score a rustic site on your own private island.

Several RV parks just south of town offer more creature comforts. In addition to basics like full hook-ups, you can find RV resorts with swimming pools, game rooms, and Wi-Fi.