12 Mile (Horsey Hilton) Camping Area
Gaines, New York
camping area, 4 numbered site, mostly ATV users now
Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.
Hiker/biker camping. Water
Rating
Reviews
Saint Johnsville is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.
Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.
New York weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Saint Johnsville.
Don't miss local attractions near Saint Johnsville. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.
Mar 18, 2026
We arrived at the area around 9:15pm to camp as bikepackers. A woman came out and showed us to the camping spots, which was really helpful since it was dark. The site had picnic tables, rustic grills, trash and a clean portapotty with hand sanitizer. It also had a spout with potable water. Camping was very comfortable and the spot is pretty. You can hear traffic and the train, so earplugs might be... We arrived at the area around 9:15pm to camp as bikepackers. A woman came out and showed us to the camping spots, which was really helpful since it was dark. The site had picnic tables, rustic grills, trash and a clean portapotty with hand sanitizer. It also had a spout with potable water. Camping was very comfortable and the spot is pretty. You can hear traffic and the train, so earplugs might be handy. There was a lot of space, and it was free and no reservations needed.there was access to charging at the lock house, which had someone in it 24/7. Beware the Goose turds.
Mar 18, 2026
Awesome riverside park, dam and lock attractions. Property is spotless and well maintained. Portable toilet, picnic tables, benches and boat launch. Leashed dogs welcome. I had 4 bars of Verizon 4G LTE Roaming.
Mar 18, 2026
Perfect spot for free vehicle camping as you're passing through. Safe, clean and beautiful. We woke up to geese, boats going through the locks and a very friendly lock keeper who showed us the workings of the canal. Highly recommend!
Mar 18, 2026
Super fun spot to pitch a tent. Lots of room, excellent ground, potable water, relatively clean sorta-john. Some noise from the highway, and fairly constant trains across the river, but this being a historic remnant of the American Industrial Revolution, one should just deal with it.
Mar 18, 2026
The perfect camping spot for riding the Empire State Trail. The park was clean, had lots of space, and lock operator was friendly. There were no bathroom facilities on-site during my visit, but the Stewart’s 5 minutes down the road has clean public bathrooms.
Claim this listing for free to update info, respond to reviews, add real photos, and start accepting online bookings.
Saint Johnsville, NY
7.7 miles away
Cooperstown, NY
13.3 miles away
Richfields Spring, NY
14.8 miles away
Richfields Spring, NY
15.8 miles awayGalway, NY
23.4 miles away
Galway, NY
23.7 miles awayGaines, New York
camping area, 4 numbered site, mostly ATV users now
Brant Lake, New York
Campground in New York.
Brant Lake, New York
Campground in New York.
Brant Lake, New York
Campground in New York.
Your RV Park Expert
Howdy! I'm Ranger Rex, your RV park expert. Ask me anything about campgrounds, state parks, national parks, or planning your next adventure!
Powered by AI · Responses may not be 100% accurate