The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App
Map showing campgrounds in New YorkExplore the Map

Best Campgrounds in New York

3,604 Reviews
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

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 (945)

    1. Watkins Glen State Park Campground

    93 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

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

    $200 / 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

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

    $20 - $100 / night

    "The sites were right next to the bathrooms/showers/laundry. The bathrooms were very clean. The showers had 2 separate privacy shower curtains and a bench to put your things in the shower stall."

    "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."

    4. Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday

    45 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."

    5. 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."

    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. HTR Niagara Campground

    39 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."

    "WHAT I LIKED: This campground is a short drive to Niagara Falls and the Canadian border

    — The park is beautiful with a great balance of natural and well-maintained

    — Our site was level and clean"

    8. Beaver Pond Campground in Harriman State Park

    41 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."

    9. Fish Creek Pond Campground

    35 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. Jellystone Park™ Gardiner

    33 Reviews
    Gardiner, NY
    Website
    +1 (845) 255-5193

    "With a new check in area, Gardiner has really stepped up. They expanded the pool area to include another pool plus splash area and water slides."

    "We got a red carpet site by the Gaga pit and near the water park (Cindy bear lane) and it was a convenient yet noisy site. Kids were at the playground 8 am or before and the noise woke us up."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 945 campgrounds

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

New York Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos in New York

1338 Photos of 945 New York Campgrounds

Recent Reviews in New York

3604 Reviews of 945 New York Campgrounds

  • dThe Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 20, 2026

    Crown Point Campground

    NY State park campground. Worth staying at

    Good size campground with three loops. 2 shower / restroom facilities. Many of the sites are simply grass. There are a few gravel ones. The staff has no problem with driving on the or parking on grass. All sites have a firepit. Wood can be obtained locally. There is no store at the camp. There is only one dump station. There is a boat launch with limited trailer parking although when we stayed (Aug 2026) the water was only 18 in to 2 ft deep at docks. Heavily choked with vegetation. Shower facilities were clean enough but could use more attention, heavy cobwebs at lights, corners and edges of shower pretty dark with mold. Plenty of fresh water spigots throughout the camp. Camp is on the banks of lake Champlain, although only a couple sites have a lake view. Ruins of two pre-revolutionary war forts are within walking distance and offer a great introduction to life in the early 18th century. Fort Ticonderoga is a 30 min drive and will take most of the day to tour. Well worth the trip. Only 3 min drive to Vermont. I would stay again.

  • David T.
    Aug. 20, 2026

    Riverbend East Campground

    Easy To Come Up

    We really like keeping our RV here for the summer. It’s easy to come up for the weekend, settle in, and enjoy some time outside without having to set everything up again.

  • Allison E.
    Aug. 20, 2026

    Riverbend East Campground

    Never Feel Packed In

    We keep our fifth wheel at Riverbend East for the season and have been very happy with the amount of space around our site. We never feel packed in, and there is plenty of room to sit outside, cook, and enjoy a fire. The water views and access to fishing are a big part of why we chose this campground. It is a simple, comfortable place where we can disconnect and enjoy the summer.

  • Timothy S.The Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 20, 2026

    Back-Achers Campsites

    Very Nice

    Large water front. Modern restrooms. Very spacious grounds. Assume tent sites and comfortable RV sites. Very nice people.

  • Dominika Z.
    Aug. 20, 2026

    Big Indian Wilderness Special Spot

    Perfect spot

    We really loved this spot- it was relaxing to listen to the sounds of the creek and not having any camping neighbors. The night sky was filled with stars and we even saw a rocket. I also appreciated having an outhouse on site- i would say the only downside was having to take our bag of poop+pee out with us when we left (site rules). The only other thing that was bothersome was being told that wood is provided at the site and then not realizing until after we got there that we would have to Venmo the owner $10 per bundle (I don’t mind paying, just wouldn’t been nice to know ahead of time that it wasn’t included in the price). I recommend this site for anyone who enjoys privacy and doesn’t mind a detox from WiFi.

  • Jamie W.
    Aug. 19, 2026

    Kings Bay Campground

    Favorite Place

    Kings Bay has become our favorite place to spend the warmer months. We enjoy the quiet mornings, casual afternoons, and evenings outside when the campground starts to settle down.

  • Chloe G.
    Aug. 19, 2026

    Riverbend East Campground

    Peaceful Atmosphere

    Stayed here for a few nights and had a good time. Nothing overly fancy, just a comfortable campground with lots of space and a peaceful atmosphere.

  • Matt S.
    Aug. 19, 2026

    Moose Hillock Camping Resorts

    Huge sites but sloped, dirty, and pricey

    We spent a long weekend at Moose Hillock in Fort Ann, New York, to visit Lake George. This is a difficult place for me to review. But I’ll do my best to share my experience. 

    The pool is the main attraction here and probably the largest and most ridiculous I’ve ever seen at a campground. Great for young kids. 

    THINGS I LIKED:

    — The sites are enormous and private, probably the biggest sites we’ve ever seen at any campground we’ve stayed at.

    — The mature trees are everywhere, great for privacy.

    — It’s located about 25-minutes to the heart of Lake George. Easy drive away but not in the loud and busy area.

    — The camp store is pretty good and sells snacks, drinks, basic supplies, and souvenirs. 

    THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:

    — Our site(# 709) was sloped, so much that even with leveling boards under the rear wheels, rear jacks fully extended and front jacks fully retracted, we couldn’t level. That’s annoying and so easily fixed by a campground this size with this array of equipment and resources.

    — Except for the entry roads, the rest of the park is gravel and dirt, which was extremely dusty. Our vehicles and our stuff were instantly covered by this dusty dirt which was a never-ending battle to keep outside.

    — I’m ok paying premium money for a great site, but this site wasn’t matched to the price. I paid$647.38 for 3-nights. That’s$215.79 per night. 

    WOULD WE COME BACK? 

    Probably not. For me, having a level site that’s not covered in dirt and dust is important— especially when it costs$215 per night. There’s a much nicer park about 10-minutes away(closer to Lake George) where we’ve stayed in the past. The sites are smaller, but they’re level.

  • JThe Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 18, 2026

    Arrowhead Marina & RV Park

    Beware! No response…

    This campground will not respond to phone calls, email or facebook. It appears no one in charge

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

  4. View all New York cities for camping