Crown Point Campground

- 784 Bridge Rd, Crown Point, NY 12928

Introduction / Overview

For New York residents seeking a unique blend of lakeside relaxation, Adirondack views, and profound American history, Crown Point Campground offers an unparalleled experience. Operated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), this historic site is not just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an immersive destination situated directly on the southwestern shore of the vast and beautiful Lake Champlain. The campground rests on land that is part of the Crown Point State Historic Site, a National Historic Landmark, which was once a hotly contested frontier during the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. This geographical and historical significance creates a truly distinctive camping atmosphere.

Crown Point Campground features 66 single-family campsites, designed to accommodate both traditional tent campers and a variety of recreational vehicles (RVs) and trailers up to 40 feet in length. The campsites are primarily on grassy, level terrain, offering a pleasant and open feel, often with views of the lake, the Champlain Memorial Lighthouse, or the majestic Crown Point Bridge connecting New York to Vermont. While the sites are acknowledged by some reviewers to be "a bit close together" due to the peninsula's layout, the stunning views and convenient location more than compensate. The facility is consistently praised for being "quiet, clean and friendly," with exceptionally clean bathhouses and hot showers, making it a comfortable base for exploring the Lake Champlain Valley and the eastern edge of the Adirondack Park.

Location and Accessibility

Crown Point Campground's location in Crown Point, NY, is key to its appeal for local New York users. It is situated on a peninsula jutting into Lake Champlain, placing campers directly on the water's edge and adjacent to significant historical landmarks.

The physical address is 784 Bridge Rd, Crown Point, NY 12928. This location is easily accessible from the major regional highway network, making it a straightforward drive for residents across Upstate New York. The most striking visual element of the location is its proximity to the Lake Champlain Bridge, which provides a dramatic backdrop and easy connection to the Chimney Point State Historic Site in Vermont.

More than just a scenic view, the campground is directly linked to major cultural and recreational hubs. The Crown Point State Historic Site, featuring the ruins of Fort St. Frederic and His Majesty's Fort of Crown Point, is an immediate neighbor. Fort Ticonderoga, another crucial colonial-era fortress, is only about 10 miles to the south. The site also serves as a premier stop along the Atlantic Flyway, making it a globally recognized Bird Conservation Area for birdwatching enthusiasts. The presence of the Lake Champlain Visitors Center nearby provides resources and information, enhancing the experience for all campers.

Accessibility is a focus at Crown Point, with the facility offering disabled accessibility features, including accessible picnic areas and a trailered boat launch with dock access, ensuring that the beautiful lakefront is available for enjoyment by all New York State residents.

Services Offered

Crown Point Campground provides all the essential services expected of a high-quality DEC facility, ensuring a comfortable and well-equipped camping trip for visitors from across New York and beyond.

• Modern Sanitation Facilities: The campground features flush toilets and two hot-water shower buildings, with facilities noted for being extremely clean and well-maintained by the staff.
• RV and Trailer Services: A paved trailer dump station is available for easy grey and black water disposal, accommodating RV travelers up to 40 feet.
• Essential Provisions: Firewood and ice are available for sale on-site, providing convenience for campers looking to build a campfire or keep coolers chilled.
• Boat Launch and Access: A boat launching ramp with dock access is provided, making it simple to get power boats, rowboats, or canoes onto Lake Champlain for fishing or recreation.
• Drinking Water: Potable water spigots are conveniently located throughout the campground for filling containers and tanks.
• Cell Service: One customer review noted the presence of "pretty good cell phone signal," which is a significant practical amenity for making online reservations or staying connected while in a relatively remote area.

Features / Highlights

The blend of natural beauty and deep historical significance makes Crown Point Campground a truly standout destination in the New York camping landscape. Its key features create an atmosphere found few other places in the country.

• Colonial History at Your Doorstep: The campground is located within the Crown Point State Historic Site, allowing campers to walk among the preserved ruins of 18th-century French and British fortifications, offering a palpable connection to New York's colonial past.
• Lakeside Access and Activities: Campers have direct access to Lake Champlain, complete with a popular fishing pier (the rebuilt 1929 steamboat pier) and a boat launch. The lake offers excellent fishing for species including bass, pike, and lake trout, as well as ample opportunities for boating, sailing, and water sports.
• The Champlain Memorial Lighthouse: This beautiful and unique 1858 lighthouse, rebuilt in 1911-12, is positioned directly on the campground's shoreline, providing a picturesque landmark and stunning photographic subject.
• Stunning Scenery: Many sites offer exceptional views of Lake Champlain and the modern, award-winning Lake Champlain Bridge, connecting campers to two states while surrounded by the beauty of the Adirondack-Champlain Valley.
• Wildlife and Birding: The site is part of the Crown Point Bird Conservation Area, lying beneath the Atlantic Flyway. Over 200 species of birds have been observed, providing an exceptional experience for birdwatchers.

Contact Information

For New York residents interested in reserving a campsite or learning more about the facilities at this historical lakeside location, please use the contact details provided below:

Address: 784 Bridge Rd, Crown Point, NY 12928, USA

Phone: (518) 597-3603

Mobile Phone: +1 518-597-3603

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Crown Point Campground is perfectly suited for New York residents because it offers a uniquely balanced recreational and educational experience that is easily accessible. Unlike deep-wilderness sites, this DEC campground provides clean, modern facilities—hot showers, flush toilets, and an RV dump station—with the breathtaking environment of Lake Champlain. For families, the presence of the playground, the ease of boat launching, and the proximity to the Crown Point State Historic Site, which features a museum and guided tours, offer a comprehensive vacation without needing to drive long distances between attractions.

For the history buff in New York, the opportunity to camp on the grounds of a National Historic Landmark, surrounded by the ruins of colonial forts and the historic lighthouse, is an unparalleled offering. For the avid boater or fisherman, the direct launch access to the 281,600-acre Lake Champlain is an irresistible convenience. Crown Point Campground is more than just an overnight stop; it is an accessible, well-equipped, and historically rich destination that allows New Yorkers to connect deeply with their state’s natural beauty and rich past in one comfortable setting.

Crown Point Campground

784 Bridge Rd, Crown Point, NY 12928, USA