Lake Camping Near New York City, New York, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2026

New York City isn’t exactly known for its lake camping, but look beyond the skyscrapers and let the area’s campsites surprise you. NYC beach campsites tend to border the Atlantic Ocean or the Hudson River, but lake campgrounds come just as far and wide with a little bit of roadtripping. Check in to a Hudson Valley campsite to explore Fahnestock State Park, where Canopus Lake welcomes swimmers, hikers, and picnickers. If you’d prefer a glitzy getaway, opt instead for an A-frame with a hot tub in the Hamptons. Or, try a rustic cabin in Lake George. For even more options, try taking a dip—not in the water, but in the tristate area’s pool of campsites. Lake campgrounds abound in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut, where you can book everything from a dog-friendly RV site to a lakefront cabin that caters to the whole family. With a New York City lake campsite, you’ll never run out of activities or amenities.

91% (65)

Top-rated campgrounds near New York City

New York City isn’t exactly known for its lake camping, but look beyond the skyscrapers and let the area’s campsites surprise you. NYC beach campsites tend to border the Atlantic Ocean or the Hudson River, but lake campgrounds come just as far and wide with a little bit of roadtripping. Check in to a Hudson Valley campsite to explore Fahnestock State Park, where Canopus Lake welcomes swimmers, hikers, and picnickers. If you’d prefer a glitzy getaway, opt instead for an A-frame with a hot tub in the Hamptons. Or, try a rustic cabin in Lake George. For even more options, try taking a dip—not in the water, but in the tristate area’s pool of campsites. Lake campgrounds abound in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut, where you can book everything from a dog-friendly RV site to a lakefront cabin that caters to the whole family. With a New York City lake campsite, you’ll never run out of activities or amenities.

91% (65)

Top-rated campgrounds near New York City

1. Bare Camping

79%

(68)

35mi from New York City · 6 sites · Tents

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

2. Historical Lake Front Barn

91%

(22)

32mi from New York City · 1 site · Tent, RV

Nestled in the mountainside in Morris County this 10 acre farm estate is home to a plethora of wildlife, small lake, and large brook that runs through the property. The lake is home to native wildlife and the brook is loaded with trout. There are a couple of professionally maintained landscaping areas perfect for camping and firepit. It comes with a firepit, and everything you need for an amazing night out in the wilderness. There are beautiful hiking trails on site as well as right across the way adjacent to the property that are highly regarded in the state. The most secluded property you can imagine, it is home to some truly magnificent wildlife. There is no littering, and absolutely no hunting. As a nature lover, the respect I have shown these animals, is the reason why they love it here. Who knows what you may see! Firewood is available for purchase at the top of the driveway. It is handcut and seasoned for 3 years and stored in a custom hutch. $5 a compartment money goes in the mailbox.

3. Carpathia West

100%

(1)

36mi from New York City · 1 site · Lodging

Carpathia West – Ridge-Top A-Frame Getaway Perched high above Greenwood Lake, Carpathia West offers a cozy A-frame glamping escape surrounded by forest and mountain views. This private ridge-top site features a queen bed, mini-fridge, microwave, and power via EcoFlo system with generator backup. Relax by the fire pit, enjoy peaceful sunsets, and explore nearby trails in Sterling Forest. Perfect for couples or solo travelers seeking a quiet nature retreat with just the right touch of comfort. Highlights: • Elevated views over Greenwood Lake • Fire pit, picnic area, and private toilet • Pet-friendly and secluded • Easy access to hiking and lake adventures

4. Cheesequake State Park

83%

(6)

59 sites · Laurence Harbor, New Jersey

Discover Cheesequake State Park's diverse landscapes and activities.

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

5. Harriman State Park

77%

(15)

137 sites · Stony Point, New York

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

6. Timberland Lake Campground

47mi from New York City · 41 sites

Discover the charm of our family-owned campground, a unique destination that combines nostalgia with modern family fun. Located just two miles west of the thrilling Six Flags Great Adventure, as well as Adventure Sports and Entertainment and The Dome at Adventure Crossing, our campground offers an ideal base for your family adventures. At our site, we prioritize creating lasting memories for families of all shapes and sizes. Enjoy spacious camping areas that provide a sense of privacy while still fostering a friendly community atmosphere. Our campground is designed to cater to all ages, ensuring that everyone can partake in the joy of outdoor activities. In addition to our proximity to exciting attractions, our campground is surrounded by beautiful natural features, perfect for hiking and exploring. Nearby swimming holes offer refreshing escapes during the warmer months, while local restaurants and shops provide convenient options for dining and shopping. Join us for a memorable getaway where fun and family come together!

7. Allaire State Park

79%

(7)

55 sites · Ramtown, New Jersey

Discover history, nature, and an antique steam railway.

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

8. Wawayanda State Park

100%

(3)

3 sites · Highland Lakes, New Jersey

Discover Wawayanda State Park's lush landscapes and outdoor fun.

Toilets

Campfires

Potable water

9. Kittatinny Valley State Park

100%

(4)

3 sites · Andover, New Jersey

Discover Kittatinny Valley State Park's natural splendor and activities.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

10. Round Valley Recreation Area

96%

(12)

85 sites · Lebanon, New Jersey

Discover Round Valley Recreation Area's natural splendor.

Campfires

Toilets

Potable water

11. Swartswood State Park

100%

(2)

73 sites · Crandon Lakes, New Jersey

Discover Swartswood State Park's serene lakes and lush trails.

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

Public campgrounds near New York City

83%

(6)

Cheesequake Campground

23mi from New York City · 59 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cheesequake State Park

77%

(15)

Beaver Pond Campgrounds

36mi from New York City · 137 sites · Tents, RVs · in Harriman State Park

79%

(7)

Allaire Campground

40mi from New York City · 55 sites · Tents, RVs · in Allaire State Park

100%

(3)

Wawayanda Campground

40mi from New York City · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Wawayanda State Park

100%

(4)

Kittatinny Valley Campground

44mi from New York City · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Kittatinny Valley State Park

96%

(12)

Round Valley Campground

45mi from New York City · 85 sites · in Round Valley Recreation Area

100%

(2)

Swartswood Campground

49mi from New York City · 73 sites · Tents, RVs · in Swartswood State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

K

Kevin

1 week ago

2 nights at Carpathia West

I took this trip with my adult son and I was as tranquil and a bounty of wildlife. The sunsets are great and you’re perch on a hill overlooking a lake so quite scenic. If you want to totally disconnect be at peace and rough it a little this is the place for you. There is a a generator for light, heat and a refrigerator. We took our own portable compost and a small rinse king system to wash up.. Cooking outside was a thrill for my son as well, we gather wood from the surroundings. Konsztantine was very responsive and quite hospitable. Quick responses to whatever we asked. Best in class host. I will definitely be back. Highly recommended.

S

Samantha

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Bare Camping

Very nice, exactly what we were looking for. Not too close to civilization, but also not in the middle of nowhere. Spot was spacious and very cute.

J

Jessi

August 2025

15 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Historical Lake Front Barn

We stayed here for two nights during Labor Day weekend, absolutely beautiful weather, no bugs. Good swimming hole in the creek and a stone skipping lake nearby. The abandoned house was fine, and overall quiet. This area is rich horse ppl mansions everywhere, I wasn’t worried about my safety at all. Great spot for my dog too and a nice walking trail. We weren’t bored. Around 9:30 am the host with police badge on windshield of truck came and told us there was a large group coming and asked us to leave earlier than check out time, he was cool though, and luckily we have very little to pack up. There is also a camera at the site, but we felt like we were left alone the whole time we were there, and really weren’t bothered at all by the camera there. We would def come back here again, I felt like it was worth the money and a nice area! Nice camp site!

T

Timothy

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Historical Lake Front Barn

2nd time booking this site and probably won't be the last! Kids had a great time, was bummed Buttermilk Falls was closed down though..

Y

Yuriy

July 2025

Tent

2 nights at Bare Camping

Just returned from Bare Camp, - what a wonderful escape! The place is quiet, peaceful, and has a beautifully archaic charm. Perfect spot to unwind and reconnect with nature. Definitely recommend it for anyone and planning to come back again!

B

Bray

June 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Bare Camping

This camping trip was an amazing experience, the site was great and all but the cherry on top were the friends we made their. They were so nice they gave us all alcohol, fire wood, and even offered to take us to the cemetery at night, 10/10 recommendation and yk they jack harding pl around there

j

jayme

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bare Camping

this campsite felt like a hidden oasis in their backyard! there was enough privacy where we felt like we were alone and the sound of the stream at night put us right to sleep.

R

Ruth

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bare Camping

Nice spacious grounds. The stream in the back is also calming.

S

Samantha

April 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bare Camping

It was a pretty cute little spot, the creek was probably the best part, we loved sitting beside it. The little shelter made the rain even better, we stayed inside the tent and listened to the rain while My husband played guitar

J

Joshua

April 2025

Tent

Group trip

1 night at Bare Camping

Really nice spot right next to a little creek. Great fire pit and sufficient space. Would highly recommend and would love to come back