These 10 Amazing Camping Spots In New York Are An Absolute Must See
By Lea Monroe|Updated on April 16, 2023(Originally published April 11, 2023)
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Lea Monroe
Author
Writer for Only In Your State. Scribbling about all things New York and Buffalo related while also keeping you updated on the latest travel news! Inquiries: Lmonroe@onlyinyourstate.com
From hiking to biking to swimming, there’s is a lot going on in New York when the weather begins to cooperate. If you want to make the most out of your outdoor experiences here in the Empire State, consider staying at some of the best campgrounds in NY.
Get ready to leave your luxuries behind and head out for some awesome camping in New York!
One of our favorites when it comes to camping in New York, Kring Point's north shore faces the St. Lawrence River, while its south shore faces Goose Bay! With roughly half of the campsites being right on the waterfront, it doesn't get much better than this. The beach on the St. Lawrence River and all sorts of water activities make this campground a great way to enjoy the northern areas of our state. Learn more about visiting Kring's Point.
Does it get any better than this? With more than 160 campsites and two miles of ocean beach right at your fingertips, it's hard to deny the appeal of this Long Island treasure, one of the best campgrounds in NY. Read more about what lies in store at Hither Hills State Park.
After the neighboring campground of Fish Creek Pond became widely popular, this campground was created in the 1950s to help alleviate some of the high demand! With 287 campsites along the eastern shore of Rollins Pond, you'll easily fall in love with this amazingly scenic area. Get more details on staying at Rollins Pond Campground.
4. Glimmerglass State Park Campground, Cooperstown
Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 Co Rd 31, Cooperstown, NY 13326, USA
Overlooking Otsego Lake under 10 miles away from the village of Cooperstown, you'll find this woodland getaway waiting for you. Some of the very best camping in New York, all sites are equipped with fire pits, grills, and picnic tables and there's a swimming area in the park with your name written all over it! Be sure to visit the Hyde Hall Covered Bridge while you are at Glimmerglass.
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5. Watkins Glen State Park Campground, Watkins Glen
One of the most highly favored state parks in the Finger Lakes region, Watkins Glen State Park offers over 300 campsites! Located on the south end of Seneca Lake, this park will give you an unforgettable stay. With 19 waterfalls that you can experience over a two-mile stretch of the park, amongst all your other expected camping amenities, you'll easily enjoy this place. Learn more about Watkins Glen State Park and its opportunities for camping in New York.
Keep your pockets shut for this camping experience in New York; it's completely free! With roughly 140 campsites located off Route 28 along the 6th and 7th Lakes, you'll really get to soak in this wonderful remote area of the Adirondacks. With no price to pay, campsites are all first come, first serve, and almost all but a few of the older sites have their own picnic tables.
7. Cranberry Lake State Campground, Cranberry Lake
One of the Adirondack's largest remote lakes, here you'll find over 170 campsites surrounded by trees, giving you tons of privacy! Plenty of marked trails to hike, gorgeous ponds to explore, and fishing to be done, will all keep you busy during your stay here at one of the best campgrounds in NY. Read on about hiking at Cranberry Lake State Campground.
One of the Catskill's biggest campgrounds, here you'll find several lakes within the campground and plenty of nearby mountains to hike. With Kaaterskill Falls also close by and over 200 tent and trailer sites, this place is the perfect area to visit if you're looking to explore the Catskill Mountains! Learn more about camping in NY at North-South Lake Campground.
Another one of our favorite places, Wildwood State Park is an absolute must see! With more than 600 acres of undeveloped forest overlooking the Long Island Sound, this campground will give you the vacation of a lifetime. Featuring over 10 miles of marked hiking trails, two miles of gorgeous beach, and even weekly movie showings during July and August, you'll want to book your trip here ASAP! Find out more about Wildwood State Park.
Known by many as the Grand Canyon of the East, visiting Letchworth State Park is like stepping into your favorite dream. Besides enjoying one of the cabins or campsites, you can also explore 66 miles of hiking trails, whitewater rafting, three major waterfalls, and thrilling hot air balloon rides! Learn more about Letchworth State Park and some of the best camping in New York.
Do you have a favorite campground getaway you love to escape to every year? What do you think are the best campgrounds in NY? Share with us where you find peace among nature in our state!
New Paltz: This Ulster County college town has it all. Outdoor recreation at Minnewaska State Park and the Walkill Valley Rail Trail, apple picking at several orchards, and tons of great restaurants, bars, and shops.
Rhinebeck: Located in Dutchess County, there is much to do in Rhinebeck. Home to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, depending on the time of year, you can find all sorts of events like the annual fair and the Sheep and Wool Festival. Get outdoors at Burger Hill or Fernciff Forest. And top your visit off with some fine dining and shopping in town.
Lake George: This lake is an extremely popular spot in the Adirondack region. It is surrounded by gorgeous mountains and provides a variety of recreation like boating, skiing, rafting, and swimming.
Skaneateles Lake: Located in the Finger Lakes region, this is one of 11 lakes here. It is 16 miles long and a popular spot for boating, fishing, regattas, and swimming.
Which state parks should I visit in New York?
Get to know the state and its surroundings better by visiting some of the best parks in New York:
Niagara Falls State Park: Located at one of the borders between the US and Canada, this park has been inviting visitors since 1885, making it the oldest park in the state. Take in the falls, do the Maid of the Mist tour, or head out on some of the hiking trails at the park.
Minnewaska State Park: This 22,275-acre park is located in Kerhonkson. The scenery includes waterfalls, forests, mountains, and lakes. Aside from the 50 miles of trails for biking and hiking, it’s also popular for its two swimming lakes. You can also camp here.
Hudson Highlands State Park: You’ll find this 8,000-acre park over in Beacon. There are over 50 miles of hiking here, including some pretty steep ones like the Breakneck Ridge Trail and some pretty flat ones like the Dennings Point Trail.