It doesn’t take long for an idyllic snowfall in New York City to turn into a gray, slushy mess. If you live in the city and crave fresh powder, you’re going to need to get off the island.
Winter camping around New York allows city dwellers to embrace the beauty of the season, where snow means blankets of white instead of puddles of yuck. And there are plenty of places for winter camping around New York City. With proper preparation and planning, escaping the city for some winter camping is the perfect cure to the wintry city blues.
Winter Camping Around New York City
Ranging from tents and lean-to’s to yurts and cabins, winter camping options are versatile and accommodating, depending on your experience and desires. So, venture forth! Below are some examples of different ways and places to camp around New York City this winter.
1. Lean-to’s in the Adirondacks
Image from Wikipedia Commons
The Adirondacks, famous for being part of the Appalachian Trail, are home to some fantastic winter camping around New York. We should all be thankful to campers of the past for having built the many, available lean-to’s scattered across this mountain range.
Lean-to’s (rustic three-walled structures) are a great way to get some added protection from the cold winter winds.
These primitive camping structures are first-come-first-serve, so you’ll want to bring a tent or an alternative plan. Check out this map of all available lean-to’s in the Adirondack region, but take note — it was made in 2012. You can call local ranger stations for more up-to-date information, or browse lean-tos by region at Adirondacks.net.
2. Eighth Lake Campground
Eighth Lake Campground, located between Seventh and Eighth lake in the Adirondacks, is a trusted camping option year-round. Some inside information: on the Northern side of Eighth Lake, between Inlet and Raquette is a spectacular, well protected lean-to.
“This was by far one of the best campgrounds I have ever visited! The people were friendly and informative. The grounds are well maintained and the sites all provide plenty of privacy. The campground stretches between 2 lakes (Seventh and Eighth Lakes) and also has hiking trails with access to another lake (Bug Lake) and pond (Eagles Nest.) It is far enough outside of downtown Inlet to feel far away from any city, yet only takes a few minutes drive to get any forgotten essentials.” — The Dyrt camper Megan P.
3. Yurts in the Catskills
Image from Airbnb
Yurts are portable, round tents that function phenomenally in cold weather. Unlike other camping spots, yurts near NYC are typically found on private property and require reservations.
This yurt is located in Palenville, New York and can be rented through AirBnB.
Or bring your own bed to this geodome in the southern Catskills, where you’ll sleep in the middle of an artistic haven; there’s a recording studio and a fiber arts workshop space on site.
4. Mystic KOA Campground, CT
Located about a three-hour drive from New York City, Mystic KOA Campground in North Stonington, Connecticut is a great option for families looking to get outside this winter. They’re open year-round and offer everything from tent camping to deluxe cabins. With modern facilities and beautiful views, Mystic KOA is a convenient and comfortable option to for winter camping.
5. Promised Land State Park, PA
This 3,000 acre park in Pennsylvania is open year-round, and it’s only about two hours from New York City. You can stay at a rustic cabin in Bears Wallows, or pitch a tent at the many open campsites around Promised Land State Park.
There are 50 miles of hiking trails at Promised Land State Park. Bring your snowshoes!
Are you going winter camping near New York? Or anywhere in the U.S.? Review campgrounds on The Dyrt and help us make camping better for everyone!
Related Campgrounds:
- Fire Island Camping
- Darien Lake Campground, Darien Center, NY
- Fairhaven Camping, Fair Haven, NY
- Battle Row Campground, NYC, NY
- Limekiln Lake Campground, Inlet, NY
- Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Westchester County, NY
- Buttermilk Falls State Park, Ithaca, NY
- Taconic State Park, Copake Falls, NY
- Round Top Retreat, Richford, NY
