The Best Campgrounds in New York

Located near Andover, New Jersey at an hour distance from NY, Kittatinny valley State park is famous for it's glacial lakes and limestone outcrops. A small airport near the park helps in

Timing : is daily 9 am to 4pm

Note : Lake Aeroflex is open 24*7 for fishing.

This Fort located on Staten Island is famous for playing an important role in NYC’s defence and as well as for being the oldest military installment of the US. Located on the northeastern shore of Staten Island, this 220+ acre area throws an aura of 200 years of rich history and natural beauty through its multiple attractions. Fort Wadsworth has a Museum, Mont Sec House, Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center, multiple walking and biking trails, multiple campgrounds and an overlook area. The Mont Sec house is a historic house furnished accordingly at the end of the 19th century. The visitor Center has indoor exhibits about the Fort’s role in protecting NYC. Bikers can bike throughout Fort Wadsworth along the road. There are a total of seven tent sites along with facilities like hot showers, bike racks etc. Campsites are usually open in the summer for the general public. The overlook area has great views of the NYC harbor and Highlights the importance of the fort in the defence of Manhattan. The Fort is right alongside Verrazano Narrows Bridge and is very close to Alice Austen House.

Note :
The Fort does not have any designated parking spaces within the area. 

The timing : is from 7am to 9pm.

Located near Andover, New Jersey at an hour distance from NY, Kittatinny valley State park is famous for it's glacial lakes and limestone outcrops. A small airport near the park helps in

Timing : is daily 9 am to 4pm

Note : Lake Aeroflex is open 24*7 for fishing.

Peekamoose Mountain Hike area, located at a 3 hour ride from central New York is quite famous for its steep and steady climbs. Along with the "Peekamoose Blue Hole" and "Table TrailHead", "Sundown Wild forest" is quite famous on social media. After a tiring hike one can enjoy a fishing session at the national forest or swim at the Peekamoose swimming hole or enjoy different cuisines at the many restaurants located nearby. There are multiple restaurants near the end of the hike. "Medicines restaurant" at Livingston manor is quite famous among visitors for its pizzas.

Note : You would have to carry a portable toilet with you. 
Glass containers are not allowed. 
The peekamoose Corridor allows visits from the general public 90 minutes before and after sunrise and sunset. (This is for the general designated camping sites). 
Parking is limited.

Formerly known as Lebanon State Park, Brendan T. Byrne State Forest has more than 25 miles of trails to offer with varying tracks with beautiful scenery of the Pine Barrens on display. 82 tent and trailer sites, group campsites and cabin facilities are supplemented with activities such as picnicking, hunting, and programmes for environmental education. Flush toilets, showers and laundry facilities are also available.

Address : Highway Route 72 East, New Lisbon, NJ 08064, United States

Distance from New York :  1 hour 37 minutes (85.7 miles)

Note : Pet friendly campsites
ADA accessible trails

With a historical past of serving as a camp for the Civilian Conservation Corps, Voorhees State Park offers 47 tent and trailer sites for camping purposes. Only an hour away from New York, it has two group campsites and three shelter facilities. Hunting, picnicking,hiking along the differently terrained 7 trails and the observatory are the major attractions.

Note : No entrance fee
Open daily sunrise to sunset. 
No swimming allowed

Mills Norrie State Park has something for visitors of all ages. From jogging to cross-country skiing, its two parks, Margaret Lewis Norrie and Ogden & Ruth Livingston Mills State Parks, provide splendid views of the Hudson river making them an ideal location for camping. 46 tent and trailer sites with cabin rental options and other amenities such as boat launching ramps, grills, accessible showers and golf course are available. There is a rock climbing facility within 10 miles from the park.

Address : 9 Old Post Rd, Staatsburg, NY 12580, United States

Distance from New York : 1 hour 52 minutes (100 miles)

Note : ADA accessible

Located in Kent, Connecticut, Macedonia Brook State Park offers an extensive 51-site campground with a chance to hike the Blue Trail across Cobble Mountain to get awesome views of Catskill and Taconic mountains. Picnic and stream fishing options are available along with gravel parking, outhouses and pay telephones.

Address : 159 Macedonia Brook Rd, Kent, CT 06757, United States

Distance from New York :  1 hour 50 minutes (90.4 miles)

Note : Open from 8 am to sunset.
ADA accessible
The maximum length of stay is fourteen consecutive days.

Stephens State Park is a perfect place to engage in some leisure fishing with the area offering some best trout in the state. There are six miles of trails ideal for walking, hiking, and horseback riding. There are 40 tent and trailer sites with flush toilet and shower facilities. Other activities such as boating, canoeing, and hunting are also allowed on the Musconetcong River, Cranberry Lake, Jefferson Lake, Allamuchy Pond and Deer Park Pond.

Distance from New York : 1 hour (54 miles)

Note : ADA accessible
Pet friendly campsites

Located in Harrison State Park, Beaver Pond Campground offers tent and trailer sites, along with numerous outdoor activities including hiking, swimming, camping, and picnicking. Other amenities provided include a bath house, parking, showers, dump station, water fillup station and first aid station. There is a boat rental facility within 10 miles from the ground. Not very far from New York, it has some rather interesting nearby attractions with Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site and Bear Mountain State Park on the list.

Address : 700 Kanawauke Rd, Stony Point, NY 10980, United States

Timings : 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Distance from New York : 50 minutes (44.2 miles)

Note : No pets permitted

Around two hours away from New York, Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds claim to have a perfect spot for everyone with their expansive 170 sites! They boast of some beautiful locations for camping such as The Ledges, River’s Edge and Lover’s Lane. Some on-site services and amenities available include boat rentals, fire pit, Internet, library and swimming pool. Pets are welcome as long as they are vaccinated and not left unattended.

Timings : 8 a.m.- 8 pm.

Address : 149 Blue Mountain Rd, Saugerties, NY 12477, United States

Entry Fee : Adult visitors/guests are $10.00 per person per night. Visitors/guests under the age of 18 are $5.00 per person per night. Extra tents are $29.00 per tent per night.

Spruce Run Recreation Area is famous among swimmers, picnickers and even fishermen. With its beach complex containing changing areas, showers and concession stands, facilities of motor boating, and sailing, it is not hard to imagine why it is a favourite! It has close to 67 tent and trailer sites, with 7 picnic designated areas, and the Highlands Trail which extends over 150 miles. The area also offers other recreational activities including playgrounds, basketball courts, fields for volleyball, soccer and winter sports such as skiing. Hunting is permitted in designated areas and often waterfowl and deer are game during the open seasons.

Address : 68 Van Syckels Rd, Clinton, NJ 08809, United States

Distance from New York :  1.2 hours (55.6 miles)

Timings : 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Note : Pets allowed on a leash
Season pass available for frequent visitors

Jenny Jump State Forest is located in northern Warren County in the northwestern section of New Jersey, on the 1,112-foot high, 6-mile long Jenny Jump Mountain ridge. It is a state-run park in the state of New Jersey and is controlled by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Parks and Forestry (NJDEPDPF). The park's forests are part of the Northeastern coastal forests ecoregion. The park has wide-ranging hiking trails on the mountainside, featuring massive glacial boulders from the Wisconsin glaciation which range back to roughly 21,000 years ago. The park's amenities include the Greenwood Observatory which was built by the United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey (UACNJ) in 1995.

Contact : (908) 459-4366

Entry Fee : Free

Pets Friendly : No

The Round Valley State Park is located in New Jersey. The valley brings in swimmers, fishermen, and campers in large numbers for offering features like wilderness camping, hunting, boating, hiking, and even horseback riding. Sledding in the winter season is a highly enjoyed sport in the area.

Distance from New York : 51 miles (1 hour 16 minutes)

Note : Campers must check-in at the park office by 4:00 p.m

Pets allowed : Yes

Campsite fee : NJ Resident $17 per night; Non Resident $22 per night.

Located in Suffolk County, Wildwood State Park is a 600 acres of undeveloped hardwood forest. With a whopping number of 324 camp sites, visitors can avail paid trailer facilities, along with enjoying activities such as hiking, biking, picnicking, and some winter sports like cross country skiing. There is also a 2 miles stretch of beach apt for swimming and fishing.

Address : 790 Hulse Landing Rd, Wading River, NY 11792, United States

Distance from New York : 75.5 miles (1 hour 40 minutes)

Entry fee :  $10 per car (subject to changes over the seasons)

Pet Policy : No pets allowed

The Lackawanna State Park covers 1,445-acres and is located in northeastern Pennsylvania, ten miles north of Scranton. The main attraction of the park is the 198-acre Lackawanna Lake which is surrounded by multiple picnic areas and different trails that lead through the forest. Some of the activities are boating, camping, fishing, mountain biking, and swimming which are amongst the popular recreation activities at the park. The park is open all day throughout the year from sunrise to sunset. Most of the activities that are done during the day close at sunset.

Timings : 5 AM to 7 PM 

Pet Friendly : Yes

Disability Friendly : Yes

The Club Getaway is a 300-acre adventure, fun, and sports destination that is situated on a private lake which is located in Kent, CT at the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains. The getaway has many customized programs that are developed for corporate retreat, schools, camps, and weddings. The Club Getaway is open for 15 weekends over the Spring, Summer, and Fall Seasons. The Club Getaway functions on its weekends by providing a Summer Camp for Adults experience to include all age groups. Some of the guests will have the opportunity to participate in activities such as climbing, hiking, biking, as well as the chance to relax by the waterfront. Every night the club tries to indulge its guests with different types of entertainment and offer a wide variety of exceptional food.

The Hither Hills State Park is situated 122 miles from Manhattan. Hither Hills State Park provides visitors the chance to enjoy the scenic picnic areas and fireplaces, a massive 40-acre freshwater lake, designated playing areas, a playground, sport fishing, a beautiful two-mile long sandy ocean beach, and a whopping 190 site campground near the ocean. Visitors interested in fishing can fish year long and obtain licenses to also fish at night. The unique "walking dunes" at Napeague Harbor are found near the eastern border of the park, which also has vast woodlands filled with different trees such as Russian olive, oak trees, shad, and pine trees.

Pet Friendly : No

Timings : open from 7 AM to 7 PM

Disability Friendly : Yes

Washington Crossing State Park with its long history is famous for its trails,wildlife habitat, Johnson Ferry House, camping and fishing options. It is a treat for a nature-lover for supporting a wide variety of plants. Visitors can partake in hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking along the trails.

Timings : Open daily 8 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Distance from New York : 1.5 Hours

Note : Alcohol is prohibited. Pets are prohibited in overnight facilities.

The Round Valley State Park is located in New Jersey. The valley brings in swimmers, fishermen, and campers in large numbers for offering features like wilderness camping, hunting, boating, hiking, and even horseback riding. Sledding in the winter season is a highly enjoyed sport in the area.

Distance from New York : 51 miles (1 hour 16 minutes)

Note : Campers must check-in at the park office by 4:00 p.m

Pets allowed : Yes

Campsite fee : NJ Resident $17 per night; Non Resident $22 per night.

An hour’s drive north from New York City, Croton Point Park is situated in the small village of Croton-on-Hudson. Year-round camping, hiking and swimming facilities are supplemented with the availability of deluxe cabins providing water and electrical amenities. The park is also home to the historic wine cellars.

Additional amenities : wheelchair accessibility, rest rooms, food service.

Pet Friendly : Service animals are welcome.

Parking fee : With park pass $5 No pass $10

Located in New Jersey, Stokes State Forest provides breathtaking views of the farmlands, mountain ridges and forests from the Sunrise Mountain. Hikers often take the steep side of the mountain along the Appalachian trail to witness such a view. The pet-friendly campsites and the facilities of hunting, fishing, and picnicking are some special features of the park.

Distance from New York : 1.5 Hours

Note : The Appalachian Trail is for foot travel only

Park hours : Open daily sunrise to sunset.

Located in Suffolk County, Wildwood State Park is a 600 acres of undeveloped hardwood forest. With a whopping number of 324 camp sites, visitors can avail paid trailer facilities, along with enjoying activities such as hiking, biking, picnicking, and some winter sports like cross country skiing. There is also a 2 miles stretch of beach apt for swimming and fishing.

Address : 790 Hulse Landing Rd, Wading River, NY 11792, United States

Distance from New York : 75.5 miles (1 hour 40 minutes)

Entry fee :  $10 per car (subject to changes over the seasons)

Pet Policy : No pets allowed

Fahnestock State Park covers a wide expanse of more than 14,000 acres and is a favourite among outdoor enthusiasts. Apart from hiking, fishing and boating, the beach at Canopus Lake and an opportunity to do primitive camping attracts many tourists. The campground’s nature centre holds occasional environment displays and there are restroom and shower facilities available throughout the site.

Distance from New York : 1.5 hours

Vehicle Entrance Fee : Canopus Lake Complex: $8/car ; Non-profit bus: $35 ;
Commercial bus: $75

Camping reservation fee : $7.25

The Minnewaska State Park Preserve is located in Ulster County, almost 2 hours away from New York. There are numerous waterfalls, and 33 hiking trails along with the facilities of biking, swimming, scuba-diving, rock-climbing and bouldering. The public education and recreation programmes interest many travellers.

Address : 5281 Route 44-55 Kerhonkson, NY 12446

Timings : All Visitors must be out of the park by 6 P.M. 

Pet Friendly : Pets allowed with restrictions

Taconic State Park is located within the Taconic Mountains and it shares a boundary with Connecticut and Massachusetts. It offers over a 100 campsites, 18 Bash Bish, Ironworkers and Greenwich cabins with 7 hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hunting, biking, boating at Rudd Pond, paddling, and wildlife watching. There are also various amenities available including playgrounds, showers, and a visitor centre.

Address : 253 NY-344, Copake Falls, NY 12517, United States

Distance from New York : 116 miles (2.5 hours)

Note : Greenwich Cabins & Cottages are open year round.

Vehicle entrance fee : Cars: $7 Non-Profit Bus: $35 Commercial Bus: $75

Located on Long Island Sound in Madison, Hammonasset Beach State Park is the largest shoreline park of Connecticut. With 2 miles of beach, it is a perfect location to enjoy swimming, surfing, and walking along the boardwalk. It offers 550 primitive and electric campsites with restroom and shower amenities. Visitors come here to bike, bird watch, picnic, boat or hike. There are nature walks and children’s playgrounds to keep the stay lively yet relaxing.

Address : 1288 Boston Post Rd, Madison, CT 06443, United States

Distance from New York : 100 miles (1 hour 58 minutes)

Timings : 8 a.m.- 7 p.m

Fee : Weekdays- free for CT vehicles; $15/out-of-state, $7 after 4:00 pm. (Susceptible to increase during weekends and holidays)

A uniquely situated park, Cheesequake State Park is located in Middlesex County, New Jersey in a transitional zone between two ecosystems. There are freshwater and saltwater marshes, open fields, and pine forests. It is a great site for beginners in hiking, with 4 trails for hiking and walking and 1 for hiking and mountain biking, 53 tent and trailer sites, and a nature centre.

Address :
300 Gordon Rd, Matawan, NJ 07747, United States

Distance from New York : 35.9 miles (49 minutes)

Timings :  8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Entry fee : Charged per vehicle- $5 (New Jersey Residents); $10 (Non-residents) [Susceptible to increase during weekends and holidays]

note : Campsites are pet-friendly but prohibited in overnight facilities. Alcohol is prohibited too.