How do you go camping in New York?

To go camping in New York , follow these steps: Choose your camping location: New York offers a wide variety of camping options, including state parks, national forests, and private campgrounds. Browse through the available options on Hipcamp or other camping websites to find the perfect spot for your trip. Make a reservation (if required): Some campgrounds require reservations, while others are first-come, first-served. Get in touch for specific reservation information. For state parks, you can make reservations through Reserve America. Prepare your camping gear: Gather all necessary camping equipment, such as a tent, sleeping bags, cooking gear, food, water, and appropriate clothing for the weather. Check the rules and regulations: Familiarize yourself with the specific campground's rules and regulations, including quiet hours, pet policies, and fire restrictions. Arrive at your campsite: Once you reach your camping destination, set up your tent and campsite according to the campground's guidelines. Practice Leave No Trace principles: Be respectful of the environment and other campers by following Leave No Trace principles, such as packing out all trash, minimizing campfire impact, and respecting wildlife. Enjoy your camping experience: Explore the surrounding area, participate in outdoor activities, and make lasting memories with friends and family. Remember to always follow safety guidelines and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Happy camping!

Camping in New York: Best New York Campgrounds 2023

Q: Where can I camp for free in New York?

In New York , you can find free camping opportunities in various state forests and wilderness areas. Some popular locations include the Adirondack Forest Preserve and the Catskill Forest Preserve. These areas offer primitive, dispersed camping with no facilities, so you'll need to come prepared and follow Leave No Trace principles. Please note that some locations may require a permit for camping, so be sure to check the regulations before heading out.

Q: Is camping legal in New York?

Yes, camping is legal in New York . The state offers a variety of camping options, including state parks, state forests, national forests, and private campgrounds. You can find tent camping, RV camping, and cabin rentals in various locations across the state. Some popular areas for camping in New York include the Catskill Mountains, the Adirondack Mountains, and the Finger Lakes region. You can explore and book various camping options through Hipcamp.

United States
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New York

96% (15297 reviews)

Popular camping styles for New York

Under $50

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Top camping destinations

Letchworth State Park

952 campgrounds

Rainbow Falls, the most recognizable waterfall in the park with a different take on composition.

Watkins Glen State Park

1165 campgrounds

The descent from Slide Mountain during peak fall foliage

Catskill State Park

1366 campgrounds

Noonmark summit for sunrise, Adirondack High Peaks

Adirondack State Park

1335 campgrounds

12 top campgrounds in New York

97%

(699)

Wyomanock Farm

31 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents75 acres · Rensselaer

Our 75 acres is a wonderful, diverse mix of habitat, harmoniously integrated with our small farm. This land was the homestead of the very first white settler of the area, John Wiley, in 1787. The Wyomanock Creek is the backbone of this little valley. Beaver have dammed the creek at several points to create ponds and other wetland features that support a diversity of wildlife including otter, moose and a myriad of birds, from osprey to herons. This sanctuary is host to many uncommon native plants and plant communities. We would love to share it with you! Your host, Thom, invites you to property to explore 75 acres of meadows, woods and water. Choose one of several sites either in the woods or open areas. You are also free to use our outdoor solar shower or take a dip in the cold pond! Our location is convenient to the Berkshire Mountains, state parks, hiking and other attractions, including Ramble Wild tree to tree adventures and Jiminy Peak. There are a few miles of rail trail access just down the road.

92%

(749)

Boulder Point Camp

31 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Pine Bush, Ulster

We have 40 acres with miles of trails through the property. It is located on the hudson valley wine trail so there are tons of wineries to access. We are in the mountains with great climbing, next to a state park. The campsite is on top of a massive boulder that looks out over the grounds with tons of wildlife surrounding. On a dead end road in the middle of the woods with no other houses within sight. A little bit about us. This is a small campground. We do have one Glamping site as well as well as a super luxurious pool house available. We rent small retro RV's as well, see our other listings!! There are 40 acres here to explore with small streams, wetlands and forests. We have 4 modern brand new bathrooms with a hot showers in a beautiful new bathhouse with a charging station for phones and tablets. Its pretty amazing!!!!! We do have sulfur water, its great for your skin but smells! Each site usually has a 2 chairs, a table , a grill and a fire ring..... We also offer 3 vintage campers for a unique glamping experience. We have a 1984, a 1975 and a 1966 all with solar electric lighting. Running water is located at the camp store. Take a look at our listings or ask me. I'll tell you all about them. *Please note that use of the pool is available to guests of the pool house only. We also offer hiking excursions. Please book in advance. Our sites are in the middle of the 40 acres of beautiful undeveloped land to explore or just enjoy the quiet. There are no street lights to block the view of the night sky and the fire flies are something to see. We still have all the cool stuff like tons of restaurants, breweries, wineries & vineyards, and farms all around. Boulder Point Camping is centrally located among indoor and outdoor activities, great restaurants, local shops, and antiquing. We are close to loads of hiking trails, state parks, restaurants, creeks, swimming, fishing and more. Sam's Point, Ice Caves Mountain, and Minnewaska State Park just to name a few! In addition there are plenty of microbreweries, wineries, and farms where you can pick your fruit right off the tree (or vine) as the case may be. We are also a few minutes from Angry Orchard, Gardiner Brewing Company, and Baldwin Vineyards and many many others... Dogs welcome with an additional $20 fee.We can accommodate small vans, popups and RVs as well. Check in is at 3 pm Check out is a strict 12 pm unless prior arrangements have been made.We reserve the right to change your site number without notice. WE HAVE A STRICT 30 DAY CANCELLATION POLICY, TRYING TO MOVE YOUR DATES IS THE SAME AS A CANCELLATION AND TREATED THE SAME.

Willow Hill Farm and Mountains

23 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents400 acres · Keeseville, Essex

Willow Hill Farm is a family-run working horse farm. We train , teach, board horses, and run a day camp. We had a resident camp for 40 years. We have mountains in our backyard and the Au Sable River bordering our meadow for a half mile. We are 45 minutes from Lake Placid and 30 minutes from Plattsburgh. Montreal and Burlington, VT are a 1&1/2 hour drive. Hiking, boating, and swimming are all close, and riding lessons are available on the farm.

Camping and Glamping

22 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents36 acres · Cattaraugus

Pitch your tent, bring your RV camper or stay at one of our glamping sites at Campground Adventures and stay next to the Ischua Creek. Bring your kayak/canoe and fishing pole and enjoy the adventure. At your site you will have access to water hook-ups and 20 Amps service. Bath house is short walking distance away with hot showers and toilets. Each site will have a picnic table and a fire ring.

Lake Lauderdale Campground

41 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres · Cambridge, Washington

Welcome to Lake Lauderdale Campground, located on County Route 61 with picturesque views of Lake Lauderdale and the surrounding mountains with over 50 acres of park-owned property. Explore natural landmarks, hiking trails, and a range of activities for the whole family. So whether you are reserving one of our cabin rentals, RVing, or camping in a tent, you and your family will relax, enjoy, and have a great camping experience! Campsite amenities offered include a playground, picnic tables, and fire circles along with basic amenities such as restrooms with hot showers and laundry facilities. Visitors may also enjoy on-site activities such as themed weekends, basketball, hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Whether it's for a night or two, we hope to see you soon!

Lakeside Campground

45 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Windsor, Broome

Welcome to the lakeside campground in beautiful Windsor, new york! We are a seasonal campground open May 1st thru October 15th. Surrounded by nature’s beauty, lakeside provides spacious, Rustic campsites in a quiet, family-friendly environment. We offer these amenities and more! • Variety of wooded campsites, all with picnic tables and fire rings • Full hook-up (W/E/S) RV sites - Lakeside and Large Pull-through sites • Tent / Pop-up (W/E) sites – Lakeside and Remote (Hillside Tent Loop) • Rental Accommodations – Cabins, Rental RVs, Yurts, and Platform Tent • Fishing on private lake; no NYS license required • Swimming in Lakeside’s new in-ground pool or designated lake swim area • Basic Campground WiFi • Non-motorized boating, using personal or rental boats (kayaks, peddle boats, row boats, or canoes) • Playground, Game Room, Pool Table, Badminton, and more • Laundry, Bath Facilities, and Dump Station • Camp convenience store - includes firewood bundles, ice, propane refills, fishing worms, ice cream, grocery items, and more • Activities every weekend • Hiking and Golf Nearby (under 5 miles) Nothing beats curling up in a cozy sleeping bag under the stars. At Lakeside, we honor the desires of these camping “purists”, while offering an experience that has “evolved” to meet the needs of today’s tenter. All of our rates are based on 2 persons. Additional persons are $5.00, and Children 10 years & under are free. There is no charge for pets in your own camping units. If you fish, Lakeside provides wonderful fishing. The lake includes bass, sunnies, bluegills, catfish, and perch. We have a license for the lake so you do not need an NYS license.

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Campground on the River

37 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Roscoe, Delaware

Butternut Grove Campsites allows campers to visit the Catskills and connect with nature. Offering a relaxing atmosphere while only 2 hours from New York City and 1 hour from Binghamton. Butternut Grove Campsites creates lasting memories of camping, great people, and fishing experiences. Our goal is to bring a family-oriented atmosphere to our campground, offering fun activities and a variety of desired amenities for the entire fishermen's family and his best friends. Owned By Bridget & Paul along with their three children and Gaston the pig and Rulo the dog. We are delighted to join the Butternut Grove Family with hopes to bring good vibes and good times! At Butternut Grove Campsite, you can enjoy various amenities such as a heated bath house with hot showers, laundry, quality firewood delivered to your site, handmade "Flies by Greg" for purchase, kayaks and tubes for rent, propane gas available on-site, fire ring and picnic table at each site, bag ice, water and electricity at each site with 30 amp and 50 amp electric, Wi-Fi, winter storage and winterizing for RVs, dump station on-site, honey-wagon services available, and a fly fishing guide named Joe Rist who is the head and owner of Trout Town Flies.lies

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Letchworth Valley Campground & Reso

39 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents147 acres · Bliss, Wyoming

Letchworth Valley Campground & Resort is a newly acquired 147 Acre property with a 26 Acre lake. Wiscoy Creek famous for trout fishing also runs through a portion of the property. There's canoeing, hiking, fishing, swimming in an all natural setting. We have 25 primitive tent sites, 16 RV sites that have water and electric, 4 hotel rooms, 5 premium and 5 rustic cabins. Wildlife including a pair of bald eagles, geese, herons, and birds of all kinds live on the property. All sites have a fire ring with grill and a picnic table. We are pet friendly up to 3. Open May 15th - October 30th Closed October 31st - May 14th

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Country Charm Campground

82 sites · RVs, Tents145 acres · Middlesex, Yates

We have large sites with 30 amp electric service, water, Limited open WiFi, and a dump station, along with honey wagon service. Other amenities include brand new bathrooms with private showers, a camp store, laundry facilities and a fully-equipped, wheelchair-accessible bathroom. You can also enjoy our well-stocked 5 acre pond with fishing dock. We have paddle boats and row boats for your enjoyment, disc golf, 100+ acres of hiking trails, and hay wagon rides. COME AND TRY OUR TWO NEW CABINS!

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(22)

AutoCamp Catskills

31 sites · Lodging10 acres · Saugerties, Ulster

Our second East Coast location, AutoCamp Catskills brings the signature AutoCamp experience to the forests of Upstate New York. Explore the neighboring historic towns of Woodstock or Saugerties, hike on the dozens of trails throughout the Catskill Mountains, ski or snowshoe on Hunter Mountain in the winter, or spend time on property in our classic Hudson Valley-style Clubhouse.

Misty Mountains Park

68 sites · RVs, TentsCuba, Allegany

Misty Mountains Park is now taking reservations through Hipcamp. We provide quality affordable housing for contractors and families who are enjoying the mobile economy. Additionally, we strive to provide traditional RV services for those that need short term stays, while attempting to be especially sensitive to "saving" spaces for vendors or customers coming to local events. Chase Your Trail and Find Your Cheese at Misty Mountains Park, always a Gateway to Adventure, in historic Cuba, NY. Rolling hills, lush forests, and the beauty of the Allegheny Mountains (often “Misty” in the early morning) are just a part of what makes Misty Mountains Park so incredibly special. Our resort is conveniently located near Interstate 86, about an hour from Buffalo and Rochester, and about three hours from Pittsburgh and Cleveland. The Park offers all our guests complimentary use of a dog park; free WiFi; pond with kayaks and paddleboat; public restrooms, showers and laundry facilities. Our Mountain Recreational Vehicle Park offers large campsites; our Family/Pet friendly park makes a perfect base camp for day trips to mesmerizing attractions such as the Great Lakes; the Finger Lakes; Letchworth and Allegany State Parks; the Zoar Valley; the Kinzua Dam and Bridge; the Triple Divide; and the Chautauqua Institute. Take a scenic driving tour, admiring the Autumn colors, the Winter wonderland, or the summer greenery, stopping off for a delicious lunch or evening meal in the many historic small towns. The best part is that you will enjoy the great Allegany Wilds outdoors yet find yourself within walking distance of the historic Village of Cuba, home of the famous Cuba Cheese Shoppe and the Palmer Opera House. Nearby are numerous hiking/biking/multiuse trails; Cuba and Rushford Lakes; and many local artisans, including Amish. Currently we have limited overnight and short-term sites available.

Camp Echo

20 sites · Lodging200 acres · Bloomingburg, Sullivan

Learn more about this land:Schedule your retreat, sports camp or special event with Camp Echo! With breathtaking scenery and cozy facilities, Echo offers a unique and exciting setting to host your next event. Camp Echo is situated in the perfect location for your group from the Tri-State area. We are less than 80 miles from New York City so you can reach us in less than an hour from Westchester County and Northern New Jersey. You can rent our facility for a day, a weekend, or longer, subject to availability. Activities Include: Swimming (Pool) or Lake (Lifeguards Required which we can provide), Sport Fields and Courts (Softball, Baseball, Tennis, Basketball, Soccer, Beach Volleyball, etc.)

Available this weekend

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(699)

Wyomanock Farm

31 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents75 acres · Rensselaer

Our 75 acres is a wonderful, diverse mix of habitat, harmoniously integrated with our small farm. This land was the homestead of the very first white settler of the area, John Wiley, in 1787. The Wyomanock Creek is the backbone of this little valley. Beaver have dammed the creek at several points to create ponds and other wetland features that support a diversity of wildlife including otter, moose and a myriad of birds, from osprey to herons. This sanctuary is host to many uncommon native plants and plant communities. We would love to share it with you! Your host, Thom, invites you to property to explore 75 acres of meadows, woods and water. Choose one of several sites either in the woods or open areas. You are also free to use our outdoor solar shower or take a dip in the cold pond! Our location is convenient to the Berkshire Mountains, state parks, hiking and other attractions, including Ramble Wild tree to tree adventures and Jiminy Peak. There are a few miles of rail trail access just down the road.

Willow Hill Farm and Mountains

23 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents400 acres · Keeseville, Essex

Willow Hill Farm is a family-run working horse farm. We train , teach, board horses, and run a day camp. We had a resident camp for 40 years. We have mountains in our backyard and the Au Sable River bordering our meadow for a half mile. We are 45 minutes from Lake Placid and 30 minutes from Plattsburgh. Montreal and Burlington, VT are a 1&1/2 hour drive. Hiking, boating, and swimming are all close, and riding lessons are available on the farm.

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The Heron Campground

86 sites · RVs, Tents300 acres · Sherman, Chautauqua

The Heron is a mindful community, raising conscious vibrations through art, music, farming, education and events while enriching lives and the land. You'll notice a handful of weekends that the campground is closed or would appear fully booked; those may be times that we have ticketed music festivals happening, in which case you can find that information on our main website. For more information on our farm, The Farm Store, and our festivals, visit our main website. Our many camping and lodging options allow families to relax, enjoy nature, and create memories. We have around 100 sites throughout our 300 acres, some woodsy, some with views of the rolling hills and some with electric service. The Heron grounds boast a swimming and fishing pond, and over 4 miles of on-site hiking trails. Located on over 400 acres in beautiful Chautauqua County, NY, we are a working organic farm with a shiitake mushroom yard and on-site farm store. We host educational workshops, captivating music festivals, and much more! We offer many different options for camping, from tent sites nestled in the woods to RV sites with electric hook-ups (electric site reservations are to be made on that specific listing and are limited). We allow pets, all dogs must on a leash 6ft or shorter in length and held by an adult, there is a $20/stay pet fee for pets that can be paid prior to arrival. Beach/Swimming Rules: Two adults 18 or over are required to supervise when there are children swimming. (Even if only one child is present.) No swimming outside of the designated/roped swim area. No watercraft allowed anywhere in the pond. Do not use soap in the water, we have showers! No alcohol, no glass or open containers. On-site Phone is for Emergencies only (located in the beach hut to the left of the beach area). Creating a reservation is your agreement with this rule. Local Attractions: Panama Rocks, Chautauqua Institute, Chautauqua Lake Overland Trail (The Westside of Trail) over 35 miles of hiking, Chautauqua Gorge, Audubon Nature Center, Rails to Trails, Ellicottville Brewery, Southern Tier Brewery & Distillery, Lake Erie Wine Trail, and much more! Please contact us with questions and inquiries. Welcome Home!

Boulder Point Camp

31 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Pine Bush, Ulster

We have 40 acres with miles of trails through the property. It is located on the hudson valley wine trail so there are tons of wineries to access. We are in the mountains with great climbing, next to a state park. The campsite is on top of a massive boulder that looks out over the grounds with tons of wildlife surrounding. On a dead end road in the middle of the woods with no other houses within sight. A little bit about us. This is a small campground. We do have one Glamping site as well as well as a super luxurious pool house available. We rent small retro RV's as well, see our other listings!! There are 40 acres here to explore with small streams, wetlands and forests. We have 4 modern brand new bathrooms with a hot showers in a beautiful new bathhouse with a charging station for phones and tablets. Its pretty amazing!!!!! We do have sulfur water, its great for your skin but smells! Each site usually has a 2 chairs, a table , a grill and a fire ring..... We also offer 3 vintage campers for a unique glamping experience. We have a 1984, a 1975 and a 1966 all with solar electric lighting. Running water is located at the camp store. Take a look at our listings or ask me. I'll tell you all about them. *Please note that use of the pool is available to guests of the pool house only. We also offer hiking excursions. Please book in advance. Our sites are in the middle of the 40 acres of beautiful undeveloped land to explore or just enjoy the quiet. There are no street lights to block the view of the night sky and the fire flies are something to see. We still have all the cool stuff like tons of restaurants, breweries, wineries & vineyards, and farms all around. Boulder Point Camping is centrally located among indoor and outdoor activities, great restaurants, local shops, and antiquing. We are close to loads of hiking trails, state parks, restaurants, creeks, swimming, fishing and more. Sam's Point, Ice Caves Mountain, and Minnewaska State Park just to name a few! In addition there are plenty of microbreweries, wineries, and farms where you can pick your fruit right off the tree (or vine) as the case may be. We are also a few minutes from Angry Orchard, Gardiner Brewing Company, and Baldwin Vineyards and many many others... Dogs welcome with an additional $20 fee.We can accommodate small vans, popups and RVs as well. Check in is at 3 pm Check out is a strict 12 pm unless prior arrangements have been made.We reserve the right to change your site number without notice. WE HAVE A STRICT 30 DAY CANCELLATION POLICY, TRYING TO MOVE YOUR DATES IS THE SAME AS A CANCELLATION AND TREATED THE SAME.

Camping and Glamping

22 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents36 acres · Cattaraugus

Pitch your tent, bring your RV camper or stay at one of our glamping sites at Campground Adventures and stay next to the Ischua Creek. Bring your kayak/canoe and fishing pole and enjoy the adventure. At your site you will have access to water hook-ups and 20 Amps service. Bath house is short walking distance away with hot showers and toilets. Each site will have a picnic table and a fire ring.

Star Hosts in New York

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Lakeside Campground

45 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Windsor, Broome

Welcome to the lakeside campground in beautiful Windsor, new york! We are a seasonal campground open May 1st thru October 15th. Surrounded by nature’s beauty, lakeside provides spacious, Rustic campsites in a quiet, family-friendly environment. We offer these amenities and more! • Variety of wooded campsites, all with picnic tables and fire rings • Full hook-up (W/E/S) RV sites - Lakeside and Large Pull-through sites • Tent / Pop-up (W/E) sites – Lakeside and Remote (Hillside Tent Loop) • Rental Accommodations – Cabins, Rental RVs, Yurts, and Platform Tent • Fishing on private lake; no NYS license required • Swimming in Lakeside’s new in-ground pool or designated lake swim area • Basic Campground WiFi • Non-motorized boating, using personal or rental boats (kayaks, peddle boats, row boats, or canoes) • Playground, Game Room, Pool Table, Badminton, and more • Laundry, Bath Facilities, and Dump Station • Camp convenience store - includes firewood bundles, ice, propane refills, fishing worms, ice cream, grocery items, and more • Activities every weekend • Hiking and Golf Nearby (under 5 miles) Nothing beats curling up in a cozy sleeping bag under the stars. At Lakeside, we honor the desires of these camping “purists”, while offering an experience that has “evolved” to meet the needs of today’s tenter. All of our rates are based on 2 persons. Additional persons are $5.00, and Children 10 years & under are free. There is no charge for pets in your own camping units. If you fish, Lakeside provides wonderful fishing. The lake includes bass, sunnies, bluegills, catfish, and perch. We have a license for the lake so you do not need an NYS license.

Lake Lauderdale Campground

41 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres · Cambridge, Washington

Welcome to Lake Lauderdale Campground, located on County Route 61 with picturesque views of Lake Lauderdale and the surrounding mountains with over 50 acres of park-owned property. Explore natural landmarks, hiking trails, and a range of activities for the whole family. So whether you are reserving one of our cabin rentals, RVing, or camping in a tent, you and your family will relax, enjoy, and have a great camping experience! Campsite amenities offered include a playground, picnic tables, and fire circles along with basic amenities such as restrooms with hot showers and laundry facilities. Visitors may also enjoy on-site activities such as themed weekends, basketball, hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Whether it's for a night or two, we hope to see you soon!

Camping and Glamping

22 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents36 acres · Cattaraugus

Pitch your tent, bring your RV camper or stay at one of our glamping sites at Campground Adventures and stay next to the Ischua Creek. Bring your kayak/canoe and fishing pole and enjoy the adventure. At your site you will have access to water hook-ups and 20 Amps service. Bath house is short walking distance away with hot showers and toilets. Each site will have a picnic table and a fire ring.

Wyomanock Farm

31 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents75 acres · Rensselaer

Our 75 acres is a wonderful, diverse mix of habitat, harmoniously integrated with our small farm. This land was the homestead of the very first white settler of the area, John Wiley, in 1787. The Wyomanock Creek is the backbone of this little valley. Beaver have dammed the creek at several points to create ponds and other wetland features that support a diversity of wildlife including otter, moose and a myriad of birds, from osprey to herons. This sanctuary is host to many uncommon native plants and plant communities. We would love to share it with you! Your host, Thom, invites you to property to explore 75 acres of meadows, woods and water. Choose one of several sites either in the woods or open areas. You are also free to use our outdoor solar shower or take a dip in the cold pond! Our location is convenient to the Berkshire Mountains, state parks, hiking and other attractions, including Ramble Wild tree to tree adventures and Jiminy Peak. There are a few miles of rail trail access just down the road.

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(54)

Camp Earth Connection

20 sites · Lodging, Tents62 acres · Freeville, Tompkins

Camp Earth Connection offers a relaxing stay with a variety of camping options including Log Cabins, Rustic Cabins, AdirondackLean-To's and Tent-Sites. Each site has privacy, picnic tables and grills or fire pits. Camp Earth Connection is an alcohol & drug free facility, offering guests the opportunity to connect with nature and each other in a serene and beautiful natural setting. The Hammond Hill trail system, which offers hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing connects to the 950 mileFinger Lakes Trail system. Wildlife is abundant in the area. It is common to hear the Coyotes and Owls throughout the day. In addition,Mink, Fishers, Bald Eagles, Turkey Buzzards, Porcupines, Raccoons, Skunks, Wild Turkeys, Ravens, Grouse, Red and Grey Fox and an occasional Black Bear are some of the inhabitants of the local forest. Guests can choose to have some peaceful alone time or be more engaged in our small community during our community campfires, campfire pancake breakfasts or workshops. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Camp Earth Connection offers a variety of activities and workshops such as: -Saturday Morning Campfire Pancake Breakfast. -Saturday Evening Community Campfire. -Thursday evening, Earth Movie night, (movies about the Earth and Sustainable living) followed by a campfire discussion. -A variety of workshops are offered periodically led by Eshay & CEC staff and interns including: Fire making in Nature; Eshay's Tree Walk; Animal Tracks and Signs - Guided Trail walks, and more. All workshops and activities are free but donations are welcomed. Camp Earth Connection values Diversity, Acceptance and Community. It is more than just a campground, it is an experience that can be life-changing. Guests enjoy making meaningful connections with hosts, guests, family & friends. In addition they experience the beauty and healing that is provided by this sacred natural environment. Camp Earth Connection is open to everyone and provides an accepting and safe space for folks who can't always count on that, including the LGBTQ community, People of Color and other culturally diverse individuals, families and groups.

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Camping in New York guide

New York state is made for outdoor adventures, whether you're hiking in the Finger Lakes, glamping amid Hudson Valley vineyards, or backcountry camping in the Adirondacks. Campers can take their pick of 180 New York state parks, 22 national park sites, and a national forest, almost all of which provide RV sites and tent camping—some also have cabin rentals and glamping options. June through August is peak camping season in Upstate New York, and camping reservations are essential through fall, too. November through March is ski season, and many RV parks and cabins stay open year-round.

Where to Go

New York City & Long Island

When the temperatures rise in summer, New York campers make a beeline for the sandy shores of Long Island. Beach camping experiences abound on the island, both along the Atlantic Coast and the North Shore. Check into one of the coastal RV parks, camp at one of the many country parks, or head to the beachside campgrounds at Hither Hills State Park or Wildwood State Park.

Hudson Valley & the Catskills

Vineyards and heritage towns dot the banks of the Hudson River, north of NYC, stretching all the way up to the Catskills Mountains. There’s lakeside camping within an hour’s drive of the city at Harriman State Park, kayak-in tent sites at Hudson River Islands State Park, and a popular campground at Bear Mountain State Park. For keen hikers, some of the best camping and glamping is found in the vast Catskill Forest Preserve.

Saratoga & Adirondacks

To escape the crowds and explore the wilderness, continue north into the Adirondacks, where the soaring mountains and wild woodlands stretch across more than 6 million acres. Epic hikes, fall foliage views, and idyllic lakes await campers, whether you prefer a hike-in tent site or a cozy log cabin in the woods. Don’t fancy hiking? Try whitewater rafting along the Ausable River, go canoeing between the three Saranac Lakes, or enjoy boating on Lake George.

Central New York & the Finger Lakes

For tranquil lakeside camping, the Finger Lakes get our vote. Regional highlights include the Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park, the beaches and waterfalls of Buttermilk Falls State Park, and the "Grand Canyon of the East" at Letchworth State Park, but you can also fill your camping trip with wine tasting, farm-to-table restaurants, and lake activities.

Western New York

More than 65,000 acres of mountains, forest, and lakes make up the vast Allegany State Park, where you can choose from four state campgrounds or book one of the many cabins. Further north, there’s beachside camping along the shores of Lake Ontario, while Four Mile Creek State Park is one of three western New York state parks to offer yurt rentals. An added bonus? It’s within a 15-minute drive of Niagara Falls.

Frequently Asked Questions

In New York, you can find free camping opportunities in various state forests and wilderness areas. Some popular locations include the Adirondack Forest Preserve and the Catskill Forest Preserve. These areas offer primitive, dispersed camping with no facilities, so you'll need to come prepared and follow Leave No Trace principles. Please note that some locations may require a permit for camping, so be sure to check the regulations before heading out.

Boondocking, or dispersed camping, is legal in some areas of New York, particularly on public lands managed by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the U.S. Forest Service. The Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves are popular destinations for boondocking, where you can camp for free at designated sites or at least 150 feet away from water, roads, and trails. Additionally, the Finger Lakes National Forest allows dispersed camping in specific areas. When boondocking, it's essential to follow the Leave No Trace principles and respect the environment.

For more options and information on boondocking in New York, consider visiting Hipcamp.

To go camping in New York, follow these steps:

Choose your camping location: New York offers a wide variety of camping options, including state parks, national forests, and private campgrounds. Browse through the available options on Hipcamp or other camping websites to find the perfect spot for your trip.
Make a reservation (if required): Some campgrounds require reservations, while others are first-come, first-served. Get in touch for specific reservation information. For state parks, you can make reservations through Reserve America.
Prepare your camping gear: Gather all necessary camping equipment, such as a tent, sleeping bags, cooking gear, food, water, and appropriate clothing for the weather.
Check the rules and regulations: Familiarize yourself with the specific campground's rules and regulations, including quiet hours, pet policies, and fire restrictions.
Arrive at your campsite: Once you reach your camping destination, set up your tent and campsite according to the campground's guidelines.
Practice Leave No Trace principles: Be respectful of the environment and other campers by following Leave No Trace principles, such as packing out all trash, minimizing campfire impact, and respecting wildlife.
Enjoy your camping experience: Explore the surrounding area, participate in outdoor activities, and make lasting memories with friends and family.

Remember to always follow safety guidelines and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Happy camping!

Camping costs in New York vary depending on the type of campsite, amenities, and location. Prices can range from $15 per night for a basic tent site in a state park to over $200 per night for a glamping experience or cabin rental. For a variety of options, you can explore Hipcamp's New York camping listings. Keep in mind that public parks and campgrounds may have additional reservation fees or require permits. Always check with the specific campground for the most accurate pricing information.

Yes, camping is legal in New York. The state offers a variety of camping options, including state parks, state forests, national forests, and private campgrounds. You can find tent camping, RV camping, and cabin rentals in various locations across the state. Some popular areas for camping in New York include the Catskill Mountains, the Adirondack Mountains, and the Finger Lakes region. You can explore and book various camping options through Hipcamp.

Yes, you can camp in a New York State Park. New York offers a variety of camping opportunities in its state parks, including tent camping, RV camping, and cabin rentals. Some popular state parks for camping in New York include Letchworth State Park, Adirondack Park, Catskill Park, Allegany State Park, and Taughannock Falls State Park. Campsites and facilities vary by park, so it's essential to check specific park information and availability before planning your trip.