Let's hit the road!
As a recent college graduate, I currently find myself preoccupied with a heavy combination of work and summer classes – both of which keep me more than busy during the summer months. A little too busy, as they often prevent me from engaging in some of my favorite outdoor activities. Camping certainly being one of them. I remember when I was younger, as I think back to my teen years, I would do anything to get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors as much as possible.
Recently, I channeled my inner-kid when I was presented with the opportunity to spend my Sunday afternoon at Medcalf Acres Riverfront Campground. This was exciting news as I haven’t been camping in what feels like years. So, I hit the road for a quick 50-minute drive before arriving in beautiful Schroon Lake.
Plenty of Great Attractions!
My intentions were to walk around the campground and check it out because I want to plan a weekend trip with some of my close friends in the near future. Long story short, I will most definitely be going back for a couple of nights. And sooner rather than later as I was very impressed with what they had to offer.
Upon arrival, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect because it’s been a while since I’ve last gone camping. I was also unfamiliar with the area. In fact, this was my first time in Schroon Lake and I have to say, I really enjoyed the surrounding area, the town, and the many local shops and restaurants located on the main strip. When I first arrived at the campsite, I saw that there were plenty of different activities and attractions available for the guests. The place was packed with RVs and tents set up throughout the various lots. As I continued walking around, I noticed there were hardly any open lots – I could tell that this is a very popular spot to camp during the summer and fall months. And boy, I wasn’t wrong.
Bring the kids!
As I walked slowly through the campsite enjoying the outdoors and observing everything it has to offer, one thing in particular that stood out to me was the fact that there was this sense of a very family-friendly atmosphere. As soon as I walked in, I noticed the visitor's office where there were people standing outside talking and laughing as they were petting their dogs. I quickly took note that this is a pet-friendly campsite which is always a plus for all the dog lovers out there!
After about twenty minutes of walking around, It didn’t take long for me to realize that this is a great place not only for adults to get away and relax, but for children and families to hangout and have fun together as well. Unfortunately, it was a rainy overcast day when I visited, so there weren’t many people outside but I could still tell how alive the place was.
Other campsites I have been to in the past don’t necessarily provide many activities for children but this place seemed to have it all. As soon as you enter the campground, on your immediate left stands a huge open area consisting of playgrounds with a pirate boat swing set where kids can play for hours on end without getting bored. As a child, I would’ve loved this place. I’m actually upset I’m just finding out about this now looking back at all the fun I could've had here.
There is also a nice space to shoot some hoops if you’re into basketball or want to get some exercise on the trails nearby. At Medcalf Acres, I would be surprised if kids ran out of things to do because the campground offers endless amounts of fun and activities for everybody. There is also a really nice mini-golf course available which stands close to the visitor’s office as soon as you arrive.
As I continued walking down one of the paths, I noticed there was a river that runs through the back where guests are able to kayak, canoe, and fish. Talk about a pretty cool spot to cool down after being out in the blazing sun all day. It seemed to me that everything here is very close in proximity as well. This, in my opinion, is very convenient considering you don’t have to do much traveling. Everything is right there in front of you.
Secluded yet convenient
Another great quality of this campsite is that it appears to be secluded and out of the way – but in actuality, it's only a couple miles off the highway and still very close to the busier part of town. If you are trying to stay somewhere where you feel like you are miles from home, yet still have the convenience and luxury of being close to all the action and somewhat in town, then this is the place for you. As I was on my way out, I also noticed that there is a small beach about a mile or two from the campsite. It was marked private but it has beautiful views of the lake and is within walking distance from the campsite. You truly get the best of both worlds here!
All in all, I can say that I am very excited to get back out here for a couple days and enjoy the various attractions and activities that the Medcalf Acres has to offer! The Schroon Lake Region is an ideal base camp for all your Adirondack outdoor activities, whether it be hiking some of the areas highest peaks or taking the canoe or kayak out for a day trip on the lake! I'm hoping to avoid the rainy weather the next time I'm here in Schroon, but I'll be prepared regardless and will be ready to experience what I believe will be an all-around great Adirondack camping trip! Check out all the great places to pitch your tent and park your camper in the Schroon Lake Region!
