Desert camping in New York
Whether you prefer a beach, forest, or mountain getaway—NY state has it all.
- New York
Popular camping styles for New York
Desert camping in New York guide
Overview
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.
