Heads up, campers — particularly those with RVs looking for full hook-ups! Within the Town of Moriah there is now an additional campground option for you to choose from. This one privately owned and boasts a distinctive personality of its own. After 10 years in development Petro’s Millbrook RV Park recently held their ribbon cutting and opening. This is a family-run operation, with three Bills at the helm. I refer to them as Bill 1, 2, and 3. Bill senior is the patriarch, junior, and III follow. All have spent many long hours in the planning, preparation and implementation of turning a good share of their +/- forty-acre property into a campground and RV park for others to enjoy.
Amenities
50 grassy sites are available for whatever you may have for camping gear and/or a rig, but if you happen to have an RV with its own kitchen and bath, you will love not having to store your wastewater or stop by a dumping station. Aside from the direct sewer hook-up, each site has its own water and electrical connection, fire-pit, picnic table, and trash receptacle. Those that may opt for longer, seasonal stays, have the option of arranging to connect with the local cable provider for television, internet, and even phone service.
The sites are arranged conveniently, none very far from the main building on the grounds. In that building you will find additional amenities like, separate men’s and women’s restrooms, spacious showers, and even a laundry center.
They are handicap accessible and all sparkly new of course. The common room offers comfortable seating, table top games, and two televisions so you could conceivably watch both games simultaneously.
There is also a Wi-Fi hot spot, hot and cold beverages available, as well as some basic supplies and a few specially selected camper/RV parts- in case you forgot that particular thing-a-ma-jig. Everything is well-laid-out, well-thought-out, and welcoming.
More to Come
Nearby the main building, at a hub within the sites, a large community pavilion is currently under construction. The concrete floor has been poured and some support members are up. Kathe (Mrs. Bill Sr.) told me they are just waiting for a rafter delivery. This large pavilion will be able to accommodate fair-size gatherings as well as offer guests a sheltered place to get outside of their tent, camper, or RV even during inclement weather. Though each site has its own place for a campfire, plans are also in the works for a larger fire pit for guests wanting to congregate and share stories around a bigger campfire.
The Grounds
The entire setting resembles a well-groomed nature park. Running alongside Mill Brook, and including a large portion of the historic LC&M railroad bed from the town’s iron industry days, the grounds stretch between Broad St in Port Henry and Forge Hollow Road. The main entrance is actually on Forge Hollow Rd. From the center of the Village of Port Henry, climb the hill on Broad Street and you will easily find directional signs leading the way.
Though the wooded setting with grassy sites is very peaceful and private, you will be surprised how close it is to all town and village amenities.
Things to Do on Site
It would not be unusual to spot some white-tail deer passing through this little valley, giving wildlife watchers a treat. Certainly plenty of woodland birds and waterfowl will frequently be seen enjoying the property, brook, and nearby marsh. Trout fishermen will appreciate having this body of moving water on the grounds.
I’ve personally pulled some fine trout from this brook (as well as my canine companion who was reluctant to leave). A youngsters’ swing set and slide has been recently added.
Older children may want to bring their mountain or hybrid bike as the former railroad bed makes a great hiking and biking trail. Cyclists interested in a bit more distance will be able to hop directly onto two Lake Champlain Bikeways.
In Town
The southern side of this campground is practically across the road from entrance to the Moriah Golf & Country Club. Golfers will have easy access to the links. This country club also offers occasional evening entertainment featuring live music generally on a Friday or Saturday night, and often without admission or cover charge.
About a mile or so away are the Village of Port Henry’s markets and shops for provisions, and a choice of dining options should you want to eat out. Enjoy fine dining at the King’s Inn, less than ½ mile down Broad Street and famous for their prime rib. George’s Restaurant, a little further down Broad Street, often has fresh local perch on the menu as well as their popular Italian selections. And Foote’s Port Henry Diner, next to Mac’s Market on Main Street, is regionally recognized for their hearty breakfast choices.
From the juncture of Broad and Main streets, right in the center of the village, head in either direction on Main (NYS Route 9N & 22) to find beaches, marinas, a NYS boat launch, and a large fishing pier; all within ½ mile of the juncture and directly on Lake Champlain.
Don’t miss the town’s Iron Center Museum, located near the Town Hall and adjacent to the Amtrak train station. This great little museum explains the town’s rich history in iron mining and the entire under- and above-ground process.
Day Trips and Outings
Hikers rejoice! Three CATS trail heads will be found within just a couple of miles: Cheney Mountain, McConley Spring, and Belfry Mountain trails. I highly recommend not missing the Belfry Mountain Trail. It is a short, .8 of a mile round trip, easy hike to a fire tower with phenomenal 360-views over the Adirondacks and Champlain Valley. Numerous other CATS trails will be found not far away.
Crown Point State Historic Site, and the entire Lake Champlain Bridge Heritage Area, is across Bulwagga Bay from the Village of Port Henry, under 10 minutes away by road. Or, you could launch or rent a canoe at Bullwaga Bay Beach and paddle across. There you can explore historic fort ruins, learn history, discover a memorial lighthouse, and walk the bridge all the while keeping an eye out for Champ, Lake Champlain's famous sea monster. Fort Ticonderoga is only about 20 minutes south. Plan on spending a good deal of time there exploring the fort, grounds, King’s Garden, exhibits in the museum, and watching numerous live demonstrations of living history.
This campground makes a natural homeport for guests to visit a wide variety of attractions and activities close by. Dozens of other options for outings, like visiting the High Peaks, or exploring Ausable Chasm, are under an hour away.
The Adirondack Coast is a great place to plan your next camping vacation. Check out all of our awesome Lake Champlain Region camping options and start packing your bags!
