Best Campgrounds Near New York: A Camping and Hiking Guide
By jhenr | Updated July 13th, 2022
If you love being outdoors and enjoy camping, here are the best campgrounds near New York. Whether you want to go camping with your family or want to hike on your own, this list of New York’s campgrounds will help you decide which one to go to next!
Lake George Escape Campground
The Lake George Escape Campground is one of the best campgrounds near New York. Its convenient location, beautiful setting, and wide range of activities make it the perfect place to camp and hike.
The campground offers a variety of amenities to make your stay more comfortable. There are private campsites with power hookups as well as some without power. Cabins are also available for rental by individuals or groups that would like to spend the night in Lake George.
And when you’re not hiking or exploring, there are plenty of fun things to do at the Lake George Escape Campground! You can enjoy swimming in their two pools, biking, kayaking, fishing, boating, and much more.
There are also two playgrounds for kids and plenty of green space for them to run around on! Stop by the camp store to pick up snacks, ice cream, souvenirs, and other camping essentials. If you’re looking for fun things to do near New York, this is the perfect destination.
Address: 1009 N Franklin St Route 14, Watkins Glen, NY 14891-0304
Collective Governors Island
If you live or are visiting near New York City and enjoy camping, hop on the ferry and head to the historic Collective Governors Island for a unique camping experience.
Start your day with a continental breakfast brought to your luxury tent, enjoy morning yoga, Spa experiences, bike rides along the water’s edge, and family time on the lawn.
At night enjoy a delicious seasonal meal at their sunset terrace, cooked on a wood fire grill by award-winning chefs with global influences and New York in mind.
Sit back and sip on fine wine or enjoy a bonfire while making s’mores while taking in the spectacular views of the city and lady liberty.
This place has a little bit of fun for everyone! From family time and adventure to relaxation, you’ll find your niche here.
Address: Address: Governors Is, New York, NY 10004
Watkins Glen State Park Campground
This Campground is well known in the Finger Lakes region near New York. Watkins Glen State Park Campground has a reputation for mesmerizing its visitors with enormous descendants past 200-foot cliffs that generate waterfalls along its way.
Those natural falls will appeal to hikers and nature enthusiasts alike, paired with mature trees and amazing views, making this one of the best campgrounds near new York.
Enjoy a swim in their Olympic-size pool; other amenities include a modern playground, tent and trailer campsites, and picnic facilities.
Seneca Lake and Catherine Creek, which are both close to the campgrounds, are renowned for its annual spring run of rainbow trout, so that fishing would be so fun there.
With scheduled summer tours through the gorge for those wanting to see the best of the best, you will thoroughly enjoy this Camping experience.
Address: 1009 N Franklin St Route 14, Watkins Glen, NY 14891-0304
Herkimer Diamond KOA Resort
Here is a rare opportunity to try your hand at mining for beautiful crystals that were formed millions of years ago while camping at Herkimer Diamond KOA Resort
Enjoy the experience that Miners’ Village offers from the Trading Post Jewelry Store, where they can create unique jewelry pieces based on your finds.
They offer themed deluxe cabins and lodges, such as Windmill, Tree-House, A stand economy, and Alongside KOA’s campsites, so there is a space for everyone.
Enjoy fun day activities like tie-dying shirts, bingo, hay wagon rides, s’more bonfires, pool parties, and many more. On the water, you can take turns kayaking, tubing, or canoeing
Choose to have dinner delivered right to your campsite or for a more engaging time, visit Canteen Cafe or dine at Miners’ Table, a wood-fired pizzeria and chophouse.
Address: 4626 State Route 28 North, Herkimer, NY 13350-4707
NIAGARA FALLS / GRAND ISLAND KOA
The Niagara Falls / Grand Island KOA is one of the best campgrounds near New York for a few reasons. First, it’s close to Niagara Falls, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state.
Second, the campground has a variety of amenities that will make your stay more enjoyable, including a swimming pool, laundry facilities, and a playground.
Third, the staff is friendly and helpful, and they’re always happy to answer any questions you have about the area.
Nearby attractions, other than the famous Niagara falls, are Casinos, Albright Knox Art Gallery, and Frank Lloyd House, to name a few.
Address: 2570 Grand Island Blvd, Grand Island, NY 14072-1650
Hartwick Highlands Campground & Cabins – Cooperstown
Hartwick Highlands Campground & Cabins is located within miles of Cooperstown and is one of the cleanest and best campgrounds near New York.
It’s a great place to camp and hike and has all the amenities you need for a fun and comfortable stay. Plus, the staff is friendly and helpful, and the prices are very reasonable.
If you’re looking for a great wooded area with lots of open space to camp near New York, this is the one for you. The campground is fun and safe, with plenty of things to do outdoors as well as indoor activities in case the weather isn’t so nice.
Address: 131 Burke Hill Rd, Hartwick, NY 13807-1152
Lake Luzerne
If you’re looking for the best campgrounds near New York, look no further than Lake Luzerne! This beautiful spot is perfect for camping and hiking, and the views are stunning.
No boats are allowed on the lake to disturb your peaceful retreat. The area is well known for having separate space for equestrians, complete with horse barns, corrals, and picnic tables, all tidily located within a grove of pines.
And there are plenty of activities to keep you busy during your stay. They have a picnic area with tables and charcoal grills, a swimming area, a volleyball court, canoes, and rowboats, but of course, this is the camp for enjoying horseback riding in New York state.
And if that’s not enough, there’s also boating on Beaver Dam Pond, which has many excellent bass fishing opportunities available (and this area can also be a perfect place for birdwatching).
Address: Address: 892 Lake Ave, Lake Luzerne, NY 12846
Huttopia Adirondacks
About 3 1/2 miles north of New York City is this new development with charming sleeping arrangements that especially accommodate couples or large families.
A signature element of Huttopia Adirondacks is they have parking that’s far from your lodgings so that you can enjoy your retreat in peace with the least amount of “outside” noise as possible.
With all the traditional elements of a Campground only newer and cleaner, you will not want to miss the chance to experience camping here; maybe you would call this the Best Campgrounds in your favor.
Plus, they have more than 100 acres of land available, so there’s plenty of room for running around and exploring the Adirondacks by land or on the water.
Address: 1571 Lake Ave, Lake Luzerne, NY 12846-3207
Buttonwood Grove Winery Cabins
If you’re looking for a fun and unique camping experience near New York, you must check out Buttonwood Grove Winery Cabins.
Tucked away in the Finger Lakes region, this family-owned winery offers charming cabins for overnight stays. Choose from one of four lovely cabins, adorably called Riesling, Cabernet, Merlot, and Chardonnay Cabins.
With Each Cabin style, you can expect stunning views of the vineyards and Cayuga Lake and a sample wine tasting event. The area has many camping amenities and places to enjoy a good hike or quiet fishing at their catch and release lakes.
With all these features, it’s easy to see why it’s considered one of the best campgrounds near New York.
Address: 5986 State Route 89, Romulus, NY 14541-9565
Rowe’s Adirondack Cabins of Schroon Lake
Rowe’s Adirondack Cabins of Schroon Lake is an older campsite, but it has its perks; they have acquired direct access to snowmobile trails and have recently remodeled the cabins for a more pleasant experience.
You can expect all the amenities of Camping and so much more here; it’s easy to see why it is on the list of best Campgrounds, including a host of attractions within miles of the best campsite near New York for continued entertainment.
Enjoy Horseback riding, Direct access to Snowmobile trails, mountain biking, cross country skiing, fishing, tubing at the falls, hunting trips, swimming, and so much more. You will need a week to enjoy it all!
This is the perfect place to enjoy a weekend getaway or extended vacation. With its convenient location and amenities, Rowe’s Adirondack Cabins will surely provide an enjoyable camping experience.
Address: 1328 US Route 9, Schroon Lake, NY 12870-2610
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a fun and adventurous weekend getaway, take a look at this list of the best campgrounds near New York! With so many different options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for your group. Whether you’re looking to hike, fish, or just relax in nature, these campgrounds have something unique for everyone.