Your Guide to Camping in Upstate NY
Upstate New York is full of mountains, forests, rivers, and open farmland. Because of the region’s diverse geography, camping in Upstate NY is a great choice for a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts. The Adirondack and Catskill Mountain ranges provide ample opportunity for vertical hikes in the summertime and skiing in the winter. Lake Champlain and Ontario are enormous bodies of water and are perfect destinations for all sorts of watersports. Our guide to camping in Upstate NY will look at some of the fantastic locations you’ll want to consider.
The Best Time of Year to Camp in Upstate NY
The good news is that if you’re trying to decide when to go camping, Upstate NY offers year round enjoyment. The summer months are hot and can bring temps in the high 80s and low 90s. Spring and fall are mild, and the winter can be quite cold with temps well below freezing common – especially in areas that are further north. The Upstate NY region is also known for its particularly vibrant fall foliage. If you’re interested in seeing the changing leaves, a trip in late September or early October can mean cooler weather, less bugs, and a lot of beautiful leaves.
Things to Know About Campgrounds in Upstate NY
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Make Reservations Well in Advance
Upstate NY campgrounds can fill up, particularly during the summer months. It’s a good idea to make a reservation as soon as you’ve confirmed the dates of your trip. If you’re interested in booking a site with specific amenities, (such as full hook-up for your RV) you’ll want to be extra aggressive in booking. Likewise, limited inventory options like cabins may sell out quickly. When you’re ready to book your trip, ReserveAmerica has an extensive inventory of campsites and campgrounds to choose from.
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Respect Aquatic Regulations
Many campgrounds in Upstate NY mandate that your boat is drained, cleaned, and dried before it can be launched in the local water. This is to help stop the spread of invasive species. You can learn more about New York invasive species prevention policies here. While it may require a bit more pre-vacation planning to be in-line with the local regulations, it’s worth it to help ensure that New York’s lakes and rivers stay healthy.
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If You’ll be Going in the Spring or Fall, Pack Layers
The weather in Upstate NY can change rapidly during the spring and fall – you may experience temperatures in the 80s one day, and frost on the ground the next morning. This can be particularly true in higher elevations like the Adirondack Mountains.
Our Picks for Best Camping Spots in Upstate New York
From breathtaking river gorges to calm pinetree paradises, here are some of our favorite campgrounds in Upstate NY.
Nestled in the heart of Adirondack Park, Watersedge Campground is a family-owned park located directly on Sacandaga Lake. Nearby hiking trails offer stunning views of the surrounding Adirondack Mountains, and the park is conveniently located just 30 minutes from Lake George and Saratoga for plenty nature-based and city attractions. The campground itself is the perfect place to enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing on Sacandaga Lake in the warmer months.
Watersedge Campground is open from May 15th to October 15th and offers RV sites will full hook-ups. Other amenities include a playground and dock access, along with bathrooms and showers.
SutterCreek Campground
Located in Sterling, New York just a few miles from the shores of Lake Ontario, SutterCreek Campground is the perfect getaway for active nature-lovers and relaxed travelers alike. Guests can enjoy trails that follow the peaceful creek on-site or head down to the boat launch where they can take a kayak or small boat all the way to Lake Ontario via the nearby Fair Haven Beach State Park. Other activities include hiking the surrounding woodlands, biking, and fishing for salmon, largemouth bass, and brown trout. Summer guests can also visit the popular Sterling Renaissance Festival that occurs annually in town.
SutterCreek is a beautifully maintained campground that includes big rig friendly RV sites with full hook-ups, along with restrooms and showers nearby. Other amenities include a club house, a volleyball court and playfield, a playground, and WiFi.
Fish Creek Pond
A favorite destination for camping in Upstate NY, Fish Creek Pond campground is located in the pine forest splendor of the Adirondack Mountains. While you’re here, you can spend time on the plentiful ponds, rivers and lakes that dot the local area. Whether you opt for a calming canoe paddle or try to land some of the local bass and trout, there’s so much to enjoy on the water here. If you’d like to explore by foot, Fish Creek Pond has miles of hiking trails that you can set off on right from the campground.
While there’s plenty to enjoy locally, you’ll also be within driving distance of many attractions. You may want to consider a day trip to nearby Lake Placid, the site of the 1980 Winter Olympics. At Lake Placid, you can explore the Olympic Museum and go on a tour of historically significant Olympic facilities such as the rink where the “Miracle on Ice” took place.
Amenities at Fish Creek Pond include restrooms and showers, a playground, a boat launch, and a dumping station.
Oneida Pines Resort
Oneida Pines Resort is located just a half mile from Oneida Lake. The resort prides itself on delivering a high level of comfort for guests. All campsites offer full hook-up, and the cabins at Oneida Pines are equipped with air conditioning. When you’re not relaxing at the resort, you can head to Oneida Lake and cast out a line – Oneida is famous for its Walleye population. Just a few miles further is Sylvan Beach. There, you can enjoy the local bars, restaurants, and even the Sylvan Beach Amusement Park. Sylvan is also home to a 2 mile long beach that is perfect for lounging.
Amenities at Oneida Pines Resort include restrooms and showers, a playground, a salt water pool, minigolf, a recreation hall, and so much more.
It’s Time to Plan Your Trip!
Ready to go camping in Upstate NY? Then it’s time to get your trip started at ReserveAmerica.com. With a vast inventory of campgrounds and a straightforward booking process, we’ll help you get off to a great start.