Strap on your hiking boots, friends, because we’re diving headfirst into the adventure of a lifetime in the Empire State. Camping in New York is an absolute thrill, a journey that'll take you through jaw-dropping landscapes and uncover hidden treasures you won't believe exist. We’ve curated the ultimate list of the best campgrounds in New York, and we hope it will be your new favorite guide to the great outdoors. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a newbie to the camping scene, get ready for an outdoor experience you won’t find just anywhere. New York has everything in terms of scenery, from the heart-pounding Adirondack Mountains up north to the drop-dead gorgeous Finger Lakes region. You'll be exploring untamed forests, lounging by tranquil lakeshores, and conquering rugged trails—all while feeling the incredible power of nature and escaping the daily grind.

Whether you're into classic tent camping, epic RV adventures, or cuddly cabin getaways, these camping spots in New York are truly the greatest. Picture yourself huddled around a roaring campfire, stargazing under the clearest night skies, and making memories that'll last a lifetime with your loved ones. It doesn’t get much better than that, does it? Get ready for some of the best campgrounds in New York all in one spot.

Best State Park Campgrounds in New York

New York boasts an array of remarkable state park campgrounds that offer unforgettable experiences for nature enthusiasts. From the iconic Niagara Falls to the serene Adirondacks and beyond, we'll take you on a journey through some of the most scenic and best places to camp in New York. Planning a weekend getaway has never looked easier.

1. Harriman State Park, Southfields

• Location: 800 Kanawauke Rd, Southfields, NY 10975
• Popularity: Various reservable campsite options including group camp.
• Park Info: Second-largest park in the state at 47,527 acres. Has over 200 miles of hiking trails.
• Price per night: $15 and up.

Harriman State Park in New York offers a peaceful camping retreat just north of New York City. With over 200 miles of hiking trails, pristine lakes, and lush woodlands, it's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Campers can enjoy a tranquil escape in a beautiful natural setting, making it a popular destination.

2. Taughannock Falls State Park, Trumansburg

• Location: 1740 Taughannock Blvd, Trumansburg, NY 14886
• Popularity: Tent camping, RV camping, and 16 cabins available.
• Park Info: Very close to the water. Huge waterfall attraction.
• Price per night: $15-29/night and up.

Right in the heart of the Finger Lakes region of New York, Taughannock Falls State Park offers a spectacular camping experience. Situated along the shores of Cayuga Lake, it boasts picturesque landscapes and the stunning Taughannock Falls, which is taller than Niagara Falls. Campers can choose from tent and RV sites, and hiking trails abound for exploring the park's natural beauty. With a beach, boat rentals, and exceptional views, it's an ideal destination for a memorable outdoor getaway.

3. Hither Hills State Park Campground, Montauk

• Location: 170 Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954
• Popularity: Very popular during the summer months, especially with RVers.
• Park Info: More than 160 campsites and two miles of ocean beach.
• Price per night: $35-$70 and up.

Hither Hills State Park Campground located on the eastern end of Long Island is a coastal camping paradise. This oceanfront gem offers campsites steps from the sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. Campers can swim, surf, and sunbathe during the day and enjoy stunning sunsets over the water in the evening. The park also features hiking and biking trails, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts alike.

4. Watkins Glen State Park Campground, Watkins Glen

• Location: 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891
• Popularity: Very popular with hikers and campers, especially during warmer months.
• Park Info: Over 300 campsites and 19 waterfalls.
• Price per night: $18-$31 and up.

Watkins Glen State Park Campground nestled in the Finger Lakes region, offers a unique camping experience. The centerpiece is the breathtaking Watkins Glen Gorge, a natural wonder featuring 19 stunning waterfalls and a labyrinth of stone pathways. Campers can explore this enchanting setting during the day, while evenings at the campground provide a serene escape.

Take a look at this video of Watkins Glen State Park by @OnlyInYourState:

5. Letchworth State Park, Castile

• Location: 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427-9714
• Popularity: Very popular with campers. Highly recommend reservations.
• Park Info: Renowned as the "Grand Canyon of the East.” Three main campgrounds to choose from.
• Price per night: $18-$31 and up.

Letchworth State Park often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the East," offers an extraordinary camping experience in western New York. Right on the Genesee River, the park boasts dramatic gorges, pristine waterfalls, and miles of hiking trails. Campers can choose from various campgrounds, each with its unique charm and proximity to scenic viewpoints. This is one of the most beautiful places to camp in New York.

Best Beach Camping in New York

Experience the magic of beachfront camping in New York. With its miles of pristine coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and Great Lakes, New York offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of waves and the beauty of sandy shores. In this section, we'll unveil the best camping sites in New York right by the beach, from the white sands of Long Island to the rugged beauty of the Lake Ontario shoreline.

6. North-South Lake Campground - Haines Falls

• Location: 874 N Lake Rd, Haines Falls, NY 12436
• Popularity: Reservations strongly encouraged.
• Park Info: Located at the eastern edge of the Catskill Escarpment, in the Catskill Forest Preserve. The biggest and most popular state campground in the area.
• Price per night: $22+ per night

North-South Lake Campground in Haines Falls, New York, is a beautiful destination in the Catskill Mountains worth exploring. This expansive campground offers a variety of camping options, from tent sites to RV sites, all surrounded by the natural beauty of the region. Visitors can explore nearby hiking trails, including the famous Escarpment Trail, which offers stunning vistas of the Hudson Valley. The campground's location near North and South Lakes provides opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and fishing.

7. Ausable Point State Campground, Peru

• Location: 3346 Lakeshore Drive, Peru, NY 12972
• Popularity: Very popular with campers. Highly recommend reservations during spring and summer.
• Park Info: Clean facilities, beautiful Lake Champlain just outside your tent, and friendly staff. 
• Price per night: $22 and up.

Ausable Point State Campground located in Peru, New York, provides a camping experience along the shores of Lake Champlain. This waterfront campground boasts stunning panoramic views of the lake and the Green Mountains of Vermont. Campers can choose from tent and RV sites, many of which are just steps from the sandy beach. The campground offers excellent opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing lakeside camping adventure in the Adirondack region.

8. Wildwood State Park, Wading River

• Location: 790 Hulse Landing Rd, Wading River, NY 11792
• Popularity: Very popular with campers. Highly recommend reservations during spring, summer, and fall.
• Park Info: Cannot camp on beach, but very close. More than 300 campsites that overlook the Long Island Sound.
• Price per night: $18-$35/night and up.

Wildwood State Park in Wading River, New York, offers a coastal camping experience on the north shore of Long Island. Campers can enjoy picturesque views of Long Island Sound and take advantage of the park's stunning beaches. The campground offers a range of camping options, from tent sites to RV sites with electric hookups. Hiking trails wind through the park's woodlands, providing opportunities for exploration. Camping in New York has never been better!

9. Moffitt Beach Campground - Lake Pleasant

• Location: 217 Page St, Lake Pleasant, NY 12108
• Popularity: Very popular with campers. Highly recommend reservations.
• Park Info: Over 200 campsites that line the shores of Sacandaga Lake.
• Price per night: $22 and up.

Moffitt Beach Campground in Lake Pleasant located within New York's Adirondack Park, is a tranquil escape for campers. Situated on the shores of Lake Pleasant, it offers a serene environment with opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. The campground features well-maintained sites suitable for both tents and RVs, and lush forests surround it.

Top Glamping in New York

Elevate your outdoor experience and indulge in the luxury of glamping in New York. Whether you dream of unwinding in a cozy safari tent with all the amenities or prefer a treehouse nestled in the wilderness, the Empire State offers unique accommodations in some of the most scenic settings. Join us as we explore the world of glamping in New York, where comfort meets nature, and adventure takes on a whole new level of sophistication.

10. Firelight Camps, Ithaca

• Location: 1150 Danby Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850
• Popularity: Reservations are required.
• Park Info: Safari tents that are furnished with hardwood floors, king or queen beds, and include a private balcony.
• Price per night: $247+ per night

Firelight Camps in Ithaca, New York, are a one-of-a-kind glamping experience in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. Situated in a tranquil forest, this eco-friendly retreat features stylish safari tents with plush amenities, providing both nature and comfort. Guests can explore nearby gorges and waterfalls, savor gourmet meals at the on-site restaurant, or relax by the campfire. With its unique combination of outdoor adventure and luxurious accommodations, Firelight Camps is an ideal destination for a memorable getaway and one of the best places for New York camping.

11. Camp Orenda, Johnsburg

• Location: 90 Armstrong Rd, Johnsburg, NY 12843
• Popularity: Reservations required.
• Park Info: A backcountry adventure in New York’s beautiful Adirondack State Park.
• Price per night: $275+ per adult per night.

Camp Orenda is in the remote Adirondacks backcountry, featuring canvas cabins that guarantee a cozy escape. At this rustic retreat, the emphasis is on disconnecting from technology and rediscovering the natural world. It's an ideal family destination, with a sprawling 40-acre property that invites everyone to immerse themselves in the breathtaking Adirondack wilderness. Here, you can create cherished memories as you bond with loved ones and relish the serenity of this secluded haven.

12. Four Mile Creek State Park, Youngstown

• Location: 1055 Lake Rd, Youngstown, NY 14174
• Popularity: Reservations highly encouraged.
• Park Info: Six yurts that sleep up to six guests. Camping season runs from April through October.
• Price per night: $83.75+ per night.

Four Mile Creek State Park stands as a captivating outdoor haven in Youngstown, New York. Situated just a short 15-minute drive from the world-famous Niagara Falls, this park beckons outdoor enthusiasts with many recreational opportunities. From camping beneath the starlit skies to embarking on scenic hikes through lush landscapes, Four Mile Creek provides a perfect escape into nature's embrace. Anglers can cast their lines into the lake's abundant waters, while cyclists can explore the park's trails, all while savoring the spectacular views of Lake Ontario that grace this remarkable destination.

13. Herkimer Diamond KOA Resort, Herkimer

• Location: 4626 NY-28, Herkimer, NY 13350
• Popularity: Very popular with families, especially during the summer months.
• Park Info: Mine for Herkimer diamonds on-site.
• Price per night: $41 to $95+ per night for tent sites and RV sites. Cabin rentals can vary from around $80 to $300 or more per night.

Herkimer Diamond KOA Resort is a uniquely exciting camping destination for all ages. This resort offers a one-of-a-kind experience with opportunities to mine for Herkimer diamonds, exceptional quartz crystals found only in this region. In addition to gemstone hunting, guests can enjoy various amenities, including a pool, mini-golf, and hiking trails. With a choice of campsites and cabins, this resort combines the excitement of treasure hunting with the comforts of a modern campground, making it an unforgettable adventure for visitors of all ages.

Best RV Camping Sites in New York

Hit the road and explore the diverse landscapes of New York from the comfort of an RV. You don't even have to own an RV to have fun, you can easily rent an RV from a service like RVShare! The Empire State is home to a plethora of RV campgrounds, ranging from scenic lakeside retreats to secluded forest getaways. We'll steer you toward the best RV campgrounds in New York, ensuring you have the perfect home on wheels for your outdoor adventure.

14. Moose Hillock Camping Resort, Fort Ann

• Location: 10366 NY-149, Fort Ann, NY 12827
• Popularity: Very popular with RVers during summer and fall.
• Park Info: The largest campsites in the Lake George area. Huge waterpark.
• Price per night: $89+ per night.

Moose Hillock Camping Resort is a premier destination for RV enthusiasts seeking an exceptional camping experience. Located in the scenic Adirondack Mountains of New York, this resort offers spacious RV sites equipped with full hookups, ensuring a comfortable stay. Beyond the well-appointed campsites, guests can enjoy a wide range of amenities, including swimming pools, hiking trails, and recreational facilities.

15. Rip Van Winkle Campground, Saugerties

• Location: 149 Blue Mountain Rd, Saugerties, NY 12477
• Popularity: Very popular during fall and spring.
• Park Info: 160 acre campground located in the Catskill and Hudson Valley
• Price per night: $49+ per night depending on site.

Rip Van Winkle Campground is a fun-filled family destination with such a wide variety of amenities. Sitting on 160 wooded acres and has options for tent sites, electric and water hookup sites, and full-service RV hookup sites. They really provide something for campers of all styles. This campground in the Catskills even has a designated fun zone with so many activities for the kids.

16. Lake George Escape Campground, Lake George

• Location: 175 E Schroon River Rd, Lake George, NY 12824
• Popularity: Very popular throughout spring, summer, and fall. Reservations encouraged.
• Park Info: 178-acre resort full of plush woods meadows and direct access to the Schroon River.
• Price per night: $50 per night depending on site.

Lake George Escape Campground offers an ideal setting for an outdoor retreat with the whole family. This spacious and well-maintained campground boasts a variety of accommodation options, including RV and tent sites, as well as cabins. Tucked away along the Schroon River, it provides opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and fishing.

17. Triple R Campground Resort, Franklinville

• Location: 4523 State Route 30, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
• Popularity: Reservations strongly encouraged, especially weekends./li>

• Location: 230 Lone Pine Rd, Cranberry Lake, NY 12927
• Popularity: Reservations strongly encouraged, especially weekends./li>

• Location: 6590 S Cayuga Lake Rd, Ovid, NY 14521
• Popularity: Reservations strongly encouraged, especially during autumn./li>

• Location: 3491 Bryant Hill Rd, Franklinville, NY 14737
• Popularity: Reservations strongly encouraged, especially on weekends./li>