Top Camping Spots in New York You’ll Love
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 camper’s paradise. Here are the finest camping spots in New York State.
Watkins Glen State Park, Watkins Glen, NY
The most popular park in New York’s Finger Lakes region encompasses two miles of spellbinding cliffs and gorges, passing 19 waterfalls along the way. The park’s campground has 305 campsites, fishing, picnicking, shower facilities, firewood, and an Olympic size pool.
Saranac Lake Islands, Saranac Lake, NY
Saranac Lake has miles of water recreation and fishing opportunities in the Adirondacks. You can travel by boat from island to island and set up camp at specified campsites. Saranac Lake Islands are ideal camping spots if you want to eat a fresh-caught fish dinner under the stars.
Hither Hills State Park, Montauk, NY
With 168 camping spots on the ocean, miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, two miles of sandy beach, and a nature preserve Hither Hills State Park in Montauk offers the perfect blend of outdoor activities. The site has picnic tables, shower facilities, and trailer access.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Kerhonkson, NY
Ulster County’s Minnewaska State Park Preserve is a camper’s oasis, with crystal-clear lakes, dramatic waterfalls, steep cliffs, and a rugged, woodsy terrain. Camping is available for tents only, and includes a cooking area and pavilion, a bathhouse, and restroom.
Harriman State Park, Ramapo, NY
At nearly 50,000 acres, this park in Orange and Rockland Counties is the second largest in New York. Harriman State Park has beautiful vistas, 200 miles of hiking trails, rolling hills, 31 lakes, two beaches, and lots of options for camping. Set up camp in a tent, a lean-to, or a cabin.
Taconic State Park, Copake Falls, NY
Bordering Connecticut and Massachusetts, Taconic State Park is a casual camper’s paradise with fishing, waterfalls, mountains, and the opportunity to hike along the Appalachian Trail. The park has a total of 106 campsites and 18 cabins. Campsites have centrally located bathroom facilities.
Alger Island Old Forge, Old Forge, NY
Accessible only by boat, at Alger Island Campground you can be close to the amenities of Old Forge while truly getting away from it all. The island is in Fourth Lake in the Adirondacks, and has a total of 15 lean-to campsites with picnic tables, fireplaces, and hiking trails.
Glimmerglass State Park, Cooperstown, NY
Located just outside Cooperstown, Glimmerglass State Park surrounds Otsego Lake, James Fenimore Cooper’s “Glimmerglass” in Leatherstocking Tales. Visit the beach, Hyde Hall Mansion, the covered bridge, and plenty of scenic nature trails. Camping is available May-September, and campsites include access to restroom facilities with warm showers, picnic tables, grills, and fire rings.
North-South Lake Campground, Haines Falls, NY
The largest and most popular state campground in the Catskills, North-South Lake Campground provides thickly wooded camping areas near swimming beaches and attractions like Kaaterskill Falls and Alligator Mountain. The campground has picnic areas, grills, fireplaces, and bathrooms with showers.
Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY
The gem of Central New York is undoubtedly Letchworth State Park. Nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the East, this park is visually stunning, with 66 miles of hiking trails and nearly 15,000 acres of steep cliffs and tracing the Genesee River. The park has 257 campsites and eight cabins for rental.
Wellesley Island State Park, Fineview, NY
Wellesley Island State Park is the largest campground in New York’s 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.
Cranberry Lake Campground, Cranberry Lake, NY
If you’re looking for a true nature escape, this is the place for you. Cranberry Lake is one of the largest remote areas of New York State, surrounded by 150,000 acres of forest preserve. Each campsite is wooded and has a fireplace, a picnic table, and water spigots.
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.
Fire Island National Seashore, Ocean Beach, NY
One of Long Island’s most stunning seashores, Fire Island is home to crashing waves, untouched forests, and windswept dunes. Backcountry campers can reserve permits for overnight stays at Fire Island’s Otis Pike High Dune Wilderness.
Glen Island Public Campground, New Rochelle, NY
The Lake George experience is made even more wonderful when you camp on an island in the middle of the spectacular lake. Accessible only by boat, Glen Island camping facilities have private docks, fireplaces, picnic tables, grills, and toilets.
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