Discover the best private sites lakeside campgrounds in New York

United States
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New York

98% (649 reviews)

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12 top lakeside campgrounds in New York

95%

(66)

The 1772 Lefevre Homestead

1 site · Tent40 acres · New Paltz, NY

This property was once a working apple orchard. Over regulation made it very difficult to manage so we let it lie foul for years. Then we let a fellow farmer use it to graze his cattle. Now our children has taking it over and are raising beef cattle on the property. Our campsite lies on the beautiful two and a half century old LeFevre family farmstead with rich history and stunning views of the Shawangunk Mountain ridge. The property is on a 40-acre old apple orchard that is super private and filled with dramatic views and spectacular sunsets. Wake up in your tent to the sounds of birds chirping, roasters crowing and cows just close enough but just far enough way. On occasion there may be a person driving by to tend to the cattle.

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.

Clearing Farm

2 sites · Lodging100 acres · Glen Spey, NY

Welcome to Clearing Farm! Our grounds expand over 100 acres with many private hiking trails, a big field and cascading waterfalls. Visit our Instagram @clearingfarm to find out more. Please note while our cabin is a premium experience on a working farm, it is still an outdoor experience that takes place deep in the woods, off the grid and in a cabin built from earthy or recycled materials. It is a far cry from a typical hotel or traditional glamping. This Clearing Farm off-grid cabin is located on our 100+ acre farm. You'll be staying right next to a waterfall and able to enjoy all our land features. Experience a private campsite equipped with a Casper Full Mattress, fire pit and charcoal grill. Please note there is 1 bed at the property but room next to the cabin to bring and put up additional tents. THERE IS NO LONGER THE WOOD BURNING STOVE IN THE CABIN - THE TOWN MADE US TAKE IT OUT.

HipSites @ Fulkerson Winery

2 sites · RVs, Tents65 acres · Dundee, NY

Primitive site with no services, but a great view of Seneca Lake and the Vineyards of Fulkerson Winery. Adjacent to hole 17 of the Back Forty Disc Golf Course. Campers must have their own toilet (NO ACCESS AVAILABLE.) Site is on active farm, campers must leave room for tractor/vehicle access. Hiking trails and disc golf on site.

Camp Way Wild

1 site · Lodging70 acres · Westport, NY

Welcome to Camp Way Wild. A private camp for those looking for forested seclusion and serenity, nestled at the gates of the Adirondacks. Camp Way Wild offers our Lean To with a View, a 10' by 14' shelter large enough to accommodate up to a family of four within its sturdy frame. Just a short walk away is the newly finished bathroom, featuring a flush toilet, hot shower, and sink. We also have a rustic, traditional outhouse available for use. Situated around the property are 200 year old barns, a personal firepit, as well as a large grassy lawn great for games and activities. Local attractions nearby the property include local area trails state land Lake Champlain boat launch. Kayaking on the Bouquet river. Local farm market bakery and train station close by. Shop locally at Amish farm stands, organic farms. Enjoy near by dining on Lake Champlain. Boats kayaks available at local marina. Watch a beautiful sunset from Lean to and listen to the owls and the coyotes 70 acres of diverse topography and ecosystems. I joined by 50 acres of wildlife sanctuary. Rivers lake Champlain many wonderful hikes within walking distance. Westport state boat launch a mile away. View of High Peaks from 10 x 14’ lean to SUV accessible. Privy available. Wildlife abounds.

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Cabine in the woods

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Moravia, NY

The cabin is located in a remote area of Bear Swamp State Forest. It is about 5 miles from the nearest paved road but has seasonal roads that take you to the cabin. There are many close attractions like Skaneateles Lake and Carpenters Falls. The Cabine doesn’t have electricity or water but we do have a generator. We do not have a shower or bathroom But we have a outhouse. We do ask people to bring their own gas if you want to run the generator and woods to make a fire.

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Smyrna Lake Campsite

1 site · RV, Tent7 acres · Smyrna, NY

The site is located on a private lake (90 acres). Campsite sits on 7 acres of woods only a few hundred feet from the lake & dock. No more RV sites in the property, only one spot. It is quiet, private and relaxing. The vibe of the lake is to chill and relax, laud activities not encourage. No motorboats allowed on lake for a more relaxing experienced. Bass fishing is amazing and the water is perfect for swimming. An aluminum canoe is available. Next to the campsite you will have a nice fire pit with Adirondack chairs, plenty of firewood for sale at a low cost. Dogs allowed, maximum party of 4. Water, sewer and electrical hookups. Wi-Fi its free. No bathrooms or showers in the premises. Exact location: 42.69024° N, 75.64003° W -Camp entrance is on the left-hand side on Cherrywood way (107 is the address #). There will be a brown cabin (empty) in the center of the property. Checkout these videos of the property: video of the lake: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ss6Iq_FjlOU video of campsite: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Wvm3nQjhCU

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Triple Creek

2 sites · Tents250000 acres · West Kill, NY

A true wilderness experience. Base camp is an old Catskill farmhouse built late 19th century but first deeded 1820. Sits at the base of Evergreen Mountain bordered on three sides by tumbling water: West Kill Creek, Herdman Brook, and Haring Brook. Operated as a hunting and fishing lodge for decades - rainbow, brown, heron, kingfishers, eagles, larks , deer, bear, mink, beaver, bobcat - all there, right out the door, literally. You don't know what's going to come through your camp. The actual camp site itself is the ultimate in social distancing. As close to pure wilderness as it gets unless you're some place on the tundra. No vehicles allowed at site. From an easily accessible parking space, it's a mildly uphill ten minute hike through magical meadows deep into a hidden mountain valley in the midst of 250,000 acres. Utter privacy. The only sounds being the wind, the birds, yourself, and Herdman Brook rushing along a few yards east of your site. Once again no vehicles are allowed at the campsite itself. At one time, yes, but we needed to disallow it because the property was being torn up, and the beauty of the site is that it's so pristine. Be prepared for an easy 1/4 mile hike from the parking site to the camp site itself. Very basic. This is not glamping. No cabin. No platform. Need tent, tarp, or hammock, and you will sleep under more stars than you can possibly imagine. Fire ring, cooking grate, water bucket, hospital style commode. The Catskills are known for "growing rocks". Watch your step. This is true wilderness camping. You're off the grid at site - no cell service - but wifi available if necessary on front porch of main house aka base camp. 10 a.m. check in. 3 p.m. checkout. Please send ETA when possible. Campers ought to be aware that black bears live in these mountains., although you're not likely to see one unless it's running away from you. If you're really nervous bring bear spray, but you're not likely to need it. I literally chased one off our porch not a month ago. I would appreciate your purchasing human waste bags from me at base camp when you arrive. I'll have them here for $3.00/bag. Feel free to buy your own. You should also bring FIRE STARTER to make your life easier. We sell firewood as well - 7 logs/$10. As with the waste bags, we would appreciate buying the firewood directly from us. Wonderful hikes - one to a waterfall - trail head at end of Spruceton Rd. Hunter Brook, Devil's Notch, Fire Tower atop Hunter Mountain, Ridge of West Kill Mountain West Kill Brewery and Spruceton Inn Bed and Bar each half mile up the road. Civilized respites. 4 campers preferred. 6 possible. One more thing: DOGS. We have two: a 13 year old female whatever and a shepherd-husky mix, 4 years old, also female. They are quite friendly and docile, although the shepherd looks intimidating, and both roam the property at will 2-3 times/day. We would prefer you not bring your dog, however, if you must, please be certain it is well behaved 4.5 miles up County Rte 6 to 1833 Spruceton Rd., NY 12492 Old white farmhouse. On left. Coach lights. American flag. Welcome sign. Look for Baker Rd. Bridge directly opposite on right Stop at house for check in and guide to site. And Drive Carefully! PS: Pack it in. Pack it out. Please leave campsite as pristine as you found it.

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Round Top Retreat

1 site · Lodging101 acres · Richford, NY

Close to Ithaca, NY, Cayuga Lake, and Cornell University. Once a snowshoe lodge, then a Boy Scout camp, this rustic cabin retreat property is surrounded by the Robinson Hollow State Forest. The 100 year old cabin sits only a few hundred yards from the Sierra Club section of the Finger Lakes Trail. The area is a peaceful spot for hiking, camping and snowshoeing or cross country skiing (October 1 bow season deer hunting begins, and mid-November to December is NYS gun deer season-which may not be as serene as you'd like). Perfect get-away for humans and their four-legged friends, it's a dog's dream vacation spot. Enjoy a week or weekend, or your vacation in a place where the "noise" is the melodious sounds of nature. It is remote enough to completely break from urban life, yet close enough to Ithaca, NY to enjoy its beauty and attractions. Amenities: outhouse, hand water pump, two-seater outhouse, propane grill, some pots and pans, grill utensils, wood stoves, private, gated entrance, pond, trails. Sleeping loft, no bed (you provide mattress/sleeping bag, etc.). There may be candles, toilet paper, bug spray (if left by previous guests). We are an LGBTQ-woman owned property, and welcome all campers regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, political views, religion, or culture of origin. Learn more about this land: A wonderful rustic, private, off-grid get-away, perfect for couples, families, and pups who enjoy camping (log cabin with wood furniture available, you may pitch your tent anywhere on the property - leave no trace). You may see some wildlife throughout the property (including a milk snake that lives in the cabin wall, but is harmless). It is a quiet, rural, farming area. Once at the cabin there are only two to three houses within a half mile (through the woods), so you will have a private space all your own. Winter camping is special - cozy wood heated cabin, hundreds of acres for snow shoeing, cross country skiing, or snowmobiling. Plan ahead, we do not plow the driveway in winter; plan to shovel an off-road parking space, and transport your gear up to the cabin (1100'). Wood is provided. Onsite: water pump, 2-seat outhouse, wood stove, campfire ring, wood, & propane grill. Exclusive access for nature hikes, streams, forest, pond, swimming, bird watching, star gazing, etc. A wheelchair that can navigate grass and some ruts can enter the cabin, but not the outhouse, and the sleeping loft is up stairs (there is room for a cot or mattress on the first floor); the porch is accessible through the cabin. When you book, you are confirming your understanding of the following: there is no electricity, running water, or std. bed/mattresses. You bring own air mattress, bedding, and gear you will need. All-wheel drive vehicle is recommended. We welcome special events, family reunions, or weddings, if your plans do not require utilities (you may bring a generator or other battery operated items, as needed). Note for winter guests: We do not plow the driveway in winter, you need to be ready to shovel an off-road parking spot, and transport gear to cabin (e.g. by sled, snowshoes) Here's a brief list of the basics to bring: Light source: Lantern propane or battery. Air mattress or cot and whatever bedding you need. Paper products (cups, plates, utensils, toilet paper, etc.) Matches/fire starter (there is wood on-site, and a propane grill for cooking that has a self-starter). Bug spray. Cooler and ice. Lawn chairs. There are a few tables, several chairs and benches. There are 2 picnic tables (one outside and one inside). The benches can be moved outside if you'd like, just move them back inside before you leave. The propane grill should only be used outside. There is a hand axe in the cabin to shave kindling, and the wood is already split to be the length for the wood stove, as needed. Gas: 5 miles away. If you plan to grocery shop when you get to the area, the closest store is at East Hill Plaza in Ithaca, about 9 miles past where the cabin is (I can give you all that info if you like). There is lots to explore/see/do in the Ithaca area if you decide to come down off the hill one of the days. I'll have some brochures and things in the cabin, and can answer questions (aka where is the best ice cream, dinner, etc.).

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Sterling Pond

1 site · Lodging4 acres · Parishville, NY

The camp was first built in 1905 by Dr. Goldsmith and family. The doctor and his family used the camp for summer vacations. During the winter the camp was rented out as winter hotel for loggers. Ice was harvested from the pond and stored in what is now one of the cabins. When our family bought the place, the hotel was falling down and the buildings were in disrepair. Geoffrey, the family caretaker, has spent the last few years cleaning up the site. All that remains now of the hotel is the chimney while the ice house and caretaker's cabin have been improved and are now ready for visitors. With 840 ft of pond frontage and 4.4 acres you can pitch a tent on the banks of the pond, up in the woods, or stay in one of the two cabins on site -- all are included in the cost of booking! Swimming and boating in the pond is obligatory. Year round fishing has long been a tradition. The spring fed pond is home to large and small mouth bass, northern pike, crappy, and blue gills. There are a number of ponds and state lands nearby. Accommodations include two outhouses and two docks so no waiting. There is a canoe and rowboat available and life jackets. The camp is car accessible three seasons and snowshoe accessible in the winter. There are summer cottages across the pond but not much happening on our side. Cedar Lodge, the nearest bar/restaurant, is about 5 minutes away and very popular all year round. The closest gas station and convenience store is about 20 minutes in the village of Parishville.

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Otters and Eagles Cabin

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Stephentown, NY

This is a 1920's cottage that we moved and restored. The building site is an old Charchoal mound that was in use in the 1700's so there is a lot of history between the building and site where it sits. It's a beautiful spot right on the water, tranquil and full of wild life' we I built this cabin for the quiet enjoyment of our natural world. This is a place to unwind and reconnect. We have just added a 10*12 platform tent to accomodate an extra couple or for more space for older families with teenagers. This is still 1 site, tent just gives a few options if needed. You can find pricing for it in "extras" Enjoy water front camping on a quiet 15 acre pond, 4 miles from the mass border and Berkshire Mountains. Our cabin is cozy with a wood stove and beautiful outdoor fireplace, additional large fire ring and seating area. The cabin is equipped with a composting toilet and an additional large outhouse. An outdoor shower with hot water. This is a very private setting, super quiet and relaxing.

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Little brookie lodge

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Lowville, NY

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Private sites lakeside 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.