We love it when the time of year comes around when camping in New York is as good as it gets, when the weather is beautiful and the temperatures are perfect for enjoying it all. Waterfront camping in New York is a great option to get out of the city and enjoy the natural world if you're willing to do a little bit of planning. These are a few of our favorite waterfront campgrounds throughout the state that are perfect for a fall weekend escape.
1. Evergreen Trails Campground
Located in Allegany County, Evergreen Trails Campground in New York sits on 211 acres and is an incredibly charming atmosphere. Stay in one of the cabins on the camp's grounds, bring your RV, or pitch a tent. The best part is that Letchworth State Park is close by! This is one of the best campgrounds with waterfront sites in the state.
2. Cranberry Lake Campground
If you're making the drive upstate, Cranberry Lake Campground might be your best move if you're searching for campgrounds on lakes. Cranberry Lake is one of the largest lakes in the Adirondacks and is a fantastic fishing spot. The 2.4-mile Bear Mountain Trail is also one of the best short trails in the area.
3. Saranac Lake Islands
Are you looking for "waterfront camping near me" in Upstate New York? Saranac Lake Islands is one of the best campgrounds in New York and is a great spot for boating as well. If you're looking for an idyllic island campsite, Saranac Lake Campground is the one for you.
4. Glimmerglass State Park
Glimmerglass State Park is just outside Cooperstown in central New York, located on Otsego Lake. The park has several trails with great lake views, plus opportunities for boating, tubing, waterskiing, and more. It's one of the most scenic campgrounds in New York.
5. Four Mile Creek State Park
Four Mile Creek State Park is just north of Niagara Falls and has everything you'd want from a lakeside campsite: stellar views, hiking trails in the bluffs, and is an easy drive from the largest falls in the country. If you're looking for lakeside camping in New York, this is a fantastic choice.
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Take a look at this video of Niagara Falls at night by @OnlyInYourState:
There are dozens more parks throughout the state with lakeside views, hiking, and watersports, so look up parks near you to find some incredible camping spots. You might just find a hidden gem! Do you have any favorite waterfront campgrounds for camping in New York we might have missed? Let us know!
Need some new camping gear? Take a look at the tents and other camping accessories from our friends at REI.
Looking for more outdoor adventure in New York? Take a look at this video on Watkins Glen State Park in the Finger Lakes region from OnlyInYourState:
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