Camping in upstate New York is much more enjoyable when the winter weather has subsided, and there are endless series of beautiful campsites to check out this spring and summer. When it comes to hiking, boating, and kayaking in the midst of some of the Northeast’s best landscapes, it’s hard to rival these ideal camping destinations in scenic wonderlands like the Adirondacks and the Finger Lakes. Here are some of our favorites.
This is the biggest state campground in the Catskills Forest Preserve, and it's the perfect upstate destination for camping enthusiasts. With lakes, beaches, kayaking and paddling rentals, and 219 tent and trailer sites, it caters to a wide variety of campers and interests. And the Catskills Mountain House is just a short hike away.
This campground overlooks the beautiful Cayuga Lake. With attractions like Taughannock Falls and the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail nearby, you won't run out of adventures during a weekend at this campsite tucked away in the Finger Lakes.
Just because you're camping doesn't mean you won't have access to some top-notch amenities. If you want to give your camping trip a little extra zest with access to a heated pool, basketball courts, hayrides, and more. For families who enjoy roughing it but want the option for more comfort, Adirondack Camping Village is tough to beat.
Feel free to rough it during a visit to Adirondack Camping Village, but you can also reserve a cabin at this popular Lake George camping destination.
One of the most popular camping destinations in the Adirondacks, Cranberry Lake is a go-to site for outdoor enthusiasts. Fifty miles of trails will have you adventuring in this paradise for hours on end, and the lake is a great spot for fishing and boating as well.
This is another gem of a campground in the Adirondacks, with lakeside views that will make you want to spend time admiring this scenery for days on end. You'll also be in the midst of some of the best hiking trails in the state. Hit Bald Mountain, Rocky Mountain, and Blackbear Mountain for some great hikes and views of the region.
Even as the weather gets warmer upstate, temperatures still drop significantly at night, especially in the mountains! Make sure you’re packed and ready to go with plenty of water and warmth before heading out on an upstate adventure.
