The beauties of New York State are often shaded by the Big Apple, while, in fact, there is more than plenty to do and see. The Empire State is home to Niagara Falls, Lake Ontario, the Thousand Islands, and Adirondack Park, the largest protected park in the lower 48 states.
In winter, adventurous skiers can come to the Whiteface Mountain Resort to run the former Olympic courses. Whereas the Catskill Mountains will lure Manhattanites with its deluxe spas, skiing resorts, yurts for glamping, and proximity to the city.
New Yorkers have lots of opportunities for both primitive and luxury camping in their own backyard.
Hither Hills State Park
SOUTHEASTERN NEW YORK
Phone: (631) 668-2554
Address: 164 Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954, United States
Activities and Amenities Highlights:
- Beach access
- Hiking
- Biking
- Boating
- Sport fishing
- Organized activities
Even New York has some nice beach camping. And our favorite one is located only about 3 hours of drive from the city. Hither Hills State Park is set in Montauk and provides visitors with a 189-site ocean-front campground, picnic areas with fireplaces, and a sandy beach.
The sites are tent, trailer, and RV-friendly, even though some of them are tent-only. Amenities include a camp store, a playground, horseshoes, and volleyball and basketball courts.
During the summer months, the campground also has a rich entertainment program featuring movie nights, folk dancing, or children’s theater.
The area definitely isn’t short of activities either. You can enjoy fishing, horseback riding, boating, hunting, biking and even windsurfing. Hiking the Walking Dunes of Napeague Bay is another popular activity at Hither Hills State Park.
Green Lakes State Park
CENTRAL NEW YORK
Phone: (315) 637-6111
Address: 7900 Green Lakes Rd, Fayetteville, NY 13066, United States
Activities and Amenities Highlights:
- Swimming
- Kayaking
- Rowboats
- Golf
- Hiking/Cross-country skiing
Yes, you got it right! As the name suggests, one of the prominent features of this state park is its turquoise, crystal-clean lakes – Round Lake and Green Lake.
They provide visitors with amazing swimming and fishing opportunities and kayak and rowboat rentals. For those who prefer to stay on the ground, the state park offers numerous hiking trails and an 18-hole golf course. In winter, the area is perfect for cross-country skiing.
Both tent and RV sites are available as well as cabins. All around the park, you will find plenty of picnic tables and fire pits.
Set just about 15 minutes from downtown Syracuse, Green Lakes State Park is just a great spot for a weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Lake George RV Park
EASTERN NEW YORK
Phone: (518) 792-3775
Address: 74 NY-149, Lake George, NY 12845, United States
Activities and Amenities Highlights:
- Pool
- Fishing
- Cinema
- Trolley services
This resort-like RV park has everything that even the most demanding camper could be looking for. The park boasts numerous amenities, including indoor and outdoor heated pools, sports courts, a fitness center, an on-site café, and a cinema. Moreover, it is surrounded by various hiking and bike trails. You can also engage in fishing and paddle-boarding in the neighboring Lake George.
Each of the 400 RV campsites has electrical and septic service, water, cable TV, free Wi-Fi, and a picnic table with a fire ring. No RV? No problem! You can rent one of their 40-foot park models. Pet-friendly units are available too.
There are also a lot of restaurants and shops nearby. And what is the best? The unique Lake George RV Park trolley will take you there for free.
The rates start at USD$ 89 per night per RV site and USD$ 245 per lodging. Note that the prices highly vary depending on your date of arrival.
New York City North/Newburgh KOA Holiday
SOUTHERN NEW YORK
Phone: (845) 564-2836
Address: 119 Freetown Hwy, Plattekill, NY 12589, United States
Activities and Amenities Highlights:
- Pool
- Climbing wall
- Mini-golf
- Breakfast pancakes
Just a stone throw’s away from New York City, this KOA provides the best of both worlds — local farm markets, country scenery, and proximity to the metropolis. Fuel up with a free pancake breakfast, and hop on a New York City sightseeing tour which leaves straight from the KOA. It stops at the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 Memorial, Rockefeller Center, and Times Square. Keep in mind that the tour is available only from May through October.
Other area attractions include Franklin D. Roosevelt’s home, West Point, and local wineries. Back at the campground, you can enjoy two swimming pools, a fishing pond, a jumping pillow, a climbing wall, a basketball, or a mini-golf.
You can choose from a variety of pull-through and back-in RV sites, tent sites, as well as cabins. The prices vary depending on the rig site, season, and length of your stay. Discounted rates for extended stays are available too.
Selkirk Shores State Park
WESTERN NEW YORK
Phone: (315) 298-5737
Address: 7101 NY-3, Pulaski, NY 13142, United States
Activities and Amenities Highlights:
- Fishing
- Hiking and biking trails
- Bird watching
Located on the banks of Lake Ontario, Selkirk Shores State Park provides outstanding opportunities for camping, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and cycling. Whereas during the winter season, you can take part in several snow sports, such as cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, or snowshoeing.
As the park sits on a popular migration route for different bird species, it is also a perfect spot for bird watching. You might as well enjoy tossing a boat in the Salmon River or head down to the Sandy Island Beach State Park for a dip.
Enjoy spectacular sunsets from one of the campsites overlooking the lake, or stay in one of their comfortable cabins. The prices begin at USD$ 21 per night per campsite and USD$ 101.5 per cabin.
Deerpark/New York City NW KOA Holiday
SOUTHERN NEW YORK
Phone: (845) 754-8388
Address: 108 Guymard Turnpike, Godeffroy, NY 12729, United States
Activities and Amenities Highlights:
- Fishing
- Pool
- Mining sluice
Nestled along the historic Neversink River and just an hour and a half drive from the center of New York City, this KOA campground is an excellent choice for a weekend retreat or a base camp for discovering the city and the surroundings.
You can go fly fishing, swimming, tubing, or kayaking in the river, or enjoy some of the many activities the campground has to offer. Those include swimming pool, volleyball, disc golf, jumping pillow, mining sluice, rock climbing, and plenty of more. There is also a commuter train straight to the center of New York City.
The campsites are spread around a peaceful wooded setting, either on secluded grassy clearings or by the riverfront. The RV sites can accommodate 30 and 50 amp rigs with a maximum length of 70 feet, and they range from water only to full hook-ups. There are also cabins, yurts, and cottages for rent. Tent sites are available too.
The prices vary depending on the rig size, season, and length of your stay.
Stony Brook State Park
WESTERN NEW YORK
Phone: (585) 335-5530
Address: Dansville, NY 14437, United States
Activities and Amenities Highlights:
- Hiking
- Sports courts
- Stream-fed pool
Spread around a rugged gorge in the rolling hills of Western New York, Stony Brook State Park Campground provides rich scenery for camping, picnicking, and hiking.
The park has a picnic area with tables, grills, restrooms, a playground, and a natural swimming pool. There are also various playfields, including a baseball field, tennis courts, basketball, and volleyball courts. Hikers can choose from three hiking trails.
The Gorge Trail passes all three major waterfalls. Whereas the Rim Trails overlook the waterfalls and some fascinating rock formations.
The campground features 88 campsites, one group site, and 8 rustic cabins. Note that neither the sites nor the cabins offer electricity or water. However, there are comfort stations with those services and a dump station at each loop.
The prices start at USD$ 15 per night per campsite and USD$ 45.50 per cabin.
Chenango Valley State Park
SOUTHERN NEW YORK
Phone: (607) 648-5251
Address: 153 State Park Rd, Chenango Forks, NY 13746, United States
Activities and Amenities Highlights:
- Golf course
- Wildlife viewing
- Group pavilions
Chenango Valley State Park boasts two kettle lakes — Lily and Chenango. Fishermen can spot trout, bass, perch, or bullhead. Whereas bird watchers may glimpse woodpeckers, nuthatches, warblers, and thrushes. The lakes are also home to herons, ducks, and kingfishers. Golf lovers will appreciate the 18-hole golf course. And in winter, visitors can engage in sledding, or cross-country skiing.
The campground itself features 184 campsites and 24 cabins. There are also three pavilions which can accommodate from 50 to 800 people. Great for birthdays, weddings, and other celebrations.
The rates begin at USD$ 15 nightly per site and USD$ 87.50 per cabin. Prices for the pavilions range from USD$ 75 to USD$ 200.
Cranberry Lake Campground
NORTHERN NEW YORK
Phone: (315) 848-2315
Address: 230 Lone Pine Rd, Cranberry Lake, NY 12927, United States
Activities and Amenities Highlights:
- Boating
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Hiking
Based in a picturesque wooded setting alongside Cranberry Lake, this campground is a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts, as well as vacationers. The waterside features a boat launch, a sandy beach, and a fishing pier, a place to see trout, bass, and panfish. There are also numerous hiking trails in the area, suitable for both novice hikers and experienced climbers.
The first 15 sites were built in 1935. A bathhouse and vault latrines were added in 1937. Today, there are 171 campsites spread under the forest canopy, providing shade on hot summer days with some extra privacy. Amenities include hot showers, flush toilets, and a picnic area with tables, fireplaces, and grills.
The prices start at USD$ 20 per night.
Eight Lake Campground
CENTRAL NEW YORK
Phone: (315) 354-4120
Address: 1353 NY-28, Inlet, NY 13360, United States
Activities and Amenities Highlights:
- Swimming
- Canoeing
- Boating
- Hiking
Located on the southeast shore of Eight Lake, this campground offers numerous recreational opportunities, such as canoeing, boating, hiking, bicycling, and fishing for trout and smallmouth bass. There are also adjacent ponds with salmons.
The campsites are large and very well forested. They can accommodate both tents and RVs up to 40 feet large. Amenities include a picnic area with tables and fireplaces, hot showers, and flush toilets.
For amusement, you can visit the Old Forge region famous for its restaurants and golf courses, or the Adirondack Museum at Blue Mountain Lake.
Overnight rates begin at USD$ 22.
Conclusion
As you can see, the State of New York is not just about the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. It also offers some breathtaking waterfalls, pristine mountains, lakes, and sandy beaches. Lodging in a hotel in the center of the city can be costly. Therefore, camping is a perfect option if you are looking to explore the city and the surroundings on a budget.
