9 Spectacular Spots in New York Where You Can Camp Right on the Beach

Sneaking up on us like always, camping season is finally within reach of New York's residents. With most of our campgrounds opening for the year between now and Memorial Day, it's time to start scoping out where you will take your first outdoor adventures of the warm season! So, if you're already researching "beach camping near me," here are some of the best options for beach camping in New York; it doesn't get much better than this.

1. Rollins Pond Campground - Saranac Lake

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 the 442-acre Rollins Pond, the campground features over 200 campsites. If you're looking to take a New York 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

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 for beach camping in New York State.

3. North/South Lake Campground - Haines Falls

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

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 you have beautiful views of the water, but you'll also be able to see our neighbor Vermont, with whom we share this gorgeous lake. The campground is equipped with over one hundred campsites and is a popular place for those looking to go fishing! Visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website to reserve your campsite at Ausable Point State Campground.

5. Wildwood State Park - Wading River

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. This may become your favorite New York campground this summer!

6. Moffitt Beach Campground - Lake Pleasant

Just over an hour west of Lake George in Hamilton County, Moffitt Beach Campground puts you in one of the many breathtaking areas that make up our Adirondack Park. Right on Sacandaga Lake, the campground has over 250 campsites that line the shores of the unbelievably gorgeous lake.

7. Southwick Beach State Park - Henderson

Along the over 3,000-foot-long beach at this state park, you'll find many of Southwick Beach State Park'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 is that this is one New York camping destination you'll want to check out for yourself if you haven't already.

8. Evangola State Park - Irving

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 many places perfect for a picnic.

9. Limekiln Lake Campground - Inlet

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 through our nomination form. And if you need new camping gear like tents, chairs, or sleeping bags for all your New York camping adventures this year, take a look at our handy list of camping must-haves.

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!