If you love camping, New York has some seriously amazing spots to pitch a tent or park your RV.
You can sleep beside a quiet lake, wake up to ocean waves, or camp deep in the woods with hiking trails right outside your tent.
Some places have waterfalls, others have sandy beaches, and a few even have hidden swimming holes that feel like a secret escape.
Whether you want to kayak, fish, hike, or just roast marshmallows by the fire, there’s a perfect campground waiting for you—so keep reading to find your next favorite spot!
1. Buck Pond Campground
Buck Pond Campground is a peaceful spot in the northern Adirondacks, about 14 miles from Saranac Lake, with campsites right along the water and in the woods.
You can camp in a tent or RV, but there are no electric hookups, so be ready to unplug and enjoy nature.
The campground has a sandy beach, boat rentals, picnic areas, and hot showers,
with opportunities to fish in the pond or paddle to nearby Lake Kushaqua.
It’s open from late May to early September, and you’ll need to book a site through the New York State camping reservation system online or by phone.
2. Sears Bellows County Park
If you’re looking for a great camping location on Long Island, Sears Bellows County Park in Hampton Bays is a solid choice.
This campground offers sites for both tents and RVs, providing a lovely outdoor experience for all campers.
There’s a freshwater lake for fishing, several hiking trails, and even horseback riding trails if you’re up for an adventure.
From April through November, campsites are open for booking through Suffolk County Parks’ online reservation system.
3. Hither Hills Campground
Hither Hills Campground in Montauk is an incredible place to camp right by the ocean.
With over 150 campsites just a few steps away from the beach, you can fall asleep to the sound of the waves.
There are hot showers, a playground, hiking trails through the dunes, and fishing and biking if you want to stay active.
Because the campground fills up fast, reserve a site early on the New York State Parks website between April and mid-November.
4. Beaver Pond Campground, Harriman State Park
If you want a camping spot that’s close to New York City but still feels like a getaway, Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park is a must-visit.
This campground has tent and RV sites, plus easy access to Lake Welch, where you can swim or relax on the sandy beach.
There are also tons of hiking trails nearby, including sections of the Appalachian Trail, so it’s perfect if you love exploring on foot.
Plan your stay between April and October by reserving a campsite through the New York State Parks reservation system.
5. Wildwood State Park
For camping with amazing views of the Long Island Sound, Wildwood State Park in Wading River is a top choice.
With tent and RV sites available, plus bathrooms equipped with hot showers, the campground offers a great blend of comfort and outdoor fun.
You can swim at the beach, go fishing, or hike along the bluffs for some incredible waterfront scenery.
You can secure an available spot from April through October via the New York State Parks website.
6. Watkins Glen State Park
If you want to camp near one of the most breathtaking gorges in the state, Watkins Glen State Park is the place to be.
Whether you prefer to stay in the campground’s tent and RV sites or cabins, you will be just a short walk away from the park’s famous waterfall-filled gorge trail.
You can also check out the nearby Seneca Lake for boating and wineries or explore other Finger Lakes hiking trails.
Camping season runs from mid-May to mid-October, and you’ll need to book a site through the New York State Parks reservation system.
7. Fahnestock State Park Campground
Fahnestock State Park Campground in the Hudson Valley is an excellent pick if you’re looking for a quiet camping trip surrounded by forests and lakes.
Located near Stillwater Lake, this campground offers 80 designated sites for tents and trailers, along with opportunities for kayaking and fishing.
There are miles of hiking trails, including sections of the Appalachian Trail, and a swimming area to cool off in the summer.
It’s open from mid-May to November, and you’ll need to reserve a site through the New York State Parks website.
8. Fish Creek Pond Campground
If you love camping right on the water, Fish Creek Pond Campground in the Adirondacks is hard to beat.
Almost every site is lakeside, so you can launch a kayak, fish, or just enjoy the view without leaving your campsite.
There are also hiking and biking trails nearby, plus a sandy swimming area and hot showers to rinse off after a day outside.
It’s open from mid-May to early October, and you can book a site through the New York State camping reservation system.
9. Taconic State Park
Taconic State Park in the Hudson Valley is a solid choice for a camping trip with mountain views and hiking.
You can stay in a tent, RV, or cabin, all within easy reach of Bash Bish Falls—the tallest waterfall in Massachusetts, right on the New York border.
There’s also swimming in the Ore Pit Pond, plus fishing, biking, and tons of trails to explore.
The campground is open from May to late November, and you can reserve a spot through the New York State Parks website.
10. Nicks Lake Campground
Nicks Lake Campground near Old Forge is the place to be if you’re looking for a peaceful camping spot in the Adirondacks.
The campground has tent and RV sites, plus a sandy beach and hiking trails that wind through the forest.
The lake is motor-free, so it’s perfect for paddling and fishing without loud boat engines disturbing the peace.
Book a site through the New York State camping reservation system to stay anytime between mid-May and October.
11. Woodland Valley Campground
For an authentic back-to-nature camping experience, Woodland Valley Campground in the Catskills is a perfect choice.
This campground sits at the base of Slide Mountain, the highest peak in the Catskills, making it a prime location for hikers tackling the challenging trails nearby.
There’s no swimming or boating here, but you’ll have direct access to some of the best hiking in the region, including the famous Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail.
Enjoy camping here from mid-May to mid-October by reserving a site through the New York State camping reservation system.
12. Green Lakes State Park
If you want to camp near some of the most unique lakes in New York, Green Lakes State Park near Syracuse is an amazing option.
The park’s two glacial lakes, Green Lake and Round Lake, have striking blue-green water and are perfect for swimming (Green Lake only) or just relaxing on the sandy beach.
The campground has tent and RV sites, plus cabins and several hiking and biking trails that wind through the forest and around the lakes.
From mid-May to early October, this place is open for adventurers, so be sure to reserve a site in advance through the New York State Parks website.
13. Hamlin Beach State Park Campground
For lakeside camping with beautiful sunsets, Hamlin Beach State Park Campground on the southern shore of Lake Ontario is a fantastic choice.
The campground has tent and RV sites with easy access to sandy beaches, picnic areas, and paved trails for biking or walking along the water.
You can swim, fish, or even see migrating birds in the spring and fall, making it a cool destination for nature lovers.
The camping season stretches from mid-May to mid-October, with reservations required through the New York State Parks reservation system.
14. Fillmore Glen State Park
If you love waterfalls and hiking, Fillmore Glen State Park in the Finger Lakes is a stunning place to camp.
The campground has tent and RV sites, all surrounded by thick woods and scenic trails that lead to five waterfalls.
There’s also a natural swimming hole fed by a stream, making it a refreshing place to cool off in the summer.
Make your reservations through the New York State Parks website and enjoy the season from mid-May to mid-October.
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