There’s something about camping by a lake that makes everything better, from morning coffee with misty mountain views to magical nights under a starry sky.
New York is surprisingly packed with incredible lakeside campgrounds, ranging from sandy beaches perfect for summer days to remote wilderness retreats.
Whether you prefer a drive-up site with amenities or a remote escape only accessible by boat, there’s a lakeside campsite here waiting for you.
Ready to find your unforgettable camping getaway?
Let’s pack up and get going!
1. Fair Haven Beach State Park (Lake Ontario)
Fair Haven Beach State Park sits right on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario in upstate New York, serving up sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and gorgeous sunsets.
Camping here means you’ve got options – pull in with your RV, pitch a tent in the woods, or go for one of the rustic cabins, all within walking distance of the lake.
The swimming area is huge (with a lifeguard on duty in summer), and if you’re into kayaking you can do that on Sterling Pond.
When you’re not relaxing by the campfire, you can hike the Lakeshore Trail for lake views or take a quick trip to the village of Fair Haven for ice cream and seafood.
2. Wellesley Island State Park
Wellesley Island State Park, located in the Thousand Islands on the St. Lawrence River, is a dream spot for campers who love a mix of waterfront views and deep-woods adventure.
This place has one of the biggest campgrounds in New York with over 400 sites in total!
You’ll find RV sites, secluded tent spots hidden in the forest, and cozy cabins and cottages.
The real magic?
Kayaking through the maze of tiny islands, fishing for pike and perch, or hiking the trails at the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center.
After a day of exploring, nothing beats watching boats cruise by from your campsite, roasting marshmallows by the fire, and falling asleep to the sound of the river.
3. Cranberry Lake Campground
Cranberry Lake Campground is pure Adirondack wilderness – no big towns, no boat traffic, just miles of forest, a huge quiet lake, and stunning night skies.
Most campsites are right on the water or tucked under towering pines, making them the perfect place to unplug, build a crackling fire, and soak in the peace and quiet.
Paddlers will love exploring Cranberry Lake’s calm, glassy waters, while hikers can tackle the Cranberry Lake 50.
This rugged 50-mile loop trail circles the entire lake, and if you prefer a shorter trek, you can just hike a section of it.
4. Saranac Lake Islands Campground
At Saranac Lake Islands Campground, your campsite isn’t just near the water—it’s surrounded by it.
Accessible only by boat, this spot is all about waking up to loon calls, paddling straight from your tent, and feeling like you have the entire Adirondacks to yourself.
You can rent a canoe in town or bring your own to hop between islands, fish for bass, or just float with a cold drink while soaking in those mountain views.
Back on the mainland, the town of Saranac Lake has everything you need for a quick supply run, plus cool local spots for activities like Mount Pisgah’s biking trails.
5. Alger Island Campground (Fourth Lake)
Alger Island Campground on Fourth Lake is another boat-in-only adventure with pine-covered shores, crystal-clear water, and epic mountain backdrops in every direction.
Each campsite sits along the island’s edge, so you can cast a fishing line from shore, or sip your coffee while watching the mist rise over the water.
Days here are filled with paddling around the Fulton Chain of Lakes, spotting loons and herons, and maybe even heading to Inlet or Old Forge for some good food.
And when the sun goes down, it’s just you, your campfire, and a million stars overhead – no traffic noise, no crowds, just pure camping bliss.
6. Golden Beach Campground (Raquette Lake)
Golden Beach Campground on Raquette Lake delivers a blend of sandy shoreline, tall pines, and easy access to some of the best paddling in the Adirondacks.
Unlike the boat-in-only spots, you can drive right up to your campsite here, but it still feels wild and remote, with huge, shaded sites and a picture-perfect beach.
Raquette Lake is also great for exploring—paddle past historic Great Camps, fish for lake trout, or hop on the W.W. Durant steamboat for a scenic boat cruise.
If you’re up for more, Blue Mountain is just a short drive away, where you can hike to a fire tower for panoramic views or check out the Adirondack Experience museum.
(Adirondack Experience normally closes in October and usually reopens in May.)
7. Moffitt Beach Campground (Sacandaga Lake)
Moffitt Beach Campground on Sacandaga Lake offers massive campsites, a huge sandy beach, and a lake so big you’ll never run out of places to explore.
The swimming area by the beach is one of the best in the Adirondacks, with shallow, clear waters that are amazing for families.
There’s also plenty of room to launch a kayak, paddleboard, or even a small motorboat.
Fishing here is top-notch, with bass and trout lurking in the waters, while hikers can hit nearby trails like Auger Falls for a quick waterfall adventure.
8. Lake George Island Camping
Lake George Island Camping is where you go if you want your campsite to feel like it’s basically a private island on a breathtaking lake.
Scattered across the lake are boat-in-only sites that range from tiny, private hideaways to larger islands big enough for a group.
Days are spent paddling through hidden coves or cruising to lakeside towns like Bolton Landing or the town of Lake George for supplies, waterfront dining, or a round of mini-golf.
At night, the lake calms down, the stars come out, and it’s just you, your campfire, and the quiet lapping of waves.
9. Moreau Lake State Park
Moreau Lake State Park is the perfect mix of peaceful lakeside camping and top-notch outdoor adventure, all just a short drive from Saratoga Springs.
The campground sits right on the shore of Moreau Lake, where you can swim in the calm, motor-free water, rent a kayak, or just unwind on the sandy beach.
If you’re up for a hike, the park’s trails lead to some incredible overlooks of the Hudson River, and in the fall, the vibrant foliage makes every view look like a postcard.
And when you’re ready for a change of pace, Saratoga’s famous racetrack, restaurants, and mineral springs are just 20 minutes away.
10. Glimmerglass State Park (Otsego Lake)
Glimmerglass State Park sits on the shores of Otsego Lake, a place so pretty it’s literally called “Glimmerglass” in The Leatherstocking Tales by James Fenimore Cooper.
Camping here means waking up to lake views, spending the day swimming at the beach, kayaking across glassy water, or fishing for lake trout and smallmouth bass.
The park’s trails wind through rolling hills and past the historic Hyde Hall, a 19th-century mansion with some serious haunted house vibes.
(Hyde Hall normally closes in October and usually reopens in May.)
Since you’re just a few minutes from Cooperstown, you can take a break from nature to visit the Baseball Hall of Fame or sample craft brews at Brewery Ommegang.
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