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Best Campgrounds in New York

3,492 Reviews

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.

Best Camping Sites in New York (935)

    1. Watkins Glen State Park Campground

    91 Reviews
    Watkins Glen, NY
    Website
    +1 (607) 535-4511

    $20 - $58 / night

    "Watkins Glen boasts one of New York’s most beautiful state parks! I last camped here in 2012 and absolutely loved hiking along the gorges. Also- the camping was next to perfect."

    "Definitely one of the top places to camp and visit in New York, Watkins Glen State Park never disappoints. Each time I come back, I find something new to discover and have a great time doing that."

    2. Letchworth State Park Campground

    77 Reviews
    Perry, NY
    Website
    +1 (585) 493-3600

    $300 / night

    "Letchworth State Park is known as the Grand Canyon of the East and is located in Mt. Morris New York. My husband and I visited regularly when we lived near Rochester, NY."

    "Not technically in the Finger Lakes but still one of the most beautiful parts of Western New York State. Splurge and eat at the Glen Iris Inn! Great for cycling and hiking but no swimming."

    3. Four Mile Creek State Park Campground

    55 Reviews
    Youngstown, NY
    Website
    +1 (716) 745-3802

    $20 - $100 / night

    "The quick walk down to the waterfront was easy and I loved the rocky beach and dips in the refreshing waters of Lake Ontario. There is a camp store on site for ice, firewood, and other supplies."

    "Amazing views of the lake and nice trails around! The views of the river were awesome and wildflowers bordered the trail."

    4. North-South Lake Campground

    44 Reviews
    Palenville, NY
    Website
    +1 (518) 589-5058

    $22 - $44 / night

    "Our first campground was in New York Aug 8th. Unfortunately, Debbie was socking New York hard. North South Lake Campground in the Catskills was our camping home."

    "This is a truly beautiful and scenic campground, easily one of the best places we have visited in New York State."

    5. Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday

    44 Reviews
    Wilmington, NY
    Website
    +1 (518) 946-7878

    "Close to hiking trails, Whiteface Mt Parkway & Lake Placid. Nice, helpful staff. It is NOT wheelchair accessible. There are steep steps to the office, no grab bars in the bathrooms."

    "Very large and busy campground, close to Lake Placid and other cool activities to take in. Pros- hot showers, convenient laundromat, you are guided to your site by staff on golf carts."

    6. Green Lakes State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    Kirkville, NY
    Website
    +1 (315) 637-6111

    $20 - $116 / night

    "The lake is a fascinating meromictic lake with clear calcium-rich waters that are not only pristine and beautiful to look at, but also great for swimming and snorkeling as the waters are crystal clear"

    "The sites are nice, some are little close to each other but nice for group camping. A short distance (walk or by car) to the beach. The lake is a little chilly sometimes but very refreshing."

    7. New York City North/Newburgh KOA

    40 Reviews
    Pomona, NY
    +1 (845) 947-2792

    $17 - $20 / night

    "15 dolares la noche para los que viven en el Estado de New York o New York city .. si es fuera del estado son $5 dolares mas!!"

    "Drive-in tent campgrounds. Adequate restroom facilities sprinkled amongst tent sites. Some campsites have raised platforms. All sites have picnic tables and fire ring with flip-top grill."

    8. HTR Niagara Campground

    36 Reviews
    Grand Island, NY
    Website
    +1 (716) 773-7600

    $77 / night

    "This is a campground of several lakeside cabins and mostly RVs, so they were also seldom in use, making them even more accommodating for us during this time of distancing."

    "The staff was very pleasant and knowledgeable, the price was high but not unexpected considering the location. Our site was pleasantly shaded with rubbish bins a short walk away across the road."

    9. Fish Creek Pond Campground

    33 Reviews
    Tupper Lake, NY
    Website
    +1 (518) 891-4560

    $22 - $40 / night

    "Most of the campsites at Fish Creek Pond are along the waterfront, offering easy access to the pond. Some campers even build temporary docks that they leave behind for subsequent campers."

    "Bike path, kayak rentals, close to Lake Placid Olympic center, Wild Center in Tupper Lake"

    10. Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Fishkill, NY
    Website
    +1 (845) 225-7207

    $17 / night

    "When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot."

    "We were right next to the entrance for hiking trails which was convenient. The facilities are a bit of a walk, but that means it is spread out and there's plenty of room to relax and have fun."

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Recent Reviews in New York

3492 Reviews of 935 New York Campgrounds

  • Ryan A.
    Jun. 17, 2026

    Cranberry Lake Campground

    Family Friendly with Thoughtful Sites

    I've stayed here twice, once in 2024 and again in 2026, both on Memorial Day Weekend. In 2024 I woke to the sound of loons but did not hear them in 2026. 

    This is a large campground on the shores of Cranberry Lake with access to many hiking trails and other activities. Quite a few of the sites are lakefront but they seem to book up fast. Most of the sites are spaced out fairly well although a few are close and will result in you seeing & hearing everything your neighbors are doing. However, they are mostly designed well and blend into the environment. A few seem like afterthoughts and are right on the road, so you'll want to choose carefully.

    Dumpsters are in the center of the campground near the bathhouse, which has hot showers. There is a sandy beach area near the entrance of the campground and a volleyball area near the dumpsters/bathhouse. 

    It's a beautiful area and is mostly quiet. Other campers were respectful and didn't play loud music although a few talked loudly late into the night. There are lots of trailer camping sites, so you should expect to hear generators although most people were considerate and only ran them in the daytime.

    This is a great campground for exploring the Adirondack Mountains. The town of Cranberry Lake seems mostly dead so don't plan on eating in restaurants nearby.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 17, 2026

    Niagara Falls/Grand Island KOA Holiday

    Decent Campground

    Sights aren’t super level but that just helps with snuggling. Full hookups. They deliver firewood and pickup trash. Staff is nice. Main bath house could use an update but there are private “family” restrooms with shower that look pretty nice. Good store( I got a nice fire poker). Unfortunately it’s close to the highway and it’s loud! If you are going to the falls you can just catch the city bus back and forth($2 dollars per person each way, 2026).

  • T
    Jun. 14, 2026

    Watkins Glen State Park Campground

    Watkins Glen worth the trip

    Campground is quiet, bathrooms are OK. Some sites have power, some don’t, none have water or sewer. Lots of things to do here. Been here 5 days and still haven’t done it all.

  • T
    Jun. 11, 2026

    Watkins Glen State Park Campground

    Not bad

    Site 80 is across from water access. But only 5 minutes to fill your tank. If you book an inside loop close to #80 you will be close to water.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2026

    Nickerson Beach Park Campground

    Great place

    Very nice family oriented, places the beach, which is great except for the birds watch out they come at you. They have a dog park basketball courts playground swimming just about everything.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2026

    New York City North-Newburgh KOA

    Pleasantly rustic and quiet for the area

    We've only stayed overnight at this campground. Roads are all paved, and some sites as well. They stagger the campers so that you don't look right into another camper, which makes it feel like you are camping in the woods.

    Lots of trees so watch DVD or OTA television as you likely won't get satellite TV in your rig. Large swimming pool and playground for kids. There is an activity center where you can get something to eat, and sit on the deck to enjoy the scenery.

    Sites are level. Staff are friendly. The camp store is large and well stocked in just about anything that you could need.

    Enough trees that if you have a large rig and are towing you need to use some care leaving your RV site.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2026

    Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA

    Interesting things to do at this campground

    We've stayed here half a dozen times, usually for an evening along our camping trips. We did stay an extra day once to do some of the activities available.

    It's a bit of a haul to get to the campground and the first time we were sure that we had missed a turn as we left Herkimer and headed up smaller and more winding roads to the campground. The turn off to the campground comes up fast and is quite sharp so be on the lookout for it.

    The campground has many sites including back in and pull through. Not the largest of sites, but lots of green space to give the campground a park like feel. Some camp sites are right along the West Canada Creek. You can swim/wade in it, in addition to riding rafts along it.

    There is a working "diamond" mine at the campground where you can try your hand at mining, or just buy some of the crystals that someone else did the work to get. There is a nice restaurant open most days (we have always managed to miss the days that it's open) in addition to stands near the mine that sell hot dogs and burgers.

    There is a nice, large pool. In the park like area around it they have stands that sell mixed drinks, and others that sell ice cream and other deserts. The camp store is medium-large and has supplies, food, souvenirs (including Herkimer Diamond), etc.

  • Tara S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 7, 2026

    Battenkill Glamping Resort

    Our little cabin by the river was so peaceful!

    We stayed in the Bee cabin, right on the Battenkill River. This tiny cabin has a queen bed, a little table with two chairs, a microwave, a mini-fridge, and a Keurig coffee maker. There is a smokeless fire pit outside with two Adirondack chairs, a small cafe table on the deck, and a picnic table. The bathhouse is about a five-minute walk from the cabin, and there is a water faucet right outside the door. 

    Our favorite part was just relaxing by the river, but there is a wood-fired sauna, lawn games, a little bistro serving burgers, fries, wings, and drinks, complimentary tubes for the river, and bicycles. We had plenty of privacy, and the place was quiet (maybe 6 other guests on the property). 

    In addition to the rustic glamping cabins, there are glamping tents with full bathrooms, bigger cabins, and stargazing domes. 4 of the cabins are dog-friendly. The property doesn't allow kids under 13 due to the close proximity to the river, which has a pretty strong current.

  • Kelly B.
    Jun. 7, 2026

    Spruce Creek Campground

    Very pleased.

    We have been seasonal campers for years. It is very quiet.I live around 7 minutes from this campsite and i will always come back. The owner talks to you no matter where you see him. He helps you out with anything you need. He is always busy doing something . If anything goes wrong on your campsite he is quick to fix it. I appreciate everything he is doing.

Guide to New York

Camping in New York offers a mix of beautiful landscapes, fun activities, and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there's something for everyone in the Empire State.

What to do

  • Explore Nature: Check out the stunning scenery at Green Lakes State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, “The water is breathtaking!! And the beach and property is clean and wonderfully maintained!”
  • Hiking and Water Activities: At Taughannock Falls State Park Campground, you can hike to see the impressive falls. A visitor said, “The fall itself is amazing and the location is unbeatable since you’re camping in the State Park.”
  • Fishing and Kayaking: Little Pond - DEC is perfect for fishing and kayaking. One happy camper noted, “Close to the Beaverkill and lots of great fly fishing.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A review from Chenango Valley State Park Campground states, “Clean bath houses. Tons of biking and hike trails.”
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Delta Lake State Park Campground mentioned, “The sites were very large and well spaced out, with a beautiful fire ring.”
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground are great for families. One reviewer said, “Great camping if you love hiking, trail running or waterfalls.”

What you should know

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak season. A camper at Glimmerglass State Park Campground noted, “There is a pretty covered bridge and historic home. Places to play for the kids at the lake.”
  • Limited Privacy: Sites can be close together, which might not suit everyone. A review from Green Lakes State Park Campground mentioned, “There is zero privacy here. Virtually no trees or shrubs between sites.”
  • Rules and Regulations: Be prepared for strict rules at some parks. A camper at Robert H. Treman State Park Campground said, “The dumping station is lacking but overall nice park.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Look for Playgrounds: Many campgrounds have playgrounds for kids. One parent at Chenango Valley State Park Campground mentioned, “There were lots of young kids everywhere on bikes and scooters having a great time.”
  • Plan for Activities: Choose campgrounds with activities nearby. A visitor at Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA said, “There is plenty to do for camping families and couples that enjoy a peaceful evening.”
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy. A camper at Fillmore Glen State Park Campground noted, “Great facilities, and very new playground.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review from Taughannock Falls State Park Campground mentioned, “The sites are not very large but sufficient.”
  • Look for Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups, which can be a lifesaver. A visitor at Delta Lake State Park Campground said, “We had a fire pit and picnic table as well.”
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy at night. A camper at Delta Lake State Park Campground mentioned, “Quiet hours are not enforced.”

Camping in New York has its ups and downs, but with the right preparation, you can have a great time exploring the outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in New York State for families?

North-South Lake Campground is one of the larger public campgrounds in New York with well-spaced sites perfect for families. The huge lake provides excellent recreational opportunities, though it's best to avoid holidays to escape crowds. Watkins Glen State Park Campground is another excellent family option with decently sized, well-secluded sites. Families love hiking along the beautiful gorges, and the park's location makes it perfect for exploring the Finger Lakes region. Other family-friendly options include Green Lakes State Park with swimming areas and hiking trails, and Delta Lake State Park which offers a nice balance of outdoor adventure while staying close to conveniences.

When is the best time of year to go camping in New York?

The best time for camping in New York is summer (June-August) when temperatures are warm and water activities are enjoyable. However, this period can be crowded, especially around holidays. Early fall (September-October) offers spectacular foliage viewing opportunities with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds at places like Eighth Lake Campground in the Adirondacks. Late spring (May-early June) can also be pleasant with emerging greenery and fewer insects. Meadowbrook Campground in the Adirondacks is ideal during these shoulder seasons when you can enjoy privacy among the trees and shrubs. Be prepared for rain any time of year, as even summer months can bring significant precipitation.

What are the RV camping options in New York State parks?

New York State parks offer numerous RV-friendly camping options with varying amenities. Delta Lake State Park Campground at the foothills of the Adirondacks provides RV sites with proximity to civilization while still enjoying nature. Four Mile Creek State Park Campground offers big-rig-friendly sites with standard amenities like toilets and reservable spots. Many state parks including Green Lakes and Clarence Fahnestock feature dump stations and larger pads suitable for RVs. Most state park campgrounds have a mix of back-in and pull-through sites, with electricity available at select locations. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak summer months, as RV sites can fill quickly at popular destinations.

Where can I find tent camping in upstate New York?

Upstate New York offers excellent tent camping options across diverse landscapes. Nature Lover's Paradise provides access to a vast network of trails for tent campers seeking wilderness experiences. Old Forge Camping Resort offers a great getaway in the Adirondacks with tent sites. For more affordable options, state parks like Eighth Lake Campground in Inlet provide tent sites with amenities including showers, bathrooms, and access to activities like hiking, swimming, and canoeing. Birch's Lakeside Campground includes amenities like a general store and laundry facilities. Fish Creek Pond Campground near Saranac Lake is another excellent choice with waterfront sites perfect for tent campers who enjoy paddling and fishing.

Keep Exploring

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