The best beach camping in New York

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New York’s beaches are made for summer and spread throughout the state, from New York City to the Canadian border. If you’re looking for a traditional beach vacation, opt for a waterside campsite on Long Island. Suffolk and Nassau Counties house RV campgrounds, cabin rentals, and state parks mere steps from the sea. If you’d rather opt for a lakeside retreat, try a unique vacation rental along the shorelines of Lake Ontario or Lake Erie, lakes so massive that you’d never realize you’re not actually on the ocean. Spend your summer water skiing and tubing—or simply laying out beneath the sun with a beach read. In the cooler months, swimming is out of the question, but an off-season New York beach campsite is as tranquil as it gets, with fewer crowds and uninterrupted nature views.

96% (2.3K) • 8,326 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in New York

Ugly Apple Farms

1. Ugly Apple Farms

97%
(265)
Port Jervis, NY · 5 sites
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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Potable water
Big Indian Wilderness Paradise

2. Big Indian Wilderness Paradise

100%
(127)
Big Indian, NY · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging
This woodland meadow in just yards from the crystal clear Esopus Creek. Wonderful for swimming or fishing or just enjoying the quiet of a country escape. Close to the charming country town of Phoenicia with charming restaurants and a short drive to Woodstock.
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The Heron Farm & Event Center

3. The Heron Farm & Event Center

97%
(640)
Panama, NY · 45 sites · Tents, RVs
The Heron is an Organic Farm, Event & Wedding Venue, and Campground. A place to connect deeply with nature & art, eat real food and create lasting memories! We are the home of the Great Blue Heron Music Festival and the Green Heron Growers. For more information on our farm, our Farm Store and our Events, visit our website, theheron.org 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. 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 weddings, educational workshops, retreats, private events, 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. Come and share the Magic of The Heron! Welcome Home!
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Catskill State Park

4. Catskill State Park

97%
(84)
State park in New York · 708 sites
Escape the hustle of NYC with a retreat to the expansive Catskills.
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Electrical hookup
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Allegany State Park

5. Allegany State Park

95%
(22)
State park in New York · 625 sites
Natural history meets lakefront fun at this Western New York state park.
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High Peak Meadows

6. High Peak Meadows

99%
(59)
Tannersville, NY · 2 sites
Unplug, unwind, and recharge amongst 250 acres of private property conservation forest at our peaceful waterfall campsite in a secluded 3-acre meadow . Just off the NY Scenic Byway County Route 16, there is tons of space for larger groups. A New York favorite. Greet the morning sun from your tent as it rises above High Peak. Surrounded by the Indian Head Wilderness peaks, you'll enjoy the cool mountain air at night and stunning views all day long. Hike the trails and then dip in the creek when you get back. This campsite is equipped with a single Queen-sized cot with air mattress, woodstove, portable camp toilet, solar heated sun shower. Bring your own bedding/sleeping bags. Drive-up access requires SUV-type clearance for the creek crossings. For easier 2 wheel access check out my other 5-star secluded campsite- Schoharie Creekside Tent. Only a quick drive to Tannersville, Hunter, Windham, Palenville, Woodstock, Phoenicia, Catskill and Saugerties where you can explore the cute town, restaurants, and shops. The site is perched on the banks of the Roaring Kill Stream, perfect for swimming and fishing. There are also lots of flat areas to put additional tents. Great access to the Roaring Kill Trailhead and to the Devil's Path Hiking Trail. If you're looking for some water activities take a short drive to Colgate Lake. Site guidelines Do be careful driving on the dirt jeep track out to the camp. Don't miss swimming in the Roaring Kill Falls. Do leave the campsite just as you found it. "Don't feed the bears." Seriously, do keep a very clean camp. Do ask questions about local activities- swimming holes, hiking, etc. Please take all trash with you, leave no trace!
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Bare Camping

7. Bare Camping

79%
(70)
Stony Point, NY · 1 site
Property was bought just as another project. However, after realizing the beautiful surroundings it only made sense to share it with others.
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Smith Memorial Park Campground

8. Smith Memorial Park Campground

86%
(38)
Hector, NY · 14 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to the Finger Lakes A park and campground on Seneca Lake Smith Park is a classic lakeside park and campground built on the slopes of Seneca Lake in the 1970’s — enjoyed by many since the 1800’s. In the heart of New York State’s Finger Lakes and along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, the park and campground’s location offers the best of both nature and socializing. Open daily from dawn to dusk, visitors can access Seneca Lake by foot from the “Green” in the middle of the park, or dirt roads on both the north and south ends of the park.
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Adirondacks Best Riverfront Campsit

9. Adirondacks Best Riverfront Campsit

95%
(140)
Keene, NY · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Ausable riverfront sites. Porta potty on site Close proximity to hiking, kayaking, fishing, mt biking and lake placid. My driveway is located across the street from Manning’s Way. There are two whiskey barrel flower planters at the end of my driveway. When you pull into my driveway bear right down through the pine trees to the campsites. High peaks within a 5 minute drive. Firewood for sale Please when you arrive, don’t go up Manning’s way!!! Neighbors are getting aggravated. We are across the street from Manning’s way on the river side of the road. Message me for physical address
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Picnic table
Fair Haven Beach State Park

10. Fair Haven Beach State Park

95%
(11)
State park in New York · 214 sites
Fair Haven isn't an ocean beach, but it may as well be during the summer months.
Pets
Electrical hookup
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Buttermilk Falls State Park

11. Buttermilk Falls State Park

100%
(12)
State park in New York · 51 sites
Imagine 600 feet of water cascading gently into a shallow pool. Welcome to Buttermilk Falls.
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Chenango Valley State Park

12. Chenango Valley State Park

100%
(5)
State park in New York · 206 sites
Comprised of two small kettle lakes (ice-age glacial deposits), Chenango Valley is truly a natural wonder to see with your own eyes. As expected, the two lakes (Chenango and Lily), are the main attraction(s). Swing by for a swim in the summer, and when Old Man Winter pays a visit to the area, it’s a little like the winter Olympics out here with ice fishing and ice skating.Perhaps the largest attraction to the park is birdwatching. Even if you’re not looking for ‘em you can’t miss spotting a unique sight out of hundreds of species in the area. So next time you’re in Broome County, pick out a campsite and perhaps cultivate your inner bird nerd while you’re here!
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Hither Hills State Park

13. Hither Hills State Park

100%
(13)
State park in New York · 153 sites
This New York park boasts sand dunes and ocean views.
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Mountaineer Family Camp @Massawepie

14. Mountaineer Family Camp @Massawepie

98%
(95)
Tupper Lake, NY · 18 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Located on a 3,769 acre property with a private, mile-long lake, miles of hiking trails, and endless opportunity for outdoor adventure—Camp Mountaineer is one of the Adirondack’s best-kept secrets. Located at the historic Massawepie Scout Camps in Piercefield, NY, Mountaineer can serve as your vacation spot, home away from home, or gateway to Adirondack exploration. Camp Mountaineer is located at Massawepie Scout Camps, 65 Massawepie Road in Piercefield, NY - just west of Tupper Lake. The campground features a variety of camping options to suit your group’s needs—cabins, RV sites, tent sites, and group campsites are all available. Various amenities are provided to make your stay even more enjoyable. Situated in the North Central Adirondacks, Camp Mountaineer provides an opportunity for great on-site outdoor recreation as well as a jumping off point to adventures throughout the Adirondack Park. The facilities and services available at Camp Mountaineer make this a great choice for your family or groups’ adventure. Camp Mountaineer is owned and operated by the Greater Finger Lakes Council, Scouting America headquartered in Rochester, NY. First opened as a Scout camp in 1953, Mountaineer now serves as a campground equipped to suit your group’s needs. Any group can make a reservation. Our 2026 Rental Season runs July 2 -August 7
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Full hookups
Bridgeview Harbour Marina

15. Bridgeview Harbour Marina

96%
(125)
Port Henry, NY · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Bridgeview Harbour Marina is a family owned and operated full service marina, event space, and camping area on the Adirondack shore of Lake Champlain. Established in 2020 the Marina provides seasonal and overnight slips and moorings to boaters, fisherman, and lake-goers, three camp sites, and an on-site cafe. Marina services are available May thru October each year, with other events and services available throughout the year. The marina is set on 33 acres along Lake Champlain and hosts ~4150 feet of lake-frontage, it is accessible via car, boat, or via the adjacent Amtrak rail line. Prior to becoming a marina in 1989, the property was home to a very large Iron Foundry, rail yard, and barge-loading operation known as Cedar Point. Cedar point, part of the larger Witherbee-Sherman Mining Company, operated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries smelting iron ore to be shipped throughout the world via the Lake Champlain Canal and Hudson River, and is credited with providing iron to some of America's leading projects at the time. Some remains of the sites industrious past can be observed throughout the property. From Father's Day to Labor Day, the Marina hosts the Port Henry Waterfront Farmers' Market every Friday between 5PM and 8PM. The Market features farms, makers, artists, food trucks and Live Music every week
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Full hookups
The Spotted Sandpiper

16. The Spotted Sandpiper

94%
(109)
Trumansburg, NY · 3 sites
The land that became our property was once owned by the King family. (i.e. Kingtown Beach Road) In the 1970s it was a marina developed by the Fulton family, with 4 small tourist cabins on the hillside above the water. Two more families loved and cared for the property before our family purchased it in late 2018. We're are delighted to share the beauty of Cayuga Lake with guests from all over the United States and the world, and hope to welcome you soon to The Spotted Sandpiper! Situated on 4 acres and with 400’ of secluded frontage on Cayuga Lake, The Spotted Sandpiper is the largest private lakefront vacation rental property in the Ithaca area. We’re nestled at the end of a private road, but only 7 minutes from Trumansburg, 3 1⁄2 miles from Taughannock State Park, and 20 minutes from Ithaca. We're conveniently located along the Cayuga Wine Trail!We are perfect for family reunions and wedding party rentals, families traveling together or friends looking for a week or weekend away! Our beach is an ideal swimming spot for children because of its gentle slope and clear waters.
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Mission Hemlock Grove

17. Mission Hemlock Grove

93%
(187)
Conesus, NY · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome, Mission Conesus, originally built by Franciscan Catholics. These lands were likely chosen for many reasons. Suffice it to say there is something special here. Come discover for yourself. Lose yourself here, or maybe find yourself, among the Hemlocks. First, a bit about the terrain. There is much in the way of forest, very mature, and a broad array of plant species. Elevation differences are vast, land to the west is uphill for quite a ways, and downhill to the east, to Hemlock lake below, so the world here can feel a bit tilted. We adjoin 150 acres of nature conservancy lands that nobody seems to know about. These lands are for respectful public daytime use. We also adjoin 6600 acres of NY state forest which is public property. Exploring all that is here would take a very long time! Want to get away? Welcome to our little slice of heaven. See the provided map for site locations. Site 1 is open field and is near the pavilion, sites 2 and 3 are along the woods, and site 4 is the most private and tucked into the woods. We looking forward to hosting you, at the mission.
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Tomtuga on the Erie Canal

18. Tomtuga on the Erie Canal

100%
(111)
Gasport, NY · 4 sites
Thank you for looking at what I have to offer. We love to have fun here. Which is why we call our little campground Tomtuga. It is sort of a reference of the Caribbean pirate island of Tortuga, except my name is Tom. I'm here mostly for the canal and living the pirate life but there have been sightings of Bigfoot and his cousin Yeti. They show up once in awhile to keep things interesting.  Here at Tomtuga we are 2 acres with the Erie Canal across the front on a quiet street and the Genesee Valley Transportation, a local shortline railroad across the backyard. Boat season is May - Oct. Train runs mostly just two days a week all year. Step out and give the boats and trains a friendly wave.   We are a hard packed base that can handle the very large RVs. Campsite #1 is where the 50amp / 30amp / 110 electric outlets are.  Campsite #2 is the only area that has a "good" grassy spot. With only two campsites, along with my RV here, it is a rather peaceful camp. There are no bathrooms here, so I'm sorry but no tent camping available. We offer ''Buddy Camping'', in which if you are traveling with friends in a 2nd RV / camper. I allow you to both camp on the same campsite #1. You still need to book campsite #4. If you have more camping friends, I can add more campsites for each camper using our "Overflow sites" for booking. This is just a clerical thing for charges. Actually campsite #1 can hold three campers. Also if you don't need power, like you have solar or batteries etc. I might allow you to park anywhere on our two acres. You book campsite #3. You can check the property out before setting up. I allow 2nd vehicles or also ''toads'' on the campsites too at no charge.   I'm Ok if you show up early from an overnight drive to the site and park in the main driveway. If there are not any previous campers onsite, I might let you into the site. Just let me know beforehand.  *No bathrooms on the property! You must have self contained units! When I get the bathroom built, this will change. **Again, NO Bathrooms here! If you try to book posing as a ''campervan'' but just a van or staying in a cardboard box on a trailer, don't book here. Please go stealth camp at Walmart, they have bathrooms and are free to overnight. I wouldn't pee in your yard.  No water hookups. No dumpstation either. We have free WiFi. Firewood available for $5 a bundle or bring your own. The local gas station has small bundles down the street for $8 each. * Please ask me before you let any of your dogs off leash. If there are other campers here, we all need to be in agreement on this. For their children and pets safety too. I do allow multiple dogs here. Again, please clean up after them. Do NOT just toss it into my woods or the canal.  Nice small canal town here with local eateries, including two pizza places; two bars and a breakfast lunch spot / laundromat / hardware store / Dollar General / gas station. We have a veterinary in town too.  All within a short walking distance.   NYS Bike path on the opposite side of the canal, goes from Buffalo to Albany. Some 350 miles.  Also a free NYS Canal boat ramp 1,800ft to the east, on our side of the canal. So bring your bikes / kayaks / boats / fishing poles. Rentals available in Lockport. Worms available at the hardware store in town. We are also open during the winter season, Uh yep. Please message me before hand because it depends on the snow depth if I'm letting campers in. *Special Bonus Offer - I am an online ordained minister and offer wedding nuptials here at Camp Tomtuga. Our twist is having your vows done by Rev Bigfoot or Padre Yeti in full regalia. Comes with an actual wedding certificate (you still need a license to make it legal). Cake is an extra fee. NO Dumpstation here!!! There is one 20 minutes south, just off the NY Thruway at the Flying J Truck Stop. 8484 Allegheny Rd, Pembroke. It is in the RV fuel island. Costs is $10. Get the code inside. *Ask about our free camper sticker or buying a Camp Tomtuga T-shirt. The shirts are Made to Order and can be mailed out afterwards. Hey if you could, when on the booking page it asks you to "Say Hello". Please tell me what kind of camper you are coming in like an RV or trailer and the size. It asks you that question right above that but I don't receive that info till much later. It just helps me gauge on placement here. I have plenty of room but it's nice to know what it showing up. Thanks Lots of people asking so, we are 30 miles from Niagara Falls. Very easy ride there and back using NYS Rt 104. This route goes along the Niagara escarpment with lots of farms stands and a few wineries.  Most of my guests use my campsites as a basecamp to then go and explore Niagara Falls or even day trip to Toronto Canada 106 miles away. I provide a list of local NY info / places to visit in Canada and my experience on crossing the border.  My camp to downtown Buffalo is 38 miles. To downtown Rochester is 51 miles. Lake Ontario Olcott Beach is 17 miles. Letchworth NYS Park 60 miles. We are 42 miles to the Buffalo Bills (Highmark Stadium). Thanks again, I hope you come and stay.
Electrical hookup
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PRIVATE WATERFALL @ Davey Falls ADK

19. PRIVATE WATERFALL @ Davey Falls ADK

99%
(41)
Crown Point, NY · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
4 acres on a dead end road. Our property begins at the Waterfall and runs 1500' along the creek. There are hiking trails, ponds, ATV trails literally across the street from the property. Fishing for huge pike, bass and perch in Penfield pond for a small fishing fee paid to Penfield foundation to support the historic site. Our family, tent sites and Camper rental share the property. There is plenty of space for all to enjoy. POTABLE WATER AVAILABLE IN FRONT OF PARKING SPACES
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Adirondack Adventure Base

20. Adirondack Adventure Base

99%
(80)
Paul Smiths, NY · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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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