Romantic forest camping in New York

Whether you prefer a beach, forest, or mountain getaway—NY state has it all.

99% (4153 reviews)

United States
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New York

99% (4153 reviews)

Popular camping styles for New York

Community favorites in New York

Star Hosts in New York

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Mt Baker Tiny Cabin

1 site · Lodging3 acres · Saranac Lake, NY

This off-the-grid tiny house is nestled on a 23 acre parcel at the end of a quarter-mile dirt road. The property itself is secluded but is less than 2 miles from the heart of Saranac Lake's downtown. This property is bordered by the Saranac River, the backside of Baker Mountain and State Forest. The only other building on the property is our timberframe which we may or may not be at during the time of your visit. The property does have private trails up to the cliffs on the backside of Baker mtn however, the Saranac River is down a steep embankment so it does not make for a good place to launch a boat (several public boat launches nearby). The Mt Baker tiny house is a great basecamp for hiking the Saranac Lake 6-ers, paddling/boating along the Saranac Chain of lakes or Saranac River, Mountain Biking at Dewey, Pisgah or other nearby BETA trails. IMPORTANT DETAILS: This tiny cabin is completely off the grid: no electricity, heat or cooling. Queen sized bed - we provide the linens. The driveway is narrow - so nothing in tow. Drinking water is provided via jug and dispenser. There is a brand new outhouse (no flushable toilet) We have a designated spot for campfires (smores are a must) There is an older propane grill outside for guest use

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Burr Oaks Forest secluded campsites

6 sites · Lodging, Tents18 acres · Big Indian, NY

Secluded “Hike In” Campsites in the center of the Catskill Forest Preserve. Easy access to State lands, West Branch of Neversink River and many hiking trails. Mountain Views, Clear Night Skies, Pond, Spring Fed Mountain Brooks, Property Hikes, Gardens, Chickens and more. Eggs, fruits and vegetables available in season. Extras include eggs, firewood, luggage hauling, a mountain tent, canopy shelters and Solo Bonfire stoves. Please add extras at time of booking to insure availability and we will set them up on the site you chose before you arrive.

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Angie's Country Cabins B&B

11 sites · Lodging10 acres · Cassadaga, NY

Amazing little camping spot, we have 6 cabins on site and a glamping tent nestled in the woods as well as a guest room we rent. Nice back porch with hot tub- bar- table- grill. Pavilion with picnic table at the main house. Plenty of Parking. Only the country cabin you can drive right up to the cabin. The rest of the rentals you MUST WALK to. No big hills. Super quiet spot in nature. Unplug and reconnect with nature and each other. Leashed dogs are welcome. No cats allowed inside any rentals. Please do not bring animals who are known to be unfriendly towards humans & other animals.

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Red Rock Off-Grid Cabin

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Hobart, NY

Learn more about this land: *Please note: while this property is available for cold-weather bookings, it is unheated and off-grid. In order to camp here outside of the summer months, you will need to bring a propane heater or other portable, self-fuelled heating device with you.* Cosy up in my cute 10x12 wood cabin with a star-gazing/yoga platform on the edge of the forest in the beautiful Catskills. Walk down through the forest to the creek and gather around the firepit in the evening. There is also plenty of space to pitch additional tents around the cabin or in the woods. The cabin, a repurposed and insulated tiny barn, comes with: — A double bed (please bring your own linens/sleeping bag) — Outdoor chairs and beanbag — A propane-fueled camp stove — A large Coleman cooler — Rechargeable lantern — Cooking/ dining gear (including basic condiments like olive oil, salt, hot sauce etc — and a camp coffee maker!) — A spare tent and inflatable mattress for additional guests — A zip line for visiting dogs, so your best friend can also enjoy more of the outdoors. — Firewood is not included, but can be purchased when you book, and is also available at several nearby stores. The cute small towns of Hobart and Stamford are both under 10 mins drive away, with coffee shops, bookstores and supermarket. Just outside of Stamford, there is lake with public access for swimming. The Bramley Mountain trailhead is 20 minutes drive away, and access to the 19-mile-long Catskill Scenic Trail is in nearby South Kortright.

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Underhill Forest and Farm

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents36 acres · Dryden, NY

Underhill Inn is a small homestead located in the Finger Lakes region tucked in the rolling hills near Dryden Lake. We have a small garden, a flock of sheep and chickens, hives of honeybees and countless wild foraging on our 36 acres of pasture and hiking trails. Take a walk down to Brockendock pond and cruise across the water in a canoe or paddleboat to find peepers, heron, toads and turtles. Drop a line in the water to catch trout, bass and sunnies. The chicken coop is always bustling and there are plenty of eggs to harvest each day. A morning hike on the trails usually kicks up the deer and wild turkeys and at night the barn owl will sing for you if you listen close. Adults and children are welcome to pet and feed the animals on the farm. There are farm tours available where you can learn more about our mushroom garden, composting techniques, blueberries, felting, and more.

12 top forest campgrounds in New York

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BeaverWood Farm (no children)

62 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Ferndale, NY

A 15 acre farm with over 100 LOOSE FARM ANIMALS! Lake view, free boats, hot shower, picnic tables, fire rings, RVs up to 16 ft. No children under 16. There are no specific campsites here. Cheap firewood, $20/shelf. We provide a custom Google Map, full of farm details and several local activities like boating to our corner store, hiking up a nearby mountain and swimming in a secret swimming hole. Well behaved dogs are welcome and may be off leash. We cannot offer reimbursement for tents damaged by animals. This is extremely rare, but it CAN happen. If you do not wish to put your tent at risk, please do not camp here. We charge "per person, per night", not by the campsite or vehicle. Follow us on Instagram or Facebook: @beaverwoodfarmers

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Sacred Waterfall & Quiet Camping

46 sites · Lodging25 acres · Middleburgh, NY

NOTE: THIS IS A QUIET CAMPING AREA for reconnecting with nature. Not suitable for parties or loud groups. Kahonrakén:ra, The White Spiral Waterfall, is a world unto itself. For generations, the majestic waterfall has been revered for its spectacular beauty and power. It is considered a sacred site that has been central to local land rematriation work with the Kanienkeha:ka, also known as the Mohawks, the original inhabitants of Ioskóhare, the Schoharie Valley. Coursing between two outcroppings in a deep ravine, Kahonrakén:ra Waterfall crashes down over mossy rock shelves into a hidden pool, which then empties again into the river, running into emerald swimming holes and through dramatic clay beds. The effect is transporting. Truly, it is one of those extraordinarily beautiful spots on earth that makes you feel like you are in another world. There are two tiny cabins on the property. They are both accessed by separate footpaths through the forest, below an old red barn, surrounded by ash and walnut trees, singing birds, deer, wildflowers, and wild medicines. One cabin is in the forest, just beyond a grass circle clearing. The other is down the hill through a wildflower grove. Both sites have extra space to set up a tent if needed. The Forest Cabin is insulated with hemp, has electric lights and outlets, is bigger inside with a work desk, has Anderson crank out windows, has a bigger deck, and has two twin mattresses under the bed if you need them. The Wildflower Cabin is a bit deeper in the forest, a little smaller, uninsulated with two walls of old-school wood-pane windows that open out to the forest completely, one twin mattress under the bed and a powerstrip for light electric use. Both sites have private fire pits, solar shower stalls, fans for cooling and an oil filled electric heater for chilly nights. We do not allow partying. There is a profound healing process happening at the waterfall. At the request of the original caretakers, we ask that you to respect the sacredness of this land. Thank you! It's about a 10 minute hike down the gorge to the waterfall from the campsites. Each campsite has a private path down to the waterfall, where you can spend the day swimming, exploring the clay beds and looking for fossils in the 280 million year old gorge. In the evening, make a campfire at your fire pit and fall asleep under the stars listening to the waterfall and the river below. Be aware that the hike is steep and appropriate footwear is required. All hiking is at your own risk. Although your path to the waterfall is private and the waterfall is on private property, there may be other guests or locals that access the waterfall further down the road. There is no glass or alcohol allowed at the falls. Please be aware that you may hear your camping neighbors in the woods. For this reason, we ask that you don’t play amplified music and to keep noise down after 10pm so that your camping and local neighbors can chillax and enjoy the evening sounds of frogs, crickets, owls, and night songs of the countryside that makes Schoharie so special. In the big red barn at the entrance to the campsites there is a community room with a charging station, cold water sink, mini fridge, coffee maker, grills, and a port-a-potty for your use. There are also 5 gallon solar shower bags that you can use at your campsite. You are responsible for filling them and putting them in the sun to heat the water. :) This is a leave no trace campsite. Please take all your trash with you when you leave. And please bring your own biodegradable soap for dishes and toilet paper for the port-a-potty! Firewood is available onsite for $1 per log. Instructions for payment are in the community room next to the red silo at the barn. The wood is stacked at next to the red shed just uphill from the barn. You can also buy your own fire wood en route. We recommend that you buy kindling at the gas station on your way in. The Schoharie Valley is said to be the most fertile valley east of the Mississippi. It is still wild, unspoiled country and there are many local farms with fresh produce and organic meat within 5 miles of the house. There are several farm stands and a general store a few miles away, Scrumpy Ewe Cidery, Panther Creek Arts, and the Sap Bush Country Store and Café just up the hill in West Fulton. Mustang Valley, a wild mustang sanctuary and rescue center, is just down the road. Nearby hikes include Looking Glass Pond and Vroman's Nose, among many others.

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Queen's Cabin

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Kerhonkson, NY

Dog Friendly and Fully Fenced!! This rustic 600 square-foot cabin with a semi-private bedroom and a fold-out couch can comfortably sleep up to 4 adults. The bathroom and kitchen both have modern amenities. There's a wood stove but also electric heat and AC and hot water. Huge sliding glass doors open up to a wrap-around porch. No TV, but Wifi. There is an electric coffee pot, a French Press and a Nespresso. It sits on 5 wooded acres and nearly a full acre of cleared land is fenced, making it safe for dogs to run off leash. The house sits within the fenced in acre so you can conveniently open the doors and let your dogs run free. There is one visible house across the street from the front of the cabin but it feels very private in the back of the house. There is a firepit. There are two outbuildings onsite that are not available for rent at this time. The cabin is 20 mins from Minnewaska State Park and Mohonk Mountain House, and 35 mins from Kingston, New Paltz, Gardiner, Phonecia and Woodstock. Local restaurants of note include Mill and Main, Roughcut Brewing, Westwind Orchard, Arrowood Farms, and Harana. We live in the chalet next door where we offer small group fitness classes most days of the week. Ask us for more info if you're interested.

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Upper Shire Campsites Hudson Valley

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents22 acres · Hillsdale, NY

The Upper Shire Private Campsites in the Hudson Valley are on a gorgeous hill with a small pond surrounded by 22 acres of an old horse ranch. It is located in Columbia County near the Massachusetts and New York border. There are currently 5 unique camping areas located here. Each one is special due to its location on the hill. Check out our map and enjoy our spacious yet secluded campsites and our new off-grid double shower shack with hot and cold water on demand. This place has a relaxed atmosphere and is located near Catamount Ski Resort, Bash Bish Falls, Taconic State Park, Hudson NY, and Great Barrington, MA. If you plan on bringing a pet please be sure to add that fee to your booking under "extras" ($25) If you have additional guest(s) that would like to join you that fee is ($25 a night per person) and you will need to message us about how to arrange that. We have extra easy pop-up two-person tents available to rent ($15 for two nights) you can also find that option under "extras" along with bundles of firewood ($15)

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Glamping Tent Overlooking Waterfall

3 sites · Lodging12 acres · Downsville, NY

Learn more about this land: Stay in our cozy 8’x10 ‘ wall tent on a 14’x16’ deck built next to a waterfall. The site includes include a private outdoor shower and a well serviced outhouse per site. Relax in front of the fire pit and grill that overlooks the falls. You will have plenty of privacy, surrounded by woods, access to lush forest, and modern amenities such as: WiFiprovided by Starlink, queen bed, propane tent heater to keep you warm in the cooler months, Brooklinen sheets. The property allows lots of beauty, peace, and serenity. Feel free to roam the 12 acres of woods, fields, waterfalls, and brooks. There are 3 historic waterfalls on the property. Within our small town, you can find all your essential needs met at the stores close by, as well as some great restaurants. Area surrounding the site as well as the areas not surrounding the main house, are accessible with caution. Access to the brook is at your own risk. Brook subject to flooding. Please note location of water rescue equipment at the site. Don’t forget the ice for the Yeti cooler!

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Pooh’s Corner

9 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Watkins Glen, NY

WELCOME to Pooh's Corner- We hope you enjoy Pooh's Corner as much as we enjoy having all of you great Hipcampers sharing our beautiful Fingerlakes Region with us. Pooh's Corner lies in a rural area just 1.5 miles from Watkins Glen. (3315 County Road 28, Watkins Glen, NY 14891). We took great care to make sure each campsite is PRIVATE (parking on-site*) and the trails are easily navigable. Our 'Welcome Shed' is equipped with a compost toilet, local information, (newly added) Hot Water Station, first-aid kit, charging station, bug spray etc. and is located in a safe, well lit, open area on the property. Each site is equipped with a fire pit and comfortable seating with tables, chairs, and/or picnic tables and tripod grills. Firewood is available on a donation basis. There are State Parks and places to hike one of the many gorges around beautiful Seneca Lake and surrounding area. Take a tour of the many wineries and breweries which our region is famous for. Enjoy hiking, swimming, biking, kayaking, and many historical sites to see. Our reviews tell it all. We know you'll love it here :) *PLEASE NOTE: Our sites are custom made for TENT or CAR camping. Because we have "parking on-site", Large RVs, Campers (over 16'), and any 5th-wheel campers are very difficult to place since there are no easy ways to back in or turn around. We highly recommend "Havana Glen State Park" (same general area) for those types of camping units.

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The Record Room

1 site · Lodging16 acres · Glen Spey, NY

Step into a world of pure imagination... Welcome to The Record Room! Our property has a vast collection of vintage, classic, and current vinyl albums that play solely from solar power. Its audio system delivers the sound on the inside and out for a campfire mood that can't be beaten. Our Property is 16 acres with direct access to state land and the Monguap River with hundreds of acres of woods for you to explore. The river is close enough to be seen and heard from the cabin, but the adventure of getting there is half the fun! The Delaware River is only 2 miles from our location, and River rafting is a big business around here. A small artesian-fed creek runs right next to the cabin. It lends to the relaxing sounds of water with many quaint spots for you to dip your toes into, paired with a wood-fired tub that can only be explained by experience. Wildlife can be seen and heard all around you. Make sure you download a bird identifier app! A queen temper-pedic bed and super comfy overstuffed futon will assure a good night's slumber. The Record Room's covered outdoor kitchen is designed to extend the awesome vibes into every meal.. (I.E. Flat top grill, single burner and stainless grated grill all powered by propane, Cast iron frying pans, and utensils). Our outhouse is designed and maintained by the women of the family, and great pride is taken in making it a favorable experience. A small wood stove heats the Record Room on chilly mornings and nights. If you're looking for glamping, this is your place. We are always adding new features built from the sawmill operations of our homestead. We have a few spots available for your friend circle to pitch a tent and enjoy the experience with you. Feel free to reach out with any special requests; we enjoy a challenge! A basic convenience store can be located three miles to the right of our property with all your basic needs (including gas). For your grocery shopping, a small family-owned market can be found within 10 minutes up the road. If you're looking for activities, there are plenty of rafting/canoeing/kayaking companies for your enjoyment. Do you want to hike instead? We've got you covered. There are numerous trails, all in a hop, skip, and jump! Looking forward to seeing you soon!

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Majestic Farm & Organic Orchard

10 sites · Lodging18 acres · Woodridge, NY

Majestic Farm is an Animal Welfare Approved, Biodynamic Organic Farm. We have 6 acres of Organic Apples in addition to pigs, chickens, peacocks and geese roaming the grounds. Ask about our Organic apples in the fall and pasture raised heritage meats available all year round. Majestic Farm is a safe place. We welcome all members of the community, and emphasize that we are safe space for BIPOC and for members of the LGBTQI community. All people are beautiful. Be sure to message us if you would like to purchase firewood, meats or apples. Each tiny house as a full sized mattress, you can also rent a full sized cot for $20. You can message, we will leave your items for contact free pick-up and you can pay cash or venmo us later. Please carry out what you carry in and leave it clean for the next group. We clean between all visitors - and are currently keeping quite a distance to protect you, the site and everybody involved. The property is a 5 minute drive to the hamlet of Mountaindalewhich has a lovely Rail Trail for hikes and bikes, and some excellent dining options including @ highvoltagecatskills, in addition to creek bar a magical cafe & bar with outdoor seating and fire pits that serves delicious modern Polish American comfort food, great cocktails, and has live music and events on weekends. There is also an artisan pizza spot with indoor/outdoor seating, hipster vibes and fun cocktails and live music @ thedaleNY For shopping you can also stop by @ forageandgather - they have foods, meats, gourmet deli and coffee and carry all the little things you may have forgotten to bring along in addition to a locally and craft focused wine and spirits shop. Also stop by @badgrandmashop for the most vibrant and stylish clothes for all sizes and styles. Not to be missed. There is also a lovely yoga studio and bollywood dance spot in addition to some other delightful gems in town. There is superb hiking nearby at Neversink Unique Area in Rock Hill. Also Bashakill trails (and conveniently a vineyard with tastings and events right nearby). Your'e also about 30 minutes away from super cute fun larger towns and attractions like New Paltz, Livingston Manor, and tons of incredible Catskill hiking and nature opportunities. NOTE! There's an excellent Farmers Market on Saturday's in Rock Hill from 10-1pm from June to September also. Come find us there! As always - if you have any questions, issues, concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out - we are here to help!

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Sanctuary in the woods tent camp

3 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Newfield , NY

After traveling and living around the world, raising my kids... you can return home. I craved the seasons and the woods and some quiet peaceful land. I feel in love with this property as it had the perfect spot in the middle of the ten acres for a primitive camp, not to far from the house and driveway so very easy assess. A short walk up a trail. It is private and has lots of wildlife, the deers cross every morning and evening. We added another tent camp lower down on land near creek. It is a short 10 miles to Ithaca for provisions and other types of activities, or just stay and play on the land, fish, swim, hike, swing, rest, read, write, meditate, dream. come in peace or come to rediscover your peace. I look forward to meeting you Learn more about this land: We have 10 forested hilly acres 12 miles from Ithaca. We’ve built a camp with a covered dry lean-to with a double bed platform inside to put your sleeping bags or to put supplies off the ground and dry. Lots of room for tents. We have a primitive upper camp where you can also put tents for privacy. There’s a teepee with a wood base. The campfire has a grill, 2 homemade benches & an Adirondack chair. An orange hammock and also a picnic table. There’s a fun homemade swing & seesaw. We made many marked walking trails around our land to enjoy. There is access to well water. Dry cut Firewood is available for $7 a bundle in cash at the property or you can add extras with booking for $7.70 per bundle. Portable toilet outside, outdoor private shower. Come enjoy. It is very quiet. We are close to Treman, Buttermilk And Taughannock State Parks which all have swimming. Watkins Glen State Park and racetrack is half an hour away. Watkins Glen is breathtakingly magnificent. Also great cross country skiing, walking and hunting nearby at Connecticut Hill. There is downhill skiing at Greek Peak 45 minutes away if you are winter campers. We are 14 miles from Cornell University and 10 miles from Ithaca College. We are between two finger lakes, Cayuga and Seneca, there are 60 wineries and breweries around the lakes.Woman’s Rights National Museum in Seneca Falls, Corning Museum of Glass is fabulous. Ithaca has theatres, museums for art and lots to do for kids like a public pool on the lake.Or simply hang out and enjoy our ten private acres of forest. Check out Bobs workshop while you are here if you are interested. Theartistandbuilder.comOn Instagram and FB Robertroemischcreativearts. (Robert Roemisch)

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Mariaville Goat Farm Yurt

2 sites · Lodging8 acres · Pattersonville, NY

Mariaville Goat Farm is located on 8+ acres of natural beauty, eye-catching installations, and walking trails! Put life on pause, unplug, and relax! Take the time to enjoy the simple things that make a big difference - the sights/sounds of nature...cuddling with a goat...or an afternoon nap in a hammock!

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TainoWoods Fairy Magical Sweet Land

12 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Harris, NY

Jesse and Chantel are the kindhearted and dedicated keepers of this beautiful oasis. With twelve acres of pure forest and sweet river waters, our vision is to preserve and honor the ways of our ancestors for seven generations to come; and serve the community by sharing our indigenous practices. We are a healing Native American Sanctuary, and nature is our church so to all who are called to come and be present with gratitude and respect for the power of this planet. Enjoy this majestic sweet forest and feel the beautiful energy it has! We will share our indigenous ways with all who want to come join and pray with us. Each brother and sister will receive cedar to pray with their fire which represents Great Spirit(Yaya Guaturey), you can set your intensions to release what no longer serves your lives, and then to make space to receive what will bring harmony in. The East Mongaup River flows right along our land. We keep it clean and charged with good vibrations. It will surely melt away any stress you carry; sending you back home feeling renewed, restored, and rejuvenated! Our Taino Woods Sanctuary, a.k.a Fairy Magical Sweet Land, of twelve acres in the Catskills is the perfect place to commune in prayer, pitch your tent, gaze up at the stars, and unwind next to a nearby fire. This raw, soft, organic land is a home teeming with life. Listen to the birds as they sing throughout the day and into the night. (We call them the fairies). Look for the curious creatures that walk the earth like the frogs and newts. Open your ears to the sweet sounds of the East Mongaup River; and perhaps take the brief walk down to visit her. We, the land stewards, believe in making a place better than how we found it. We want to preserve the land’s naturalness and ecosystem; so we ask that you do not hurt or remove any of its animals, moss, insects, or plants; and most importantly, do not feed any of them. We look forward to hosting you on a magical journey to inner peace. Thank you and many blessings.

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Minglewood Camp

2 sites · Lodging90 acres · Trumansburg, NY

Both my husband Ben, and I are natives to the Fingerlakes region. We are nature lovers and enjoy , (Love) camping. When this property became available to us we couldn't help visualize our dream camp spot. We decided to make a go for it. The frontage of the property is a small mobile home park which truly reminded us of a quaint camp community we had just visited in Canada. After exploring the 90 acres of hardwood forest beyond the park we realized an eco friendly camp ground was exactly what the property needed. Ben sourced only local wood for the cabin and used all natural building materials. No plastic anywhere! our hope is that people who need a break from the hustle of daily life can visit Minglewwood and enjoy some serenity.Our sweet little cabin is about a quarter mile into the forest. You will have total privacy. The cabin sits beside a little creek which runs till late summer depending on rain. There is 90 acres of beautiful forest to explore. The stunning Finger lakes are only a short drive as well as the impressive Gorges that surround the area. You will find no shortage of natural beauty when you visit Minglewood camp.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Romantic forest camping in New York guide

Overview

New York state is made for outdoor adventures, whether you're hiking in the Finger Lakes, glamping amid Hudson Valley vineyards, or backcountry camping in the Adirondacks. Campers can take their pick of 180 New York state parks, 22 national park sites, and a national forest, almost all of which provide RV sites and tent camping—some also have cabin rentals and glamping options. June through August is peak camping season in Upstate New York, and camping reservations are essential through fall, too. November through March is ski season, and many RV parks and cabins stay open year-round.

Where to go

New York City & Long Island

When the temperatures rise in summer, New York campers make a beeline for the sandy shores of Long Island. Beach camping experiences abound on the island, both along the Atlantic Coast and the North Shore. Check into one of the coastal RV parks, camp at one of the many country parks, or head to the beachside campgrounds at Hither Hills State Park or Wildwood State Park.

Hudson Valley & the Catskills

Vineyards and heritage towns dot the banks of the Hudson River, north of NYC, stretching all the way up to the Catskills Mountains. There’s lakeside camping within an hour’s drive of the city at Harriman State Park, kayak-in tent sites at Hudson River Islands State Park, and a popular campground at Bear Mountain State Park. For keen hikers, some of the best camping and glamping is found in the vast Catskill Forest Preserve.

Saratoga & Adirondacks

To escape the crowds and explore the wilderness, continue north into the Adirondacks, where the soaring mountains and wild woodlands stretch across more than 6 million acres. Epic hikes, fall foliage views, and idyllic lakes await campers, whether you prefer a hike-in tent site or a cozy log cabin in the woods. Don’t fancy hiking? Try whitewater rafting along the Ausable River, go canoeing between the three Saranac Lakes, or enjoy boating on Lake George.

Central New York & the Finger Lakes

For tranquil lakeside camping, the Finger Lakes get our vote. Regional highlights include the Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park, the beaches and waterfalls of Buttermilk Falls State Park, and the "Grand Canyon of the East" at Letchworth State Park, but you can also fill your camping trip with wine tasting, farm-to-table restaurants, and lake activities.

Western New York

More than 65,000 acres of mountains, forest, and lakes make up the vast Allegany State Park, where you can choose from four state campgrounds or book one of the many cabins. Further north, there’s beachside camping along the shores of Lake Ontario, while Four Mile Creek State Park is one of three western New York state parks to offer yurt rentals. An added bonus? It’s within a 15-minute drive of Niagara Falls.