Bulwagga Bay Campground & Beach, Port Henry, NY

Introduction / Overview

Bulwagga Bay Campground & Beach in Port Henry, NY, offers New York residents a picturesque, family-oriented escape situated directly on the stunning shores of Lake Champlain. Surrounded by the majestic Adirondack Mountains, this established campground provides a unique and tranquil setting that perfectly blends lakeside relaxation with mountain adventure. It operates seasonally, typically from May through October, catering to both short-term vacationers and those seeking a longer-term seasonal home for their RV or tent.

Unlike some rugged wilderness camps, Bulwagga Bay is designed for comfort and convenience, offering a wide array of amenities across its over 150 campsites. It has garnered a reputation among locals for being quiet, comfortable, and exceptionally clean, with friendly camp managers and support staff—like the highly-praised Chet—who go above and beyond to assist guests. Whether you are looking for a weekend cycling stop on the Empire State Trail or a quiet place to moor your boat for the summer, this welcoming park on Bulwagga Drive provides an ideal Adirondack/Lake Champlain experience for New York families.

Location and Accessibility

Bulwagga Bay Campground & Beach is located at Bulwagga Dr Bay, Port Henry, NY 12974, USA. Its location is a major benefit for New York residents, as it places them directly on the shore of Lake Champlain while remaining easily accessible and convenient to local resources.

The campground is situated just off U.S. Routes 9N and 22, making it an easy drive from Interstate 87 (the Northway). This location in the Champlain Valley is perfectly positioned for New Yorkers traveling from Albany, the Capital Region, or even the New York City metropolitan area seeking a retreat into the northern part of the state. Crucially, the site is integrated into the local community, being within walking distance of Port Henry’s downtown area, where campers can access restaurants, shopping services, the local marina, and even the Amtrak train station. Additionally, for the growing number of bicycle tourists, Bulwagga Bay is located right on the Champlain Valley portion of the expansive Empire State Trail, offering a true bike-friendly welcome, complete with lean-tos for secure storage.

Services Offered

Bulwagga Bay is built to be a full-service destination, accommodating a wide spectrum of camping needs, from rustic tents to large RVs and even cabin rentals. The services are tailored for both transient guests and long-term seasonal residents, emphasizing convenience and comfort.

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Utility Hookups: Offering a variety of sites with 30/50 amp electric service and water hookups, including highly coveted lakefront sites.
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Seasonal, Monthly, Weekly, and Daily Rates: Flexible options cater to all types of stays, from quick weekend trips to committing to a quiet seasonal spot for the entire operation period.
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Rustic Cabins: Provides two unique rustic cabins for those who desire a camping experience without tent or RV ownership, available for short-term rental.
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Boating Facilities: Offers boat storage, boat launching access, and designated mooring areas in Bulwagga Bay for campers' watercraft.
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Clean Restrooms and Showers: Features clean bathhouses with complimentary showers that are known for having good temperature and pressure.
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Waste and Sanitation: Includes a sanitary dump station conveniently located at the park entrance and offers scheduled septic pump-out services for seasonal campers for a fee.
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Other Essentials: Ice is available for purchase on-site, and garbage removal is managed through the purchase of refuse disposal stickers.

Features / Highlights

The standout features of Bulwagga Bay Campground & Beach are its stunning waterfront location, diverse recreational opportunities, and dedication to community and cycling tourism.

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Lake Champlain Waterfront: Many campsites are located right next to the water, offering immediate access and spectacular views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
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Bulwagga Bay Beach: The campground features a public swimming beach that is managed by the Town of Moriah and includes lifeguards on duty during the summer season, making it safe for families.
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Empire State Trail Access: The campground’s location directly on the Champlain Valley section of the Empire State Trail makes it an ideal stop for New York cyclists, providing bike-friendly sites, including lean-tos for secure storage.
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Wildlife Viewing: The quiet bay area is a haven for local wildlife, with regular sightings of Canada geese, great herons, bats, and even beavers, enhancing the natural experience.
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Community Recreation: On-site amenities include a pavilion (available for rent), a playground for children, a bocce court, horseshoe pits, and a basketball court, ensuring plenty of activities for all ages.
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Adirondack and Historical Attractions: The Port Henry area is rich in history (Iron Center Museum) and close to the Adirondack High Peaks for hiking, fishing, and exploring natural wonders like Whiteface Mountain.
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Variety of Campsites: Accommodations range from shaded, grassy tent sites (some with a traditional Adirondack lean-to) bordered by a small creek, to spacious, sunny RV sites.

Contact Information

For New York residents ready to reserve a lakefront spot, inquire about seasonal rates, or ask about the cabin rentals, please use the following contact information:

Address: Bulwagga Dr Bay, Port Henry, NY 12974, USA

Phone: (518) 546-7500

Mobile Phone: +1 518-546-7500

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Bulwagga Bay Campground & Beach is exceptionally suitable for New York locals because it provides an accessible, high-quality, and versatile gateway to two of the state's greatest treasures: the Adirondack Mountains and Lake Champlain. Its unique combination of being a peaceful, clean, family-friendly seasonal park and its convenient location right on the Empire State Trail and near Port Henry's services makes it a hassle-free vacation destination. Whether you are an upstate resident seeking a quick, clean, and reliable waterfront getaway, or a downstate family looking for an affordable, scenic seasonal spot to escape the city, Bulwagga Bay delivers. The option for seasonal camping creates a comfortable community atmosphere, while the easy access to hiking, biking, fishing, and swimming ensures that every member of a New York family will find an activity to love in this spectacular setting.