Sneaking up on us like always, camping season is finally within reach of New York’s residents. With the majority of our campgrounds opening for the year between now and Memorial Day, it’s time to start scoping out where you’re going to take your first outdoor adventures of the warm season! Here are some of the best options for beach camping in New York; it just doesn’t get better than this.

1. Rollins Pond Campground - Saranac Lake
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Rollins Pond Campground, 4523 State Route 30, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA
Jo Amelia Finlay Bever/Flickr
Bringing you out to the top of the Adirondack Park, you'll find yourself surrounded by nothing but gorgeous lakes and quiet settings here. Lying on the eastern shores of Rollins Pond, the campground features over 200 campsites. If you're looking to take a camping getaway that will truly take you away from it all, this is where you'll want to plan your adventure.
2. Hither Hills State Park - Montauk
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Hither Hills State Park, 164 Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954, USA
Lisa P./Yelp
When it comes to picking a camping location that puts you right on the beach, your best bet is to start looking at places out on Long Island. Giving you views of the ocean and soft sand beneath your toes, state parks like Hither Hills State Park in Montauk have unforgettable campsites. Featuring nearly 200 campsites on the ocean, this place is one of our absolute favorites.
3. North-South Lake Campground - Haines Falls
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North/South Lake Campground, 874 N Lake Rd, Haines Falls, NY 12436, USA
Rich H/TripAdvisor
Want to camp out in the Catskills where you'll have natural wonders and epic adventures nearby? Then there's nowhere else you need to look besides the North-South Lake Campground. The campground features over 200 campsites that line the shores of the lake, with attractions like Kaaterskill Falls, Hunter Mountain and other local hiking adventures in the surrounding area.
4. Ausable Point State Campground - Peru
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Ausable Point Campground, 3346 Lakeshore Drive, Peru, NY 12972, USA
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Way up north where you're less than an hour away from our country's border, Ausable Point's campground will put you right on the shores of Lake Champlain. Not only will have you beautiful views of the water, you'll be able to see our neighbor Vermont that we share this gorgeous lake with. The campground is equipped with over one hundred camp sites and is a popular place to visit for those who are looking to go fishing!
5. Wildwood State Park - Wading River
Fanny M./Yelp

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Wildwood State Park, 790 Hulse Landing Rd, Wading River, NY 11792, USA
Fanny M./Yelp
You might not be able to camp directly on the beach here, but the campsites are close enough to the ocean that you'll feel as though you're right on the shores! A beautiful state park to visit out on Long Island, Wildwood State Park features stunning white sand and towering bluffs that will leave you speechless. The campground here has more than 300 campsites that overlook the Long Island Sound.
6. Moffitt Beach Campground - Lake Pleasant
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Moffitt Beach State Campground, 217 Page St, Lake Pleasant, NY 12108, USA
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Just over an hour west of Lake George in Hamilton County, Moffitt Beach Campground puts you in one of the many breathtaking areas that makes up our Adirondack Park. Right on Sacandaga Lake, the campground has over 200 campsites that line the shores of the unbelievably gorgeous lake.
7. Southwick Beach State Park - Henderson
Attigator/TripAdvisor
Southwick Beach State Park, 8119 Southwicks Pl, Henderson, NY 13650, USA
Attigator/TripAdvisor
Along the over 3,000 foot long beach at this state park, you'll find many of Southwick Beach's campsites equipped with a waterfront view. Up north along the shores of Lake Ontario, those camping here will be able to take advantage of the park's beach, nature trails and unique terrain that's wonderful to explore. One of our favorite features of Jefferson County, this is one camping destination you'll want to check out for yourself if you haven't already.
8. Evangola State Park - Irving
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Evangola State Park, 10191 Old Lake Shore Rd, Irving, NY 14081, USA
Marius P/TripAdvisor
Head roughly 40 minutes south of the city of Buffalo and you'll find a waterfront state park known as Evangola State Park that makes for a wonderful weekend getaway. Resting on the shores of Lake Erie, the state park features a campground that has more than 80 campsites. While you're here you can enjoy a natural sand beach and lots of places that are perfect for having a picnic.
9. Limekiln Lake Campground - Inlet
Sue M/TripAdvisor
Limekiln State Campground, Limekiln Lake Rd, Inlet, NY 13360, USA
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An Adirondack getaway that will take you off of the grid, you'll find plenty of peace and quiet out here in the tiny town of Inlet. The Limekiln Lake Campground has over 250 campsites, many of which can be found right on the shores of the lake. The campground is a family-favorite, putting you close to fun attractions like a waterpark, swimming spots, nature trails and other outdoor adventures.

Which campground is your favorite to visit when you’re looking to be by the water? What would you call the best beach camping in New York? Let us know!

If you’re not into roughing it out in the woods, try taking an adventure to this secluded glampground in New York that will take you a million miles away from it all!

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More to Explore

Beach Camping in New York

Tori Jane | April 14, 2023
  1. Where can I go beach camping in New York?

New York’s beaches tend to be underrated if you ask us. There are all sorts of awesome options when it comes to beach camping in New York, including spots like:  

  • Hither Hills State Park – This beautiful respite from the real world features breathtaking views of Long Island.  
  • Wildwood State Park – The campsites aren’t right on the beach, but they’re close enough!  
  • Moffit Beach Campground - Sacandaga Lake is stunningly beautiful. Why not camp right up on it?  

Learn more about Wildwood State Park and plan your camping adventure ASAP. 

  1. Where else are some amazing places for waterfront camping in New York?

Of course, the list of awesome places for waterfront camping in New York isn’t limited to the short one above. There are tons of other options for waterfront camping in NY, such as:  

  • Evergreen Trails Campground – This gem is located in Allegany County and represents a little bit o’ perfection right here in New York.  
  • Saranac Lake Islands – This is easily one of the best campgrounds in NY, and it’s right on the water! 
  • Glimmerglass State Park – Located right on Otsego Lake is this stunning state park with some of the best New York camping there is.  

Learn more about each of these wonderful places for waterfront camping in New York.   

  1. What are some other amazing places to go camping in New York?

Need we say more? Of course! After all, there’s no such thing as a bad campground in New York! Some other notably wonderful places to camp in New York are:  

  • North-South Lake – This campground is the largest one in the Catskills Forest Preserve, and it’s absolutely magical.  
  • Sned-Acres Family Campground – This might be one of the most beautiful places to go camping in New York, and it overlooks Cayahuga Lake!  
  • Limekiln Lake – Even more lakeside camping that’s like something out of a dream.  

Learn more about each of these wonderful rustic spots in New York!   

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