Best Places To Camp In New York

Discover the Best Places To Camp In New York, from the peaceful Adirondacks to stunning waterfall parks. You are an experienced camper or a beginner New York provide you some peaceful and fantastic waterfall and sandy beaches. If you love to camping beside an amazing lake or relax nature views, and wonderful lake view. New York provide you a perfect sites and destinations. Here you will find out the best time, thing that required, and best site for you. Ready to turn your camping dreams into reality? Book your campsite reservation now and start your unforgettable New York adventure today!

Table of Contents

1. Adirondack State Park– Wilderness Camping in Northern New York

Serene lake view surrounded by pine trees at Adirondack State Park, one of the best camping spots in NY.

Step into a world where nature whispers peace—Adirondack Park offers one of the best places to camp across New York’s scenic wilderness.

Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-August) for warm weather and outdoor activities. Fall (September-October) for beautiful foliage.
Camping Equipment: Tent or RV, hiking boots, layered clothing for changing temperatures, and bear-proof food containers.
Type of Camping: Tent and RV camping. Ideal for hiking, fishing, and exploring the vast wilderness.

2. Catskill Park – Forest Escapes in Upstate New York

Campsite under tall trees in Catskill Park, perfect for forest lovers seeking the best campgrounds in New York.

If your soul longs for forest trails and starlit nights, the Catskills are calling—this region is among the top New York camping destinations.

Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-August) for pleasant weather and hiking. Fall (September-October) for stunning autumn colors.
Camping Equipment: Tent or RV, hiking gear, sun protection, and layered clothing.
Type of Camping: Tent and RV camping. Perfect for exploring trails, waterfalls, and scenic views.

3. Letchworth State Park– Camp Beside the Grand Canyon of the East

Overlook of a waterfall at Letchworth State Park, one of New York’s most breathtaking camping sites.

Feel the roar of waterfalls and the calm of nature—Letchworth is one of those camping places in New York that truly touches the heart.

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-June) and Fall (September-November) for comfortable temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer is also popular.
Camping Equipment: Tent or RV, camera, hiking boots, and sun protection.
Type of Camping: Tent and RV camping. Ideal for enjoying the gorges, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

4. Harriman State Park – Peaceful Tents and Pine Trails Near NYC

Only a short drive from the city, Harriman Park brings you the best of both worlds—urban escape and nature’s embrace.

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-June) and Fall (September-November) for mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is also good for outdoor activities.
Camping Equipment: Tent or RV, hiking gear, and sun protection.
Type of Camping: Tent and RV camping. Great for hiking and exploring the park’s extensive trail network.

5. Lake Placid – Mountain Camp Life in the Adirondacks

Tent pitched near a quiet lake in Harriman State Park, ideal for peaceful camping in New York.

Craving crisp air, alpine lakes, and Olympic charm? Lake Placid is not just beautiful—it’s one of the best New York areas to camp with family.

Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-August) for warm weather and lake activities. Winter is popular for skiing and snowboarding.
Camping Equipment: Tent or RV, water gear (for lake activities), and layered clothing for varying temperatures.
Type of Camping: Tent and RV camping. Perfect for lakeside recreation and exploring the Adirondacks.

6. Watkins Glen State Park– Camp Amidst Waterfall Trails

Morning mist over Lake Placid with campers by the shore, a top camping experience in Upstate New York.

Let cascading waterfalls be your lullaby—Watkins Glen is among the best New York camping getaways for nature and photography lovers alike.

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-June) and Fall (September-November) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is popular for waterfall viewing.
Camping Equipment: Tent or RV, hiking boots, and sun protection.
Type of Camping: Nearby camping (no camping directly at the park). Ideal for exploring the gorge and waterfalls.

7. Robert Moses State Park– Coastal Camping on Long Island

Beach campsite view at Robert Moses State Park, offering coastal camping experiences in New York. — Streaky colorful sunset clouds in the sky with a wooden boardwalk leading to a stone lighthouse. Fire Island, Long Island New York

Wake up to the ocean breeze—this barrier island park offers some of the finest seaside campgrounds in all of New York.

Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-August) for beachside activities and warm weather. Spring and Fall are also pleasant but less crowded.
Camping Equipment: Tent or RV, beach gear (for swimming and sunbathing), and sun protection.
Type of Camping: Tent and RV camping. Great for beachside relaxation and enjoying the St. Lawrence River.

8. Jones Beach State Park – Family Beachside Camping in NY

Sandy shores and blue waters at Jones Beach State Park, a favorite beach camping location in NY.

If saltwater and sunshine heal your spirit, Jones Beach provides the best places to pitch a tent near waves and wonder.

Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-August) for beach activities and warm weather. Spring and Fall are less crowded but cooler.
Camping Equipment: Tent or RV, beach gear, and sun protection.
Type of Camping: Nearby camping (no camping directly at the park). Ideal for beach access and coastal activities.

9. Schroon Lake – Peaceful Lakeside Camping in Adirondacks

Let your worries drift away with the ripples—Schroon Lake is a hidden gem among New York’s peaceful lakefront campgrounds.

Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-August) for warm weather and lake activities. Fall (September-October) for beautiful foliage.
Camping Equipment: Tent or RV, water gear (for swimming and boating), and sun protection.
Type of Camping: Tent and RV camping. Perfect for lakeside camping and outdoor recreation.

10. Cherry Plain State Park – Secluded Forest Camping in NY

Remote wooded campsite in Cherry Plain State Park, a quiet place to camp in New York.

Reconnect with silence and simplicity—Cherry Plain offers quiet campsites nestled deep in one of New York’s lesser-known forest parks.

Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-August) for warm weather and lake activities. Fall (September-October) for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Camping Equipment: Tent or RV, water gear (for swimming), and sun protection.
Type of Camping: Tent and RV camping. Ideal for forested camping and enjoying the lake.

11. Taughannock Falls State Park – Camp by Towering Waterfalls

Campsite near Taughannock Falls, one of New York’s most scenic camping areas.

With one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Rockies, this park delivers awe and serenity in every camping night.

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-June) and Fall (September-November) for comfortable weather and fewer crowds. Summer is also popular.
Camping Equipment: Tent or RV, hiking gear, and sun protection.
Type of Camping: Nearby camping (no camping directly at the park). Ideal for exploring the falls and scenic trails.

12. Allegany State Park – Southern NY’s Wilderness Retreat

Looking for untouched nature and rustic beauty? Allegany is a top choice for those seeking forest-rich camping in New York’s southern corner.

Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-August) for warm weather and outdoor activities. Fall (September-October) for vibrant foliage.
Camping Equipment: Tent or RV, hiking gear, and sun protection.
Type of Camping: Tent and RV camping. Great for forested camping and lake activities.

13. Stony Brook State Park – Creekside Camping in Western New York

Tent pitched along a creek at Stony Brook State Park, one of the best NY parks for nature camping.

Where babbling brooks and lush trails meet—Stony Brook is perfect for peaceful escapes and scenic campfires.

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-June) and Fall (September-November) for pleasant temperatures and scenic views. Summer can be busy.
Camping Equipment: Tent or RV, hiking boots, and sun protection.
Type of Camping: Nearby camping (no camping directly at the park). Perfect for hiking and exploring the gorges.

14. Wellesley Island State Park – Island Camping in the Thousand Islands

Island campsite with water views at Wellesley Island State Park, a unique Thousand Islands camping experience.

Sleep under the stars surrounded by water—Wellesley Island is one of the best New York camping sites with a unique island twist.

Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-August) for warm weather and water activities. Fall (September-October) for beautiful foliage and fewer crowds.
Camping Equipment: Tent or RV, water gear (for boating), and sun protection.
Type of Camping: Tent and RV camping. Ideal for waterfront camping and exploring the Thousand Islands.

15. Finger Lakes National Forest– Camp in Wine Country Wilderness

Scenic campsite in Finger Lakes National Forest, combining wilderness with Finger Lakes charm.

Where vineyards meet forests, the Finger Lakes National Forest offers rustic beauty and one of the most underrated places to camp in New York.

Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-August) for warm weather and outdoor activities. Fall (September-October) for beautiful autumn colors.
Camping Equipment: Tent, hiking gear, and sun protection.
Type of Camping: Tent camping. Great for forested camping and hiking in the Finger Lakes region.

These camping spots in New York offer a range of experiences, from lakeside and beach camping to forested and mountainous settings. Choose the one that suits your interests and enjoy the natural beauty of New York!

If you’re dreaming of evergreen forests and mountain views, don’t miss our guide to the Best Places To Camp In Washington.