Best Campgrounds in New York
New York state parks and recreational areas provide extensive camping options, with popular destinations like Watkins Glen State Park and Letchworth State Park offering tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations. Campgrounds such as HTR Niagara near Grand Island and North-South Lake in the Catskills maintain developed facilities with various hookup levels. Most established campgrounds feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to water, with many sites accommodating both tent and RV camping. The camping season typically runs from May through October, with a few facilities like Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday remaining open year-round.
Seasonal considerations significantly affect campsite availability across New York, with most state parks closing between mid-October and early May. "The sites are very nicely spaced and level. Bathhouses are some of the nicest I've seen. So much to do that's included in the price of the stay," noted one visitor about HTR Niagara Campground. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly during peak summer months when facilities reach capacity. Weather conditions vary by region, with Adirondack locations experiencing cooler temperatures even in summer months. Cell service can be limited in more remote areas, while facilities near population centers tend to offer better connectivity. Sites with electric hookups are abundant but often fill quickly, especially during holiday weekends.
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with locations along lakes and ponds being particularly sought after. Four Mile Creek State Park and Fish Creek Pond Campground provide direct water access that appeals to families and fishing enthusiasts. Several reviews highlight the quality of bathroom facilities and shower houses as important factors in campground satisfaction. Mixed-use campgrounds serving both tent campers and RV travelers dominate the landscape, with amenities ranging from basic (picnic tables and fire rings) to comprehensive (full hookups, laundry facilities, and camp stores). According to one camper visiting a state park, "Beautiful if you have biting fly repellent... There were so many that you couldn't stand still for 5 seconds." Wildlife encounters, seasonal insect activity, and maintenance of facilities frequently appear in visitor feedback, suggesting that researching recent reviews can help set appropriate expectations for specific campgrounds.
