Camping in New York

A complete guide to camping in New York

Majestic Niagara Falls State Park camping area in western New York by Gary Y

Photo Credit: Gary Y

Overview

New York camping centers on the Adirondack Park, a six-million-acre preserve in the northern part of the state that contains more land than Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Glacier, and Great Smoky Mountains national parks combined. Indian Lake, Long Lake, Saranac Lake, and Lake George anchor the camping access points within a wilderness of boreal forest, alpine peaks, and over 3,000 lakes and ponds. The Adirondacks support both developed state campgrounds and extensive backcountry camping.

The Catskill Mountains south of Albany provide a second mountain camping region, closer to New York City and with a different character. Lower elevations, warmer temperatures, and trout-filled streams define the Catskills. The Finger Lakes region in central New York adds waterfall gorges and lakefront camping on Seneca, Cayuga, and Keuka lakes. Long Island's eastern end holds surprising beach camping at state parks, while the Thousand Islands region along the St. Lawrence River offers island camping by boat.

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Best Seasons to Camp in New York

Spring

Mar-May

High 51°F · Low 39°F

Ice-out on Adirondack lakes happens through May. Black flies emerge by late May in the mountains. Lower elevations and the Finger Lakes warm faster. Trout season opens in April on most streams.

Summer

Jun-Aug

High 73°F · Low 61°F

Peak camping season. Adirondack campgrounds and Lake George fill on weekends. Finger Lakes wineries draw camping visitors. Long Island beach camping hits capacity. Mountain peaks are accessible for hiking. Black flies subside by late June.

Season	Months	Avg High	Avg Low	Conditions
Spring	Mar-May	51°F	39°F	Ice-out on Adirondack lakes happens through May.
Summer	Jun-Aug	73°F	61°F	Peak camping season.
Fall	Sep-Nov	51°F	39°F	Fall color in the Adirondacks peaks in late September through early October.
Winter	Dec-Feb	29°F	17°F	Most campgrounds close by Columbus Day.

Camping Regions in New York

Region	Terrain	Key Areas
Adirondack High Peaks	Mountain	Indian Lake, Long Lake, Saranac Lake, Lake Placid
Lake George and Southern Adirondacks	Lakefront	Lake George, Bolton Landing, Warrensburg, Speculator
Catskill Mountains	Mountain	Hunter, Windham, Phoenicia, Roscoe
Finger Lakes	Lakefront	Watkins Glen, Ithaca, Penn Yan, Hammondsport
Thousand Islands and St. Lawrence	Lakefront	Alexandria Bay, Clayton, Ogdensburg, Salamanca

Adirondack High Peaks

Mountain · Indian Lake, Long Lake, Saranac Lake, Lake Placid

The mountainous core of the Adirondack Park with 46 peaks above 4,000 feet. Indian Lake, Long Lake, Saranac Lake, and Lake Placid anchor the access. Backcountry camping at lean-to shelters and designated tent sites. Some of the most remote camping east of the Mississippi. Thornbush Acres RV Park and Cedar River Campsites near Indian Lake, and Forked Lake Campground near Long Lake provide developed access to the High Peaks interior.

Lake George and Southern Adirondacks

Lakefront · Lake George, Bolton Landing, Warrensburg, Speculator

The most accessible Adirondack camping from the south. Lake George village serves as the tourism hub. Island camping on the lake requires a boat. Bolton Landing, Warrensburg, and Schroon Lake provide mainland campground options. More developed than the High Peaks region with a resort-town atmosphere. King Phillips Campground and Resort and Lake George RV Park serve the tourism corridor, while Juanita Island and other DEC campgrounds provide boat-access island camping on the lake.

Catskill Mountains

Mountain · Hunter, Windham, Phoenicia, Roscoe

Lower and warmer than the Adirondacks, sitting 100 miles north of New York City. Trout streams, hemlock gorges, and waterfalls define the terrain. North-South Lake Campground is the most popular developed option. Backcountry camping is permitted with restrictions above and below 3,500 feet. Sleepy Hollow Campground and Phoenicia Black Bear Campground near Phoenicia provide the primary private campground options in the Catskill interior.

Finger Lakes

Lakefront · Watkins Glen, Ithaca, Penn Yan, Hammondsport

Eleven narrow glacial lakes in central New York with state parks perched on the gorge rims. Watkins Glen, Robert H. Treman, and Taughannock Falls combine waterfall hiking with campground access. Wine country surrounds Seneca and Keuka lakes. Rolling agricultural terrain at moderate elevations. Watkins Glen KOA Resort and Ithaca by Firelight Camps provide developed camping near the gorge parks and lake wineries.

Thousand Islands and St. Lawrence

Lakefront · Alexandria Bay, Clayton, Ogdensburg, Salamanca

Island camping along the St. Lawrence River at the Canadian border. Wellesley Island State Park and numerous state-owned islands with designated campsites. Boat access required for most island camping. Warm summers with water recreation as the primary draw. Salamanca and the western tier offer different terrain along the Allegheny River. Swan Bay Resort and Marina and 1000 Islands Campground in Alexandria Bay put campers on the river with boat access to the island archipelago.

Camping Tips for New York

Adirondack lean-to shelters are first-come, first-served and free. Over 200 three-sided shelters sit along trails and lakeshores throughout the park. Bring a tarp in case the lean-to is occupied.
Black flies in the Adirondacks from mid-May through late June are aggressive. Head nets, long sleeves, and DEET or picaridin repellent are essential. Plan high-elevation trips for July when flies subside.
New York requires a DEC permit for groups of 10 or more camping in the Adirondack and Catskill backcountry. Solo and small-group camping does not require a permit below 3,500 feet.
Bear canisters are required for overnight camping in the Eastern High Peaks zone of the Adirondacks. Black bears have learned to access traditional hang methods in this area.
Lake George area campgrounds fill early for summer. Glen Island and Long Island campgrounds on the lake are boat-access only and among the most scenic in the state.
The Catskill Park allows camping above 3,500 feet only at designated sites. Below that elevation, camp at least 150 feet from water and trails.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to camp in the Adirondacks?

Solo and small-group camping below 3,500 feet does not require a permit. Groups of 10 or more need a DEC permit anywhere in the backcountry. Camping above 3,500 feet is restricted to designated sites. Bear canisters are required in the Eastern High Peaks zone.

What are Adirondack lean-tos?

Three-sided wooden shelters with a sloped roof and raised sleeping platform, positioned along trails and lakeshores throughout the Adirondack Park. Over 200 lean-tos are maintained by the DEC. They are free and first-come, first-served. Carry a tarp and ground pad as backup.

When is fall color best in the Adirondacks?

High Peaks color begins in late September. Lake levels and southern Adirondacks peak in the first two weeks of October. Columbus Day weekend is traditionally the busiest camping period. The Catskills follow about a week behind the Adirondack peaks.

Can I camp on the beach on Long Island?

Hither Hills State Park near Montauk offers beachfront camping with sites behind the dunes. It is one of the most sought-after campgrounds in the state and books immediately when reservations open. Wildwood State Park on the North Shore and Cedar Point County Park provide alternatives.

How remote is camping in the Adirondacks?

The Adirondack Park contains over one million acres of designated wilderness. The High Peaks and remote interior lakes can require full-day hikes to reach. Cell service is absent in most of the backcountry. The southern and eastern edges of the park are more accessible, with campgrounds reachable by car.