New York Campground Guide And Camping Resources
Check out the best of New York camping. From the shores of Long Island to the mighty Niagara Falls, New York’s 179 state parks offer numerous opportunities to explore your natural surroundings, escape from the daily grind and discover exciting new adventures. From tent and cabin camping, as well as hidden gems. Below youll find some of the best campgrounds and places to camp in New York State.
Camping And Glamping In New York
Immerse yourself in the peace and tranquility of nature with a camping trip in New York State, where great options abound, from crisp, star-flecked nights in the Adirondacks to the Catskills, where youre never far from amazing family activities like canoeing, hiking, and fishing.
Whether you’re looking to park an RV, rent a cabin, or pitch a tent under the stars, New York State is the perfect spot for your next camping getaway. You’ll find a range of private campgroundsmany can be booked through CampNewYork.comas well as public campgrounds operated by New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation , and the Department of Environmental Conservation . Interested in glamping? Search for a site below or visit the blog post The Best Glamping Experiences in New York State. Additionally, New York State has partnered with Tentrr to offer 45 new, fully outfitted sites at four State Parks in the Hudson Valley.
New reservations for all available State Parks sitesincluding tents, trailers, RVs, cabins, yurts, and cottagescan be made by calling toll free 1-800-456-CAMP or . Online reservations are encouraged.
Social distancing measures will be in place at all campgrounds, and other restrictions may be in place. For more information, please visit the State Parks website and the Department of Environmental Conservation website.
Why Youll Love Brennan Beach Rv Resort
It might be located in one of the most stunning areas of the state, but when it comes to other necessities, Brennan Beach RV Resort still has plenty to offer. Its just a stones throw away from the famous Salmon River, making fishing an extremely popular activity within this region. Additionally, youll love the line-up of fun activities, events, and live music acts that the place has to offer year-round.
Recommended Reading: San Luis Obispo County Parks Camping
Blue Mountain Campground Saugerties
How far it is: Three hours by busWhat to expect: Despite limited availability, Blue Mountain Campground is welcoming campers with the expected restrictions highlighted above. Nightly rates for a campsite start at $39you can rent both RV hook-ups and wooded tent campsites and will grant you access to plenty of hiking trails, including views of the nearby Haines Falls. Theres an on-site laundry room for guests, as well as full-service restrooms and a campground shop for any forgotten toiletries. If youre looking to get relatively far from the city for a basic camping experience with some hiking thrown in, this will check all of the boxes. Plus, this campground is open year-round, which is a relatively rare find.How to get there: Head to Port Authority Bus Terminal and catch the Adirondack Trailways bus. A round-trip ticket will cost $62.
Hickory Hill Family Camping Resort
Image Source:goodsamclub.com
Youll find this camping resort located in New Yorks Finger Lakes Wine Country, in the western part of the state. Its just minutes down the road from the city of Bath, so youll never be too far away from popular restaurants, shops, and attractions. Some of these include the Corning Museum of Glass, Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion, and Elm Cottage Museum.
Read Also: Best Way To Get Internet While Camping
Perfect Fall Camping Spots In New York
Cooler weather and changing leaves makes autumn a perfect time to go camping. And in New York State, never is that more abundantly clear. From deep in the Adirondacks to the Thousand Islands region, youll find your ideal spot. Here are five fine places across New York State that invite fall travelers to set up camp.
Fall Camping In Upstate Ny: Best Campgrounds To Try This Autumn
Fall camping in Upstate NY
As much as we want to throw open our arms and bear hug Mother Nature when summer comes around, most of us are just as happy to welcome fall. The cool, dry air, sunshine, and of course the spectacular foliage fireworks show that is pure, gorgeous Upstate New York.
Those of us who love the outdoors see fall as an extension of summer, as an opportunity to do what there may not have been the time, or weather, for in hotter months. Fall camping, for example. Fewer bugs, cooler temperatures and a less-crowded experience beckon. Many are game for fall camping as long as there is a cabin involved others are willing to rough it. We’ve included options for both, but newyorkcabinrentals can help you decide on cabins. Read on for some of our top picks for fall camping.
Di_99 via flickr
Selkirk Shores State Park
Unmatched and renowned for its trails and space, Selkirk’s real secret is one that should be shared among fall campers: Cabins. Log cabin style, spacious, with space to roam in between, tucked into the woods yet just steps from Lake Ontario bluffs and incredible sunsets. Some cabins have fireplaces.
Where: State Route 3, Pulaski NY 13142
Accommodations: Tent, or choose from one of four cabins
Open until Oct. 29
Information: Selkirk Shores, or call 315-298-5737
Letchworth
Where: 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427
Accommodations: Five cabin areas, some along the river.
Open until Nov. 16
Wout via flickr
Oquaga Creek State Park
Fish Creek Pond
Recommended Reading: Tent Camping At Grand Canyon
Why Youll Love Branches Of Niagara Campground & Resort
Theres a reason why Branches of Niagara has been rated an average of 4.5 stars, as its facilities are first-class! Youll find all of the comforts of home here, along with multiple sporting facilities, a heated swimming pool, and on-site nature trails . If you have an RV sitting idly in your driveway or garage, why not rent it out for another family to enjoy this RV destination? Its a great way to earn some additional money to fund your next RV trip too!
Campgrounds Near Me: Letchworth State Park
Letchworth State Park has been voted as New York State’s top outdoor attraction by USA Today, stretching across over 14,000 acres in Wyoming and Livingston Counties along 17 miles of the course of the Genesee River. The park, which is located 35 miles southwest of the city of Rochester, was originally established in 1906 following the donation of William Pryor Letchworth’s Glen Iris Estate to the state of New York. Today, the park is best known as the home of gorgeous Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls and the spectacular “Grand Canyon of the East,” which features 550-foot rock walls and stunning panoramic views. Visitors can enjoy excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation at the park throughout the year, including chances for hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, fishing, hot air ballooning, cross-country skiing, and geocaching. Overnight accommodations range from full-service campsites and rustic rental cabins to the spectacular Glen Iris Inn, which features a public restaurant and hotel rooms and suites.
1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427, Phone: 585-493-3600
You are reading “23 Best New York Campgrounds” Back to Top or Amazing things to do around me & More pictures of fun cheap vacation spots
Also Check: White Water Rafting And Camping
Brennan Beach Rv Resort
Based in the northern region of the state, Brennan Beach RV Resort is set in a scenic location overlooking Mexico Bay. Its privately nestled between Selkirk Shores State Park and the Deer Creek Marsh Wildlife Management Area, with one half mile of beach right on its doorstep. Due to its picturesque location, its no wonder that this is one of the best RV trips you can take in New York!
Camping In New York City
Every summer, OutdoorFest takes over a campground in Staten Island for an adult camping experience like none other.
Camp Gateway Staten Island: Fort Wadsworth
220 New York Avenue, Staten Island, NY 718-354-4655, Recreation.gov
A Sweet Smore Spot: If views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan Skyline are what youre after, this is the campground to check out. For $30 a night, you can rent a campsite within the five boroughs and wake up the next day with a plan to explore a historic building dating back to the 17th century. The 7 sites are available from July to September and cost $30 / night.
How to get there: Take the Staten Island ferry to St. George Terminal. Once there, take the S51 bus to the Ranger Station at Camp Gateway.
You May Like: Best Rv Camping Near Salt Lake City
Take The Train To These 9 Places For Camping Near Nyc
This article about destinations for camping near NYC was brought to you by Primus, makers of camp cooking gear thats as functional as it is fun. With portable cooking stations like their Onja stove, taking the train to your campground while carrying gear has never been easier.
According to U.S. census data, less than 50 percent of New Yorkers own cars. If you look at exclusively Manhattan residents, the percentage falls below 25 percent. Many New York City residents who were born in Manhattan dont even possess a drivers license. But, despite this lack of car ownership, New Yorkers still love to escape the city when they can, heading for outdoor adventure and camping near NYC.
Harmony Hill Retreat East Meredith
While a treehouse yurt sounds like a place where a Dr. Seuss character would live, its actually a circular tent designed by Mongolian nomads. While the Mongolians herding sheep and goats dont have running water or electricity in their yurts, the accommodations at Harmony Hill are decked out with modern bathrooms, ceiling fans, space heaters, and fully equipped kitchens. But if youd rather leave the cooking to someone else, Stone & Thistle Farm will deliver farm-fresh meals to you at Harmony Hill.
If youre seeking a larger accommodation , Harmony Hill also offers mountain chalet cabins.
Don’t Miss: Camping Niagara Falls Ny State Parks
Wellesley Island State Park Fineview Ny
Wellesley Island State Park is the largest campground in New Yorks spectacular Thousand Islands region. The area is a year-round destination, with sandy beaches and ample fishing, hunting, hiking, and cross-country skiing opportunities. There is also a nine-hole golf course and a butterfly pavilion on the island.
Important Camping Survival Tips
- Stay warm at night: Dont just depend on wearing lots of layers to keep you cozy in the sack, come prepared with a down sleeping bag.
- Dont invite the bears to dinner: Cook at least 100 yards away from your tent, and keep a clean site.
- Beat the sunset: Dont get caught hiking to the campsite in the dark.
- Dont blow away: The winds get particularly strong come fall, so make sure your tent is securely hammered into the ground.
- Know before you go: Check the weather forecast prior to your camping trip so you dont get stuck in a storm.
- Hydrate, Hydrate, and Rehydrate: Dont even think about bringing 20 plastic water bottlesparticularly near ponds, lakes, or rivers. Instead, invest in a water purifier, water purification tablets, or simply boil the water.
Also Check: Free Camping Near The Dalles Oregon
Top 10 Campgrounds And Rv Parksnew York
Affectionately referred to as the Big Apple, New York is a widely-visited state in the north-eastern region of the U.S that is particularly popular among RVers due to its exciting combination of bustling cities and stunning natural areas such as forests, state parks, and beaches. The state is bordered by Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont to the east, as well as New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and Quebec and Ontario to the north. Its also home to the famous New York City, the most populated city in the United States. Other well-known attractions within the state include the Empire State Building, Central Park, Times Square, Niagara Falls, and places such as Manhattan, Buffalo, and Long Island.
Of the dozens of amazing RV parks in the state, weve narrowed it down to the top ten RV Parks and campgrounds in New York. The following campgrounds are in no particular order, as youll find they all have their own unique perks!
East Otto State Forest Campground
GPS: 42.4257, -78.7871
Located near the New York towns of East Otto and Otto, camping is allowed at 14 designated sites along Kriedeman Forest Road that are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The sites are marked with a yellow camping disk.
These sites are numbered and have a primitive fire ring. There are no outhouse facilities. Camping for more than three nights or in a group of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.
East Otto State Forest covers 1,354 acres. No formal trails exist, but old ski trails and farm roads provide some opportunities for hiking.
Read Also: Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area Camping
The 15 Best Camping Spots In New York
New York is home to a stunning diversity of natural landscapes. From the windswept dunes of Long Island to the rocky peaks of the Adirondacks and all the rivers, islands, cliffs, and gorges in between, the state is truly a campers paradise. Here are 15 of the finest camping spots in New York State.
Niagara Falls/ Grand Island Koa Grand Island Ny
KOA has a popular campground on Grand Island, just seven miles from Niagara Falls. Grand Island is home to two state parks, bike paths, ponds, and fishing opportunities in the Niagara River. The campsite has two pools, two fishing ponds, and plenty of cozy cabins, tent sites, and RV hookups to choose from.
Also Check: Camping In Broken Arrow Ok
Branches Of Niagara Campground & Resort
Image Source:tripadvisor.com
Now this is one facility that truly deserves to call itself a resort! Located on the popular tourist destination of Grand Island, the facility is also set along eight acres of picturesque lake. When you park your RV here for your New York vacation, youll also be conveniently close to some of the states most famous attractions such as Niagara Falls, Buffalo Zoo, Fantasy Island Fun Park, and Marineland.
Free Camping In New York
Theres so much more to New York State than city life! Once you are out of the city, you can experience primitive camping and recreational pursuits like hiking and biking. From the Catskills of southeast New York State to the Adirondacks in Northern New York, here are some ways to experience free camping in New York!
Don’t Miss: Where Can I Go Camping In Florida
Finger Lakes National Forest
The Finger Lakes are a collection of eleven small lakes in the state. If you are planning on free camping in New York, you should definitely include a few nights in the Finger Lakes National Forest.
Backcountry camping, sometimes referred to as dispersed camping, involves setting up your tent at an undeveloped site. Set up your campsite at least 200 feet from developed trails or bodies of water. Plan to pitch a tent, but you may find that there is an established shelter or lean-to for your use.
Backcountry and dispersed camping is first-come, first-serve, so be prepared to arrive early and to be flexible. You should also plan to leave no trace and to avoid camping in areas with new tree growth. Dispersed and backcountry camping is permitted in most parts of the forest unless there is a specific closure due to weather.
Because these camping areas are off the beaten path, they are not likely to have amenities like a fire ring, picnic areas, or picnic tables. The trade-off for those amenities is privacy and a connection with nature that you might not experience in established campgrounds.
Best For Staying On A Secluded Island: Saranac Lake Islands Public Campground
Have you ever thought of camping on your own private island? If so, a visit to Saranac Lake Islands Public Campground will make all your dreams come true. This campground is a boaters delight with direct access to four lakes and miles of shoreline. On the Lower Saranac Lake Islands, youll find 87 water-access-only campsites that give guests a private camping experience. Guests can also enjoy canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, biking and watersports during their stay.
You May Like: West Coast Camping Road Trip
Cedar Point County Park
East Hampton, NYThe Camping: Heres a little secret about tri-state beach towns: Theyre always better to visit in the fall. Sure, you may not have sunbathing temps, but youll have the beach all to yourself . Locals will be nicer to you. You could even luck out and snag the last few sufficiently warm beach days of the year. At Cedar Point County Park, your campsite will be right on Gardiners Bay, walking distance to the historic lighthouse, and about 20 minutes to the town of East Hampton proper. At the county park, you can rent a rowboat, birdwatch, hike, fish, and enjoy some true peace and quiet.The Drive: About two and a half hours from Manhattan on a Saturday morningThe Route: Once out of Queens, take the Southern State Parkway route to pass through five forested areas: Hempstead Lake State Park, Massapequa Preserve, Belmont Lake State Park, Connetquot River State Park, and the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge.
Fire Island National Seashore
Ocean Beach, NY 11770
Fire Island National Seashore is a captivating escape from the everyday life with towering sand dunes, an abundance of wildlife, beautiful shoreline, and historic landmarks. Families have a few different options for camping on this barrier island, with Watch Hill family and group tent campgrounds, Smith Point County Park tent and RV campgrounds or backpacking and wilderness camping with a permit in the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness area. In addition to fun outdoor recreation like fishing, boating and swimming, families can take a break from the outdoors with a visit to Fire Island Lighthouse for a tower tour of the restored 168-foot-tall historic lighthouse. The historic William Floyd Estate is also open for tours every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The free walking tours take you through the 25-room home of William Floyd, an important figure in American history who was also one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Read Also: Best Camping In Cherokee National Forest