Lakes, creeks, waterfalls and piney woods, with a couple of beach ponies thrown in for good measure — this is camping in the Northeast. It’s not brimming with bucket-list national parks like the West or the endless peaks of the Rocky Mountains, but the upper-right-hand corner of the country can still hold its own.

Keuka Lake State Park in New York tops the 2024 Best Places to Camp in the Northeast Region list after checking in at No. 2 in the Northeast last year. The No. 3 campground this year is Normandy Farms in Foxborough, Massachusetts, where marshmallows get roasted like Tom Brady on Netflix. Cathedral Pines in Maine, last year’s No. 1 campground, checks in at No. 5.

Check out these and the rest of this year’s Best Places to Camp Regional Award winners in the Northeast Region, which are based on reviews and ratings from The Dyrt’s vast community of campers.

1. Keuka Lake State Park — New York

Location: Keuka Park

What makes it great: Keuka Lake State Park is ideally situated in the Finger Lakes wine country in upstate New York. It’s known for excellent fishing as well as hiking, swimming and boating. There’s a welcoming beach with playground activities. Large campsites are spread out on a hill above the lake, with trees for privacy. Hiking trails lead from the campsites to the beach. Modern bathroom/shower facilities and paved roads add to the convenience.

The lakefront area has shaded picnic tables, rentable pavilions and grills for day use. A scenic drive around Keuka Lake can become a wine-tasting tour. And nearby towns of Penn Yan and Hammondsport are full of character.

What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:

“Lake was beautiful and fun for swimming with the kids. Nice bathroom facilities a short walk away and not too close by.” — Alex R

“We stayed for a week and honestly didn’t want to leave.” — David S

“Large grassy sites with privacy between the sites. This is a place I would always recommend.” — Joseph B

Campground details
Price: $18-$30
Number of sites: 150
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes

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2. Town Hall Road Dispersed — New Hampshire

Location: Chatham

What makes it great: This free, dispersed camping area runs along a beautiful creek in the White Mountain National Forest, some of the most pristine wilderness in New England. At the far end of the road is a trailhead for the Mountain Pond loop trail, and there are several other hiking trails in the immediate area. The campsites are spread apart, and each one is different — some only large enough for a tent and car, others with enough room for a small RV — but most have a fire ring and a level place to park. Access is via a dirt road kept in good condition.

What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:

“Awesome boondocking in New Hampshire, what a treat on the east coast! Just beautiful scenery, with trees, rivers, creeks, hiking trails with a pond – we absolutely loved our time here.” — Laura M

“This was such an awesome site. Not a lot of traffic up and down the road, love being right on the creek.” — Stacy L

“Great way they set up the sites! Wish more parks set up their dispersement sites like this!! Great privacy, lots of room, river for the dogs, gorgeous area!!” — A.M.

“Absolutely perfect!” — Alex S

Campground details
Price: Free
Number of sites: 8-10
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes

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3. Normandy Farms Campground — Massachusetts

Location: Foxborough

What makes it great: With all the bells and whistles you could ask for, plus a reputation for being spotlessly clean, this longstanding RV resort just outside Boston gets rave reviews from campers. There’s a huge variety of types of site, from simple tent sites to RV pull-throughs to yurts and teepees. But the amenities are the real draw: four swimming pools, a spa, fitness center, laundry facilities, a playground, a dog park, a crafts building/rec center, snack bar, cozy fireplace in the main lodge, and all kinds of outdoor activities, from bocce to volleyball. The bathroom facilities have resort-level details. Nearby is a challenging mountain-bike trail network. Another perk is the woodsy yet convenient location, great for visiting Cape Cod or Boston.

What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:

“Normandy Farms is perfect. The grounds are beautiful, the staff is lovely. The sites are level, the bathrooms/showers are spotless with piped in music and hairdryers. It’s one of the few campgrounds that really is a resort. This was our second visit and it just keeps getting better. They’ve added a huge covered area with a snack bar and a big TV over the fireplace next to the Recreation Lodge. It’s not far from a park and ride area, so taking the train into Boston is easy.” — Pam R

“Absolutely love this campground. It has so many things for the kids to do. Everyone is so friendly. Can’t wait to go back for the 4th of July.” — Mary P

“This is a phenomenal campground! It has it all: large campsites, tons of activities for kids [including] bike track, frisbee, tons of games, multiple playgrounds, multiple pools, daily crafts. Our site had the perfect amount of shade overall a great experience!” — Jay

Campground details
Price: $50-$200
Number of sites: 350+
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes

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4. Cherry Hill Park — Maryland

Location: College Park

What makes it great: For visiting Washington D.C., it’s hard to beat this large campground/RV resort. A bus into the capital stops directly in front of the entrance, and a train station is also nearby, eliminating the need to drive into the city for a museum day. The campground’s facilities are also highly rated, with a well-stocked store on site, activities for kids, and clean and modern bathrooms/showers. There’s also a generally friendly sense of community.

What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:

“We just stayed one night as we were passing through the area, but we were very impressed by this park. It is huge, but so pretty and clean. The bus stops right at the entrance to the park, which is super helpful for getting to downtown DC for sightseeing. We are already planning our next visit to this park and can’t wait!” — HomegrownRV

“To be honest, it’s a great place to stay even if you’re not visiting D.C. They have two swimming pools, a cafe, playgrounds, well-stocked camp store, delivery of firewood, ice, and cafe orders, and a concierge to help with travel and tourist sites. The entire park is clean and well-maintained.” — Matt S

“Bottom line, for a DC RV trip, it doesn’t get any better than Cherry Hill Park. We had a very nice visit at Cherry Hill Park, and it was wonderful visiting all the great DC sites again. Fall and Winter are excellent times to visit to avoid the crowds.” — Pam R

Campground details
Price: $100 and up
Number of sites: 300
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes

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5. Cathedral Pines Campground — Maine

Location: Eustis

What makes it great: Just this side of the Canadian border, Cathedral Pines is nestled in the woods and filled with opportunities to hike, fish, kayak or canoe, swim and play volleyball. The campground borders Flagstaff Lake, a favorite for paddling, with a beach and boat launch on the property. Campsites are spacious, and some are perched right at the water’s edge or have a good view of the lake. It’s a kid-friendly place, with lots of outdoor activities. There are clean showers, dishwashing stations, and Wi-Fi in the common areas. Sugarloaf Mountain Golf Course is conveniently nearby.

What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:

“The cathedral pines are stunning to behold and I appreciate that the campground staff discourage visitors from messing with the trees. For such a large campground it’s surprisingly peaceful.” — Anna M

“Beautiful quiet campground. Plenty of elbow room. Scenic views. Clean bathrooms.” — Dean G

“Delightful camping!” — Dwayne B

Campground details
Price: $32-$40
Number of sites: 115
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes

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6. Smugglers Notch State Park — Vermont

Location: Cambridge

What makes it great: The 20 tent sites and 14 lean-to spots here are mostly walk-in, adding to the serenity of the campground, which is set in the notch between Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in the Green Mountains, and Spruce Peak in the Sterling Range. There are a few RV spots, but it’s geared more toward tent campers. All the facilities, including restrooms and hot showers, are new and powered by alternative energy. There’s easy access to Bingham Falls and other hiking options, firewood and ice are for sale, as an impressive setting in the woods among thousand-foot cliffs awaits.

What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:

“We camped here in early October and it was gorgeous. Well spaced out sites. Friendly staff, flush toilets, showers, quiet and peaceful. Good spot to summit Mansfield from.” — Richard R

“Visited during the peak fall foliage time and the site was so beautiful!” — Janet B

“We stayed last year during the fall and the views were breathtaking. Close to tons of beautiful hikes. As for the campground. It was quiet, comfortable, and kid- as well as pet-friendly. Would definitely camp here again. The staff was friendly and the bathroom facilities were kept nice and clean.” — Fransheska A

Campground details
Price: $20
Number of sites: 34
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes

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7. Letchworth State Park Campground — New York

Location: Castile

What makes it great: The campground is ideally situated for exploring the 14,000-acre park surrounding the Genesee River, known as the “Grand Canyon of the East.” With its stunning waterfalls, hiking, fishing and birdwatching, the area draws visitors year-round. The large campground has nice restrooms with showers plus camping cabins, a swimming pool, playgrounds and picnic areas. Surrounding the campground are 66 miles of trails, including the seven-mile Gorge Trail to view the waterfalls. You can also paddle the river or check out an interactive exhibit at the Humphrey Nature Center. Winter activities include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:

“Beautiful and accessible. The waterfalls and gorge had several overlooks to enjoy if you are not able to hike. The campground is on the opposite end of the park from the falls, so it is a long and pretty drive. We enjoyed hiking along the falls trails. There were lots of lovely places for picnics.” — Christine M

“Awesome state park. Really enjoyed our three nights of camping at Letchworth. The camp sites are large and spread out. The camp store was great and even had a separate mini farmer’s market with fresh veggies and fresh baked goods. Lots of good hiking and some great vistas.” — Jeff H

Campground details
Price: $24-$26
Number of sites: 270
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes

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8. Trap Pond State Park — Delaware

Location: Laurel

What makes it great: The freshwater wetlands within Trap Pond State Park are home to one of the last natural stands of bald-cypress trees, and this campground is a great place to appreciate them. In the 1930s Trap Pond and the surrounding woods became Delaware’s first state park. The campground offers seasonal canoe rentals for exploring water trails through the wetlands, fishing, and checking out the local birdlife. There are also walking trails throughout the park. Camping options include secluded walk-in tent sites as well as RV sites and waterfront yurts and cabins. There are clean and modern bath houses with showers, laundry facilities, disc golf and a playground. Campers can learn all about the surrounding area at the park’s nature center.

What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:

“Best of the best. This place is simply amazing.” — William C

“The walk-in tent sites are BEAUTIFUL!! It’s really great to be able to set up camp and be in nature without the sound of someone blowing up their mattress in the site next to you. The wheelbarrows provided are great for the drop-off of equipment.” — Marie L

“This campground was wonderful for our family of 5 with 6-, 4- and 2-year-old boys. The setting is wooded with great shade and a very peaceful pond backdrop…. We really enjoyed the pontoon boat ride – this is definitely not a typical pond! The cypress trees are stunning and the history there alone is definitely worth the price of admission, not to mention the otherworldly narrow passages through cypress swaps and all kinds of wildlife on display. The trail around the campground goes through nice pine forests and crosses the swampland and pond. It is smooth stone dust, great for foot travel or any kind of biking.” — Greg S

Campground details
Price: $21-$150
Number of sites: 142
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes

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9. Oceanside Assateague Campground‚ Assateague Island National Seashore — Maryland

Location: Assateague Island

What makes it great: Wild horses on the beach — need we say more? OK, there are also walk-in and drive-in tent sites, RV spots (no hookups), each with a picnic table and fire ring, plus outdoor showers and pit toilets. The beach and a boardwalk are within steps of the campsites, so you can fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves in the Atlantic Ocean (or, if you’re camping on the bayside, Sinepuxent Bay), and if you’re lucky, wake up to the sight of a wild pony on a morning stroll.

What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:

“Perfect ocean spot. Beautiful spot on the beach. Wild ponies visit your site.” — Dyan F

“Assateague National Seashore on the Maryland side offers an incredible experience. Along with soft sand, balmy breezes and coastal views, wild horses wander the park at will.” — Emily C

“This is what beach life should be. No crowds. Sound of waves. Not traffic. No generators. Wildlife all around.” — Justin C

Campground details
Price: $40
Number of sites: 150
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes

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10. Ricketts Glen State Park — Pennsylvania

Location: Sweet Valley

What makes it great: If you’re into waterfalls, it’s hard to beat this campground set in the midst of Ricketts Glen State Park, home to 22 named waterfalls and more. You can explore the falls and their old-growth forest surroundings by hiking the Falls Trail System, a series of burly trails that require proper footwear. The campground is near the shore of Lake Jean, where campers can swim, fish and paddle (boat rentals are available in summer). Winter activities include ice fishing, ice climbing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Campground facilities include modern restrooms with showers, a dog park, an amphitheater, a boat ramp, snack bar and many trails. Cabins and deluxe cottages are also available.

What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:

“Beautiful waterfalls surrounded by autumn color.” — Emily C

“The many falls are breathtaking!” — Sharon L

“Waterfall heaven. If you love hiking and waterfalls then this is the place for you!” — Jen R

Campground details
Price: $15-$115
Number of sites: 120
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes

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Browse thousands of the best camping locations in the Northeast region:

See all Best Places to Camp awards here.