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% (15998 reviews)

Popular camping styles for New York

Star Hosts in New York

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Top camping destinations

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The Outlier Inn

13 sites · Lodging12 acres · Woodridge, Sullivan

The Outlier Inn is a bucolic 12-acre farm in New York state’s southern Catskill mountains, 90 miles from NYC. The Inn offers a peaceful and inspiring respite from life in the Big City. We have sheep, goats, alpacas, and chickens which are accessible to guests!Come stay in our unique accommodations ranging from Domes to Tiny Houses and cottages, we have it all! On site bathrooms available to guests including bathrooms and showers. Bring your pets and your firewood for this fun camping experience.

92%

(155)

Skyline RV Camp

30 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · New York, Kings

WE ARE OPEN Stellar Views and Fresh Waters - New York City has never looked better! The campground is located at (around) Skyline Drive In Movie theater, a unique drive-in cinema experience, at 1 Oak Street in trendy yet relaxed Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Our location is situated on the East River and boasts killer views of the Manhattan Skyline any time of day! The space is a massive open concrete surface lot on the East River. The lot is a private property and is monitored by the 24/7 security in the adjacent building. The subway is 4 blocks away (G Train, Greenpoint Ave stop) which will take you to the city in under 30 minutes. Greenpoint Ferry stop is a few blocks away which will take you to midtown Manhattan in no time! Please note, that you might benefit from using a trucker app called "Trucker Path" while getting here since in some areas of Brooklyn you can't drive an RV. ** Site #'s are not official, you are paying for the accommodation of a hookup or non hookup space, the on-site manager will give you an official site when you arrive**

Glamping Tent Overlooking Waterfall

3 sites · Lodging12 acres · Downsville, Delaware

Learn more about this land: Stay in our cozy 8’x10 ‘ wall tent on a 14’x16’ deck built next to a waterfall. The site includes include a private outdoor shower and a well serviced outhouse per site. Relax in front of the fire pit and grill that overlooks the falls. You will have plenty of privacy, surrounded by woods, access to lush forest, and modern amenities such as: WiFiprovided by Starlink, queen bed, propane tent heater to keep you warm in the cooler months, Brooklinen sheets. The property allows lots of beauty, peace, and serenity. Feel free to roam the 12 acres of woods, fields, waterfalls, and brooks. There are 3 historic waterfalls on the property. Within our small town, you can find all your essential needs met at the stores close by, as well as some great restaurants. Area surrounding the site as well as the areas not surrounding the main house, are accessible with caution. Access to the brook is at your own risk. Brook subject to flooding. Please note location of water rescue equipment at the site. Don’t forget the ice for the Yeti cooler!

Tilden Hill Farm

14 sites · RVs, Tents155 acres · Vernon, Oneida

Relax at Tilden Hill Farm its a 155 acre farm raising Black Angus Cattle it has been in the Brewer family for seven generations. Founded in 1798 by Josiah Brewer, the farm has served as a grist mill, chicken farm, cheese factory. We offer several types of site selection for your comfort. Choose from our private tent camping to relaxing RV sites. Our tent sites are quiet and scenic, just a quick walk down to the pond. Some of our sites you can park next to, but a few you will have to walk ~100 yards with your belongings. Tent sites have a porta-john and homemade outdoor shower for your enjoyment! Our RV sites have full hookups: water, electric and also a dump station.Once settled in, take a meandering walk through our 4 miles of walking trails or find your way down to our pond. Water activities are plentiful: fishing for bass, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, we accommodate it all!We look forward to seeing you at Tilden Hill Farm where you can "Experience a Family Tradition"

92%

(207)

Peconic River Campgrounds

16 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Calverton, Suffolk

Grassy field. Natural woods. River accessible. We are located 30 minutes from Long Island, NY. Feel free to pitch your tent anywhere you like on the property. Choose the grassy meadow or the natural woods filled with trees. Have a campfire and enjoy nature. Bring fishing gear and cast away. Go for a relaxing walk on the 2,000 feet of walkable dikes right on the river. Bring your canoe or kayak and feel free to launch it right on site. If you're bringing an RV, we can accommodate vehicles up to 30 ft in length and the sites require levelling. There is a water hookup but no electrical hookup. Toilet & showers are available. Potable water available. Pet-friendly! Bring a bike and explore our dirt trails across the street. Or visit the man-made dam on Dam RD just 2 minutes down the road, where you can take a dip in the water. If you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle, look no further! It's serene, peaceful, and private. So come experience it for yourself! Nature awaits!

12 top campgrounds in New York

97%

(139)

Glamping Tent Overlooking Waterfall

3 sites · Lodging12 acres · Downsville, Delaware

Learn more about this land: Stay in our cozy 8’x10 ‘ wall tent on a 14’x16’ deck built next to a waterfall. The site includes include a private outdoor shower and a well serviced outhouse per site. Relax in front of the fire pit and grill that overlooks the falls. You will have plenty of privacy, surrounded by woods, access to lush forest, and modern amenities such as: WiFiprovided by Starlink, queen bed, propane tent heater to keep you warm in the cooler months, Brooklinen sheets. The property allows lots of beauty, peace, and serenity. Feel free to roam the 12 acres of woods, fields, waterfalls, and brooks. There are 3 historic waterfalls on the property. Within our small town, you can find all your essential needs met at the stores close by, as well as some great restaurants. Area surrounding the site as well as the areas not surrounding the main house, are accessible with caution. Access to the brook is at your own risk. Brook subject to flooding. Please note location of water rescue equipment at the site. Don’t forget the ice for the Yeti cooler!

The Outlier Inn

13 sites · Lodging12 acres · Woodridge, Sullivan

The Outlier Inn is a bucolic 12-acre farm in New York state’s southern Catskill mountains, 90 miles from NYC. The Inn offers a peaceful and inspiring respite from life in the Big City. We have sheep, goats, alpacas, and chickens which are accessible to guests!Come stay in our unique accommodations ranging from Domes to Tiny Houses and cottages, we have it all! On site bathrooms available to guests including bathrooms and showers. Bring your pets and your firewood for this fun camping experience.

Tilden Hill Farm

14 sites · RVs, Tents155 acres · Vernon, Oneida

Relax at Tilden Hill Farm its a 155 acre farm raising Black Angus Cattle it has been in the Brewer family for seven generations. Founded in 1798 by Josiah Brewer, the farm has served as a grist mill, chicken farm, cheese factory. We offer several types of site selection for your comfort. Choose from our private tent camping to relaxing RV sites. Our tent sites are quiet and scenic, just a quick walk down to the pond. Some of our sites you can park next to, but a few you will have to walk ~100 yards with your belongings. Tent sites have a porta-john and homemade outdoor shower for your enjoyment! Our RV sites have full hookups: water, electric and also a dump station.Once settled in, take a meandering walk through our 4 miles of walking trails or find your way down to our pond. Water activities are plentiful: fishing for bass, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, we accommodate it all!We look forward to seeing you at Tilden Hill Farm where you can "Experience a Family Tradition"

Skyline RV Camp

30 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · New York, Kings

WE ARE OPEN Stellar Views and Fresh Waters - New York City has never looked better! The campground is located at (around) Skyline Drive In Movie theater, a unique drive-in cinema experience, at 1 Oak Street in trendy yet relaxed Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Our location is situated on the East River and boasts killer views of the Manhattan Skyline any time of day! The space is a massive open concrete surface lot on the East River. The lot is a private property and is monitored by the 24/7 security in the adjacent building. The subway is 4 blocks away (G Train, Greenpoint Ave stop) which will take you to the city in under 30 minutes. Greenpoint Ferry stop is a few blocks away which will take you to midtown Manhattan in no time! Please note, that you might benefit from using a trucker app called "Trucker Path" while getting here since in some areas of Brooklyn you can't drive an RV. ** Site #'s are not official, you are paying for the accommodation of a hookup or non hookup space, the on-site manager will give you an official site when you arrive**

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(41)

Bare Camping

3 sites · Tents1 acre · Stony Point, Rockland

Property was bought just as another project. However, after realizing the beautiful surroundings it only made sense to share it with others.

Upper Shire Campsites at RJ Ranch

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents22 acres · Hillsdale, Columbia

The Upper Shire at Roe Jan Ranch is a gorgeous hill with a small pond on 22 acres in Columbia County near the border of Massachusetts and New York. There are currently 5 unique camping areas located here. Each one is special due to its location on the hill. Check out our map and enjoy our spacious campsites.

Nature's Nook

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Waterford, Rensselaer

Learn more about this land: Nature's Nook is located at the very end of a mile long dirt road that winds along the river, perfect for nature walks. Come enjoy the beauty and privacy of Nature's Nook. We are centrally located just south of the Adirondacks and north of the Catskills, about a 45 minute drive will get you to either mountain range. The campsites are backed by woods, and there are 5 islands directly in front of the property with wildflowers galore, Bald Eagles nests, beaver huts, and more making it a kayaker's dream. We have 4 different sites to choose from. 1 Tent site, 2 tent/RV sites, and 1 glamping stay. Please scroll down to see all of our offerings. Each site offers a firepit and picnic table. Relax on the dock and enjoy some of the best sunsets the river has to offer. There are two bikes and two kayaks available to use for free. They are shared between the campsites or bring your own. Please follow or share your photos from the campsite on Hipcamp or Instagram now! @Naturesnookcamp Campfires are permitted. Portable toilet available for campers to use. Pets welcome!

97%

(61)

The Dominion House B&B, Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Washingtonville, Orange

This Bed and Breakfast farm offers two sites convenient from Interstate 84, the NYS Thruway Interstate 87, and Route 17/Interstate 86. Site 1 is a leveled stone pad easily accessible off the paved driveway, in front of two rustic barns where campers enjoy 30 amp electric service and a picnic table. Sites 2, 3 and 4 are in a private field (w/o service) each including a picnic table and fire ring. There are 40 acres of walking trails, and miles of adjacent rail trails for hiking/mountain biking from your site. Visit Brotherhood winery, breweries, Storm King Art Center, Lego Land, Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets, Resorts World Casino, and more.

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Adirondack Adventure Base

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres · Paul Smiths, Franklin

Overlook Lean-To, Treehouse, primitive campsites, and so much more! This is glamping at its finest. Our property was originally used as a seasonal hunting/fishing camp in the 1920's. Sheila and Bob bought it in the early 80s and have turned it into an amazing compound built for their family. They blinked their eyes and their children are gone, so this beautiful 50 acre diverse property and its private trail system are meant to be shared. Nestled in a mature, private pine forest, this well cared for property boasts abundant wildlife and a network of walking, skiing and mountain biking trails which take you past wetlands, cliffs and a variety of forest types. They have all kinds of lodging options from a beautiful vacation cabin they rent, to an Adk lean-to, to a Treehouse, and primitive campsites. You'll find a little bit for everyone at Adirondack Adventure Base.

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Ugly Apple Farms

11 sites · Tents70 acres · Port Jervis, Orange

Ugly Apple Farms was started by my Wife and to try to bring fresh organic/permaculture food to our community. We love to play music and get together with our friends and have been hosting people for some time. We thought that hipcamp could introduce people to our mission and make some extra money to get the farm off the ground. Ugly Apple Farms is a diverse place. We have opportunities for farm classes, pick your own veggies and more. We also have 1800 feet of access to the Neversink River. We recommend four wheel drive for some of our sites so please ask about them. We are an off grid farm with access to some solar for charging. We have tent sites and room for campers. Our camping is primitive but there is access to potable water and sanitation if needed. All extras are first come first serve if not reserved in advance. We love and welcome any questions! Thanks for looking!! Randall and Melissa

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Offsite Cabin Wassaic

1 site · Lodging60 acres · Wassaic, Dutchess

***PLEASE READ DESCRIPTION - NO RUNNING WATER NOV - MARCH*** Our *NEW* cabin is located on the top of a clearing in the mountains outside Wassaic. Enjoy swimming, hiking, chilling, fires and sunsets views without any light pollution or street noise. Designed as a retreat for the modern creative, the cabin is fully off-grid but features Starlink Internet, a compost toilet and heat / AC. We do provide 5 gallons drinking / cleaning water, but during the winter no sinks or showers are operable. Nearby towns (Kent, CT / Wassaic, NY) have awesome art, shopping and plenty of food options as well as easy access to the Appalachian trail and Macedonia state park. 15 minutes from the Wassaic metro north station, the cabin can be reach by taxi. The cabin is accessible by car, but may require a short hike in after heavy rain or snow. This cabin is part of the Offsite Camp family (www.offsite.camp).

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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.

Under $50

97%

(61)

The Dominion House B&B, Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Washingtonville, Orange

This Bed and Breakfast farm offers two sites convenient from Interstate 84, the NYS Thruway Interstate 87, and Route 17/Interstate 86. Site 1 is a leveled stone pad easily accessible off the paved driveway, in front of two rustic barns where campers enjoy 30 amp electric service and a picnic table. Sites 2, 3 and 4 are in a private field (w/o service) each including a picnic table and fire ring. There are 40 acres of walking trails, and miles of adjacent rail trails for hiking/mountain biking from your site. Visit Brotherhood winery, breweries, Storm King Art Center, Lego Land, Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets, Resorts World Casino, and more.

Nature's Nook

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Waterford, Rensselaer

Learn more about this land: Nature's Nook is located at the very end of a mile long dirt road that winds along the river, perfect for nature walks. Come enjoy the beauty and privacy of Nature's Nook. We are centrally located just south of the Adirondacks and north of the Catskills, about a 45 minute drive will get you to either mountain range. The campsites are backed by woods, and there are 5 islands directly in front of the property with wildflowers galore, Bald Eagles nests, beaver huts, and more making it a kayaker's dream. We have 4 different sites to choose from. 1 Tent site, 2 tent/RV sites, and 1 glamping stay. Please scroll down to see all of our offerings. Each site offers a firepit and picnic table. Relax on the dock and enjoy some of the best sunsets the river has to offer. There are two bikes and two kayaks available to use for free. They are shared between the campsites or bring your own. Please follow or share your photos from the campsite on Hipcamp or Instagram now! @Naturesnookcamp Campfires are permitted. Portable toilet available for campers to use. Pets welcome!

Peconic River Campgrounds

16 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Calverton, Suffolk

Grassy field. Natural woods. River accessible. We are located 30 minutes from Long Island, NY. Feel free to pitch your tent anywhere you like on the property. Choose the grassy meadow or the natural woods filled with trees. Have a campfire and enjoy nature. Bring fishing gear and cast away. Go for a relaxing walk on the 2,000 feet of walkable dikes right on the river. Bring your canoe or kayak and feel free to launch it right on site. If you're bringing an RV, we can accommodate vehicles up to 30 ft in length and the sites require levelling. There is a water hookup but no electrical hookup. Toilet & showers are available. Potable water available. Pet-friendly! Bring a bike and explore our dirt trails across the street. Or visit the man-made dam on Dam RD just 2 minutes down the road, where you can take a dip in the water. If you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle, look no further! It's serene, peaceful, and private. So come experience it for yourself! Nature awaits!

Bare Camping

3 sites · Tents1 acre · Stony Point, Rockland

Property was bought just as another project. However, after realizing the beautiful surroundings it only made sense to share it with others.

Tilden Hill Farm

14 sites · RVs, Tents155 acres · Vernon, Oneida

Relax at Tilden Hill Farm its a 155 acre farm raising Black Angus Cattle it has been in the Brewer family for seven generations. Founded in 1798 by Josiah Brewer, the farm has served as a grist mill, chicken farm, cheese factory. We offer several types of site selection for your comfort. Choose from our private tent camping to relaxing RV sites. Our tent sites are quiet and scenic, just a quick walk down to the pond. Some of our sites you can park next to, but a few you will have to walk ~100 yards with your belongings. Tent sites have a porta-john and homemade outdoor shower for your enjoyment! Our RV sites have full hookups: water, electric and also a dump station.Once settled in, take a meandering walk through our 4 miles of walking trails or find your way down to our pond. Water activities are plentiful: fishing for bass, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, we accommodate it all!We look forward to seeing you at Tilden Hill Farm where you can "Experience a Family Tradition"

Available this weekend

92%

(207)

Peconic River Campgrounds

16 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Calverton, Suffolk

Grassy field. Natural woods. River accessible. We are located 30 minutes from Long Island, NY. Feel free to pitch your tent anywhere you like on the property. Choose the grassy meadow or the natural woods filled with trees. Have a campfire and enjoy nature. Bring fishing gear and cast away. Go for a relaxing walk on the 2,000 feet of walkable dikes right on the river. Bring your canoe or kayak and feel free to launch it right on site. If you're bringing an RV, we can accommodate vehicles up to 30 ft in length and the sites require levelling. There is a water hookup but no electrical hookup. Toilet & showers are available. Potable water available. Pet-friendly! Bring a bike and explore our dirt trails across the street. Or visit the man-made dam on Dam RD just 2 minutes down the road, where you can take a dip in the water. If you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle, look no further! It's serene, peaceful, and private. So come experience it for yourself! Nature awaits!

Upper Shire Campsites at RJ Ranch

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents22 acres · Hillsdale, Columbia

The Upper Shire at Roe Jan Ranch is a gorgeous hill with a small pond on 22 acres in Columbia County near the border of Massachusetts and New York. There are currently 5 unique camping areas located here. Each one is special due to its location on the hill. Check out our map and enjoy our spacious campsites.

The Outlier Inn

13 sites · Lodging12 acres · Woodridge, Sullivan

The Outlier Inn is a bucolic 12-acre farm in New York state’s southern Catskill mountains, 90 miles from NYC. The Inn offers a peaceful and inspiring respite from life in the Big City. We have sheep, goats, alpacas, and chickens which are accessible to guests!Come stay in our unique accommodations ranging from Domes to Tiny Houses and cottages, we have it all! On site bathrooms available to guests including bathrooms and showers. Bring your pets and your firewood for this fun camping experience.

Glamping Tent Overlooking Waterfall

3 sites · Lodging12 acres · Downsville, Delaware

Learn more about this land: Stay in our cozy 8’x10 ‘ wall tent on a 14’x16’ deck built next to a waterfall. The site includes include a private outdoor shower and a well serviced outhouse per site. Relax in front of the fire pit and grill that overlooks the falls. You will have plenty of privacy, surrounded by woods, access to lush forest, and modern amenities such as: WiFiprovided by Starlink, queen bed, propane tent heater to keep you warm in the cooler months, Brooklinen sheets. The property allows lots of beauty, peace, and serenity. Feel free to roam the 12 acres of woods, fields, waterfalls, and brooks. There are 3 historic waterfalls on the property. Within our small town, you can find all your essential needs met at the stores close by, as well as some great restaurants. Area surrounding the site as well as the areas not surrounding the main house, are accessible with caution. Access to the brook is at your own risk. Brook subject to flooding. Please note location of water rescue equipment at the site. Don’t forget the ice for the Yeti cooler!

Ithaca Artsy Bunkhouse

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Ithaca, Tompkins

Stay in our cozy, heated and insulated, artsy bunkhouse. We're located on a quiet woodsy dead end street with tons of bird life and acres of nature to enjoy. Walking trails are right out the back gate! There is also frog pond and campfire pit to enjoy. Marshmallows provided. The bunkhouse is less than 2 miles to the center of Ithaca where there is plenty to do! including the taking advantage of the new bike share program and waterfront trails. Definitely come hungry, Ithaca has more restaurants per capita than NYC and LA.!! Were also just 12 min across town to Cornell University and Ithaca College and 5-20 minutes from numerus amazing waterfalls. The available half bathroom is in the main house, just seconds from the cabin and is open to you 24 hrs. The heated bunkhouse has 2 twin mattresses in the loft, and several blankets and pillows, but you need to BRING YOUR OWN SHEETS and pillow CASES as you wish. Firewood is $5 per fire, starters materials included, marshmallows are in the end table drawer! there are roasting sticks out by the fire pit. You can select the campfire wood option here or pay in cash in the cabin. Feel free to bring your own fire wood and pay nothing to enjoy a campfire. if you need any help starting a fine we can help. We have a sweet fluffy orange cat who roams the property. His name is kitty kitty :) He's fearful of dogs, and is wary of visitors since they might be harboring one! If you have a pup with you, please keep them leashed at least around the main house and cabin. We are also fostering our adult daughter's sweet dog Beya-- (pronounced Bay yuh). Beya is the nicest person you'd hope to meet and although she may bark a little when you come in to use the bathroom the first time, she's just letting us know someone has arrived- and is happy to be pet and played with. There isn't a shower included in the stay unless you are here for multiple days and have spoken with us about it...but you can definitely wash up with hot water and soap, in the half bath --hand towel provided. The cabin has air conditioning So no worries about being too warm to sleep well. (and heat in the winter) The location is Beautiful in all seasons! Cross country skiing and ice skating are possible in the winter but bring your own gear.. If there's something else you need for your stay, just ask! We are pretty flexible and can probably help out.

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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.