Gary from Vermont on 9/16/2022 10:00:20 AM:
I camped at lock 15 on 9/14/22. While it is free to camp and has some pluses the major minus would keep me from staying or recommending it.
On the plus side it is pretty with picnic tables and grills and a nice grassy area under trees and down to the canal edge. It also has potable water and portable toilet. There is also a power pedestal so you could charge your devices. It is close to Fort Plain which has a small supermarket and a few restaurants. Finally, the staff working at the lock and gate were very nice and informative.
There is also a tame peacock that lives in the area and visits campers.
The reason I cannot recommend this location was the lack of ability to get a good night of sleep. The train tracks are just across the canal and the freight trains ran all night with their whistles blowing and the sound of the engines and many trains on the track. On the other side of the lock is the NY Thruway with many loud trucks and flapping tarps also going all night. There were three of us camping at the lock and no one had a restful night of sleep which makes it challenging to have a good ride the next day.