Camping New York

Camping New York
A Comprehensive Guide to Public Tent and RV

Campgrounds
Ben Keene
FALCON GUIDES
GUILFORD, CONNECTICUT
HELENA, MONTANA
AN IMPRINT OF GLOBE PEQUOT PRESS
Copyright © 2013 Morris Book Publishing, LLC
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this book may be reproduced or

transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system,
except as may be expressly permitted in writing from the publisher. Requests for
permission should be addressed to Globe Pequot Press, Attn: Rights and
Permissions Department, PO Box 480, Guilford, CT 06437.
FalconGuides is an imprint of Globe Pequot Press

Falcon, FalconGuides, and Outfit Your Mind are registered trademarks of Morris
Book Publishing, LLC.
Interior photos by Ben Keene, except as otherwise credited.
Project editor: Julie Marsh

Layout artist: Sue Murray
Maps: Alena Joy Pearce © Morris Book Publishing, LLC
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Keene, Ben.

Camping New York : a comprehensive guide to public tent and rv campgrounds
/ Ben Keene.
pages cm
Includes index.
ISBN 978-0-7627-8091-4
1. Camping—New York (State)—Guidebooks. 2. Camp sites, facilities, etc.—
New York (State)—Guidebooks. 3. Recreational vehicle camping—New York
(State)—Guidebooks. 4. New York (State)—Guidebooks.
I. Title.
GV191.42.N7K44 2013
GV191.42.N7K44 2013
796.5409747—dc23
2013006746
Printed in the United States of America 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
The author and Globe Pequot Press assume no liability for accidents
happening to, or injuries sustained by, readers who engage in the activities
described in this book.
Contents
Introduction
How to Use This Guide
Conscientious Camping
Map Legend
Long Island
Hudson Valley and the Catskills
The Capital Region and Central New York
Adirondack Park
Thousand Islands and Lake Ontario
The Finger Lakes
Chautauqua-Allegany and Greater Niagara
Appendix A: Online Resources

Appendix B: Camping Essentials
Appendix C: The Camper’s Library
About the Author
Introduction
As a kid, I remember how excited I was every time I got permission to camp out
in the backyard. With the approval of our parents, my sister and I would race
down into the basement to dig out the old blue-and-yellow two-person tent we
were allowed to use. Late in the day on warm summer afternoons, we’d struggle
to assemble the poles, stretch the nylon rainfly over the peaked roof, and drive
stakes into the soft earth of the backyard. Later, Dad would cook thick
hamburgers on the grill, which we would greedily eat with a slice of tomato
fresh from Mom’s garden. When the light began to fade and the first fireflies
started to emerge, blinking signals against an inky backdrop, we’d unroll our
sleeping bags and pull out cheap plastic flashlights. A good 50 feet away from
the back porch and separated from the next-door neighbors by a screen of
conifers, we could imagine we were far away from home, deep in the woods on
a wilderness adventure.
The kid in me still gets a little thrill whenever I go camping, and when it
comes to backyards, New York State is one of the best you could ask for. First of
all, New York has nearly 19 million acres of forest, more than any other state in
the northeast. This means that more than 60 percent of the seventh most
populous state in the country is covered in trees. St. Lawrence and Hamilton
counties, both in upstate New York, claim the most forested land, but even
Ulster County in the lower Hudson Valley has well over 500,000 acres. Needless
to say, much of this tree cover is state park or state forest. But millions of sugar
maples, white pines, and red oak isn’t all New York has to offer. Far from it.
Within the Adirondack Mountains for instance, specifically in Essex and
Franklin counties, forty-six peaks over 4,000 feet in height—including Mount
Marcy, the tallest point in the state—reach for the clouds. Naturally, the High
Peaks Wilderness is a magnet for hikers and rock climbers. Plus, 88 miles of the
Appalachian Trail, including the very first section of this scenic national park,
pass through New York. The North Country Trail, the longest National Scenic
Trail in America, will also include a large section in the state when finished.
Elsewhere, two of the five Great Lakes form much of New York’s western
border, while to the south Long Island extends into the Atlantic Ocean. Between
them, miles upon miles of beaches appeal to swimmers, surfers, and stand-up
paddleboarders. Photographers on the other hand, might want to make their way
to a 400-acre park north of Buffalo. Established in 1885, Niagara Falls is the
country’s oldest state park. It also happens to contain one of the world’s most
famous waterfalls. Emptying into Lake Ontario, the Niagara River pours 3,160
tons of water over this powerful trio of cataracts every second. And that isn’t all.
No more than 80 miles east of Niagara is Letchworth, a long sliver of state park
land that contains a gorge widely referred to as the Grand Canyon of the East.
And whether it’s boating or fishing that (pun intended) lures you out on the
water, New York doesn’t disappoint in that department, either. Lake Erie and
Lake Ontario obviously stand out on a map, but they aren’t the only freshwater
bodies to visit with a fishing pole or a cartop boat. Lining up in an orderly row
just south of I-90, the eleven Finger Lakes, some of which are large enough to
moderate the climate and permit viticulture, are a big attraction for anglers as
well as oenophiles. And to the north in Franklin County, the Adirondack Lakes
Region has close to 700 lakes, ponds, and rivers waiting to be paddled—and
that’s in addition to New York’s only designated canoe wilderness, the St. Regis
Wilderness Canoe Area. Plus, on the eastern edge there’s Lake Champlain, Lake
George, and 315 miles of the Hudson River. Throughout the state black bass, the
largest member of the sunfish family, as well as brook trout and lake trout, two
native species that are also popular game fish, often turn up at the end of fishing
lines. Northern pike thrive in the waters of Tupper Lake, Schroon Lake, and
Cranberry Lake in the Adirondacks, while walleye, the largest member of the
perch family, are plentiful at Oneida Shores Park and Verona Beach, along with
Delta Lake nearby.
Bird and wildlife watching are other activities that bring people to New
York’s parks and wild spaces and often become the highlight of an extended
camping trip. Found along streams, rivers, and marshes the state mammal, the
beaver, can hold its breath for as long as 15 minutes. Patience and a bit of
camouflage at Allegany State Park might be rewarded with a sighting. On Fire
Island National Seashore you could be lucky enough to see harbor seals, animals
that are able to slow blood flow to their skin to retain heat. And then there are
black bears, New York’s second largest mammal, and a frequent visitor to
campgrounds in the Catskills and the Adirondacks. Loons, one of the few bird
species with solid bones that help them dive for prey, are also common in the
Adirondacks, while bald eagles, birds of prey with wingspans up to 7 feet, have
been spotted on the Hudson at Margaret Lewis Norrie Point State Park, and on
the St. Lawrence River at Wellesley Island State Park. Or, stay up late and try to
catch a glimpse of the great horned owl, another predatory bird that’s
particularly fond of skunks.
I worked hard to ensure the accuracy of the information presented in this
book, visiting campgrounds, cross-checking resources, and poring over maps.
During my research trips, I inspected showers and restrooms, often times testing
the water temperature and pressure. I collected brochures at visitor centers, took
pictures of playgrounds and picnic areas, and spent many nights in a tent,
scribbling notes by headlamp. When I had the time, I strolled around parks
shooting pictures or took short hikes on nearby trails. Figuring that at least a few
campers would be interested in area attractions, museums, and other recreational
opportunities, I tried to include a few suggestions with each campground
description. Even so, a truly perfect guidebook is a rare creature. Campgrounds
gain and lose sites, policies and services change with fluctuations in staff and
budgets, and on occasion, they’re forced to close or undergo significant
renovations.
October 29, 2012, is a good example. Several weeks after most New York
State campgrounds had closed for the season, Hurricane Sandy made landfall
near Atlantic City, New Jersey, bringing a powerful storm surge and 80 mph
winds with it. Millions of residents were left without electricity, more than 100
people lost their lives, and public and private property suffered billions of dollars
in damage. By the time Sandy finally petered out over Canada, destructive
flooding and violent winds had wreaked havoc across coastal Long Island and
New York City. As of January 2013, most park facilities and lands at Fire Island
National Seashore remain closed to the public and Floyd Bennett Field, Jacob
Riis Park, and Fort Tilden in the Gateway National Recreation Area are closed,
too. Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island was open, however. In general, it’s smart
to check ahead before planning a trip to one of these sites or any of the county
parks on Long Island.
Help Us Keep This Guide Up to Date
Every effort has been made by the author and editors to make this guide as
accurate and useful as possible. However, many things can change after a guide
is published—campgrounds open and close, grow and contract; regulations
change; facilities come under new management, and so on.
We would appreciate hearing from you concerning your experiences with this
guide and how you feel it could be improved and kept up to date. While we may
not be able to respond to all comments and suggestions, we’ll take them to heart,
and we’ll also make certain to share them with the authors. Please send your
comments and suggestions to the following address:
Globe Pequot Press

Reader Response/Editorial Department
PO Box 480
Guilford, CT 06437
Or you may e-mail us at:
editorial@GlobePequot.com
Thanks for your input, and happy camping!

How To Use This Guide
For purposes of tourism and travel, the New York State Division of Tourism
divides the state into ten regions. Because of the way public campgrounds are
dispersed across New York, I’ve chosen to organize my book a bit differently.
I’ve grouped campgrounds into seven regions, generally in the order of their
location from south to north and east to west along or near major highways.
They are: Long Island, Hudson Valley and the Catskills, the Capital Region and
Central New York, Adirondack Park, Thousand Islands and Lake Ontario, the
Finger Lakes, and Chautauqua-Allegany and Greater Niagara. This guidebook is
written primarily for campers who prefer to travel to campgrounds in
conventional, two-wheel-drive vehicles. Thus, the campgrounds listed here vary
from plush, amenity-rich locations to a handful of wilderness sites with no
facilities except scenery and solitude (and maybe a pit toilet). But there are also
hundreds of backcountry and trailside campgrounds that are only accessible to
hikers and backpackers, and many of the campgrounds described here serve as
excellent base camps from which to reach these remote sites. For information
about available backcountry campsites, contact the offices and consult
publications of the New York State Parks Department, the Department of
Environmental Conservation, the National Parks Service, and similar
organizations.
Most public campgrounds accept reservations. A handful of other areas that
are first come, first served have been noted in the “About the campground”
section of each campground description. When planning to visit the larger
campgrounds in New York, especially on or around holiday weekends,
reservations are highly recommended. To book a site at a state campground or
DEC managed site, visit http:// newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com or call
800-456-2267. In addition to the base rate, a reservation fee will be charged for
all sites booked online or by phone. Walk-ups are charged a lower fee for
registration. Federally managed sites can be booked in advance by visiting
www.recreation.gov or calling 877-444-6777.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation
administers a number of programs that enable campers to potentially save money
and enhance their visits to parks, historic sites, and recreation areas across the
state. During any weekday, the Golden Park Program gives free vehicle access to
state parks, boat launch sites, and arboretums to residents 62 years of age or
older who present a valid New York State Driver License or Non-Driver
Identification Card. Younger campers who plan to visit numerous state parks and
DEC preserves over the course of the year can purchase the Empire Passport.
This window decal affords the holder unlimited day-use vehicle entry statewide.
Meanwhile, residents with disabilities can apply for either an Individual Access
Pass or a Group Access Pass to receive free entrance to parks and historic sites,
discounted campsite rental, and free or discounted use of facilities. For more
information about this program, visit http://nysparks.com/admission/access-
pass/default.aspx.
Finally, frequent campers with a desire to help others might consider enrolling
in the Camper Assistance Program or CAP. In exchange for a free camping site,
CAP volunteers at least 18 years of age agree to assist a park manager five days
a week for two to four weeks between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Following
a brief orientation, volunteers typically welcome new campers and help them
learn the “ways of the woods.” Other duties might include familiarizing campers
with park programs and regulations, assisting with recreation and nature
programming, and checking and stocking facilities between regular maintenance
crew visits. For details about the Camper Assistance Program, visit
http://nysparks.com/camping/camper-assistance-program.aspx.
For each of the seven regions covered in Camping New York, the following
basic information is provided:
A map of the tour region. Each area map shows the locations of the
campgrounds within its boundaries, with the number on the map corresponding
to the number of the campground description within the text. By using the maps
and the instructions in the “Finding the campground” section of each
campground description, you should have no difficulty reaching most sites. Even
so, you might need additional maps to find some of the more remote
campgrounds, as noted previously. Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to have
maps at different scales.
Overview. This section seeks to give a rough idea of the region’s main
attributes. Highlights, points of interest, parks, and natural landscape within the
region are briefly discussed here, too.
Quick reference tables. For quick reference, a table at the beginning of each
section lists all the campgrounds in the area and highlights their most important
attributes. If you are looking for specific amenities, such as fishing or wheelchair
accessibility, you can use these tables to narrow your selection of campgrounds.
Campground descriptions. Each campground description is numbered to
correspond with the campground’s location on the map. For each campground,
the following information is provided:
Location. This is the name of a town or a major city near the

campground, the approximate distance in miles to the campground, and
the general direction of travel to reach it.
Season. Some campgrounds are open year-round, while most of those in

New York are seasonal. Note that the opening and closing dates of
certain campgrounds are approximate and depend upon holidays,
snowfall, and other weather conditions.
Sites. This information provides the number of campsites available and

whether tents, RVs, or both are allowed. When possible, it also indicates
the availability of water and/or electric hookups. In New York, a
significant number of public campgrounds have remodeled at least some
of their sites to offer hookups. This is especially true of state and county
parks.
Maximum RV length. This information will help RV campers decide

whether or not a given campground can accommodate their vehicle.
Facilities. This describes the facilities and amenities provided, including

any recreational facilities available at the campground. Recreational
activities that can take place at or from the campground are also listed
here. For example, swimming may be possible at a lakeside campground,
hiking trails may be within walking distance of a campground, or canoes
and kayaks may be launched from a campground boat launch.
Fee per night. This is usually given as a price range for individual sites,
allowing for differences between summer and winter rates, sites with or
without hookups, and premium (such as waterfront) and average
campsites. The fees shown here are current as of the date of this writing.
For updated information call the managing agency. Many campgrounds
in New York have higher rates for out-of-state residents, while others
charge a daily fee for pets.
Management. The authority managing the campground is identified

here, with contact information listed below. As indicated earlier, the vast
majority of the public campgrounds in this book are controlled by one of
the following entities: National, state, or county parks, the Department of
Environmental Conservation, and in one case, the US Forest Service.
Contact. A phone number and web address are provided for additional
information about park hours, regulations, prices, and new or
discontinued facilities.
Finding the campground. Detailed instructions are furnished for driving

to the campground from the nearest city, town, or major highway.
Although it’s possible to find most of the campgrounds in this book using
these directions and the corresponding regional map, the task will
definitely be easier with the help of a detailed road atlas and/or a detailed
state road map.
GPS coordinates. Latitude and longitude data are provided that can be
used to pinpoint the campground’s location with a GPS.
About the campground. This information differentiates this particular

campground from others or highlights special features. For example, if a
campground is located on the water (ocean, lake, river, or stream), that
fact is noted. Details about prime sites and handicapped accessibility are
usually given, and area attractions are also often mentioned.
Conscientious Camping
Careful planning and an appreciation and respect for the natural world are the
keys to a great outdoor experience. The listings below are offered to guide you
toward a fun camping trip that’s easy on you and the environment, and keeps
you safe, too.
Respecting the Environment

Zero-impact camping should be the goal of every camper. When leaving a
campground, it should look as good or better than when you arrived. For more
guidance on outdoor ethics and minimizing your impact, refer to the seven
principles advocated by the Leave No Trace Center (http://LNT.org).
Campfires. Heed all regulations concerning campfires, smoking, and wood
gathering. In general, don’t move firewood or bring it from home and only use
dead and downed trees around your campsite. To prevent the spread of the
destructive emerald ash borer (which attacks ash trees), the Asian long-horned
beetle (which attacks maples), and the Sirex woodsap (which attacks pines),
firewood should be transported from no more than 50 miles away. Effective
pesticides are not yet available to control these pests, which are also not killed
by surface sprays. Most campgrounds offer some nearby options for purchasing
firewood; be prepared to buy it at the park or from local vendors. Visit
www.emeraldashborer.info to learn more about this nonnative pest and its effect
on local ecosystems.
Finally, burn all wood before leaving your campsite and dump ashes from
grills in the campfire ring or in designated disposal areas marked “Ashes only.”
Courtesy. Please keep your campground clean and show respect for other
campers who might want to enjoy a tranquil atmosphere. Keep sound levels low,
especially during quiet hours. Generally, people don’t camp in order to listen to
your recorded music or your generator at all hours. With recent cutbacks at many
state parks, fewer park employees are on hand to patrol the grounds and ask
people to turn down the music. As a result, campers must regulate themselves.
Storing food. Any time that you’re away from the site and especially after
dark, store food (and toiletries) in your car; otherwise, squirrels, raccoons,
skunks, and chipmunks will be tempted to steal your provisions. Lock your car
or RV at night or whenever you leave the campsite. Picnic baskets, coolers, and
backpacks are not bear proof; if you don’t have a vehicle, hang food and garbage
from a tree in a bear bag that is at least ten feet off the ground.
Remember that much of New York is also black bear country. Act responsibly
and resist the urge to feed any wildlife, especially bears, which can quickly lose
their natural fear of humans. Keep grills clean and free of grease and never store
food or scented toiletries in or near your tent.
Garbage. If no trash containers are provided, pack it out. For that reason, it’s
always a good idea to bring an extra trash bag or two. At night and when you are
away from the campsite, keep all trash in your vehicle. Never toss garbage into
the vault toilets or leave it behind in the fire pit. Refer to the above warning
about food and bears.
Sanitation. Bathing and dishwashing should be done well away from lakes
and streams and at a distance from the campground’s water supplies. To reduce
the likelihood of wildlife visitors, wash dishes away from your tent or trailer site,
too. Bears and other animals are attracted to odors and can smell food from
miles away.
Smoking. To prevent fires, use extreme care when smoking. Dispose of butts
properly, pack them out, or better yet, leave your cigarettes at home.
Pets: Keep your animal at your site, restrained and quiet. Don’t assume that
every camper loves dogs as much as you do. On trails, pets must be leashed at all
times to protect wildlife as well as the natural environment.
Stay limits. Public campgrounds typically have stay limits ranging from a few
days to a maximum of two weeks. At some campgrounds it’s possible to stay
even longer. Check with the managing agency if you’re planning on a long stay.
Getting Geared Up
Clothing. Since New York is more than 330 miles from head to toe, its climate
can vary considerably. As one would expect, the normal camping season is often
longer at southern sites (as are the hot and sticky days of midsummer), while at
the northern-most campgrounds, it tends to be a bit shorter. Campers at higher
elevations should also expect cooler temperatures, even in the summer months.
Generally speaking, while camping anywhere in New York during the spring
and fall, you’ll want to be prepared for the full spectrum of weather conditions.
Wool makes the most versatile clothing and works very well in cold, wet,
changeable weather. It retains heat even when it’s damp and it does not absorb
smells as readily as other fabrics. A number of outdoor retailers sell garments
made from lightweight merino wool or a blend of cotton, polyester, wool, and
nylon. Cotton alone is generally fine on trips involving less physical activity, but
wicking synthetics are the better fabric for warm summer days. Shorts are great
for warm summer days, too, but you’ll likely want a pair of long pants in the
evening when the mosquitoes emerge. Regardless of the forecast, always bring
along a rain jacket and an extra layer.
Footwear. Sneakers are appropriate for most activities while car camping in
New York. Where there’s likely to be mud or more rugged trails—in the
Catskills or Adirondack Park, for example—sturdy hiking boots are a better
option. When worn with thick socks made from wool or polysynthetic fabric,
they keep your feet dry and provide support and protection from the elements
and rocky surfaces.
Equipment. Your quantity and variety of camping gear will depend on the
time of year, your destination, and the level of comfort that you prefer. Along
with a tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, food, and a headlamp or flashlight, you
may want to bring items such as a gas stove, lantern, and large water container.
Some campers like to pack other things that add to their comfort: a hammock, a
small weather radio, and a tarp to hang above the picnic table to block the rain
and sun. If you plan to hike, be sure to bring a daypack with padded straps to
carry items such as a trail map and compass, snacks and water, rain gear, an
extra fleece or sweater, keys, sunglasses and sunscreen, a camera, and
binoculars.
Soon after you start to familiarize yourself with the standard options for
camping gear, you’ll encounter a bewildering number of accessorizing
possibilities. One rule of thumb is to keep the packing list as simple as possible.
When it’s easy to pack the car and make your escape, you’re likely to do it more
often. The key is to bring just enough gear to make your stay safe and
comfortable. While that list will be different for everyone, keep in mind that
bringing too much stuff tends to complicate the experience and may defeat the
purpose of getting away to the woods.
Staying Safe
Many of these campgrounds are in fairly remote areas, sometimes a good
distance away from towns, hospitals, and stores. As a result, campers should be
prepared for various possibilities with a basic first-aid kit and an ample supply of
food and water. If you own a cell phone, it’s likely that you’ll have reception at
many, but not all campgrounds in New York. So while cell phones are
convenient, they are no replacement for being thoroughly prepared with a map,
compass, whistle or signaling mirror, waterproof matches or a lighter, and extra
drinking water or a water purifier. Always let someone know where you’re
going, especially when camping or hiking alone.
Water. Avoid drinking from rivers or streams in New York unless you use a
filter or a water purifier. Most public campgrounds provide potable drinking
water.
Hypothermia. Hypothermia occurs when your body temperature drops to a
dangerous level. Common causes are exposure to cold, physical exhaustion, and
not enough food. Contributing factors may include exposure to wind, rain, and
snow, dehydration, and wearing damp or wet clothes. Because wool keeps you
warm even when wet, it’s often the fabric type of choice among outdoor
enthusiasts. Falling in cold water on a cool day is one of the fastest ways to
make your body temperature plummet. Protect yourself against hypothermia by
dressing in layers, packing plenty of snacks and water, and checking the weather
forecast before planning any outdoor activity.
Poison ivy. A nasty encounter with poison ivy can put a damper on any
outdoor vacation. Poison ivy is a common plant throughout most of New York.
It occurs as a vine or groundcover with three leaflets to a leaf, and contains
urushiol, an oily and toxic irritant that’s responsible for an uncomfortable skin
rash. After contact, raised lines or blisters will occur on the skin. Do not scratch
them. Wash and dry the area immediately and apply calamine lotion to dry it out.
If the case is severe, consult a doctor as soon as possible. Thoroughly launder
any clothing you suspect has come in contact with the plant.
Stings and bites. Most often, mosquitoes and other biting insects are more of
a nuisance than a danger. Using insect repellant, wearing pants and long sleeves,
and avoiding areas like stagnant bodies of water where the insects congregate all
are effective strategies to keep from getting bitten.
If you’re spending lots of time outdoors, however, you should be aware of the
diseases spread by certain insects. If bitten by an infected mosquito, individuals
can become infected with the West Nile virus. Culex mosquitoes, the primary
varieties that can transmit West Nile virus to humans, thrive in urban rather than
natural areas. Insect repellant and protective clothing are the best preventive
measures. Remember to follow instructions on the insect repellant, especially
when applying it to children.
Ticks are often found on brush and tall grass waiting to catch a ride on a
warm-blooded passerby. While they’re most active in early and midsummer, you
should keep an eye peeled for them throughout spring, summer, and fall. Deer
ticks, the primary carrier of Lyme disease, are very small—usually about the size
of a poppy seed. For hikers, a few of the most common places to find ticks are
inside the top edge of your sock (ticks need some type of backstop to start boring
into the skin) or behind your ears. Some people wear light clothing to improve
their chances of spotting ticks right away. Insect repellant containing DEET
remains the most effective deterrent. Most importantly, be sure to visually check
yourself and others, especially when hiking in tall grass or brush. During prime
tick season, you’ll want to check any exposed skin (particularly your legs, if
you’re wearing shorts) every hour or so, and then do a more thorough
examination back in your tent or in the shower. For ticks that are already
embedded, tweezers work best for removal.
Thunderstorms and lightning. According to the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), hundreds of people are struck by
lightning each year. The best way to avoid a lightning-related tragedy is to
monitor the weather, be prepared to postpone activities, avoid electrical
conductors, and know where to go for protection. During a serious thunderstorm,
no place outdoors is totally safe. If you are caught outside, however, avoid open
spaces and stay away from isolated trees, towers, or utility poles as well as metal
conductors. For more information about lightning safety, visit
www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov.
Long Island
Extending east from the bull’s eye that is New York, the East Coast’s
mega-city, Long Island protrudes into the Atlantic like the fletching at
the back end of an arrow. And while not necessarily thought of as a
premiere camping destination by outdoor enthusiasts nationwide—or
even within the state for that matter—Long Island nonetheless deserves
some attention for attractive state parks on both its north and south
shores, as well as a small collection of county parks with pleasant, and
occasionally underused, camping facilities. When it comes down to it,
the sandy shores and ocean-front cottages that typify the East End have a
tendency to draw summer crowds to the southern beach towns, leaving
the little patches of woods and water to those who prefer a two-person
tent to a four-bedroom vacation rental.
Campsites at Fire Island National Seashore receive little, if any shade.

What might come as a bigger surprise than the number of
campgrounds in Suffolk County though, is the existence of two relatively
new spots for tents and trailers within the five boroughs. Both Floyd
Bennett Field in Brooklyn and Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island are part
of the larger Gateway National Recreation Area, a collection of three
units that stretches from Jamaica Bay in New York to Sandy Hook in
New Jersey. It might be hard to completely forget about the city around
you at these two spots, but bird watchers, kayakers, bicyclists, and
history buffs will all find something of interest along the shoreline of
New York harbor. And then, beyond the high rises and freeways,
between the Atlantic Ocean and Great South Bay, there’s Fire Island
National Seashore—another federally managed piece of land that speaks
to anyone who’s ever wanted to have their beach and camp it too. This is
one of the few places in the state where it’s possible to fall asleep to the
sound of waves crashing against the coastline, a few hundred feet away.
Moving even farther to the east where housing developments gradually
fade into pine barrens, vineyards, and the occasional farm, Long Island
becomes greener. The pace of life slows somewhat, seagulls replace
pigeons as the most commonly seen animal, and clam shacks almost
manage to outnumber pizza parlors. Near the town of Riverhead, a
handful of parks cluster around Flanders Bay, offering a variety of places
for water lovers to unplug, unwind, and simply relax. Swimming
naturally grows in popularity as the months heat up in July and August,
but because fishing and boating are popular activities with longer
seasons, a number of the Sullivan County campgrounds remain open
year-round. For those in search of an icy dip in the ocean, however,
Wildwood on the North Shore and Hither Hills on the South Fork each
have swimming areas within walking distance of their campgrounds.
Max.
Hookup Total Drinking Dump
RV Hookups Toilets Showers Recreation Fee Reservations
Sites Sites Water Station
Length
Hither Hills State F, H, B, S,
1 0 168 40 N/A F Y Y Y $$$ Y
Park C, P
Cedar Point F, H, P, B, $–
2 0 190 0 N/A F Y Y Y Y
County Park C $$$
Sears Bellows F, H, P, B, $–
3 40 70 0 N/A F Y Y N Y
County Park R $$$
Indian Island F, H, B, C, $$–
4 37 100 0 W, E F Y Y Y Y
County Park P $$$
Wildwood State F, H, B, S, $$–
5 80 322 50 W, E, S F Y Y Y Y
Park C, P $$$
Smith Point $–
6 0 296 0 W, E, S F Y Y Y F, P, S Y
County Park $$$
County Park $$$
Cathedral Pines $–
7 10 41 0 W, E F Y Y N H, R, P, C N
County Park $$$
Fire Island
8 National Seashore: 0 27 0 N/A F Y Y N F, H, S, B $$$ Y
Watch Hill
Gateway National
Recreation Area: F, H, B, S,
9 6 41 50 N/A NF Y Y N $$ Y
Floyd Bennett C, R
Field
Gateway National
F, H, B, S,
10 Recreation Area: 0 7 0 N/A F Y Y N $$ Y
C, L
Fort Wadsworth
Max. RV Length: All RV lengths are in feet.

Hookups: W = Water, E = Electric, S = Sewer
Toilets: F = Flushing, NF = Not flushing
Showers: N = No, Y = Yes
Drinking Water: N = No, Y = Yes
Dump Station: N = No, Y = Yes
Recreation: F = Fishing, H = Hiking, B = Boating, S = Swimming, C =
Biking, P = Playground, L = Boat launch, R = Horseback riding
Fee: $ = Less than $15; $$ = $15 to $24; $$$ = $25 or more
Reservations: N = No, Y = Yes
1 Hither Hills State Park
Location: Near Montauk, about 122 miles east of Manhattan

Season: Early Apr to mid-Nov
Sites: 168 tent and trailer sites
Maximum RV length: 40 feet
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, snack bar, camp store,
laundry, nature center, picnic area, playground, baseball diamond, basketball
court, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, sand beach with lifeguarded swimming
area, hiking, biking, fishing, surfing, handicapped accessibility
Fee per night: $$$
Management: New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic
Preservation
Contact: (631) 668-2554; http://nysparks.com/camping/campsites/default.aspx
Finding the campground: Follow the Sunrise Highway (Route 27) east from
New York City. Stick with 27 as it weaves through East Hampton and
Amagansett, and when the road forks just outside Montauk, keep to the right on
the Old Montauk Highway. Look for the entrance to the campground on the right
after 0.6 mile.
GPS coordinates: N41.01389' / W72.02'
About the campground: Squeezed between the Atlantic Ocean and Napeague
Bay, Hither Hills, and by extension greater Montauk, were used as grazing land
by some of the first colonists in New York. Cattle ranching in the United States
actually began in Montauk in the late seventeenth century. In fact, across from
the entrance to the park, the brick foundation of the first house in the area as well
as a small cemetery can still be seen today. The camping area and its many
amenities are concentrated on the south side of the park, separated from the
ocean by a barrier of high dunes. Sites H9 and H10 in the west area are
handicapped accessible, as are D15, E8, and F10 in the west area. Seagulls glide
by overhead, and in the evening, raccoons, eastern cottontails, and the occasional
fox slink through the park, hoping to go unnoticed. The long rows of sites in
both the east and west areas are close together and don’t provide much in the
way of shade. Traffic to and from Montauk, including the Long Island Railroad,
is clearly audible. During the summer season programs such as movies, arts and
crafts, guided nature walks, and sandcastle sculpture contests are scheduled to
entertain children and adults alike. Closer to Napeague Bay, the Stephen
Talkhouse Path and the Serpent’s Back Trail pass through woodlands populated
by oak, Russian olive, shad, and pine trees. To see the park’s famed “Walking
Dunes,” drive west on Route 27 until Napeague Harbor Road. Turn right and
follow it 1 mile until the end. Pets are not permitted at Hither Hills.
2 Cedar Point County Park
Location: 6 miles north of East Hampton or approximately the same distance

east of Sag Harbor
Season: Thur—Sat from first weekend in Apr until mid-May; 7 days a week
from mid-May until early Oct
A camper heads for the sea at Hither Hills State Park.

Maximum RV length: N/A
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, camp store, playground, picnic area with
pavilion, baseball diamond, boat rental, fishing, boating, hiking, basketball,
scuba diving, hunting (in season), handicapped accessibility
Fee per night: $—$$$
Management: Suffolk County Department of Parks, Recreation, and
Conservation
Contact: (631) 852-7620; www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Parks.aspx
Finding the campground: Head east on the Montauk Highway. Make a left
onto Stephen Hands Path and continue north to Old Northwest Road. Bear left
on Alewife Brook Road and look for the park entrance on the right, about 100
yards ahead.
GPS coordinates: N41 02.345' / W72 14.312'
About the campground: Extending into Gardiners Bay from the South Fork of
Long Island, Cedar Point County Park is best known for its historic Cedar Point
Light on its easternmost edge. Built in 1839 on what was originally a small
island, the little lighthouse guided whaling ships in and out of Sag Harbor until it
was finally decommissioned in 1934. Four years later, a hurricane turned Cedar
Island into the peninsula that remains today. Originally a wooden structure, the
35-foot-tall tower with a visibility range of 12.5 nautical miles was renovated in
1868 using granite blocks to strengthen the beacon. Campsites are arranged
around a series of narrow dirt roads with names like Mallard Drive and Partridge
Path. Breezy, shaded by stately oaks and cedars, and generally flat, the mixed-
use lots are close together but don’t feel too crowded. Sites 30—45 come with
the shortest walk to the shower house and the well-stocked camp store. Alcohol
is not permitted at the Cedar Point campground but leashed dogs are allowed.
Close to the entrance on Cedar Point Road, a 1.5-mile self-guided nature trail
leads to a bluff on Gardiner’s Bay with views of Gardiners Island, Shelter Island,
and Plum Island. Another trail runs along the park’s north shore, and a third
leads from the group camping area to Alewife Pond.
3 Sears Bellows County Park
Location: 6 miles east of Riverhead

Season: Early Apr until first weekend in Sept
Sites: 30 tent sites and 40 trailer sites
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, playground, picnic area with pavilion,
fishing, rowboat rentals, hunting, horseback riding, hiking, boating
Conservation
Finding the campground: From points west, follow the Sunrise Highway to
exit 65 North. Follow NY 24 / Riverhead-Hampton Bays Road, which will
become Flanders Road, for about 2 miles. Turn left onto Bellows Pond Road and
look for the park entrance.
Swimming isn’t allowed at Sears Bellows County Park, so rent a boat instead.
About the campground: Sitting at the eastern end of the Long Island Pine
Barrens, and a stone’s throw from Great Peconic Bay, Sears Bellows County
Park is easy to access from the highway. It’s also a convenient distance from a
number of other county parks with more opportunities for hunting, hiking, and
boating. Tent and trailer areas are separated with the former getting more shade
from oaks and pines. During the day, dragonflies flit about near the water while
Herring gulls glide by overhead. Road noise is audible but not intrusive. Lots of
picnic tables, a central playground, and wide, flat trails that wind through the
park make Sears Bellows a family-friendly campground. Bathrooms are clean
and well lit with power outlets and large shower stalls. No alcoholic beverages
are permitted in Suffolk County campgrounds and swimming is not allowed in
Bellows Pond or Sears Pond. No more than two pets per campsite.
4 Indian Island County Park
Location: 2 miles east of Riverhead

Season: Thur—Sat from mid-Nov until end of Mar; 7 days a week from Apr to
mid-Nov
Sites: 100 tent and trailer sites; 37 premium sites with electric and water
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, playground, picnic area
with pavilions, volleyball courts, fishing, hiking, biking, boating, handicapped
accessibility
Fee per night: $—$$$ ($—$$ during the off-season)
Conservation
Finding the campground: From the Riverhead traffic circle, travel south on
Route 24 for 2 miles. Turn left on CR 105, follow it over a bridge, and look for
the park entrance on the right, just past the golf course.
About the campground: Located between Saw Mill Creek and the Peconic
River, Indian Island County Park (or, more accurately, the peninsula it occupies)
has had a pull on people throughout history. Stone tools indicate that native
groups were attracted by an abundance of plant and animal life, while early
colonists relied on the waterways for fish, and later, a source of power for
several mills built in the area. New York’s first sawmill was actually erected in
Riverhead, not far from the park. Just inside the main entrance, the sizeable
camping area is organized into four rows of sites with a restroom at the center. A
second comfort station is closer to the large picnic area and one of the
playgrounds. North of the marsh, eight areas are reserved for group camping and
youth groups. Boating is permitted at Indian Island, but only cartop canoes and
kayaks can be launched into Flanders Bay. A sandy beach is available for
sunbathing, but there is no swimming. Once the site of the world’s largest duck
farm, the Indian Island Country Club, with an eighteen-hole, par 72 golf course
and driving range, is next to the park on the other side of Saw Mill Creek.
5 Wildwood State Park
Location: North of Wading River, approximately 73 miles east of Manhattan

Season: Early Apr until early Oct
Sites: 242 tent sites (including platforms) and 80 trailer sites with full hookups
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, snack bar, soda
machines, playground, basketball court, picnic areas with pavilions, playing
field, sand and stone beach with lifeguarded swimming area, hiking, biking,
fishing, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, handicapped accessibility
Fee per night: $$—$$$
Preservation
Even at the height of summer, Wildwood State Park’s beach can be free of
crowds.
Finding the campground: From Manhattan, take the Long Island
Expressway/495 East to exit 68N (William Floyd Parkway). Drive north on the
parkway for about 8 miles, and then turn right (east) onto Route 25A. After
approximately 2.9 miles, 25A becomes Sound Avenue. Continue east another
mile and then turn left (north) onto Hulse Landing Road. Follow this to the park
entrance on the right.
About the campground: Curving beneath a crumbling bluff overlooking the
Long Island Sound, Wildwood State Park’s picturesque sand and stone beach
probably draws as many swimmers and sunbathers to the sleepy community of
Wading River as do the hundreds of campsites a bit farther from the shoreline.
Easily the largest public campground in the region, Wildwood can nonetheless
feel quiet and peaceful on weekdays during the summer. Intermittent breezes
will rattle the leaves of the giant sycamores shading the picnic area and a
lifeguard’s whistle might disrupt the calm here and there, but overall, this can be
a relaxing, laid-back location on the right afternoon. The trailer campground and
the tenting area (subdivided into five small loops) are both just inside the park
entrance, with three comfort stations between them. Sites 21, 22, 24, and 25 in
Loop C are handicapped accessible. Firewood is sold in the park, and movies are
shown weekly during July and August. Four hiking trails, ranging from 1.8 to
3.8 miles, can all be easily accessed from the camping area; pick up a black-and-
white map at the camp control office. As with Hither Hills farther east, pets are
not allowed at Wildwood.
6 Smith Point County Park
Location: 5 miles south of Shirley, on the eastern end of Fire Island

Season: Year-round
Sites: 221 tent and trailer sites; 75 outer beach sites (no tents)
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, playground, picnic area,
restaurant, camp store, sandy beach with lifeguarded swimming area, fishing,
surfing, scuba diving
Conservation
Finding the campground: From New York and points west, take the Long
Island Expressway to exit 68 (William Floyd Parkway). From here, follow the
William Floyd Parkway south to its terminus.
About the campground: Across the causeway over Narrow Bay and next to the
Fire Island National Seashore, Smith Point County Park is a campground for
beach bums and water lovers. A limited amount of space and a lack of trees or
much vegetation means the vast majority of the sites will soak up a lot of midday
sun. Tents are not permitted in outer beach sites or electric sites at Smith Point.
The Beach Hut restaurant near the center of the camping area includes a raw bar
and an ice cream parlor and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner to campers who
might not know their way around a grill. Walk west from the campground past
the day parking area to reach the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness.
Visitor Center exhibits about the barrier island, ranger-led interpretive programs,
as well as a second floor viewing area with panoramas of the surrounding
landscape and seascape make it well worth a stop. National Park rangers also
issue backcountry camping permits here. Due to the presence of endangered
shorebird nesting sites on both the ocean and bay beaches, campers are asked to
respect signs and fenced-off areas.
7 Cathedral Pines County Park
Location: Roughly 13 miles northeast of Ronkonkoma

Season: Year-round
Sites: 31 tent sites and 10 trailer sites with water and electric hookups
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, playground, volleyball court, rec hall,
picnic area with pavilion, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding,
handicapped accessibility
Fee per night: $—$$$ ($—$$ during the off-season)
Conservation
Finding the campground: Take the Long Island Expressway (495) to exit 68N
(William Floyd Parkway). Turn left onto Longwood Road and follow it to the
end. Turn left again onto Yaphank Middle Island Road (CR 21) and then take a
quick right to reach the park entrance. ( Note: It’s easy to drive by the sign on
CR 21.)
The playground at Cathedral Pines County Park

About the campground: Relatively small at only 320 acres, Cathedral, or Cat,
Pines County Park is especially appealing to mountain bikers who come to ride
the trail that twists and turns around the perimeter. The campsites here are
spacious (as in big enough for small groups) and semiprivate, and the proximity
to restaurants, groceries, and farm stands makes it a suitable place for those new
to camping or unable to travel long distances for a night under the stars. Level,
sandy lots are easy to sleep on, cedar trees offer shade, and a central comfort
station and playground are convenient to reach from all sites. Picnic tables and
fire pits are standard. Closer to the park entrance, the trailer sites are basically
out in an open field, and when all of the sheltered lots are filled, tent campers
may find themselves left to the elements. Prosser Pines Nature Preserve, another
area with hiking trails, is slightly east of the park, on the other side of CR 21.
Leashed dogs are permitted at Cat Pines.
8 Fire Island National Seashore: Watch Hill
Location: Roughly 60 miles east of Manhattan

Season: Mid-May until mid-Oct
Sites: 26 tent sites; 1 group site
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, camp store, snack bar, restaurant, visitor
center, dockage, marina pump-out station, picnic area with pavilions, lifeguarded
beach, ranger programs, fishing, hiking, swimming, boating, handicapped
accessibility
Fee per night: $$$
Management: US National Park Service
Contact: (631) 567-6664; www.nps.gov/fiis/index.htm;
www.watchhillfi.com/camping.html
Finding the campground: From Patchogue, take the ferry across the Great
South Bay to Watch Hill.
About the campground: Among the places New Yorkers like to spend their
long summer weekends, Fire Island is one of the most popular. Most people
head to the beach towns on the western end, however, leaving the eastern portion
of this 32-mile-long island to snow-white egrets, piping plovers, and lucky
campers. The sandy sites here are a short walk from the ferry terminal and
connect to a 1.1-mile nature trail through a salt marsh. And while they do have
thick vegetation between them, most spots lack any real shade and heat up
quickly during the day. The site closest to the marina is handicapped accessible
and sites 6—12 are farthest from the bathrooms. Due to its popularity,
reservations are strongly recommended. A well-stocked store near the marina
carries groceries, beach towels and toys, charcoal, lighter fluid, and more.
9 Gateway National Recreation Area: Floyd Bennett

Field
Location: Brooklyn, about 6 miles east of Coney Island

Season: Year-round
Sites: 35 tent and 6 trailer sites (no water or electric hookups)
Facilities: Pit toilets, hot showers ($), picnic area, bike rentals ($), hiking,
biking, canoeing and kayaking, fishing, archery, golfing (nearby), ranger
programs, sand beach with lifeguarded swimming area (nearby), horseback
riding (nearby), handicapped accessibility
Fee per night: $$
Contact: (718) 338-3799; www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/camping-at-
gateway.htm
Finding the campground: From Manhattan, take either the 2 train or the 5 train
to Flatbush Avenue/Brooklyn College. From here the Q35 bus runs south to the
park, dropping riders close to the ranger station.
During the summer at Watch Hill, rangers lead canoe tours of Fire Island’s salt
marshes.
About the campground: Floyd Bennett Field is not the kind of park you’d
expect to find deep in Brooklyn, yet there it is, a long walk or a short bus ride
from the end of the 2 and the 5 subway lines. Opening in 1931 as New York
City’s first airport and converted into a naval air station during World War II,
this piece of land has been transformed from one of the loudest and busiest
places in the five boroughs to one of the most peaceful. Today, the primitive
campground is divided into five small groups: Tamarack, Goldenrod, Amelia
Earhart, Wiley A, and Wiley B. Campers who wish to shower can pay ($) to use
the facilities at Aviator Sports Center nearby. Sites 35 and 36 are handicapped
accessible. Fish or kayak in Jamaica Bay, test your accuracy at the Floyd
Bennett Field Archery Range, or cross the bridge to Jacob Riis Park for a dip in
the Atlantic. Alcohol and pets are not permitted at Floyd Bennett Field.
10 Gateway National Recreation Area: Fort

Wadsworth
Location: Staten Island, approximately 3 miles south of St. George

Season: Year-round
Sites: 7 tent sites
Facilities: Flush toilets and pit toilets, cold showers, visitor center, picnic area
with pavilions, basketball courts, bike rentals, boat launch (nearby), hiking,
biking, boating, fishing, sand beach with lifeguarded swimming area (nearby),
ranger programs, handicapped accessibility
Fee per night: $$
Contact: (718) 354-4655; www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/camping-at-
gateway.htm
Finding the campground: From the ferry terminal at St. George, take the S51
bus south along Bay Street and exit at the main entrance to the park, 220 New
York Avenue. Another option is to hop the S52 bus, which stops at Tompkins
Avenue and Fingerboard Road. From here, walk one short block to Lyman
Avenue, turn left, and continue to Bay Street. Turn right on Bay Street; the
entrance will be straight ahead.
About the campground: Occupying a strategic location at the entrance to New
York’s harbor, Fort Wadsworth was extremely important to the defense of the
nation for many years. Today, most people drive right by—or over—the former
military base, which now sits in the enormous shadow of the Verrazano Bridge.
The campground here is miniscule, but the views from the overlook are some of
the best in the city. Seven small sites are divided by split rail fencing and include
a fire ring, a picnic table, and a 30-foot by 16-foot tent pad. Site 1 was built
according to guidelines set out in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In
the summer, campers can fish from the beach, launch a kayak, walk on the
nearby boardwalk, or join a ranger-led tour of the park’s batteries and
fortifications. Alcohol and pets are not permitted at Fort Wadsworth. Up the road
on Hyland Boulevard, visit the home and see the work of one of the country’s
first female photographers at the Alice Austen House.
Hudson Valley and the Catskills
Bisected by its namesake waterway, the Hudson River Valley has been
the setting of many significant events in American history and has served
as a backdrop for more than a few works of art and literature, too. Almost
200 years after it first appeared in print, we still remember Washington
Irving’s spooky Legend of Sleepy Hollow, while paintings like “The
Catskills” by Asher Brown Durand capture the beauty of the wilderness
as well as any photograph today. The Hudson Valley’s farms and
reservoirs have long provided New York City with healthy food and
clean water, and throughout history, the river itself has played an
important role in trade and commerce. Historic mansions that once
entertained politicians, dignitaries, and wealthy tycoons now buzz with
the sound of museumgoers wielding camera phones and chattering about
art and architecture.
Family farms dot the countryside in the Catskills and the Hudson Valley.
Max.
Hookup Total RV Hookups Toilets Showers Drinking Dump Recreation Fee Reservations
Sites Sites Length Water Station
Taconic State F, H B, C,
11 0 44 20 N/A F Y Y N $$ Y
Park: Rudd Pond P, L
Taconic State F, H S, C,
12 36 106 30 N/A F Y Y Y $$ Y
Park: Copake Falls P, L
Sal J.Prezioso
F, H B, C,
13 Mountain Lakes 0 8 0 N/A NF N Y N $$$ Y
P
Park
Ward Pound Ridge
14 0 31 0 N/A F N N N F, H, P, R $$$ Y
Reservation
Wilcox Memorial F, H B, S, $$–
15 14 27 0 W, E F N Y Y Y
Park P $$$
Lake Taghkanic F, H, B, S,
16 9 60 20 N/A F Y Y N $$ Y
State Park C, P, L
Fahnestock State F, H, B, S,
17 15 81 30 N/A F Y Y N $$ Y
Park C, R
Mills Norrie State F, H B, L,
18 0 46 40 N/A F Y Y Y $$ Y
Park R
Beaver Pond
Campground: F, H, B, S,
19 0 140 38 N/A F Y Y Y $$ Y
Harriman State C, P, L
Park
F, H, B, S,
20 North/South Lake 0 219 40 N/A F Y Y Y $$ Y
C, P, L
21 Devil’s Tombstone 0 24 0 N/A NF N Y N H, P $$ Y
F, H, B, S,
22 Kenneth L. Wilson 0 76 40 N/A F Y Y Y $$ Y
C
Winding Hills $$–
23 30 51 50 E F Y Y Y F, H, B, P Y
Park $$$
24 Woodland Valley 0 72 30 N/A F Y Y Y F, H $$ Y
F, H, B, S,
25 Mongaup Pond 0 163 40 N/A F Y Y Y $$ Y
L
F, H, B, S,
26 Little Pond 0 75 40 N/A F Y Y Y $$ Y
L
27 Beaverkill 0 52 30 N/A F Y Y Y F $$ Y

Reservations: N = No, Y = Yes Some things have naturally changed
since the first Dutch settlers cleared land for livestock and agriculture,
but a short trip beyond the suburban sprawl of the Big Apple will deliver
the traveler to the same landscapes that inspired the Hudson School of
artists. West of the river, parks in Orange and Rockland counties offer all
artists. West of the river, parks in Orange and Rockland counties offer all
sorts of outdoor opportunities for New Yorkers in need of a quick escape
or a longer break from the pressures of city living. On a map, Harriman
State Park is the biggest patch of green in the Lower Hudson Valley, and
campers will find an outlet for almost any type of outdoor activity here,
from biking to boating and hiking to swimming. Meanwhile, to the east,
a few smaller parks in Westchester and Putnam counties make the task of
planning to spend a night or two under the stars seem less daunting to
campers who might be new to the activity.
Farther north, the Catskills themselves rise from the rolling hills that
border them to the south, beckoning weekend adventurers to find their
way to its many wetlands, waterfalls, high peaks, and hiking trails.
Spread across the Allegheny Plateau in Ulster, Greene, Delaware, and
Sullivan Counties, the Catskill Park contains thirty-five mountains with
elevations over 3,500 feet and an abundance of campgrounds for the
people who aspire to climb them. And with close to 300,000 acres of
state land to explore, this is an area to return to again and again. Back on
the other side of the river, the Taconic Mountains rise suddenly along the
state borders of Connecticut and Massachusetts, descending abruptly into
the Housatonic River Valley to the east. Although the elevations in the
Taconics don’t quite match those of their neighboring peaks to the west,
they do provide excellent views of the popular Berkshire range and are
similarly close to Manhattan.
11 Taconic State Park: Rudd Pond
Location: About 27 miles east of Red Hook on the border with Connecticut
Season: Memorial Day through Labor Day
Sites: 44 tent and tent platform sites
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, picnic area, rec hall, playground, boat
launch, boat rental, swimming, hiking, biking, fishing, boating Fee per night:
$$
Preservation Contact: (518) 789-3059;
http://nysparks.com/camping/campsites/default.aspx
Finding the campground: Heading east on I-84, take exit 16N north toward
Albany on the Taconic State Parkway. Travel about 17.5 miles and then take the
US 44 exit toward Poughkeepsie and Millbrook. Follow US 44 for 14 miles, and
then turn left onto NY 22 North/North Street. After 8.6 miles, turn right onto
Main Street. Make the third left in the village of Millerton onto CR 62/Rudd
Pond Road. Drive 2 miles north and turn right onto Rudd Drive. The park
entrance is straight ahead.
About the campground: In the 1800s, Bezaleel Rudd, a soldier in the
Continental Army who rose to the rank of lieutenant, moved his family here
from Connecticut. Like many of the campgrounds across the state, however,
Rudd Pond looks the way it does today because of the work of the Civilian
Conservation Corps in the 1930s. All but five of the campsites are clustered at
the south end of the pond with sites 23—41 overlooking the water. It’s a pretty
little area, and the lots are roomy, but without trees or other vegetation between
them, some campers might feel exposed. Showers are adjacent to the recreation
hall. Motorboats are not permitted on Rudd Pond. To test your stamina, ask the
park attendant for directions to one of two steep hiking trails that lead up nearby
Brace Mountain, the highest point in Dutchess County at 2,311 feet above sea
level.
12 Taconic State Park: Copake Falls Area
Location: 21 miles southeast of Hudson, on the Massachusetts state line

Season: Early May through the first of Dec
Sites: 70 tent sites; 36 trailer sites (no electric hookups)
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, playground, basketball
court, baseball field, lifeguarded swimming beach, picnic area, boat rental, boat
launch, museum, fishing, hiking, biking, swimming, hunting, handicapped
accessibility Fee per night: $$
Albany on the Taconic State Parkway. Travel about 17.5 miles and then take the
US 44 exit toward Poughkeepsie and Millbrook. Follow US 44 for 14 miles, and
then turn left onto NY 22 North/North Street. After approximately 20.8 miles,
turn right onto NY 344 East / Old New York Road at Copake Falls. Make the
third right to stay with NY 344 East and look for the park entrance on the left,
just past the bike shop.
About the campground: Before Taconic State Park opened to the public in
1927, the area around Copake Falls was the site of intensive mining activity and
a sizeable ironworks that produced pig iron, axels, and gun barrels. A number of
structures from the late nineteenth century, including a charcoal blast furnace,
machine shop, office, and powder storage building still stand and are open to the
public as part of the Copake Iron Works Museum. As for camping, this park has
standard tent sites as well as 24 tent platforms, all of which are sheltered by a
grove of fragrant spruce trees. Restroom facilities include three small comfort
stations and a shower house next to the main parking lot. Sixteen cabins with
running water, flush toilets, and full kitchens can also be rented by the day or by
the week. Greenwich Cabins are open year-round, while the historic Ironworkers
Cabins and the smaller Bish Bash Cabins are open from the first Friday in May
through late October. Trails that add up to 25 miles of hiking opportunities
crisscross Taconic State Park; routes to both Sunset Rock and Bish Bash Falls
(just across the Massachusetts border) begin at the campground. To take a short
trip on the Harlem Valley Rail Trail, which currently runs south from the hamlet
of Copake Falls, rent a ride at Bish Bash Bicycle just outside the park entrance.
13 Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park
Location: Approximately 10 miles northeast of Katonah

Season: Memorial Day through Columbus Day
Sites: 8 lean-to sites
Facilities: Pit toilets, ball fields, playground, boat rentals, hiking, mountain
biking, fishing, boating, high/low ropes challenge course Fee per night: $$$
Management: Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and
Conservation Contact: (914) 864-7310;
http://parks.westchestergov.com/activities/camping
Finding the campground: From I-684 north, take exit 6A toward NY
138/Goldens Bridge on NY 22. Turn right at the shopping center onto North
Street and then take the next right onto NY 138/Waccabuc Road. Keep left at the
fork and then after 2 miles, turn left (north) again onto NY 121 / North Salem
Road. Turn right onto Hawley Road after another 1.5 miles. Look for the park
entrance on the left.
About the campground: Five small lakes, 8.4 miles of hiking trails, and 982-
foot Mount Bailey, the highest point in Westchester County, all comfortably fit
into this 1,082-acre park along the Connecticut state line. The advantage of this
location is that serenity is all but guaranteed. Camping here is somewhat
primitive, with lean-to sites (single and double) scattered along a semicircular
gravel road. A grill, campfire ring, picnic table, and pit toilet accompany each of
the eight simple wooden shelters. The park office at the entrance has flush
toilets. Individual yurts as well as two cabins (also with flush toilets) capable of
accommodating four people can be rented at a higher rate. Depending on the
season, rowboats can be used on both Hemlock and Spruce Lake. Swimming
within Mountain Lakes Park is prohibited, however.
At Mountain Lakes Park, each site includes a lean-to, a grill, and a table.
14 Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
Location: Roughly 5 miles east of Katonah

Season: Year-round
Sites: 24 lean-tos and 7 tent sites
Facilities: Flush toilets and pit toilets, picnic area, nature museum, corrals, two
playgrounds, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, handicapped accessibility Fee
per night: $$$
Management: Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and
http://parks.westchestergov.com/activities/camping
Finding the campground: From I-684 north, take exit 6 east on Route 35
toward the town of Cross River. Drive roughly 4 miles and turn right onto Route
121. The park entrance will be immediately on the left. Proceed east until
reaching the gate.
Even if you don’t spot a wild turkey at Ward Pound Ridge, you can still snap
your own photo of this feathery sculpture.
About the campground: As the county’s largest park, Ward Pound contains a
variety of environments from meadows to moraine and from woodlands to
wetlands. A number of eighteenth-and nineteenth-century farmhouses also fall
within park boundaries. The majority of the camping sites here are sturdy stone
lean-tos, built during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Most of them are concentrated near the Trailside Nature Museum on Pell Hill,
but a handful of others can be found on Michigan Road, closer to the park
entrance. Each lean-to features a picnic table as well as a grill or fireplace. In
addition, a group of tent sites available on a first-come, first-served basis are
located at the Kimberly Bridge area on Ward Pound’s eastern border. More than
35 miles of trails, including routes to the Bear Rock Petroglyph, Leatherman’s
Cave, and numerous overlooks such as Spy Rock, give campers plenty of
reasons to pack hiking boots along with their footprint, tent, and rain fly.
Swimming and rock climbing are not allowed in the park, and fishing is only
permitted in the Cross River with a New York State fishing license.
15 Wilcox Memorial Park
Location: About 11 miles east of Rhinebeck

Season: May 25 to June 10 (Fri and Sat only), seven days a week from June 15
to Sept 3, and weekends only from Sept 8 to Oct 7
Sites: 13 tent sites; 14 trailer sites
Facilities: Flush toilets, dumping station, picnic area with pavilions, sand beach
with lifeguarded swimming area, boat rental, ball fields, multiple playgrounds,
snack bar, miniature golf, swimming, hiking, fishing, boating Fee per night: $$
—$$$
Management: Dutchess County Parks Department
Contact: (845) 758-6100;
www.co.dutchess.ny.us/CountyGov/Departments/DPW-Parks/PPwilcox.htm
Albany on the Taconic State Parkway. Continue north about 30 miles and then
take the NY 199 exit toward Pine Plains and Red Hook. Turn right onto NY 199
east and travel 1 mile. The park will be on the right.
About the campground: In the town of Milan, a group of farm buildings that
once belonged to Mrs. Frederick P. Wilcox dates back to the eighteenth century.
They fall within the boundaries of Wilcox Memorial Park and today the 615
acres belong to the public. It’s a sizeable piece of land with two small lakes—
one for swimming, the other for fishing and boating. The small campground
climbs a low hill, with tent sites at the top and trailer hookups at the bottom near
a baseball diamond and a playground. Several comfort stations are scattered
through the park, but the lone bathroom in the camping area only includes a
single sink and shower for men and the same for women. In spite of the tight
quarters, each restroom also has paper towels, outlets, and soap. During the
hottest months, families tend to congregate around the water, but a paved
walking path and approximately 5.7 miles of trails with views of Stissing
Mountain to the east can be hiked in spring, summer, or fall.
16 Lake Taghkanic State Park
Location: Approximately 17 miles northeast of Red Hook

Sites: 51 tent sites; 9 trailer sites
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, sand beach with lifeguarded swimming
area, boat launch, boat rentals, nature center, playground, picnic area with
pavilion, snack bar, coin-op laundry, rec hall, swimming, boating, fishing,
hunting, hiking, mountain biking, handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$
Albany on the Taconic State Parkway. Continue north almost 42 miles and look
for the park entrance on the right, directly off the parkway.
About the campground: Encompassing more than 1,500 acres of oak, hickory,
maple, cedar, and hemlock, Columbia County’s Lake Taghkanic State Park has
served as a refuge for nature lovers for almost eighty years. North of the lake
itself, campsites are dispersed along a pair of twisting roads that receive partial
shade from tall conifers. The trees don’t provide much of a screen between lots,
however, and the area is somewhat rocky, so more than half of the tent sites are
platforms. All three of the restrooms here have showers. Visitors with a bigger
budget and a desire for more comfort can also rent one of sixteen cabins or
another sixteen cottages (four of which are full service) equipped with an electric
stove, a refrigerator, and a screen porch. Pets are not allowed in either. The
park’s biggest draw is probably the lake, which attracts hundreds of people daily
at the height of summer. Fortunately, West Beach, the larger and noisier of the
two beaches, is well removed from the campground. Swimming in lifeguarded
areas is permitted between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend;
motorboats aren’t allowed on the lake. A ten-mile network of trails is open to
mountain bikers and hikers; some visitors might be lucky enough to spot white-
tailed deer, raccoons, or rabbits.
17 Fahnestock State Park
Location: Roughly 35 miles north of White Plains

Season: Mid-Apr until early Dec
Sites: 66 tent and 15 trailer sites
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, picnic area with pavilion, sandy beach with
lifeguarded swimming area, boat rental, nature center, swimming, boating,
fishing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, hunting Fee per night: $$
Finding the campground: Travel north on the Saw Mill River Parkway. Next,
take exit 26 toward the Taconic Parkway and Albany. Stay on the Taconic for
almost 28 miles. Slow down and take the right exit onto NY 301 West toward
Cold Spring. Turn right onto NY 301 and look for the park office in about 0.3
mile.
About the campground: Created in part by a gift of land donated by Dr. Ernest
Fahnestock in memory of his brother Clarence who died in World War I,
Fahnestock State Park presently encompasses more than 12,000 acres of small
ponds, wooded ridges, and thickets of blueberry. More recently, the nonprofit
Open Space Institute (OSI) has worked to gradually expand its footprint. Before
the Fahnestock family owned this piece of northern Putnam County, it was
intensively mined for iron ore that the West Point Foundry then used to make
munitions from the late eighteenth century until 1876. The campground is
opposite the park office and swimming beach on Canopus Lake, just off the
Taconic State Parkway. Sites are arranged on either side of a park road that
forms a loop at the southern end, next to Pelton Pond. Tent lots are clustered on
a ridge, screening them from each other somewhat, while the mixed tent and
trailer sites in the loop are more exposed, if closer to the two comfort stations.
Seventeen different hiking routes, including a 10-mile section of the
Appalachian Trail, cut through Fahnestock State Park.
More than 10 miles of the Appalachian Trail run through Fahnestock State
Park, a short distance from the campground.
18 Mills-Norrie State Park
Location: 10 miles north of Poughkeepsie on the Hudson River

Season: Early May until the end of Oct
Sites: 46 tent and trailer sites; 10 cabins
Maximum RV length: 40 feet (no hookups available)
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, picnic areas with
pavilions, environmental center, boat launch, golf course, boating, fishing,
golfing, hiking, horseback riding Fee per night: $$
Finding the campground: Head east on I-84 toward Connecticut. Take exit 13
for US 9 North. Turn left onto Route 9 and drive 23 miles through Poughkeepsie
and Hyde Park. Look for the entrance on the left.
About the campground: Adjoining Ogden Mills and Ruth Livingston Mills
Memorial State Park, which contains a golf course and a beaux-arts estate called
Staatsburg, Mills-Norrie State Park does not lack for activities. Plus the tidy
campground in this 1,000-acre combined park is set back far enough from Route
9 to pass as a peaceful location, although campers might hear the occasional
Amtrak train lumbering by as it carries its passengers north. Sites—some of
which are on platforms—are shaded but clustered together. Another option is to
rent one of the ten cabins here for $85 per night. Two small restrooms are
spartan but clean and the showers have good water pressure. The Norrie Point
Environmental Center has several Hudson River Estuary displays and offers free
public programs during the summer months. From here it’s possible to hike
north along a blue-blazed trail to Staatsburg. Atlantic Kayak Tours also runs
guided trips from the Norrie Point Paddlesport Center inside the park.
19 Beaver Pond Campground: Harriman State Park
Location: 15 miles northwest of Nyack

Season: The last Fri in Apr through Columbus Day weekend
Maximum RV length: 38 feet (no electric or water hookups)
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, laundry, picnic area,
playground, sand beach with lifeguarded swimming area, boat launch, hiking,
biking, fishing, boating Fee per night: $$
Finding the campground: From I-87 North I-287 West, take exit 13N for the
Palisades Parkway North toward Bear Mountain. Merge onto the Palisades and
head north for 8.4 miles. Take exit 14 for Willow Grove Road and keep left to
stay with Willow Grove Road CR 98 West. This will soon become Gate Hill /
Kanawauke Road. The campground entrance is on the right before you pass
Lake Welch.
About the campground: Located on the southeastern side of Lake Welch,
Harriman’s Beaver Pond Campground is one of the closest campgrounds to
Manhattan, and one of the largest public areas to pitch tents in the lower Hudson
Valley. The 25 platform sites in A section (open from Memorial Day to Labor
Day) are closer to the lake and tend to be quieter than those in the larger main
camping area. Ground sites in W section benefit from less noise, too. Four out of
the five comfort stations contain showers, and a single coin-operated washer and
dryer can be found across from the dumping station and the ranger station.
Neither pets nor alcohol are permitted at Beaver Pond. Several dozen rustic
cabins with electricity as well as two full-service cottages are also available to
rent on Lake Sebago. The yellow-blazed Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail, which
runs across the entire park from north to south, passes close to the Beaver Pond
Campground. Access it from the parking lot on Route 106 and test your stamina
on a climb to the fire tower atop Jackie Jones Mountain.
20 North/South Lake
Location: Between Palenville and Tannersville, 17 miles north of Saugerties

Season: Mid-May until late Oct
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, multiple picnic areas with
pavilions, two lifeguarded sand beaches, boat launch, boat rentals, playground,
playing field, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, swimming, hiking, fishing,
boating, biking, handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$
Management: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Contact: (518) 589-5058; www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/camping.html
Finding the campground: From points south, take the New York State
Thruway / I-87 to exit 20 at Saugerties. Follow Route 32 north for approximately
6 miles to Route 32A toward Palenville. Make a left onto Route 23A and drive
west to the village of Haines Falls. Make the first right turn in Haines Falls onto
CR 18. The campground entrance is 2 miles ahead at the end of the road.
About the campground: Seven different groups of sites make North/South
Lake the largest public campground in the Catskills. Dating back to 1929, it’s
also the oldest. With its agreeable location and abundant amenities, walkins are
unlikely to have any luck during peak summer weekends so plan ahead. In
particular loops 5 and 6 are sought after as many of their sites have North Lake
as their backdrop. Relatively new comfort stations include private, locking
shower rooms with a changing annex. Numerous trails, including routes to
Newman’s Ledge, Artist’s Rock, Inspiration Point, and Ashley Falls begin at the
campground. With a map, history buffs can also find their way to the former
sites of the Catskill Mountain House, where presidents Chester Arthur and
Ulysses S. Grant once stayed, and the Kaaterskill Hotel, a 1,014-room behemoth
that was advertised as the world’s largest mountain hotel in the 1880s. Views
along many of these hikes are unbeatable. Impressive Kaaterskill Falls, the
highest two-tiered waterfall in New York, is a short drive away, while a bit
farther west, Catskill visitors can pay to take the Summer Skyride to the summit
of Hunter Mountain.
21 Devil’s Tombstone
Location: 6 miles southwest of Tannersville or 20 miles north of Woodstock

Season: Mid-May until early Oct
Facilities: Pit toilets, picnic area, playground, hiking, volleyball, horseshoes Fee
per night: $$
Finding the campground: From the south, take the New York State Thruway /
I-87 to exit 19 at Kingston. Then follow Route 28 West to Phoenicia. At
Phoenicia, follow signs for Route 214. The campground is located on Route 214,
approximately 9 miles ahead on the left.
About the campground: A small site squeezed in a narrow mountain pass
between Stony Clove Creek and an abandoned railroad, Devil’s Tombstone is
one of the state’s oldest campgrounds. It takes its name from a large boulder that
a landslide or glacier dislodged from atop Plateau Mountain or Hunter Mountain
centuries ago. Don’t expect many amenities here, just small, shady, well-
maintained lots, potable water, and an ideal base for exploring the surrounding
Indian Head and Hunter—West Kill Mountain Wilderness areas. The turquoise-
blazed Long Path is also just a 3-mile hike up Plateau Mountain from Devil’s
Tombstone. Tiny Notch Lake down the road is only for admiring from its picnic
area, but swimming, boating, and hot showers are available 8 miles away at
North/South Lake Campground. Hunting (with a permit) is also permitted in the
Catskills outside campground boundaries.
22 Kenneth L. Wilson
Location: 5 miles west of Woodstock and 8 miles south of Phoenicia Season:

Mid-May until early Oct
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, picnic area with
pavilions, baseball field, nature trail, mountain biking trail, boat rentals, hiking,
fishing, biking, baseball, boating, horseshoes, handicapped accessibility Fee per
night: $$
Finding the campground: From the New York State Thruway I-87, take exit 19
at Kingston. Make the first right turn off the traffic circle to Route 28 and
proceed approximately 21 miles west on Route 28 to Mount Tremper. Turn right
onto Route 212 and continue half a mile to a four-way intersection. Turn right
again on Wittenberg Road CR 40. The campsite is approximately 4 miles ahead
on the right.
About the campground: A bit tricky to find coming from Route 28, Kenneth L.
Wilson features three loops of wooded, fairly secluded sites in a little basin to
the east of Esopus Creek. Kick away the pinecones and pitch a tent on a soft bed
of fallen needles and then wander down to the dayuse area to rent a canoe or
explore the nature trail at the campground’s eastern edge. Dramatic views to the
west of over a half-dozen peaks (including Slide Mountain at 4,180 feet) are
worth savoring here. Another option is to fish the Upper Pond for bass, chain
pickerel, yellow perch, bull-heads, white sucker, and shiners. The central shower
house is a decent walk from the campsites. For a bit of civilization during a
longer trip, head into Woodstock and spend a few hours shopping, snacking,
antiquing, or just admiring the work of local artists.
23 Winding Hills Park
Location: About 14 miles west of Newburgh

Season: The first Fri in May until the fourth Sun in Oct
Sites: 51 tent and trailer sites (30 sites with electric hookups)
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, playgrounds, horseshoe
pits, volleyball court, picnic area with pavilion, boating, fishing, hiking
Colorful paddle boats await campers at Winding Hills Park.

Management: Orange County Department of Parks, Recreation, and
www.orangecountynyparks.com/index.php
Finding the campground: Head north on I-87. Take exit 17 for I-84 west
toward Scranton and continue west approximately 2 miles. Next, take exit 6 for
NY 17K toward Montgomery. Turn right onto NY 17K West / SR 17K West.
After 9 miles, during which you’ll cross the Wallkill River, make a right onto
Old Route 17K. The entrance to the park will be on the right.
About the campground: South of the Shawangunk Ridge, between the Hudson
and Delaware Rivers, Winding Hills Park surrounds 40-acre Diamond Lake and
offers year-round outdoor recreation, camping included. Located between Route
17K and the water, the small campground here has plenty of shade, two comfort
stations with outlets, hot water, and hand soap, as well as a playground, all
organized around a single paved loop. Campers who choose sites on the outer
edge of the circle won’t be disturbed by foot traffic to the restrooms and will
have greater privacy overall. Both pedal boats and rowboats can be rented by the
hour and firewood is available for purchase each evening. Ten miles of unpaved,
interconnected footpaths weave through the park, with a Nature Trail and a
Heritage Trail beginning at the ranger station on the lake’s northeastern end.
Note: Alcohol is not permitted in Winding Hills Park.
24 Woodland Valley
Location: 6.5 miles southwest of Phoenicia

Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, picnic area, hiking,
fishing, handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$
Finding the campground: From the New York State Thruway, take exit 19 to
Kingston. Make the first right from the traffic circle after leaving the exit,
heading west on Route 28. Proceed almost 25 miles to the village of Phoenicia,
which will be on your right. Follow Route 28 across the bridge over Esopus
Creek in Phoenicia. Turn left at the small yellow campground sign onto
Woodland Valley Road. Drive back over Esopus Creek and turn right at the T
after the bridge. Keep left at the first sharp bend and follow Woodland Valley
Road approximately 6 miles to the campground.
About the campground: All the way at the end of Woodland Valley Road, this
compact camping area benefits from its quiet location even though many of the
individual lots aren’t exactly spacious. Sites 8—26, as well as 29, 30, 32, 34, 36,
38, 41, and 43—46 back up to Woodland Stream. Fishing in this shallow
waterway is encouraged. Swimming, however, is not. The bathhouse near the
center of the campground contains six clean shower stalls; two other bathrooms
are placed at either end of the park. Challenging hiking trails to Giant Ledge and
Wittenberg Mountain begin at the parking lot on Woodland Valley’s eastern
edge. Paying for a camping permit at Woodland Valley also enables visitors to
enter the Belleayre Mountain Day Use Area on Route 28 at Pine Hill Village.
Amenities here include a lifeguarded swimming area, boat and canoe rental, and
a larger picnic area.
25 Mongaup Pond
Location: 10 miles northeast of Livingston Manor

pavilions, lifeguarded swimming area, cartop boat launch, boat rentals, hiking,
fishing, boating, basketball, volleyball, handicapped accessibility Fee per night:
$$
Finding the campground: Heading west on Route 17, take exit 96 at
Livingston Manor. Turn left at the bottom of the ramp onto DeBruce Road.
Drive 5.5 miles to Mongaup Road and turn left at the sign. Continue another 3
miles to the campsite.
About the campground: Located on the largest body of water in Catskill Park
that isn’t a reservoir and 3 short miles from the Catskill Fish Hatchery, Mongaup
Pond is a popular spot for families and individuals who enjoy fishing. Note,
however, that a trailer boat launch is not available at Mongaup Pond. Seven
loops of campsites, dispersed around the 120-acre pond, prevent this large
campground from feeling too crowded—most of the time the sounds you’ll hear
are frogs, toads, and the occasional woodpecker. Every site includes a table and
fire pit; eight sites are handicapped accessible and include an accessible table.
Deer and wild turkeys are common sightings here, and black bears are spotted in
the Catskills with some regularity, too. The central bathhouse has eight showers
(four on each side), outlets, sinks with mirrors, and hand soap. Recreational
programs, including games, crafts, and guided hikes, are offered from July until
early September. Access hiking trails to Mongaup Mountain, Hodge Pond, and
Frick Pond directly from the campground.
26 Little Pond
Location: About 16 miles northeast of Roscoe

Sites: 67 tent and trailer sites; 8 remote sites with pit toilets
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, picnic area with pavilion,
sand beach with lifeguarded swimming area, boat launch, boat rentals, playing
field, volleyball court, horseshoe pit, hiking, swimming, fishing, boating,
volleyball, handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$
Finding the campground: From the south, take the New York State Thruway I-
87 to exit 16 (Harriman). Next, follow Route 17 west to exit 96 (Livingston
Manor). Bear right at the end of ramp, go another quarter mile to an
intersection, and turn right onto Old Route 17. Look for a sign for King’s
Catering House after one mile. Make the next right onto CR 151Beaverkill
Road. Follow Beaverkill Road approximately 7 miles to Lew Beach. Continue
for 4 more miles and make a left at the campground sign, onto Big Pond Road.
Look for the campground entrance on the left.
About the campground: Hidden away in the Delaware Wild Forest, in the
shadow of Touchemont Mountain and its taller neighboring peak, Cabot, Little
Pond is an attractive spot for primitive campers and car campers alike. Eight
remote sites offer more of an isolated, backcountry experience, while the main
campground has most of the niceties that families and occasional overnighters
expect when they pack up their tent for a weekend away. Individual lots benefit
from shade and privacy, while sites 25, 26, 28, 29, 31, and 33—37 overlook the
pond. Sites 1 and 2 are handicapped accessible. Firewood and ice are sold on
site. Motorboats aren’t allowed, but for those who wish to get on the water,
canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and paddleboats can be rented for the day or by the
hour. Various pan fish can be caught in the pond, while Beaverkill is a favorite
among fly-fishing enthusiasts. The yellow-blazed Little Pond Trail and the blue-
blazed Campground Trail originate at Little Pond and link up with the long-
distance Finger Lakes Trail.
27 Beaverkill
Location: Roughly 8 miles from Roscoe

Season: Mid-May until the first weekend in Sept
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, picnic area with grills,
volleyball courts, fishing, volleyball, handicapped accessibility Fee per night:
$$
Built in 1865, Beaverkill Bridge stretches almost 100 feet across the Beaverkill
River.
Finding the campground: From New York City and points south, take NY 17
west to exit 94. Turn left off the ramp onto NY 206 West. Continue on this road
for 3 miles and then turn right onto Beaverkill Road. Follow Beaverkill Road for
4 miles to a Y intersection, and turn right onto Berry-brook Road Spur. The
campground entrance is one mile ahead on the right.
About the campground: The sites here are arranged in three rows, with
numbers 70—95 located directly on the gurgling waters of the Beaverkill River,
a well-regarded spot for fly fishing. Swimming is not permitted. Lots tend to be
on the small side and aren’t screened from one another by vegetation, so respect
the posted quiet hours and show some courtesy to your neighbors. Chipmunks
and robins scamper and hop across a grassy oval patch in the center of the
campground, an area that also serves as a volleyball court. Two small bathrooms
with outlets and mirrors but no towels or hand dryers are shared by campers, and
the shower house (open 8:30 a.m.—8:30 p.m. daily) is across the bridge in the
day-use area. Built in 1865, Beaverkill’s historic covered bridge is one of
twenty-four such structures in the state, many of which are concentrated in
Delaware, Sullivan, and Ulster counties. For more information on New York’s
covered bridges, visit www.nycoveredbridges.org.
The Capital Region and Central
New York
Forming a rough rectangle from
Albany to Syracuse, south to
Binghamton and back east to the
Blackhead Mountains above the
Catskills, central New York and
the Capital Region might seem like
an area to simply drive through on
the way to the Adirondacks or the
Finger Lakes. Well, it isn’t.
Around Albany and its Neo-
Romanesque statehouse, three
parks with campgrounds— Cherry
Plain, Moreau Lake, and
Thompson’s Lake—will cause just
about anyone to forget about city
life after a night under the stars.
Much of this territory was While many people associate maple
controlled by Algonquin and syrup with New England, producers
Iroquois people before French and in New York make over 500,000
English armies fought for control gallons a year. Central New York
of the so-called New World in the Region
late seventeenth and early
eighteenth centuries. Today, names like Oneida, Otsego, and Onondaga
remind us of the Native American heritage that remains relevant to the
region’s cultural history. This is also the part of the Empire State where
you’ll find the baseball and soccer halls of fame, the birthplace of
meatpacker Samuel Wilson, better known to us now as Uncle Sam, and
the famed Saratoga Race Course.
Wake up early enough, and you might catch a deer family or two at
breakfast.
Much of central New York sits atop the Allegheny Plateau, a geologic
formation that extends into western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio. It’s
an area characterized by thick forests and deep valleys and the best way
to appreciate them is by spending time in the great outdoors. The
Mohawk, Hudson, Schoharie, and Susquehanna (not to mention
numerous other smaller rivers) contribute to the lush landscape here in
central New York, a fact that’s important to the small farms that make
their living raising livestock or growing grain and produce. West of the
Hudson, the hilly terrain contains more than half a dozen family-friendly
parks with campgrounds, from Glimmerglass with its impressive
architectural highlight Hyde Hall, to Bear Spring Mountain, one of the
only public places for horse camping in the state.
Finally, in the northwest corner of the region a quartet of campgrounds
offers a handful of escapes for residents in the greater Syracuse area.
Delta Lake, Green Lakes, Oneida Shores, and Verona Beach are all parks
with water access that are also close to two historic sites that played
significant roles in the early decades of the United States. At Fort
Stanwix National Monument outside of Rome, visitors will learn how the
failed British siege of this outpost proved to be a turning point in the
American Revolution, while at the living history museum Erie Canal
Village, tourists will get a glimpse into life as it was lived in the
nineteenth century. Chittenango Falls State Park, a great place for hiking,
fishing, and picnicking, is an easy side trip from any of the
aforementioned campgrounds.
Hookup Total Max. RV Hookups Toilets Showers Drinking Dump Recreation Fee Reservations
Cherry Plain F, H, B, S, $–
28 10 30 15 N/A F N Y N Y
State Park P, L $$
Moreau Lake F, H, B, S, $–
29 0 148 40 N/A F Y Y Y Y
State Park C, P $$
Thompson’s F, H, B, S,
30 0 140 40 N/A F Y Y Y $$ Y
Lake State Park C, P
Max V. Shaul F, H, B, S,
31 0 30 34 N/A F Y Y Y $$ Y
State Park C, P
Glimmerglass F, H, S, C,
32 36 44 50 E F Y Y Y $$ Y
State Park P
Bear Spring F, H, B, S,
33 0 41 40 N/A F Y Y Y $$ Y
Mountain C, L, R
Gilbert Lake F, H, B, S, $$–
34 17 221 50 E F Y Y Y Y
State Park C, P $$$
Delta Lake State F, H, B, S, $$–
35 0 101 40 N/A F Y Y Y Y
Park C, P, L $$$
Oquaga Creek F, H, B, S,
36 0 95 50 N/A F Y Y Y $$ Y
State Park C, P
Bowman Lake F, H, B, S,
37 0 188 40 N/A F Y Y Y $$ Y
State Park C, P, L
StoneyPond F, H, B, L,
38 0 17 0 N/A NF N Y N 0 Y
State Forest R
F, H, B, S,
39 Verona Beach 0 45 50 N/A F Y Y Y $$ Y
C, P, R
Chenango
F, H, B, S,
40 Valley State 54 185 50 E F Y Y Y $$ Y
C, P
Park
Green Lakes F, H, B, S,
41 43 132 40> E F Y Y Y $$ Y
State Park C, P
Oneida Shores
42 24 49 0 E F Y Y Y F, B, S, L $$$ Y
Park
Greenwood F, H, B, S,
43 0 50 0 E F Y Y Y $$ Y
Park P

28 Cherry Plain State Park
Location: Approximately 25 miles east of downtown Albany

Season: Memorial Day through Labor Day
Sites: 10 tent sites; 10 trailer sites; 10 hike-in sites
Facilities: Flush toilets, sand beach with lifeguarded swimming area, picnic area
with pavilion, soda machine, playground, horseshoe pits, boat launch,
swimming, hiking, boating, fishing, hunting Fee per night: $—$$
Finding the campground: From I-90 East, take exit B3 for NY 22 toward
Austerlitz and New Lebanon. Stay with NY 22 north for about 19 miles. Turn
left onto Adams Road and then continue successively onto CCC Dam Road,
Black River Road, and Miller Road. Turn left onto State Park Road and look for
the entrance.
About the campground: Located in rural Rensselaer County and surrounded by
more than 4,000 acres of the Capital District Wildlife Management Area, Cherry
Plain State Park feels worlds away from Albany or even Pittsfield across the
border in Massachusetts. Scattered around Black River Pond amidst eastern
hemlock, yellow birch, and thick clusters of ferns, the campsites here have a
remote feel that is somewhat unexpected with the state capitol just a half hour’s
drive away. When the Civilian Conservation Corps dammed the Black River in
the 1930s, the pond was intended to be part of a game refuge. Today, sites
around the pond afford campers plenty of space, although the comfort station has
begun to show its age and the only shower facilities are a single stall each for
men and women in the bathhouse by the swimming area. Firewood and ice are
available for purchase during camping season. A few short hiking trails lead to a
small cascade and an old charcoal kiln, a remnant from the nineteenth century
when the Rensselaer Plateau was stripped of more than two-thirds of its trees to
feed fuel-hungry iron foundries in the city of Troy. Recent conservation efforts
mean that the plateau’s large sections of unbroken boreal forest are once again
home to fisher, bobcat, bear, moose, porcupine, and hermit thrush.
29 Moreau Lake State Park
Location: About 11 miles north of Saratoga Springs

Season: Early May until mid-Oct
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, snack bar, playground,
picnic area with pavilions, volleyball court, nature center, sand beach with
lifeguarded swimming area, boat rental, hiking, swimming, boating, biking,
fishing, hunting Fee per night: $—$$
Preservation
Moreau Lake is another great place to practice paddling on calm water.

Finding the campground: From Albany and points south, take I-87 north to
exit 17S. Merge onto US 9 South/Saratoga Road. Turn right on Old Saratoga
Road after about 0.7 mile. Look for the park entrance on your right.
About the campground: Between the towns of Saratoga Springs and Glens
Falls, Moreau Lake State Park is well placed for outdoor enthusiasts on their
way north, or for campers who’d also like to explore some of the historic sites
along the upper Hudson River. The campground, which now includes seven
handicapped accessible sites, is divided into seven loops, each with a renovated
bathhouse that contains new fixtures, hand soap, high-speed energy-efficient
hand dryers, outlets, and a changing station. Some sites in loops C and D have
obstructed views of the lake and all lots receive shade from the park’s mixed
hardwood forest. On the western shore of Moreau Lake, a six-person rental
cottage is furnished with a full kitchen, a screened porch, and a fireplace while
two other cottages in the main camping area sleep four. During the summer,
guided hikes, kayak trips, and activities for children are scheduled throughout
the week. In addition, a number of state historic sites including Grant Cottage,
Schuyler Mansion, Johnson Hall, and Schoharie Crossing are located a short
drive to the south and/or west of Moreau Lake State Park.
30 Thompson’s Lake State Park
Location: 20 miles west of downtown Albany

Season: Early May until the first weekend in Oct
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, playground, baseball
field, sand beach with lifeguarded swimming area, picnic area, volleyball court,
horseshoe pits, boat rental, swimming, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, soda
machines, handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$
Finding the campground: From Albany, take NY 85 west, continuing straight
for just under 6 miles through three traffic circles. At the fourth, take the first
exit to stay with NY-85 W. Drive another 7 miles and then make a slight right
onto NY 157 West/Thacher Park Road. Quickly turn left onto Beaver Dam Road
CR 311. After 3.7 miles, continue straight onto NY 157 WestThompson’s Lake
Road. Look for a large park sign on the right.
About the campground: Campsites at Thompson’s Lake are roughly organized
into three loops, with five remodeled comfort stations scattered between them.
The restrooms include sinks with mirrors, changing tables, and shower stalls
with attached changing annexes. Lots are ample in size, but the ground surface
tends to be hard and somewhat stony. Cedar, spruce, and white pine provide
shade in patches. Both ice and firewood are available for purchase at the park
entrance. A short trail links the Emma Treadwell Thacher Center (open 9 a.m. to
5 p.m. year-round; closed Monday) with the campground. This educational
facility opened in 2001 and today contains touch tables with fossils, fur, and
feathers, a children’s area with books, games, and puzzles, native plant gardens,
and a bee hive. Muskrats, turtles, and shorebirds are frequently spotted in the
marshy area at the north end of the lake. Five trails, all under a mile in length,
offer the chance for a pleasant amble, while a number of more challenging hikes
begin atop the Helderberg Escarpment at nearby Thacher State Park and lead
down into the Hudson Valley below.
31 Max V. Shaul State Park
Location: About 45 miles west of Albany

Season: Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend
with pavilions, boat launch, hiking, biking, fishing, boating, swimming (nearby),
handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$
Running north from the Catskills, Schoharie Creek passes Max V. Shaul State
Park. Central New York Region
Finding the campground: From Albany, head west on US 20 Western Avenue.

Turn left (west) onto NY 146 and follow this road through the town of Altamont
for almost 18 miles. Turn right (west) onto NY 443 and then make a left onto
North Main Street NY 30 South after 3.8 miles. After 6 more miles, turn right to
stay on NY 30 south. Look for the park entrance on the right, just across the
Schoharie Creek.
About the campground: Sitting at the base of Towpath Mountain, Max V.
Shaul State Park is a shady little spot that makes for a pleasant getaway from
Albany to the northeast. Plus, visitors who present a valid camping pass from
Max Shaul at the entrance booth to nearby Mine Kill State Park will be able to
enjoy the Blenheim-Gilboa Reservoir, Mine Kill Falls, miles of trails, as well as
Minekill’s Olympic-size pool, wading pool, and separate diving pool. In 2011, a
cartop boat and fishing access trail to the Schoharie Creek was added, enabling
anglers to try their luck on Panther Creek or the larger waterway on the east side
of the park. Campers share three comfort stations and a central shower house;
site 17 is handicapped accessible. Traffic from Route 30 is audible, but not too
intrusive. For a short but steep hike with fantastic views of Schoharie County,
climb Vroman’s Nose, 4 miles up the road from the park.
Now a national landmark, Hyde Hall was built in the neoclassical style in the
early part of the nineteenth century.
32 Glimmerglass State Park

Location: 8 miles north of Cooperstown
Season: Mid-May until Columbus Day weekend
Sites: 38 tent and trailer sites; 6 primitive sites
with pavilions, sand beach with lifeguarded swimming area, snack bar, nature
center, museum, biking, hiking, fishing, handicapped accessibility Fee per
night: $$
Finding the campground: From Albany and points to the south and east, follow
I-90 west toward Buffalo (note that this is a toll road). Take exit 25A to merge
onto I-88 west toward Binghamton. Stay on I-88 for about 5.5 miles and then
take exit 24 to NY 7 / US 20 in the direction of Duanesburg. Keep an eye on the
signs as the road jogs left and right over the next mile. Continue following US
20 west for 36 miles. Turn left on CR 31 and drive 4 more miles, looking for the
park on the right.
About the campground: Taking its name from novelist James Fennimore
Cooper’s Leatherstocking Tales (which includes his most famous work, Last of
the Mohicans ), Glimmerglass State Park sits on the northeastern shore of
Otsego Lake, the source of the Susquehanna River. Hyde Hall, an impressive
nineteenth-century limestone mansion designed by architect Phillip Hooker also
stands within the park’s boundaries. Today the home can be toured for a fee
from mid-May through the end of October. The main campground, close to the
park entrance, contains 38 grassy or gravel sites arranged in two loops with a
bathroom between them. In addition to two shower stalls each for men and
women, this handicapped accessible comfort station contains soap, hand dryers,
outlets, and mirrors. Somewhat farther into the park, opposite the large day-use
beach pavilion area, camping is permitted year-round at six primitive campsites
that share a pit toilet. Bundles of firewood can be purchased at the park entrance.
Five short hiking routes, ranging from 0.5 mile to 2 miles, lead to a quiet beaver
pond, the oldest covered bridge in the United States, and the top of 1,800-foot
Mount Wellington. Cooperstown and the Baseball Hall of Fame are about 8
miles south of the park.
33 Bear Spring Mountain
Location: About 17 miles south of Walton

Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers (at Launt Pond Area), dumping station,
picnic area with pavilion, sand beach with lifeguarded swimming area,
volleyball court, boat rentals, boat launch; horse tie stalls and horse handicapped
ramp, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, hunting, mountain biking Fee per night:
$$
Finding the campground: Driving west on Route 17, take exit 90 toward
Shinhopple on Route 30 North. After 8.5 miles, turn left on East Trout Brook
Road and proceed almost 6 miles north. Go past the Spruce Grove horse
camping area and look for the Launt Pond campground on the right.
About the campground: Bear Spring Mountain became the DEC’s 50th
campground in 1986 and remains one of the only places in the state for horse
camping. Twenty-three campsites are grouped together on a hill above the
office, while sites 19, and 25—27 are located next to the boat launch and the
fishing pier at the south end of the pond. Another 14 sites can be found farther
down East Trout Brook Road at the Spruce Grove Horse Assembly and Camping
Area. This area has its own handicapped accessible comfort station, but no
showers. A roomy, clean, modern bathroom and shower house has been added to
the hilltop camping loop at Launt Pont, joining three existing pit privies. During
the summer swimming season, the sand beach is open from 10:00 a.m. until 5:45
p.m. Boat rental fees vary, depending on the vessel; motorized boats are not
allowed on Launt Pond. Hikes in the vicinity include the McCoy Hill Trail, the
long-distance Finger Lakes Trail, as well as a short nature trail footpath around
the small body of water. Riders are asked to stay on designated horse trails.
At some campgrounds in New York, people make plans to stay for several weeks
or longer.
34 Gilbert Lake State Park
Location: Roughly 12 miles north of Oneonta

Sites: 221 tent and trailer sites (17 with hookups); 33 cabins
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, disc golf, volleyball
courts, playground, basketball court, baseball diamond, horseshoe pits, museum,
picnic area with pavilions, sand beach with lifeguarded swimming area, snack
bar, boat rental, boating, biking, hiking, hunting, fishing, handicapped
accessibility Fee per night: $$—$$$
Finding the campground: From Oneonta, take NY 23 west/Chestnut Street for
just over 2 miles. Turn right (north) onto NY 205 NY 23 west and follow this for
5.5 miles. At Laurens, turn left on CR 11A and then quickly make another left on
CR 11 Main Street. Make your second right turn on CR 12/Gilbert Lake Road
and follow it almost 4 miles, watching for signs to the park.
About the campground: Especially popular among families for the sheer
abundance and diversity of its facilities, Gilbert Lake State Park in Otsego
County covers 1,660 acres of woodlands and wetlands. A museum about the
Civilian Conservation Corps or CCC, a public work program established during
the New Deal, is located on the north end of the lake. Campsites are divided into
two groups, Hilltop and Deer Run, with a cabin colony between them; cabins 12
and 24 are handicapped accessible, as are sites 145—147. ( Note: During peak
season, cabins must be rented for 7-or 14-day periods.) Deer Run is the larger of
the two and substantially shadier—most of the Hilltop sites are lined up back to
back in a wide, grassy field. Clean bathrooms feature multiple shower stalls with
space to change, soap, hand dryers, and outlets. Coin-operated laundry facilities
are available; there is a fee per bundle for firewood. Almost 10 miles of trails
offer a variety of hiking opportunities within the park.
35 Delta Lake State Park
Location: Approximately 20 miles northwest of Utica

Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, playground, volleyball
courts, horseshoe pits, picnic area with pavilions, vending machine, sand beach
with lifeguarded swimming area, snack bar, boat launch, tent rentals, hiking,
boating, fishing, biking, handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$—$$$
Fire destroyed Fort Stanwix in 1781, but the National Park Service
reconstructed it in the 1970s as a museum. Central New York Region

Finding the campground: From Utica and points east, head northwest on NY
49. Take the NY 365 east exit and then quickly turn left onto NY 365 west East
Dominick Street. After 2.4 miles, turn right onto Black River BoulevardNY 46
north. Drive through Rome, staying with NY 46 (which will become Ridge Mills
Road) for another 4 miles. Look for the entrance to the park on the left.
About the campground: In the late eighteenth century, settlers established a
small town just north of Rome, allegedly naming it for a bend in the Mohawk
River that resembled the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet. With the completion
of the Black River Canal in 1850, the town prospered but a reservoir needed to
end flooding in Rome spelled the end of Delta Lake in 1912. Today, the park
and its campground occupy a peninsula that protrudes into that reservoir now
stocked with bass, walleye, perch, bullhead, and northern pike. Campsites are
divided into three loops with five comfort stations between them. Sites 72, 74,
and 75 are handicapped accessible, while numbers 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 45,
46, 48, 50, 51, 53, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94, and 95 have water access. Choose one of
these sites for the view and awake to the sounds of gulls, geese, and the
occasional raucous murder of crows. The shower house is somewhat dated and a
bit small for the number of campsites, and the showers, while they can be
counted on for hot water, are small. There is a pay-per-load single washing
machine outside. Note: Park authorities warn that Delta Lake State Park shelters
“a large and active population of raccoons.” Always secure food properly, and
never attempt to attract or harass wildlife.
36 Oquaga Creek State Park
Location: Roughly 40 miles east of Binghamton

pavilions, playground, snack bar, sand beach with lifeguarded swimming area,
boat rentals, canoeing and kayaking, biking, hiking, disc golf, fishing, hunting
(in season), handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$
Finding the campground: From Binghamton, follow I-88 east toward Albany.
Take exit 8, and merge onto NY 206 east. Drive 3 miles and then turn right on
East Afton Road. Continue on this road for about 5 miles, watching for the park
About the campground: Located on the border of Broome and Delaware
counties, and not far from Pennsylvania, Oquaga Creek State Park opened in
1979 in a part of the state characterized by wooded rolling hills and dairy farms.
The name comes from an Indian word meaning “land of the wild grape,” while
the creek it refers to feeds Arctic Lake, a 55-acre body of water near the center
of the park. The campsites here are organized into three groups (curiously
labeled Loops 3, 4, and 5) with a fully equipped comfort station including
showers at each. In Loop 5 at the bottom of a hill just past the ticket office, a
number of boxy cabins that sleep six have also recently been added. They do not
have electricity or water but the two-story cottage at Oquaga Creek with heat, a
full kitchen, and beds for eight can be rented for one week at a time between
mid-June and Labor Day. Several hiking trails in the park enable visitors the
chance to see woodchucks, wild turkeys, beavers, and the eastern bluebird, the
state bird of New York. A free descriptive brochure for the short interpretive
nature trail is available at the park office.
37 Bowman Lake State Park
Location: About 40 miles north of Binghamton

with pavilions, basketball court, sand beach with lifeguarded swimming area,
snack bar, nature center, boat rental, boat launch, biking, hiking, hunting,
fishing, boating, handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$
Preservation
New playground equipment at Bowman Lake near Oxford, New York, will please
youngsters.

Finding the campground: From Binghamton and points south, follow I-81
north. Take exit 6 for US 11 toward NY 12 Nimmonsburg and the Chenango
Bridge. Turn right on US 11 North Upper Front Street and follow this for 4
miles. Continue onto NY 12 for 24 miles. At Oxford turn left on Lafayette Park
and continue onto West State Street. Turn right on NY 220 West Butler Street.
After almost 6 miles, make a slight right onto Bliven Road Steere Road (don’t
stay with NY 220). Turn left onto Bliven Sherman Road and follow it into the
park.
About the campground: Surrounding a small 35-acre lake and two other
similar-sized ponds, Bowman Lake State Park is one of the larger campgrounds
in central New York. Only 16 feet at its deepest, the namesake body of water is
fed by natural underground springs, which also keep this trout-stocked lake cold.
Narrow paved roads snake through the sprawling campground, leading to
spacious sites shaded by beech, birch, black cherry, white ash, and dogwood
trees. A number of newer, boxy cabins with bunks are also scattered throughout
the camping area; sites 19, 193, and 195 are handicapped accessible. Comfort
stations are basic with paper towels, hand soap, and outlets, and sites 57—75, 99
—108, and 117—123 are closest to one of the two shower houses. The other is
next to the basketball court and the picnic area just inside the entrance. Hiking
options include over a mile of the Finger Lakes Trail, the longest continuous
footpath in New York and part of the 4,600-mile North Country National Scenic
Trail. A yellow-blazed nature trail also links to the campground.
38 Stoney Pond State Forest
Location: Roughly 25 miles southeast of Syracuse

Season: May 1 through Sept 30
Sites: 17 tent and trailer sites (2 are tent only)
Facilities: Pit toilets, picnic area, boat launch, hiking, horseback riding, fishing,
handicapped accessibility Fee per night: Free with a permit from the DEC
Lands & Forests Office in Sherburne Management: New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation
Contact: (607) 674-4017; www.dec.ny.gov/lands/8111.html
Finding the campground: From US 20 in the hamlet of Nelson, head south on
the Erieville Road for approximately 2 miles. Turn left (east) onto Old State
Road. In another 2.5 miles, head south on Jones Road to the State Forest.
About the campground: Consisting of a mixed forest where red pine, white
pine, and Norway spruce grow alongside natural hardwoods such as American
beech, sugar maple, black cherry, and white ash, Stoney Pond covers 1,469 acres
just outside of Morrisville. The campground here is primitive and lacks many of
the amenities common elsewhere in the region. The price, however, can’t be
beat. Sites 3, 10, and 14 are handicapped accessible, while sites 16 and 17 are
intended for tents only and must be reached via a short footpath. Swimming in
Stoney Pond is prohibited and gas-powered boats aren’t allowed on the water,
but bird watching for blue herons, Canada geese, and other waterfowl is
encouraged. Note that posted restrictions also forbid ATVs and horses in the
camping area. Chittenango Falls, a small state park that includes a number of
short hikes, is about 20 minutes away by car.
Chittenango Falls State Park is about 12 miles north of the campground at
Stoney Pond State Forest. Central New York Region
39 Verona Beach
Location: At the east end of Oneida Lake, 25 miles northeast of Syracuse

court, baseball diamond, horseshoe pits, snack bar, picnic area with pavilions,
sand beach with lifeguarded swimming area, biking, hiking, fishing, hunting,
boating, horseback riding, handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$
Finding the campground: Follow I-90 east from Syracuse. Take exit 34 for NY
13 toward Canastota and Oneida. Turn right onto NY 13 North/North Peterboro
Street and follow it to the park.
About the campground: Almost equidistant from Syracuse and Utica, Verona
Beach is a 1,700-acre piece of public land in Oneida County. The name Oneida
comes from an Iroquois tribe with roots in this part of the state. Campsites are
grouped together on Oneida Lake along three short lanes with bathrooms and
showers near the center. Sites 23—28 are closest to these facilities, while
numbers 1—11 have panoramic views of the water. Lots aren’t particularly well
screened from one another, but they do have at least partial shade overhead.
Nine short trails between 0.5 and 2 miles in length lead through low-lying
wetland areas along Black Creek. On the other side of Route 13 in the eastern
section of the park, seasonal hunting for deer, small game, and waterfowl is
possible with a DEC permit. Other area attractions for families include Sylvan
Beach Amusement Park, the Fort Rickey Children’s Discovery Zoo, and the
recently restored Verona Beach Lighthouse, one of three candlestick-style
lighthouses built on Oneida Lake in the early part of the twentieth century.
40 Chenango Valley State Park

Season: Mid-May through early Oct
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, playground, sand beach
with lifeguarded swimming area, snack bar, golf course, basketball courts,
baseball diamond, picnic area with pavilions, boat rental, hiking, mountain
biking, fishing, golfing, boating, handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$
(extra for electrical hookup)
Finding the campground: Head north from Binghamton on I-81, and then exit
onto I-88 East toward Albany. Next, take exit 3 for NY 369 toward Port Crane.
In Port Crane, turn left (north) onto NY 369. After 2.5 miles, turn left on Rogers
Road and look for the park entrance on the right.
About the campground: Another medium-sized park with something for
almost everyone, Chenango Valley owes its natural beauty to the end of the last
Ice Age, when retreating glaciers left Lily Lake and Chenango Lake in this part
of what is now Broome County. The park covers close to 1,100 acres, with three
groups of tent and trailer sites: Chipmunk Bluff, Pine Bluff, and Sunrise. Each
has at least one comfort station. Spots with grass and gravel surfaces offer a mix
of sun and shade. Sites 62, 63, 88, and 206 are handicapped accessible.
Birdwatchers stand a good chance of seeing warblers, woodpeckers, nuthatches,
and thrushes, while anglers will hope to hook trout, bass, and bullhead.
Meanwhile, the eighteen-hole, par 72 golf course in the park might tempt some
campers out onto the links, and more than a dozen miles of woodland trails will
excite travelers who never go anywhere without a good pair of hiking boots.
41 Green Lakes State Park

Location: About 8 miles east of Syracuse
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, playground, snack bar,
golf course, disc golf, sand beach with lifeguarded swimming area, boat rental,
hiking, biking, fishing, boating, handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$
(extra for electrical hookup)
Finding the campground: Head east from Syracuse on I-690. Take exit 17 for
Bridge Street toward East Syracuse. Turn left onto Bridge Street and then
continue east onto NY 290 / Manlius Center Road. After about 3.5 miles, turn
left to stay with NY 290. Look for Green Lakes Park Drive and the campground
About the campground: Two small glacial lakes form the centerpiece of Green
Lakes State Park, providing the eighteen-hole par 71 golf course with a
picturesque backdrop. Campsites are organized into two groups (Rolling Hills
and Pine Woods) with a small cabin colony between the two lakes. Each area
has a handicapped accessible comfort station with showers and both are removed
from the noise and activity created by the swimming beach and the picnicking
pavilions at the north end of Green Lake. Ten different trails take hikers and
mountain bikers through old growth forest, over rolling hills, and down into
shallow ravines. Laundry facilities are 2 miles from the park by car. Note:
Private boats are not permitted on either body of water.
42 Oneida Shores Park
Location: About 12 miles from Syracuse on Oneida Lake

Season: Late Apr through early Oct (weekends only until mid-May)
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, vending machines,
bathhouse, volleyball courts, baseball diamonds, boat launch, sand beach with
lifeguarded swimming area, fishing, boating, swimming, archery Fee per night:
$$$
Management: Onondaga County Parks
Contact: (315) 676-7366; http://onondagacountyparks.com/oneida-shores-
park/camping/
Finding the campground: Head northeast from Syracuse on I-81. Take exit 31
for Bartel Road toward US 11 and Brewerton. Turn left onto Bartel Road and
follow it around a curve. The park entrance will be on the left.
GPS coordinates: N43.226700' W76.108597'
About the campground: Located on Muskrat Bay at the western end of Oneida
Lake, the 340 acres of Oneida Shores Park were designated as parkland in 1964.
In the years since, the addition of playing fields, a boat launch, and a long sandy
beach along with a shady campground have turned it into a pleasant spot for
visits lasting anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days or even a week.
Family-friendly and just off of I-81, Oneida Shores and its lakefront perch isn’t
as well known as other campgrounds in the region, but it still has the ability to
attract people from across central New York. The small campground is at the
north end of the park, just inside the main entrance. Sites 40—64 have water and
electric hookups. There is one restroom. Campers enjoy free access to the beach
and the boat launch for the length of their stay. Kayak and paddleboat rentals are
available by the hour and half hour.
43 Greenwood Park

Season: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, camp store, playground,
horseshoe pits, snack bar, changing area with lockers, volleyball court, picnic
area with pavilions, sand beach with lifeguarded swimming area, swimming,
boating, fishing, hiking Fee per night: $$
Management: Broome County Department of Parks and Recreation
Contact: (607) 778-2193; www.gobroomecounty.com/parks/greenwood
Finding the campground: From Binghamton take Route 17 West to exit 71N
(Airport Road), and then take Airport Road north and follow park signs. The
entrance is off of Greenwood Road in Nanticoke.
About the campground: The first park in Broome County, Greenwood contains
a small body of water surrounded by hillsides thick with red oak, eastern
hemlock, bigtooth aspen, and black cherry trees. Visitors will find the beach,
boathouse, and snack bar on the southeastern end of the lake while the
campground is slightly to the north. It’s generally shady and organized into five
groups of ten sites with a restroom near the middle. A number of short trails with
names like Evergreen and Pathfinder can be combined to form different loop
hikes within the park. Altogether the trail system covers about 6.5 miles. The
lake is regularly stocked with trout, bass, and panfish. Private boats are not
allowed on Greenwood Lake, but canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and paddleboats can
be rented by the hour or by the day at Greenwood Park from Memorial Day to
Labor Day.
Adirondack Park
It doesn’t quite get the attention and adoration that some of the biggest
national parks in the west rightfully earn year after year, but Adirondack
Park is a special place in its own right. In total, this forested region
covers about one-third of the Empire State, or more than six million acres
of land altogether. The largest park as well as the largest National
Historic Landmark in the contiguous United States, Adirondack is also
the single biggest wilderness area east of the Mississippi. Spend any
significant period of time in the outdoors here and you’ll likely discover
that it feels this way. A few towns, Saranac Lake, Lake Placid, and
Tupper Lake most notably, do interrupt the mountainous landscape, but
overall there are many more streams than sidewalks in the ’Dacks as
they’re affectionately referred to locally. Visit during either shoulder
season, and you’re also likely to count more white-tailed deer (or even
cows) than people. And if you do happen to speak with one of the
137,000 year-round residents, be prepared for them to tell you that
Adirondack Park could fit Yellowstone, Yosemite, Glacier, Grand
Canyon, and the Great Smoky Mountains—all of them—within its
borders.
For sweeping views of Owls Head Mountain, launch a boat on Lake
Eaton and start paddling.
Max.
Hookup Total RV Hookups Toilets Showers Drinking Dump Recreation Fee Reservations
F, B, C, P,
44 Crown Point 0 66 40 N/A F Y Y Y $$ Y
L
F, B, S, C,
45 Ausable Point 0 123 35 N/A F Y Y Y $$ Y
P, L
Cumberland Bay
46 18 152 50 E F Y Y Y S, P $$ Y
State Park
F, H, B, S,
47 Rogers Rock 0 332 40 N/A F Y Y Y $$ Y
C, L
48 Lincoln Pond 0 35 30 N/A F Y Y Y F, B, S, L $$ Y
F, H, B, C,
49 Putnam Pond 0 72 30 N/A F Y Y Y $$ Y
L
Macomb
F, H, B, S,
50 Reservation State 35 132 40 E F Y Y Y $$ Y
P
Park
51 Sharp Bridge 0 40 25 N/A F Y Y Y F, H, C $$ Y
52 Paradox Lake 0 58 30 N/A F Y Y Y F, H, B, L $$ Y
Lake George F, H, B, S,
53 0 68 40 N/A F Y Y Y $$ Y
Battleground C
54 Hearthstone Point 0 251 40 N/A F Y Y Y F, H, B, S $$ Y
55 Eagle Point 0 72 30 N/A F Y Y Y F, B, L $$ Y
F, H, B, S,
56 Luzerne 0 174 40 N/A F Y Y Y $$ Y
L, R
57 Taylor Pond 0 30 30 N/A NF N Y N F, H, B, L $$ Y
58 Wilmington Notch 0 54 30 N/A F Y Y Y N/A $$ Y
Donnelly Beach
59 Campsite 0 56 40 N/A F Y Y N B, S, P, L $$$ Y
(Minerva Lake)
60 Meadowbrook 0 62 30 N/A F Y Y Y H, C $$ Y
F, H, B, S,
61 Buck Pond 0 114 30 N/A F Y Y Y $$ Y
L
62 Sacandaga 0 143 30 N/A F Y Y Y F, H $$$ Y
F, H, B, S,
63 Meacham Lake 0 224 40 N/A F Y Y Y $$ Y
P, L
Indian Lake
64 0 55 0 N/A NF N N N F, H, B, L $$ Y
Islands
F, H, B, S,
65 Fish Creek Pond 0 355 40 N/A F Y Y Y $$ Y
C, P, L
66 Rollins Pond 0 287 40 N/A F Y Y Y H, B, C, L $$ Y
F, H, B, S,
67 Moffit Beach 0 261 30 N/A F Y Y Y $$ Y
C, L
F, H, B, C,
68 Lewey Lake 0 207 40 N/A F Y Y Y $$ Y
L
F, H, B, S,
69 Lake Durant 0 61 30 N/A F Y Y Y $$ Y
C
F, H, B, S,
70 Caroga Lake 0 161 30 N/A F Y Y Y $$ Y
C, L
H, S, B, P,
71 Lake Eaton 0 135 30 N/A F Y Y Y $$ Y
L
F, H, B, S,
72 Poplar Point 0 21 20 N/A NF N Y N $$ Y
C, L
F, H, B, S,
73 Little Sand Point 0 78 30 N/A F Y Y Y $$ Y
C, L
F, H, B, S,
74 Point Comfort 0 76 30 N/A NF N Y N $$ Y
L
F, H, B, P, $–
75 St. Regis Falls 30 44 50 N/A F Y Y Y Y
F, H, B, P, $–
75 St. Regis Falls 30 44 50 N/A F Y Y Y Y
L $$$
76 Forked Lake 0 80 30 N/A NF N Y N F, H, B, L $$ Y
F, H B, C,
77 Golden Beach 0 205 30 N/A F Y Y Y $$ Y
L
F, H, B, C,
78 Brown Tract Pond 0 90 30 N/A F N Y Y $$ Y
L
F, H, B, S,
79 Eighth Lake 0 126 40 N/A F Y Y Y $$ Y
L
F, H, B, S,
80 Cranberry Lake 0 173 50 N/A F Y Y Y $$ Y
L
F, H, B, S,
81 Limekiln Lake 0 271 40 N/A F Y Y Y $$ Y
C

Reservations: N = No, Y = Yes Lake George in the south and Lake
Champlain to the north along with the presence of I-87 make the eastern
side of the Adirondacks somewhat busier than the western edge, where
narrow state roads wind their way to little lakeside communities and
remote trailheads. This half of the region also contains a greater
concentration of taller mountains, including Mount Marcy, the highest
point in the state at 5,344 feet. Given the number of excellent biking
routes, hiking trails, and waterways to take advantage of, planning a trip
to one of the wilderness areas upstate requires avid outdoorsmen and
women to make some tough decisions about what not to do. In addition
to Marcy for instance, Mount Haystack and Algonquin Mountain are two
other challenging High Peaks that those with summit fever usually can’t
resist. And when it comes to biking, the off-road Barkeater Trails System
and the paved Warren County Bikeway are but two of the many options
available. Paddlers meanwhile, often launch onto the Schroon River and
the Hudson River, or venture into Lake George to explore its inlets and
islands. This side of the park is also dotted with historical sites such as
Fort Ticonderoga.
To the west, the campgrounds get bigger and signs of civilization
become harder to find. Here on the other side of Route 30, dozens of
large, sparkling lakes practically beg to be canoed or kayaked, and at the
Adirondack Museum, the Wild Center, and the Six Nations Indian
Museum, families and individuals alike can gain a deeper understanding
of the region’s human and natural history. Mount Arab, St. Regis
Mountain, and Blue Mountain are just a few of the favorite summits
hikers like to climb, while the Old Forge Mountain Bike Trail system and
the TOBIE pathway give bicycle riders a couple of ways to see the
western Adirondacks on two wheels.
44 Crown Point
Location: 16 miles north of Ticonderoga

Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, picnic area, playground,
boat launch, fishing, boating, biking, handicapped accessibility Fee per night:
$$
Finding the campground: Take exit 28 from the Adirondack Northway I-87
toward Crown Point Fort Ticonderoga. Follow NY SR 74 east about 17 miles to
the Route 22 NY 9N junction. Turn left and head north 11 miles. Turn right
(east) on NY 185 Bridge Road toward Vermont. Look for the campground
entrance on the right after about 3.5 miles.
About the campground: Overlooking Vermont’s Chimney Point State Park and
steeped in colonial history, Crown Point has been declared a National Historic
Landmark by the secretary of the interior and remains one of the most pleasant
camping areas in New York. The 66 campsites here share space with the ruins of
an old fort and a lighthouse that recently celebrated its 100th birthday and offer
fairly soft, grassy plots with easy access to two comfort stations that both include
showers. Sites 4—6, 11—22, 27—32, and 48 (a lean-to) all border the shores of
Lake Champlain, enabling easy entry for kayakers and canoeists. Swimming at
Crown Point is not permitted so fish for northern pike, bullhead, yellow perch,
brown trout, and lake trout off the pier instead. Acquired by the state in 1910,
Crown Point State Historic Site on the other side of Bridge Road held strategic
importance during both the French and Indian War (1754—1763) and the
American Revolution. A small museum as well as the ruins of Fort St. Frederic
can be visited for a fee between mid-May and the end of October.
45 Ausable Point
Location: Just east of Peru, and a relatively short distance from Plattsburg
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dump station, boat launch, picnic area with
pavilions, playground, volleyball courts, boat launch, canoeing, boating, fishing,
sand beach with lifeguarded swimming area, biking, windsurfing, handicapped
From Ausable Point the Green Mountains are visible across Lake Champlain.
Finding the campground: Drive south from Plattsburg on Route 9 for 12 miles,
or from I-87, take exit 35 to 442 east and drive about 2.5 miles. Turn left (north)
on Route 9 and look for the campground entrance on the right after half a mile.
About the campground: Just across Dead Creek, alongside the North Branch of
the Ausable River, Ausable Point is an ideal spot for enjoying Lake Champlain,
the massive freshwater body French explorer Samuel de Champlain discovered
in 1609. Campsites, which vary in size, tend to be close together, and the
campground’s popularity as a day-use area also affects the level of peace and
tranquility you’re likely to find here. That said, many of the flat, sandy sites have
pleasant views of the lake, and the chances of spotting an osprey or multiple
cormorants is better than average. With six comfort stations scattered across the
small peninsula, a toilet is never much of a walk, while a newish bathhouse with
locking shower rooms and multiple power outlets also means campers don’t
have to rough it at Ausable Point. In addition to swimming, canoeing, kayaking,
and windsurfing, this spot is popular among anglers who crisscross the 490-
square-mile lake in hopes of catching smelt, northern pike, bass, trout, salmon,
bullhead perch, walleyes, crappie, and bluegill.
46 Cumberland Bay State Park
Location: Approximately 4 miles northeast of Plattsburgh

Season: Open from early May until Columbus Day
Sites: 152 tent and trailer sites (18 with electrical hookups)
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, picnic areas with
pavilions, playground, volleyball courts, basketball court, horseshoe pits, snack
bar, sand beach with lifeguarded swimming area, laundry, handicapped
Preservation
Contact: (518) 563-5240; www.nysparks.com
Finding the campground: From I-87 North/Adirondack Northway, take exit 39
(east) toward NY 314. Turn right at the bottom of the ramp onto
314/Commodore Thomas MacDonough Highway and continue east across US 9.
Look for the park entrance on the right just before the 1-mile mark.
About the campground: Overlooking Lake Champlain, tiny Crab Island, and
the south end of Grand Isle, Cumberland Bay State Park might be most popular
among New Yorkers seeking a place to bring the family for a summer cookout
or a cool dip in the 120-mile-long body of freshwater. During the New Deal
period, however, the Civilian Conservation Corps developed the lake-front into a
grassy recreation area with numerous campsites. Most of them are well shaded
and near one of the four comfort stations, but the park’s proximity to the road
doesn’t always make for the most peaceful camping experience. Views, a large
swimming area, along with its ease of access from Plattsburgh and even
Burlington might outweigh the noise for many, as will bathrooms with soap
dispensers, hand dryers, and outlets, and the presence of a small laundromat on
site (open 10 a.m.—6 p.m.).
47 Rogers Rock
Location: 6 miles south of Ticonderoga

Sites: 332 tent and trailer sites; two group camping areas; remote sites in the
Waltonian Group
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, picnic area with pavilions, dumping
station, boat launch, mooring buoys, boat washing and pump-out station, sand
beach with lifeguarded swimming area, bathhouse, swimming, hiking, boating,
fishing, biking, handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$
Finding the campground: From the Northway/I-87, take exit 25. Follow Route
8 east of Hague, turn left (north) onto Route 9N, and look for the campground 3
miles ahead on the right.
About the campground: Facing Cook’s Bay near the north end of Lake
George, Rogers Rock earned its name from Major Robert Rogers, who
commanded a unit of rangers famous for their dangerous exploits during the
French and Indian War. According to folk history, Rogers was pursued to the
edge of the cliff by warriors from the Iroquois Confederation and managed to
either slide to safety or trick them into thinking he had made a fatal leap from the
edge. Sixteen restrooms plus a shower house at either end of this sprawling
campground make this place better suited to families and individuals who
haven’t done much camping and like to know that comfort and convenience is
never very far. People looking for more of a primitive experience should book
one of the thirteen sites on Temple Knoll, Flirtation, or Waltonian Island. In
addition thirteen handicapped-accessible sites are available at Rogers Rock.
Military history buffs might be interested in traveling 7 miles north to visit
eighteenth-century Fort Ticonderoga, one of North America’s oldest historic
sites.
48 Lincoln Pond
Location: About 30 miles east of Lake Placid

Season: Mid-May until Labor Day weekend
Sites: 25 tent and trailer sites; 10 remote sites (3 of which must be reached by
boat)
Facilities: Flush toilets and pit toilets, hot showers, dumping station, sand beach
with lifeguarded swimming area, boat launch, swimming, fishing, boating,
Finding the campground: From the Adirondack Northway/I-87, take exit 31
west to Elizabethtown. Turn left on Lincoln Pond Road/CR 7 and look for the
campground after traveling a final 6 miles.
About the campground: The main camping area at this rather small spot
consists of twenty-five sites bordered by a small beach and a boat launch on
Lincoln Pond; site 25 is handicapped accessible. Meanwhile, sites 26—35 at the
north end of the pond offer a decidedly primitive feel. Sites 29—31 can only be
accessed by boat and require visitors to return to the main campground for flush
toilets or potable water. Overall it’s a calm, quiet location favored by boaters and
those who enjoy an opportunity to fish for the smallmouth bass, yellow perch,
and bullhead that call Lincoln Pond home. For a good hike, head back up CR
7/Lincoln Pond Road, turn left (west) on 9N in Elizabethtown, and look for a
parking lot on the right a few miles out of town. From here the round trip to the
open peak of Hurricane Mountain is about 5 miles.
49 Putnam Pond
Location: Just under 10 miles west of Ticonderoga

Sites: 63 tent and trailer sites, 9 remote lake sites accessible by boat
Pharaoh Mountain is visible from the boat launch at Putnam Pond.
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, boat launch, picnic area
with pavilion, canoe and rowboat rentals, fishing, boating, hiking, biking,
Finding the campground: Take exit 28 off of I-87 north, and then drive east on
Route 74 for approximately 12 miles, looking for a DEC campground sign on
the left. Turn right at the sign onto Essex County Road 39/Putts Pond Road and
follow it 3.6 miles to the campground entrance.
About the campground: Named after Israel Putnam, a major general in the
Continental Army who served at the Battle of Bunker Hill and the Battle of Long
Island, this campground is easy to reach and yet noteworthy for its appeal to
those searching for more of a backcountry experience. Surrounded by the
Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area, Putnam Pond contains several dozen large lots
with ample privacy; a handful of them also offer water access. The ten shower
stalls in the bathhouse can be counted on for hot water. Sites 57—63 are closest
to the boat launch and the day-use area, with its scenic views to the southwest.
Numerous hiking routes of varying lengths lead from the campground, including
the Lost Pond Trail, the Grizzle Ocean Circuit Trail, the Treadway Mountain
Trail, and the Bear Pond Trail. Military history buffs looking for a side trip
might be interested in visiting eighteenth-century Fort Ticonderoga, one of the
oldest historic sites in North America.
50 Macomb Reservation State Park
Location: Roughly 12 miles southwest of Plattsburgh

Season: Open from mid-May until Labor Day
Sites: 132 tent and trailer sites (35 with electrical hookups)
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, playground, horseshoe
pits, basketball court, recreation hall, nature trail, picnic area with pavilions,
sand beach with lifeguarded swimming area, nonmotorized boating, fishing,
swimming, hiking Fee per night: $$
Preservation
Contact: (518) 643-9952; www.nysparks.com
Finding the campground: From Plattsburgh, take NY 3 west / Cornelia Street.
After passing under I-87, keep left at the fork, following signs for NY 22B
south. Travel just over 6 miles and then turn right onto CR 33/Norrisville Road
at the town of Schuyler Falls. Continue roughly 2.5 miles, then turn left onto
Campsite Road just before the sign for the park. Alternatively, take exit 35
toward Peru/Valcour off of I-87 north. Make a left at the bottom of the ramp
onto NY 442 West/Bear Swamp Road. Turn right (north) onto NY 22 / Main
Street in Peru. Take the second left at Pleasant Street for NY 22B north and
follow it to Schuyler Falls.
About the campground: In 1939, the area that now includes Macomb
Reservation State Park was transferred from the Department of Agriculture to
the War Department for the purposes of creating a military reservation. That
same year, 50,000 soldiers conducted war games here, umpired by some 500
officers. Since 1957, the 700-acre park (which is surrounded by many more
acres of state land) has been open to the public for camping, with most
recreational activity concentrating around man-made Davis Pond. Shady tent and
trailer sites are well dispersed along this narrow body of water, with those at the
end of the park road offering the most quiet and privacy. Close to half of the
sites are on the water, while five relatively new restrooms (three with showers)
complete with mirrors, soap dispensers, hand dryers, outlets, and changing
stations mean short midnight walks to the bathroom.
51 Sharp Bridge
Location: Approximately 13 miles north of Schroon Lake

Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, picnic area, fishing,
hiking, biking, boating (nearby)
Fee per night: $$
Finding the campground: From the Adirondack Northway/I-87, take exit 29
toward North Hudson. Turn right on Blue Ridge Road and then make a left at the
next stop sign onto Route 9 north. Travel another 5 miles and look for the
campground entrance on the right.
GPS coordinates: N44.04241' / 73.67194'
About the campground: Easy to access from the interstate and close to a
number of the Adirondack High Peaks including Mount Marcy, the highest point
in New York, Sharp Bridge is an unassuming little campground that will appeal
to the outdoor enthusiast looking for a good base camp. Sites are well spaced on
the northwest bank of the Schroon River, with a shower house and comfort
station in the middle. By all other measures, it’s a very basic spot that has seen
few changes since 1920 when the first site appeared near Sharp Bridge. In
addition to a plethora of hiking routes in the immediate vicinity, paddlers will
find the campground conveniently located to small bodies of water like Courtney
Pond and Dead Water Pond. Trout fishing is permitted with a license, but there
is no swimming area on the river.
52 Paradox Lake
Location: Just under 7 miles from Schroon Lake, 14 from Ticonderoga

Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dump station, boat launch, boat rentals,
picnic area with pavilion, hiking, fishing, boating, handicapped accessibility Fee
per night: $$
Finding the campground: From points south, head north on I-87. Take exit 28
for NY 74 East toward Crown Point and Fort Ticonderoga. Follow NY 74 east
for a little over 4 miles and look for the campground entrance on the left.
About the campground: Small but pleasant, Paradox Lake is an ideal base for
exploring the southeastern Adirondacks. Although it’s directly off Route 74,
road noise is minimal to nonexistent, lots are well spaced, and the ten stalls in
the central bathhouse can be relied on for rejuvenating hot showers. Sites 35—
43 are closest to the water and boat rentals, but are crowded together and may be
louder due to day-use visitors (until 9 p.m.) in the picnic area. There is no
swimming at Paradox Lake. Starting with the blue-blazed Long Swing Trail
opposite the campground on Route 74, hikers can follow red blazes at the fork to
one of the most rewarding, albeit difficult hikes in the area: 2,556-foot Pharaoh
Mountain. From here it’s possible to view Mount Marcy, the highest point in the
state. On the other side of Paradox Lake, the shorter 2.2-mile Peaked Hill Trail
leads to a low summit by the same name.
53 Lake George Battleground
Location: 0.25 mile south of Lake George

Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, swimming (at Lake
George Beach Day-Use Facility), hiking, fishing, boating, biking, handicapped
Finding the campground: From the Northway/I-87, take exit 21 to Lake
George Village. Travel north just under one mile on Route 9N. Look for the
campground on the right; if you reach Lake George Village, you’ve gone too far.
About the campground: Sandwiched between Water Slide World and the Fort
William Henry Museum, Lake George Battleground is understandably very
popular in the summer among families of campers and day-users alike.
Definitely make reservations. Ten universal campsites and a new bathhouse also
make this campground an accessible recreation destination for people with
disabilities. Sites 1—7 are closest to Route 9, and are noisier as a result. To
minimize the walk to the single shower house, choose among sites 38—43.
Although the campground itself doesn’t offer many amenities within its
boundaries, Lake George beach with its boat launch and picnic area is in walking
distance. The proximity of the town of Lake George also enables campers to
bike or drive to shops, restaurants, miniature golf, a batting cage, and other
historic sites.
54 Hearthstone Point
Location: 2 miles north of Lake George
Season: Mid-May until early Sept
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, sand beach with
lifeguarded swimming area, hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, handicapped
Finding the campground: From the Northway / I-87, take exit 22 to Route 9N
north. Continue through Lake George and look for the campground on the right
after 2 more miles.
About the campground: Spreading out from either side of 9N just outside the
historic Village of Lake George, Hearthstone Point is the much larger sibling of
the Lake George Battleground campground at the south end of the lake. The
extension of the Delaware and Hudson Railroad in 1882 helped turn this little
community into a full-blown tourist destination, and even today, this is one of
the busiest and most popular vacation spots in upstate New York. Sites 55—79
are closest to the water and the swimming area. Both sides of the campground
have their own shower house and at least five comfort stations; thirteen sites are
handicapped accessible. Lake George’s 28,200 acres contain a wide variety of
aquatic life, including lake trout, salmon, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass,
largemouth bass, and northern pike. Hearthstone Point lacks a boat launch and
offers limited day-use facilities, but opportunities for outdoor recreation abound
in the eastern Adirondacks. For views of Lake George and beyond that allegedly
extend 100 miles on clear days, drive (or better yet, hike) up nearby Prospect
Mountain, which tops out at over 2,000 feet above sea level.
55 Eagle Point
Location: North of Lake George, close to Pottersville and the town of Schroon
Lake
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dump station, picnic area, boat launch,
Finding the campground: Take exit 26 off I-87 north. Turn left onto Route 9
north and proceed 2 miles to the campground entrance.
About the campground: The views of 9-mile-long Schroon Lake and access to
its deep waters are the chief reasons to book a site at Eagle Point. It’s not a big
enough campground for many activities that don’t happen on the water, other
than perhaps storytelling and roasting marshmallows. Most of the sites are
extremely close to Route 9, and in earshot of traffic; none of them could
accurately be described as secluded or roomy, with several of the tent sites
bordering on tiny. In particular, numbers 60—66 are squeezed between the road,
the lake, and a private residence to the north. But on a short weekend escape of
lounging and fishing for bass, perch, pike, bullhead, and pickerel, a memorable
sunrise over Schroon might just make the somewhat cramped conditions here
worthwhile.
56 Luzerne
Location: Roughly 8 miles southwest of Lake George

Sites: 152 tent and trailer sites; 22 horse-camping sites
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, picnic area with pavilion,
volleyball courts, two swimming areas, 22 horse paddocks and two covered
standing stalls, boat rental, cartop boat launch, swimming, fishing, boating,
horseback riding, hiking, handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$
Finding the campground: Take exit 21 off I-87 to Lake Luzerne/Lake George.
Turn left on Route 9N south and follow it 10 miles. The campground is on the
left.
About the campground: Surrounding 51-acre Fourth Lake, and not actually
next to its namesake body of water, Luzerne tends to attract families during the
summer months, when the two swimming areas swell to near capacity with
people seeking relief from the heat. A separate and sizeable horse-camping area
also makes this a uniquely sought-after outdoor destination. ( Note: Due to
concern about equine infectious anemia, horses entering the campground must
possess a negative Coggins certificate.) Campsites are organized into five groups
with sites 38—50 closest to the shower house; site 129 is handicapped
accessible. Sites 81—85 and 113—119 are nearest to the campers’ beach. On the
other hand, Route 9N runs next to the first group of fifteen sites so they might
seem slightly noisy to some campers. Organized recreational programs,
including nature hikes, crafts, and games, are offered daily from late June until
Labor Day weekend. Motorboats are not permitted on Fourth Lake. For views of
Lake George and beyond that allegedly extend 100 miles on clear days, drive or
hike up Prospect Mountain, which tops out at over 2,000 feet above sea level.
57 Taylor Pond
Location: Roughly 35 miles southwest of Plattsburgh, or 10 miles northwest of

Au Sable Forks
Sites: 25 tent and trailer sites; 5 boat-access-only lean-tos and tent sites
With Catamount Mountain as their backdrop, two kayakers set out to paddle
Taylor Pond.

Facilities: Pit toilets, boat launch, boat rentals, picnic area, fishing, hiking,
boating
Fee per night: $$
Finding the campground: From I-87 north, take exit 34 toward Au Sable
Forks/Keeseville. Turn left (south) onto NY 9N and follow it for 10 miles. At Au
Sable Forks, turn right onto CR 1/Palmer Street Extension and follow it about 3
miles. Stay left at the fork to continue on CR 1, which is now also called Silver
Lake Road. Look for the Taylor Pond sign on the left after 6 more miles.
About the campground: Surrounded by over 8,000 acres of state land, 4-mile-
long Taylor Pond feels like it’s farther from the main roads and major
campgrounds than it really is—popular Lake Placid is only a 35-minute drive
south. But the primitive nature of this area is precisely the draw for vacationers
who truly want some “wild” with their wilderness. The five boat-access-only
sites here are especially in demand among fishermen, nature lovers, and the
occasional painter. Another remote site is rumored to be in the planning stages.
Prepare to catch trout, salmon, and perch, and count on spotting loons, osprey,
and maybe a great blue heron, but don’t plan on swimming. Three pit privies are
shared among twenty-five grassy campsites, with another by the boat launch and
picnic area. Potable water is also available in several places.
58 Wilmington Notch
Location: 8 miles northeast of Lake Placid

Season: Early May to Early Oct
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, picnic area, (hiking and
fishing nearby)
Fee per night: $$
Finding the campground: From the Northway/I-87 northbound, take exit 30.
Follow Route 73 north to the town of Lake Placid. Turn right onto Wilmington
Road/Route 86 and continue 8 miles east toward Whiteface Mountain. The
campground is on the left side of the road.
About the campground: Sheltered by birch and pine trees under the stony
shoulder of Whiteface Mountain, Wilmington Notch is a compact campground
suited for sleeping, cooking, and showering; there aren’t a lot of amenities at this
wide spot in the road. Sites offer relatively soft, shady lots, along with a
fireplace and picnic table, but they’re also close together and squeezed between
the Ausable River and Route 86. Light sleepers will probably be awakened by
traffic in the early morning hours. Two small comfort stations lack soap and
hand dryers, but the showers at the north end of the campground have good
pressure and dependably warm water. High Falls Gorge, a privately owned and
maintained park nearby with short trails to four waterfalls, is open daily between
May and October. Area rock-climbing options include Olympic Acres,
Cloudspin Cliff, Moss Cliff, and Sunrise Mountain Slab.
59 Donnelly Beach Campsites (Minerva Lake)
Location: About 27 miles northwest of Warrensburg

Season: Mid-May until the last weekend in Sept
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, sand beach with lifeguarded swimming
area, picnic area with pavilions, playground, basketball court, tennis court,
horseshoe pits, boat launch, swimming, boating, handicapped accessibility Fee
per night: $$$
Management: The town of Minerva
Contact: (518) 251-2869; www.townofminerva.us/campground.html
Finding the campground: From I-87 north, take exit 26 toward Pottersville and
Minerva/US 9. Turn left on Valley Farm Road and then make a quick right onto
US 9 north. Keep left at the fork onto CR 19/Olmstedville Road. After 5 miles
the road jogs left and becomes Main Street/County Highway 29. Make a slight
right onto NY 28N westbound and continue for 2 miles. Turn right onto Town
Shed Road, cross County Highway 30, and then make a left onto Minerva Beach
Road to enter the park.
Wilmington Notch is a great location, but sites are close together.
About the campground: A petite campground on a postage-stamp-sized body
of water in Essex Couny, Minerva Lake isn’t a highly sought-after spot, but
makes for a suitable backup when the larger DEC campsites around Schroon
Lake are full. The Hudson River forms this little community’s southern
boundary—often referred to in the past as Irishtown due to its strong Irish
heritage—while to the northwest, Vanderwarcker Mountain distinguishes itself
from the surrounding landscape. Most of the action in the park takes place on the
waterfront; Donnelly Beach and its snack bar seem to be equally popular among
local kids. Note that motorized boats are not allowed on Minerva Lake.
Campsites are screened from the park road by basketball and tennis courts as
well as a row of trees, but don’t offer much privacy from one another. Each site
includes a fire pit and picnic table, and a relatively new centrally located
bathhouse features clean shower stalls with hot water and good pressure.
60 Meadowbrook
Location: Almost equidistant between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake on Route
86.
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, picnic area and pavilion,
hiking, biking, handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$
Finding the campground: Traveling northbound on I-87, take exit 30. Follow
Route 9 to Route 73 north all the way to Lake Placid. Turn left on Main Street,
which will become Route 86 west of town. The campground is about 5 miles
ahead on the left side of the road in the village of Ray Brook.
About the campground: Not the roomiest or quietest campground in the
Adirondacks, Meadowbrook can in complete fairness be called convenient,
occupying a rather small area between two of the region’s largest towns. Most of
the sites are shaded and include the standard cement DEC fire pit and picnic
table. Numbers 14—50 offer the most privacy and are farthest from the road,
which gives them the added benefit of a sound buffer. A short path on the
southwestern edge of Meadowbrook leads to the trail to Scarface Mountain.
Immediately next to the entrance, Tail O’ the Pup has laundry facilities, as well
as a BBQ restaurant for campers who prefer to let others do their grilling for
them.
61 Buck Pond
Location: Approximately 15 miles north of Saranac Lake

Sites: 114 campsites, 2 boat-access-only island sites
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dump station, picnic area, boat launch,
sand beach with lifeguarded swimming area, hiking, fishing, boating,
Finding the campground: Take exit 30 off the Adirondack Northway/I-87
northbound. Follow Route 9 to Route 73 north to Lake Placid. Turn left on Main
Street and continue through the villages of Lake Placid and Saranac Lake on
Route 86 to Gabriels. At Gabriels take Franklin County Road 60 6 miles to Buck
Pond.
About the campground: Occupying a beautiful location between Buck Pond
and Lake Kushaqua, Buck Pond campground includes four loops of campsites
amid stands of conifers and white and yellow birch. A good distance from any
sizeable town, it’s a favorite among boaters and those looking for a mountain
retreat where the Adirondacks provide the soundtrack. In Buck Pond’s
northeastern corner, a small bathhouse and a number of picnic spots overlook a
quiet little half moon of sandy beach on the campground’s namesake pond. See
more of the area by renting a canoe at the registration booth for a daily fee, or
stretch your legs on the connected hiking trail, which runs along an abandoned
railroad bed. Learn more about the Iroquois Confederacy at the nearby Six
Nations Indian Museum.
62 Sacandaga
Location: Approximately 14 miles northeast of Gloversville

Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, picnic area, hiking,
fishing (boating, and boat launch on back side of Algonquin Lake) Fee per
night: $$
Finding the campground: Take exit 27 off the New York State Thruway/I-90
at Amsterdam. Follow Route 30 north for approximately 40 miles. Sacandaga is
on the left side of the road, about 12 miles north of Northville.
About the campground: Built in 1920 on the waterway of the same name, the
campground at Sacandaga was one of the first places in the region to be
developed for public recreation. Campsites are loosely divided into three groups,
with a central shower house closest to the first 60 sites. In all, seven comfort
stations are scattered between Route 30 and the river. Shaded by eastern white
pine, nearly half of the sites are perched on the Sacandaga River or its West
Branch. There is no swimming beach at Sacandaga but boaters can launch small
craft at Lake Algonquin up the road another 3 miles. Area hikes include routes to
Dunning Pond Trail, Auger Falls, a popular and fairly short, yellow-blazed trail
to a 40-foot cascade, as well as the long-distance Northville—Lake Placid Trail,
finished in 1924 by the then newly formed Adirondack Mountain Club.
63 Meacham Lake
Location: About 23 miles north of Saranac Lake and 22 miles south of Malone
Season: Late June to early Oct
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, picnic area, lifeguarded
sand beach with bathhouse, boat launch, boat rentals, playground, swimming,
hiking, fishing, boating, handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$
Finding the campground: Head north from Saranac Lake on NY 86
westbound/Lake Colby Drive. After almost 11 miles, turn right (north) on NY
30. Continue north another 11.7 miles and then turn right on Meacham Road to
enter the park.
About the campground: Until 1921, the historic Meacham Lake Hotel stood on
the shore of the 1,203-acre lake here. The state purchased the land ten years later
and, in 1934, the Civilian Conservation Corps set to work developing the area as
a public use campground. On hot midsummer days, dragonflies dance over the
main campground, and children along with adults are drawn to the water for a
cool dip. Yellow perch, bullhead, and northern pike attract visitors with nets and
fishing poles, while nearby Debar Mountain challenges hikers to summit its
3,200-foot peak. Lots of sites are reasonably sized, and most afford campers
with at least partial shade. Nature hikes, crafts, games, live entertainment, and
other organized recreational activities are offered for kids between the end of
June and Labor Day weekend. On the west side of the lake, more primitive sites
(175—224) offer a bit more seclusion for less social campers—every campsite
on the water on this side also has its own outhouse.
64 Indian Lake Islands

Location: Roughly 42 miles north of Warrensburg
Sites: 55 boat-access tent sites
Facilities: Pit toilets, five picnic areas, boat launches on Lewey and Indian
Lakes, boat rental, hiking, fishing, boating Fee per night: $$
Finding the campground: From the Adirondack Northway/I-87, take exit 23 at
Warrensburg. Follow Route 9 north for 4 miles to Route 28 west. Continue on
Route 28 to Indian Lake village, and then turn left on NY 30 south. Campground
access is 12 miles south of Indian Lake on the left side of Route 30.
About the campground: Wilderness camping and boating on a 4,365-acre lake
—these are the reasons to reserve a spot at the Indian Lake Islands. This is a
place where moose sightings are not impossible. The primitive sites are well
dispersed along the 12-mile length of Indian Lake and share five small picnic
areas between them. Neither boat launch area has a bathhouse or a swimming
beach however. Area trails include footpaths to Snowy Mountain (4 miles north
of the campground entrance), Watch Point, Baldface Mountain (water access),
Crotched Pond (water access), and John Mack Pond (water access). Several
rafting companies in the area run seasonal trips on the Hudson River’s Class III
and IV rapids. To learn more about the history of the region and its native
species, plan to visit the Adirondack Museum in nearby Blue Mountain Lake.
65 Fish Creek Pond
Location: About 17 miles east of Saranac Lake

Season: Mid-Apr until early Nov
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers (coin operated), dumping station, picnic
area with grills, swimming, hiking, biking, boat launch, boat rentals, boating,
fishing, volleyball courts, basketball court, playground, handicapped
Finding the campground: From I-87 northbound, take exit 30 to Route 9 north.
After 2 miles, keep left onto Route 73 north to Lake Placid. At Lake Placid turn
left onto Main Street and then follow signs for Route 86 north through Saranac
Lake. Turn left onto Route 186 west and stay with it for approximately 4 miles.
At Lake Clear, continue straight onto Route 30 South. Look for the entrance to
Fish Creek Pond after 9 miles.
About the campground: Almost every one of the more than 300 sites here has
access to Fish Creek Pond or neighboring Square Pond, which explains why, at
the height of summer, you’d be very lucky to get a spot on a weekend without a
reservation well in advance. For the same reason, this probably isn’t the
campground to visit if you’re looking for serenity and solitude. Flat, sandy
campsites, while shaded, are very close together and are often no more than a
few feet off the busy park road. Kids won’t mind the company though, and
organized recreational activities (daily from late June until Labor Day) such as
nature hikes, crafts, games, and live entertainment make Fish Creek Pond a good
choice for families. Spend an hour or two on the fishing pier and try to hook
black bass, northern pike, and pan fish or bring a topo map and get some
exercise hiking Floodwood Loop, a relatively easy trail that’s accessible from
the park’s northeastern corner.
66 Rollins Pond
Location: Next to Fish Creek Pond, or about 21 miles from Saranac Lake
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, boat launch, boat rentals,
volleyball courts, hiking, biking, boating, handicapped accessibility Fee per
night: $$
Finding the campground: From I-87 north, take exit 30 to Route 9 northbound.
After 2 miles, keep left onto Route 73 north to Lake Placid. At Lake Placid turn
left onto Main Street and then follow signs for Route 86 north through Saranac
Lake. Turn left onto Route 186 west and stay with it for approximately 4 miles.
At Lake Clear, continue straight onto Route 30 south. Look for the entrance to
Fish Creek Pond after 9 miles. It’s another 3.5 miles through Fish Creek to reach
the Rollins Pond gatehouse.
At many campgrounds across the state, restrooms and bathhouses have been
recently renovated.

About the campground: Much like its neighbor, Rollins Pond is a place for
water lovers. Designed as an overflow area for Fish Creek Pond next door, fully
80 percent of the campsites here are located directly on the shoreline with the
remaining 20 percent overlooking the water from the other side of the park road.
The difference is that this somewhat smaller campground tends to be slightly
quieter and some of the sites aren’t packed together quite as tightly as they are at
neighboring Fish Creek Pond. Boats with motors under 25 horsepower are
permitted on the water, as are canoes, kayaks, and rowboats. Sixteen comfort
stations are spread evenly on the pond’s east side, while the single bathhouse
contains a dozen showers. Trucks peddling ice cream and fire-wood regularly
putter through the park, sparing needy campers a slow, winding trip back
through the woods to find fuel or frosty treats for the kids.
67 Moffit Beach
Location: About 67 miles west of Glens Falls

pavilions, boat launch, sand beach with lifeguarded swimming area, bathhouse,
swimming, hiking, fishing, boating, biking, handicapped accessibility Fee per
night: $$
Finding the campground: From the New York State Thruway/I-90, take exit 27
to Amsterdam. Follow Route 30 north approximately 50 miles to the village of
Speculator. Turn left onto Route 8, travel west 2 miles, and then make a right
onto Page Street at the campground sign. Continue another mile to Moffit Beach
on the left.
About the campground: A huge campground at the bottom of Sturges Hill on
the north shore of Sacandaga Lake, Moffitt Beach is named for Josiah Moffitt, a
stone mason and mill operator who settled in the area during the early part of the
nineteenth century. Many of the shady spots here are located directly on the
water. Just inside of the entrance booth, sites 79—83 and 92, 95, and 100 are
closest to the shower house. Recreational programs are offered daily from late
June until Labor Day weekend and a short, self-guided nature trail begins near
site 259 on the western side of the campground. Other hikes nearby include the
Cisco Creek and Kunjamuk Trails, which begin at the end of Elm Lake Road,
the Pillsbury Mountain Trail near the Sled Harbor parking area, and the popular
Auger Falls Trail off Route 30. Fish the lake for walleye, brown and rainbow
trout, smallmouth and rock bass, brown bullhead, and perch. Firewood is sold at
the campground and in downtown Speculator. Tanners Outdoor Sports is the
best place to find the camping, fishing, and boating supplies you might need for
a longer stay at Moffitt Beach.
68 Lewey Lake
Location: 52 miles north of Gloversville

Facilities: Flush toilets and pit toilets, hot showers, dumping station, picnic area,
sand beach with lifeguarded swimming area, bathhouse, boat launch, hiking,
biking, fishing, boating, handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$
Warrensburg. Drive north on Route 9 to Route 28; head west to Indian Lake
Village. The campground is 12 miles south of Indian Lake on the right side of
Route 30.
About the campground: At the turn of the century, one of the most famous
residents of the North Woods, Louis Seymour or “French Louie” camped on
these same shores. Earning a living by selling furs and maple syrup, this lifelong
hermit also worked as a backwoods guide and was described by his biographer
as “hard as Laurentian granite and tough as Adirondack spruce.” Located
immediately south of Indian Lake with its remote island camps, Lewey Lake is a
large campground that’s spread out in such a way as to create a secluded feel
among its two hundred sites. The majority of them are concentrated near the
entrance booth on the water, with another large group on the north shore around
the shower house. Meanwhile, sites 1—14 are accessed directly from Route 30
and have pit privies in addition to the standard picnic tables and fireplaces. The
Sucker Brook Trail leaves right from the campground, heading west between
Cellar Mountain and Lewey Mountain.
69 Lake Durant
Location: Approximately 45 miles northwest of Warrensburg

Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, picnic area, swimming
area, boat rentals, boat launch, hiking, fishing, boating, biking, swimming,
Warrensburg. Follow Route 9 north to Route 28 west through Indian Lake
Village. The campground is 9 miles north of the village on the left side of the
road. Continue another quarter mile to the registration booth.
About the campground: Created during the nineteenth-century lumbering
boom when spruce, pine, and balsam logs were rafted downstream to sawmills
on the nearby Hudson River, Lake Durant opened to the public as a recreation
area in 1939. Shady and well-screened from one another, the small to medium-
sized lots are all a good distance from the road, enhancing the quiet beauty of
this small campground. Adding to its appeal, roughly half of them sit right on the
lake’s gently sloping shoreline. Four bathrooms have soap, outlets, and mirrors
but no paper towels or hand dryers. Just inside the entrance, a tiny patch of sand
provides enough space for kids to play in, while the blue-blazed, 135-mile
Northville—Lake Placid Trail offers day hikers the opportunity to visit Stephens
Pond and/or Tirrell Pond. Note that the swimming area is not lifeguarded. For a
history of Adirondack Park, visit the Adirondack Museum at Blue Mountain
Lake, 2 miles north of Lake Durant on Route 28.
70 Caroga Lake
Location: 9 miles north of Gloversville

Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, picnic area, small craft
boat launch, diversified exercise course with 18 stations, sand beach with
lifeguarded swimming area, bathhouse, boat rental, hiking, swimming, fishing,
boating, biking, handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$
Finding the campground: From Albany and points south and east, take the
New York State Thruway/I-90W to exit 27. Travel north on Route 30 through
Amsterdam and Perth. At the intersection of Routes 29 and 30, turn left onto
Route 29 and then after another 1.5 miles turn right onto Route 29A. Stay on
Route 29A for about 16 miles and look for the campground entrance on the left.
About the campground: Like so many towns in the Adirondacks, Caroga Lake
found prosperity in the local industry that dominated in the nineteenth century:
lumbering. Tanning and the leather business later became an important source of
work and skins were sent to nearby Gloversville on a daily basis. Today,
summer visitors help the economy with hikers, boaters, and golfers turning up to
enjoy the surrounding lakes and mountains. Located on East Caroga Lake, the
campground is generally flat with beech, yellow birch, and sugar maple along
with the occasional hemlock and red spruce providing shade. Sites 118—129 are
closest to the water and the boat launch while numbers 77—80 and 157—158
are next to the shower house (as well as the entrance booth). Hiking
opportunities include the 5.4-mile Irving Pond Trail and a shorter path to the fire
tower atop Kane Mountain on Canada Lake. Views of Hogback, Sheeley
Mountain, and Pine Lake are worth the climb. Or visit the Caroga Historical
Museum on London Bridge Road to tour an old farmhouse, a general store, a
cobbler’s shop, an ice-house, and more.
Climb the fire tower stairs on Kane Mountain near the Caroga Lake
campground for a panorama of Canada Lake and the Shaker Mountain Wild
Forest.
71 Lake Eaton
Location: 20 miles south of Tupper Lake and about 2.5 miles north of Long
Lake
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, picnic area, boat launch,
boat rentals, volleyball courts, basketball court, horseshoe pits, playground,
hiking, boating, swimming, handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$
Finding the campground: From I-87/the Adirondack Northway, take exit 23
toward Warrensburg/ Diamond Point. Turn left at the bottom of the ramp onto
CR 35/Diamond Point Road and then make a quick right (north) onto US Route
9. After just over 4 miles, turn left onto Route 28 and stay with it for 44 miles.
At Blue Mountain Lake, turn right onto NY 28 north / Route 30 northbound to
the village of Long Lake. The campground is about 2 miles north of Long Lake
on the left side of the road.
About the campground: Close to the center of Adirondack Park and easy to
find right off of Route 30, Lake Eaton is a compact campground with sites
strung along the eastern shoreline. The size and quality of each plot varies, from
small, sunny, and grassy, to larger, shady, and somewhat secluded. A bathhouse
near the entrance has eight stalls and showerheads with variable settings. The
trail to the fire tower atop the summit of Owls Head Mountain can be reached
from the northwestern end of the campground or by driving a short distance to
the nearby trailhead on Endion Road. For longer stays, a Laundromat is
conveniently located south of the entrance on Route 30. If storm clouds threaten
your plans, head to the science-based Wild Center in Tupper Lake. In addition, 2
miles farther up Route 30 is John Dillon Park, a fully accessible wilderness
facility that includes nine relatively new lean-tos with composting toilets that are
free to campers on a first-come, first-served basis. Call (518) 524-6226 or visit
www.johndillonpark.org for more information.
72 Poplar Point
Location: Approximately 54 miles east of Rome

Facilities: Pit toilets, picnic area, boat launch, sand beach with lifeguarded
swimming area, bathhouse, hot showers (nearby), boat launch, swimming,
hiking, fishing, boating, biking Fee per night: $$
Finding the campground: Take exit 27 off I-90 at Amsterdam and then head
north on Route 30 for approximately 50 miles to the village of Speculator. Turn
left on Route 8, and travel west 11 more miles to Old Piseco Road/CR 24. Turn
right, drive through the town of Piseco, and look for the campground on the left
side of the road.
GPS coordinates: N43.42865'/ W74.54148'
About the campground: The smallest of the three campgrounds on Piseco Lake
and hemmed in by waterfront cabins and cottages in cheery paint schemes,
Poplar Point is an area you could drive past in an instant if you weren’t looking
for it. Every lot except 1, 5, and 6 backs up to the waterfront and a single
comfort station must be shared between almost 2 dozen campsites. Remember to
pack rod and reel as well as a fishing license if you plan to angle for walleye,
trout, smallmouth bass, brown bullhead, perch, rock bass, or white fish. Skirting
around three low mountains (Piseco, Stacy, and T Lake), the scenic T Lake trail
begins across Old Piseco Road from Poplar Point and extends 3.5 miles in one
direction without gaining a substantial amount of elevation.
73 Little Sand Point

Facilities: Flush and pit toilets, hot showers, dumping station, sand beach with
lifeguarded swimming area, boat launch, hiking, fishing, boating, biking Fee per
night: $$
Finding the campground: Take exit 27 off I-90 at Amsterdam and then head
north on Route 30 for approximately 50 miles to the village of Speculator. Turn
left on Route 8, and travel west 11 more miles to Old Piseco Road / CR 24. Turn
right, drive through the town of Piseco, and look for the campground on the left
side of the road.
About the campground: Panoramic views across Piseco Lake to the low peaks
of the Silver Lake Wilderness Area make the setting of Little Sand Point a big
plus. More than half of the campsites here are located directly on the water with
the rest close enough to have partial views. And, as with DEC campgrounds
statewide, fire pits and picnic tables accompany every site. Three comfort
stations are evenly spaced along the single narrow camp road, with a modern
shower house across Old Piseco Road, past the recycling center. For a better
view of the lake, take the somewhat steep 0.8-mile hiking trail up to Panther
Mountain’s Echo Cliffs. It begins on the opposite side of the road, a short
distance from the entrance to the campground. For a more challenging day hike
nearby, try a segment of the Northville—Lake Placid Trail.
74 Point Comfort

Facilities: Pit toilets, sand beach with lifeguarded swimming area, bathhouse,
hot showers (nearby), boat launch, picnic area, swimming, hiking, boating,
biking, fishing Fee per night: $$
Finding the campground: Follow the New York State Thruway (I-90) west
from the Capital region. Take exit 27 at Amsterdam and then head north on
Route 30 for approximately 50 miles to the village of Speculator. Turn left on
Route 8, and travel west 11 more miles to Old Piseco Road/CR 24. Turn right,
drive through the town of Piseco, and look for the campground on the left side of
the road.
About the campground: With almost 80 campsites packed together on the
north shore of Piseco Lake’s Irondequoit Bay, Point Comfort, much like the
other two DEC campgrounds nearby, is basically intended as a place to relax
during the day and sleep at night. While other places in the Adirondacks are
bursting at the seams with activities, swimming and water sports are the main
reasons to plan to spend a few nights—this spot is simply too small to offer
many other opportunities for outdoor recreation. Hikers, however, might seek
out one of several trails accessible from Powley Road, just off Route 10 south on
the other side of the lake. Sites 1, 3, 35, 35A, 36, 67—72, and 74—76 are
waterfront locations, set back from the shoreline of Piseco Lake. Six rustic yet
reasonable comfort stations don’t have showers, but the new shower house at
Little Sand Point is a quick trip down CR 24, and of course, there’s always the
lake.
75 St. Regis Falls
Location: Approximately 24 miles east of Potsdam

Season: May 6 until Oct 10 (weather permitting)
Sites: 14 tent sites; 30 trailer sites with hookups,
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, picnic area, nature trails,
boat launch, playground, basketball court, fishing, hiking, boating Fee per
night: $—$$$
Management: The town of Waverly
Contact: (518) 856-9820; waverly01@yahoo.com or
waverly1@westelcom.com; http://srfsceniccampsite.webstarts.com/
Finding the campground: Take NY 86 west from Saranac Lake. After about 10
miles, turn right on NY 30 north. Continue for 9 miles, and then turn left onto
NY 458 west/Santa Clara Road. After about 17 miles, cross the St. Regis River
and turn left to stay with NY 458. Before crossing the river a second time, look
for the park on the right.
GPS coordinates: N44 40.399 ' / W74 32.90'
About the campground: Located on the east bank of the St. Regis River, just
west of the village by the same name, this campground is noteworthy for its
views of the small yet photogenic cascade. Sites are grassy and tend to get lots of
sun. The small bathhouse, while adequate, has begun to show its age. A
footbridge spanning the river leads to a few short nature trails on the other side.
Above the dam, fishing for bass, bullhead, and northern pike is a popular
activity. There is no swimming in the river. Twelve cabins of varying sizes are
also available to rent by the day or the week, with a two-night minimum stay on
weekends. Next to the entrance, a tiny history museum with farming and
lumbering artifacts is open Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m.
76 Forked Lake
Location: Roughly 8 miles from the town of Long Lake

Season: Mid-May through early Sept
Sites: 28 sites accessible by boat; 47 accessible by foot; 5 suitable for small RVs
Facilities: Pit toilets, boat launch, boat rentals, boating, fishing, hiking, picnic
area
Fee per night: $$
Finding the campground: From Long Lake and points north, head south on NY
30 south NY 28 north Deerland Road. Turn right on CR 3 North Point Road.
After about 3 miles, make another right at the fork (marked with a DEC sign)
onto CR 20Forked Lake Road. From points south, turn left on CR 3 and follow
the above directions.
About the campground: Hugging the eastern shores of Forked Lake, this
primitive public campground offers a near-wilderness experience with a
substantial number of remote sites, many of which are only accessible by foot or
boat. Don’t expect hot showers or a concession stand here, but count on peaceful
nights around the fire and undisturbed sleep. With the exception of a handful of
spots clustered around the boat launch at the park’s entrance, the heavily wooded
landscape affords each site some degree of privacy. Pit toilets are shared. Small
motorboats are allowed on the water but rowboats, canoes, and kayaks are
encouraged. Anglers at Forked Lake commonly catch brook trout, large and
smallmouth bass, bullhead, yellow perch, and pan fish. Swimming is not
permitted. To learn more about the history of the region and its native species,
plan to visit the Adirondack Museum in nearby Blue Mountain Lake.
77 Golden Beach
Location: On the south shore of Raquette Lake, about 26 miles east of Old
Forge
Canoes wait for water-loving campers at Forked Lake in the Adirondacks.
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, picnic area, sand beach
with lifeguarded swimming area, boat launch, boating, fishing, biking, hiking
Fee per night: $$
Warrensburg. Follow Route 9 north to Route 28 west through the villages of
Indian Lake and Blue Mountain Lake. Look for the campground entrance about
8 miles farther west on the right side of Route 28.
About the campground: Sometimes you can learn a lot from a name. For one
of the longest stretches of sandy lakeshore in the Adirondacks, look no further
than Golden Beach. In spite of its fairly remote setting, this large campground is
popular among boaters and sun-seekers, along with individuals and families
hoping to hook trout, white fish, smelt, smallmouth bass, sunfish, yellow perch,
brown bullhead, and sucker. Keep an eye out for common loons and common
mergansers on the 5,935-acre lake, and listen for barred owls and great horned
owls after dark. RVs are especially prevalent here, and sites along the central
road don’t exactly afford campers much space or shade, especially sites 23—58.
Access waterfront sites 185—208 directly from Route 28. For a history of
Adirondack Park, visit the Adirondack Museum at Blue Mountain Lake, 8 miles
east of Golden Beach on Route 28.
78 Brown Tract Pond
Location: Roughly 27 miles southwest of Long Lake

Facilities: Flush toilets, dump station, picnic area, boat launch, hiking, biking,
Warrensburg. Follow Route 9 north to Route 28 west through the villages of
Indian Lake and Blue Mountain Lake. Just past Raquette Lake, turn right on CR
2, drive through the village of Raquette Lake, past the waterfront, and up the hill
on Antlers Road. At the Y intersection, make a left and continue another 2 miles
northwest on a dirt road.
About the campground: Hidden behind the tiny community of Raquette Lake,
Brown Tract Pond is a picturesque wooded refuge that avoids some of the
crowding common at larger Adirondack campgrounds. With no showers, and
basic restrooms with sinks, hand soap, and mirrors but no hand dryers or outlets,
the campground’s best feature might be the breezy swimming area, sheltered by
a grove of tall conifers shading sturdy picnic tables. Rowboats and canoes can be
rented here, but motorboats are not allowed on the 146-acre Brown Tract Pond.
Situated on a small hill, sites 58—80 might be among the nicest available, while
sites 83—90, on a dirt road just south of the main entrance, offer the most peace
and quiet. Before making the drive home, follow Sagamore Road south on the
other side of Route 28 to Great Camp Sagamore, the former retreat of the
Vanderbilt family and a National Historic Landmark since 2000.
79 Eighth Lake
Location: Approximately 28 miles southeast of Long Lake

Season: Mid-May through early Oct
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dump station, picnic area, swimming,
fishing, boat launch, boat rentals, hiking, boating, handicapped accessibility Fee
per night: $$
Finding the campground: From I-87/Adirondack Northway, take exit 23 at
Warrensburg. Follow Route 9 north to Route 28 west. Continue through the
villages of North Creek, Indian Lake, and Blue Mountain Lake. Look for the
park entrance on the right side of Route 28, 5 miles south of Raquette Lake.
About the campground: Eighth Lake campground opened to the public in 1935
after the Civilian Conservation Corps developed this site on the Fulton Chain
Lakes and improved the surrounding canoe routes and hiking trails. Powerboats,
canoes, and kayaks are all permitted on the water, and a small, lifeguarded
swimming beach at the southern end of the lake attracts children and families.
The sites clustered closest to the two picnic areas and the entrance on Route 28
tend to have less of a buffer between them than those deeper inside the
campground; a handful face Eighth Lake itself or, to the south, Seventh Lake.
Most plots are medium to large in size with at least partial shade. Nine restrooms
with hand soap and mirrors but no outlets or hand dryers are spread along the
main park road. The lone bathhouse has five shower stalls to a side. To learn
more about the history of the region and its native species, plan to visit the
Adirondack Museum in nearby Blue Mountain Lake.
80 Cranberry Lake
Location: About 25 miles west of Tupper Lake

Season: Mid-May through mid-Oct
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, boat launch (near
Cranberry Lake hamlet), sand beach with lifeguarded swimming area,
bathhouse, picnic area with pavilions, amphitheater, boating, fishing, hiking,
swimming, handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$
Finding the campground: Head west on the New York State Thruway/ I-90
and take exit 27 at Amsterdam. Follow Route 30 north to Tupper Lake village
then turn left onto Route 3 west. Continue on Route 3 to Cranberry Lake village,
turn left on Lone Pine Road, and drive south. Look for the campground after 1
more mile.
About the campground: Shade, privacy, the third largest body of water in the
Adirondacks, and 50,000 acres of wilderness to explore make Cranberry Lake a
place that deserves to be on every camper’s bucket list. Much of the land that
now surrounds the campground once belonged to lumber and paper companies,
but gradually came under state control beginning with a donation to the New
York Ranger School. Visit at the end of the season and you might find some of
the tart red berries that give Cranberry Lake its name ripening on low bushes
near streams and ponds. Each of the eight small groups of campsites here has a
comfort station, while the shower house is next to the amphitheater at the center
of the campground, close to sites 167—172. Roughly three-dozen of them are on
the water; sites 105 and 114 are handicapped accessible. Recreational programs
for kids are scheduled from the end of June to Labor Day. Leaving from the
campground itself, the 2.4-mile Bear Mountain Trail is a loop offering a
challenging climb and scenic vistas to the novice hiker. The Burntbridge Pond
Trail and the Dog Pond Loop can also be reached from Cranberry Lake by
starting out toward Bear Mountain. Given the setting, paddling and boating are
also popular activities here—sites 62—66 are closest to the boat launch.
81 Limekiln Lake
Location: About 14 miles east of Old Forge

Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dump station, picnic area with pavilions,
sand beach with lifeguarded swimming area, boat rental, boat launch, nature
trail, swimming, hiking, fishing, boating, biking Fee per night: $$
Finding the campground: Take exit 27 at Amsterdam off the New York State
Thruway/I-90. Head north on Route 30 to Blue Mountain Lake and then drive
west on Route 28. Just before the village of Inlet, turn left on Limekiln Lake
Road, and then drive 1.5 miles more. Turn right at the campground sign and
continue a final 0.5 mile to the registration booth.
About the campground: Straddling Hamilton and Herkimer counties, the land
that surrounds Limekiln Lake belonged to the Gould Paper Company until 1960.
Its proximity to the towns of Inlet and Old Forge, Enchanted Forest, New York’s
largest water theme park, short hikes to the summit of Rocky Mountain and
Black Bear Mountain, and the presence of a pristine lake to explore by canoe or
rowboat make this sizeable campground especially popular with families.
Almost every site here includes a bear box—campers should take this warning
seriously by keeping their area clean, removing garbage, and securing all food at
night. Sites along the water don’t offer much of a buffer between neighbors, and
more than a few of them get a lot of midday sun. Bathrooms lack sinks and
paper towels/ hand dryers. This is a busy spot that experiences heavy traffic;
reservations are definitely recommended.
Thousand Islands and Lake
Ontario
West of the Adirondacks, running along the Canadian border from
Cornwall in the north to Lake Ontario’s Mexico Bay in the south, the
Thousand Islands are truly a special place, a world of water where boats
are almost a necessity and the fishing is second to none. First explored by
Jacques Cartier (who, incidentally, has a park named after him), the
region’s Saint Lawrence Seaway forms the international boundary
between Canada and the United States. The scenery, especially around
Alexandria Bay, is stunning in this part of the state and almost every park
takes advantage of water access. Higley Flow and Eel Weir are the
notable exceptions, but even they have rivers of their own for campers to
enjoy. Much like some of its neighboring regions, the Thousand Islands
have also seen their share of pivotal moments in American history, most
notably the War of 1812. Sackets Harbor Battlefield and Fort Kingston
across the border in Ontario are two lasting reminders of the early
struggles that occurred in this extensive archipelago that actually
contains closer to two thousand islands altogether.
Some of the largest campgrounds in the state—like Coles Creek and
Wellesley Island—can be found within this region, but there are also a
handful of tiny and remote camping spots here, too. Mary Island and
Cedar Island, with only two-dozen sites between them, are two such
examples. Besides the serenity these two campgrounds are able to offer
to the few that make the effort to reach them, Mary Island and Cedar
Island also give campers the chance to see a pair of the most impressive
architectural landmarks in New York State: Boldt Castle on Heart Island
and Singer Castle on Dark Island. Although both were built at the turn of
the twentieth century, Singer Castle was the only one of the two
extravagant mansions to be lived in. George C. Boldt, owner of
Manhattan’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel, called off construction on his
summer home in 1904 when his wife Louise suddenly passed away.
A pair of sailboats glides across Lake Ontario at sunset. Niagara
Tourism & Convention Corporation
South of Alexandria Bay on Lake Ontario, beaches are naturally a big

draw, and many of the parks on its eastern shore feature sites where
sitting and gazing at this Great Lake is a big part of the package. Plus
parks like Selkirk Shores, Southwick Beach, and Westcott Beach are a
quick detour off I-81 North. If time allows, another great way to reach
these lakeshore parks while taking in sights like the historic lighthouses
that line the route is to follow a section of the 518-mile Great Lakes
Seaway Trail. For boaters, a final reason to visit the Thousand Islands
region is a practical one. Across much of the rest of the state, it’s fairly
easy to find spots for paddle sports like kayaking and canoeing. Lake
Ontario (or the Lake of Shining Waters in the Huron language) on the
other hand, is a good place to go to raise a sail and cruise on wind power.
Hookup Total Max. RV Drinking Dump

Hookups Toilets Showers Recreation Fee Reservations
Robert F, H, B, S, $$–
82 131 212 50 E F Y Y Y Y
Moses C, P, L $$$
F, H, B, P,
83 Higley Flow 60 135 40 E F Y Y Y $$ Y
L
F, B, S, C,
84 Coles Creek 147 232 40 E F Y Y Y $$ Y
P, L
Whetstone
85 21 60 30 E F Y Y Y F, H, S, P $$ Y
Gulf
86 Eel Weir 0 34 50 N/A F Y Y N F, B, L $$ N
Jacques F, B, S, P,
87 34 94 50 E F Y Y Y $$ Y
Cartier L
$$–
88 Cedar Island 0 16 0 N/A NF N Y N F, B Y
$$$
F, B, S, P, $$–
89 Kring Point 26 108 40 E F Y Y Y Y
L $$$
$–
90 Mary Island 0 12 0 N/A NF N Y N F, H, B Y
$$
F, B, S, P,
91 Keewaydin 0 48 40 E F Y Y N $$ Y
L
Dewolf $$–
92 0 14 20 N/A F Y Y N F, B, L Y
Point $$$
Wellesley F, H, B, S, $$–
93 159 412 50 W, E, S F Y Y Y Y
Island C, P, L $$$
F, B, S, P, $$–
94 Grass Point 19 53 40 E F Y Y Y Y
L $$$
Canoe- $$–
95 0 19 0 N/A F Y Y N F, H, B Y
Picnic Point $$$
Westcott F, H, B, S,
96 39 154 50 E F Y Y Y $$ Y
Beach C, P, L
F, B, S, P, $$–
97 Cedar Point 105 165 40 E F Y Y Y Y
L $$$
Southwick F, H, S, C,
98 41 105 40 E F Y Y Y $$ Y
Beach P
Selkirk F, H, B, C, $$–
99 85 143 40 E F Y Y Y Y
Shores P, L $$$
Burnham
100 19 47 40 E F Y Y Y F, B, P, L $$ Y
Point

82 Robert Moses State Park
Location: Approximately 26 miles north of Potsdam

Sites: 212 tent and trailer sites (131 hookups)
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, playground, tennis courts,
sand beach with lifeguarded swimming area, baseball diamond, basketball court,
volleyball court, nature center, camp store, boat launch, boat rentals, dockage,
marina pump-out station, boating, hiking, fishing, biking, swimming,
handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$—$$$
Finding the campground: Travel north from Potsdam on Market Street NY 56.
In Massena, turn right onto St. Regis Boulevard NY 37 east. After 5 miles, turn
left onto NY 131 east. Continue onto Barnhart Island Road and make a left on
Campground Road to reach the tent and trailer sites.
About the campground: The northernmost public campground in the state,
Robert Moses State Park covers 2,322 acres along the Canadian border. It takes
its name from the New York Power Authority’s first chairman, a man also
known as the “Master Builder” of New York City. Numerous sites overlook the
St. Lawrence Seaway but prime spots come with a slightly higher price tag.
Road noise is minimal, but expect to hear a boat horn or two. Within the park’s
boundaries, red squirrels, white-tailed deer, woodchucks, raccoons, and beaver
roam, while wood ducks and mallards, as well as Canada and snow geese
congregate. Abundant perch, pike, and largemouth bass also make Robert Moses
a popular destination among fishing enthusiasts. The park’s nature center offers
year-round environmental education programs and special events on occasion.
Nature trails are open from dawn until dusk.
83 Higley Flow State Park
Location: Roughly 16 miles south of Potsdam

Sites: 135 tent and trailer sites (60 with hookups)
court, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, nature center, picnic area with pavilions,
boat launch, fishing, hiking, hunting, boating, handicapped accessibility Fee per
night: $$
Finding the campground: Head southeast from Potsdam on Pierrepont
Avenue/NY 56. After 8 or 9 miles, turn right onto NY 68 west/Colton-Pierrepont
Road. In 2 more miles, turn left onto Brown Road, another left onto Hanson
Road, and then right onto Green Road. Continue onto Cold Brook Drive and
look for the park entrance about 2 miles ahead on the left.
About the campground: On the Raquette River, west of the South Cotton
Reservoir, Higley Flow State Park is part of the Thousand Islands region, even
though it’s closer to the Adirondacks. Spread out over a group of hills along
Route 56, six loops of campsites, each with restrooms, are shaded by stands of
red and white pine. Sites 24, 25, 36, 38, 39, 92—96, 119, and 122 are closest to
the water, while sites 22 and 23 were built according to guidelines set out in the
Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA. Loop B is next to the swimming area
while Loop F supplies the most privacy. Work on renovating one of the two
shower facilities was finished during the 2012 camping season. At 3.4 miles, the
Cedar Brook Trail is the longest of five hiking routes within Higley Flow’s
boundaries. On the other end of the spectrum, the Beaver Pond Trail leaves from
the nature center on Kelly Road, and features interpretive signs that describe the
six different habitats within the park.
84 Coles Creek State Park
Location: Roughly 23 miles north of Potsdam

pavilions, sand beach with lifeguarded swimming area, baseball diamond,
basketball court, volleyball court, snack bar, camp store, boat rental, boat launch,
dockage, boating, playground, hunting, fishing, biking, swimming, handicapped
Finding the campground: From Potsdam, follow Madrid Avenue NY 345
north. Continue north on NY 345 through Madrid Springs for 17.5 miles. Turn
right onto Lincoln Avenue NY 37 east. After 4 more miles, turn left at the park
entrance.
About the campground: One of many public camping areas in St. Lawrence
County, Coles Creek State Park is named for the smaller waterway immediately
to the east, although many of the sites here overlook the St. Lawrence Seaway
itself. Six shower houses and comfort stations are divided among four groups of
sites, many of which are well shaded. Others are in the open, however, so check
before reserving if a bit of shelter and/or privacy is important. Note that some
sites are designated as pet-free and dogs are not welcome on the beach or in
public picnic areas. Although Coles Creek lacks trails, bird watchers who
wander away from the crowds might be lucky enough to spot an osprey, a
northern harrier, or a bald eagle soaring above the campground. The park also
regularly holds a catch-and-release carp fishing tournament.
85 Whetstone Gulf State Park
Location: Roughly 49 miles north of Utica

with pavilions, hiking, hunting, fishing, swimming, handicapped accessibility
Fee per night: $$
Finding the campground: Take NY 12 north from Utica. In Boonville, turn left
onto Schuyler Street. Next, turn right onto New York 12D north/Post Street.
After about 8.6 miles, continue north onto NY 26. Just before the 8-mile mark,
turn left onto W Road/CR 29. Look for the park entrance on the left.
About the campground: A dramatic 3-mile canyon cut into the Tug Hill
Plateau forms the centerpiece of Whetstone Gulf State Park and serves as a
magnet for outdoor enthusiasts year after year. Encompassing 2,400 acres of
forest plus a 50-foot waterfall, this uncommon place on the western edge of the
Adirondacks drips with natural beauty. Shaded by red pine and Norway spruce,
the small campground is right off Route 26 and includes a scenic picnic area on
Whetstone Creek itself. All but six of the sites are grouped together around a
pair of comfort stations and a shower house. Another restroom with showers is
next to the man-made swimming area; site 3 is handicapped accessible. The 5.6-
mile Gorge Trail is a somewhat challenging hike that leads around the park’s
main feature. Remember to always use caution near cliff edges. Above the
gorge, Whetstone Reservoir is stocked with tiger muskie and largemouth bass.
Located just outside of Lowville on Yancey Road, Tug Hill Vineyards can be a
fun diversion from hiking and fishing. Farther to the north, the American Maple
Museum is worth a visit if you’re planning a longer stay in Lewis County.
Whitewater rafting is popular on the lower section of the Black River, which
flows from the Adirondacks to Lake Ontario. Central New York Region
86 Eel Weir State Park
Location: 30 miles west of Potsdam

Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, picnic area with pavilions, boat launch,
boating, fishing, handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$
Finding the campground: From Potsdam, head west on US 11 South toward
Canton. Continue onto NY 68 west/West Main Street and keep right to stay with
NY 68. After 14 miles, turn left onto CR 4 Eel Weir Road. Make a left onto NY
812 south and then an immediate right turn back onto CR 4 Eel Weir Road.
Cross the Oswegatchie River and look for the park entrance on the left.
About the campground: Campsites are arranged in a single loop at this small
park on a bend in the Oswegatchie River. Grassy plots are close together but this
is a quiet location overall. One comfort station with a single shower stall on each
side stands in the center of the circular park road. Launch a canoe or rowboat
here, and paddle 2 miles upriver to reach Black Lake, a body of water with
numerous coves and bays to explore. Reservations are not taken at Eel Weir. All
campsites are walk-in only. Sites 11-16, 18-21, 23-26, and 35 are on the river;
site 4 is handicapped accessible. Also of note is the sizeable Amish population in
St. Lawrence County’s North Country. In nearby Heuvelton, Pickens General
Store sells Amish food and gifts.
87 Jacques Cartier State Park
Location: Roughly 43 miles west of Potsdam

Season: Mid-May until mid-Sept
court, picnic area with pavilions, snack bar, sand beach with lifeguarded
swimming area, boat launch, boat rentals, dockage, boating, swimming, fishing,
hunting, handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$
Finding the campground: From Potsdam, head west on US 11 south toward
Canton. Continue onto NY 68 west/West Main Street and keep right to stay with
NY 68. At Ogdensburg, turn left onto NY 37 west/NY 812 south. When the road
forks 12 miles later, stay to the right for NY 12 southbound. Turn right onto Old
Mills Road and then make the first left for the park.
About the campground: Jacques Cartier is named for the French explorer who
first mapped the St. Lawrence River in the sixteenth century. Campsites are
organized into two groups, with a comfort station for each. Sites 44—54 as well
as numbers 110, 111, 113, 115, 117, 119, and 121 are directly on the waterfront,
which makes them sunnier and a bit more expensive. Meanwhile, sites 1—35 are
closer to Route 12, which cuts through the park. A sheltered beach makes the
small swimming area especially suitable for children. Open lawns also give them
plenty of space to run around and play. A handful of short nature trails weave
through Jacques Cartier, one of which leads to a miniature cascade called First
Falls. Only a mile away across the St. Lawrence, the skyline of Brockville,
Ontario, is clearly visible from the park.
88 Cedar Island State Park
Location: In Chippewa Bay, about 5 miles from Hammond

Sites: 16 tent sites (water access only)
Facilities: Pit toilets, picnic area with pavilions, dockage, fishing, boating,
hunting Fee per night: $$—$$$
Finding the campground: Accessible by boat.
About the campground: Truly secluded and quieter than just about any other
campground in the region, Cedar Island also has scenery that’s well worth the
boat trip from the mainland. Sites are loosely arranged in two rows on the
eastern half of the island with one restroom and a small picnic area. The closest
boat launch is in the town of Chippewa Bay. To the west is Dark Island and its
four-story, twenty-eight-room castle built in 1905 by Frederick Bourne that can
be visited by private boat or harbor shuttle and toured for a fee from mid-May
until Labor Day. Fish in Chippewa Bay include yellow perch, trout, walleye,
bass, northern pike, and muskellunge. Seasonal waterfowl hunting (with a
permit) is also allowed on Cedar Island.
89 Kring Point State Park
Location: Close to 38 miles north of Watertown

Season: Early May until early Oct
Sites: 108 tent and trailer sites (26 with hookups); 8 cabins Maximum RV
length: 40 feet
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, playground, volleyball
court, picnic area with pavilions, boat launch, dockage, fishing, hunting, boating,
swimming, handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$—$$$
Finding the campground: Drive north from Syracuse or Watertown on I-81.
Take exit 50N toward Alexandria Bay and merge onto NY 12 north. After 10
miles, turn left onto Kring Point Road. Follow this road for 2 miles to the park
entrance.
About the campground: Standing at one of the waterside sites at Kring Point
State Park, it’s easy to see why this part of New York is called the Thousand
Islands region. From this narrow peninsula between the St. Lawrence River and
Goose Bay, dozens of landmasses of all shapes and sizes can be identified with
the naked eye. In other words, this is a campground for water lovers: canoeists
and kayakers, anglers and swimmers, sailors and water skiers. Almost every site
has a view and at least partial shade. Sites 9—15, as well as 29, 59, 60, 62, and
82 are tent only walk-in sites while numbers 75 and 108 are handicapped
accessible. Three comfort stations, two of which have showers, serve the park.
Eight two-and three-bedroom cabins with appliances and views of Goose Bay
are also available at a higher daily rate. Just before the entrance to the
campground, an arched bridge connects the peninsula to Morgan Island and its
flat 0.6-mile hiking path. Farther to the south, the similarly short Watson and
Root trails lead hikers into the Pulpit Rock State Forest, a granite plateau
cloaked with red oak, white pine, ironwood, and hemlock trees.
90 Mary Island State Park
Location: Roughly 32 miles north of Watertown

Season: Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend
Sites: 12 tent sites (water access only)
Facilities: Pit toilets, picnic area, dockage, fishing, hiking, boating Fee per
night: $—$$
About the campground: Like Cedar Island farther north, Mary Island State
Park seems puny when compared to some of the gigantic campgrounds in the
Thousand Islands region. In some ways though, the small size is an asset, with
unobstructed views of the Canadian coast and the scenic shipping channel. A
dozen sites are well dispersed on this rocky piece of land, with a single comfort
station and a picnic area to share between them. The nearest public boat launch
is at Keewaydin State Park, 2 miles away by water. Boat rentals are available
here as well as at Wellesley Island State Park Marina to the west. A trip to or
from Keewaydin will pass Boldt Castle on Heart Island, a six-story, 120-room
mansion built by millionaire George C. Boldt that’s open to visitors from mid-
May until the end of September.
91 Keewaydin State Park

Location: Approximately 28 miles north of Watertown
Season: Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, picnic area, playground, swimming pool,
boat launch, boat rentals, dockage, marina pump-out stations, swimming,
boating, fishing, handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$
Boldt Castle, a 120-room mansion, would have been one of the largest homes in
the country, but was never finished. MK Photography/Flickr.com
Finding the campground: Drive north on I-81. Take exit 50N toward
Alexandria Bay and merge onto NY 12 northbound. After 3.2 miles, look for the
park entrance on the left.
About the campground: Keewaydin State Park packs a lot of activities into a
relatively small footprint that’s a quick detour from I-81. Many of the spots in
the main group occupy a wide grassy lawn without much shade. Besides the
pool, a playground makes this a great choice for families with kids. Sites 9—10,
and 42—45 are closest to the shower house and the swimming pool, while
numbers 1—4 are next to the entrance and will get more noise from visitors
coming and going. Prime sites with views of the river include numbers 15, 17,
19, 21, 23, 35, 75, and 76. On rainy days, boat lovers might consider a short trip
down the road to Clayton’s Antique Boat Museum, a ten-building campus that
tells the nautical and cultural history of the mighty St. Lawrence River. Less
than a mile from Keewaydin in Alexandria Bay, Boldt Castle on Heart Island, a
six-story, 120-room mansion built by millionaire George C. Boldt is open to
visitors from mid-May until the end of September.
92 Dewolf Point State Park
Location: Next to Wellesley Island State Park 29 miles north of Watertown

Season: Mid-May through late Sept
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, picnic area with pavilions, boat launch,
dockage, fishing, boating, handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$—$$$
Finding the campground: Follow I-81 north toward Canada. After crossing the
Thousand Islands Bridge, take exit 51 for CR 191. Turn left onto CR 191 and
drive 2.2 miles around Lake of the Isles. Dewolf Point State Park and its
campground will be on the right.
About the campground: Overlooking the Lake of the Isles and backing up
against Wellesley Island State Park, Dewolf Point is on the small side, but
campers gain free access to the much larger neighbor on the other side of I-81.
Tent sites, arranged in a loop with a comfort station and shower house in the
middle, have partial shade. Ideal for anglers and boaters, the main camping area
might be described as cozy overall. For more money, shoreline cabins, which
can each sleep up to four people, can be rented by the night or the week. A
variety of easy to moderate trails fan out from the nature center at Wellesley
Island next door, and are easily combined to form longer hikes with views of Eel
Bay, South Bay, and the Narrows. For filling homemade snacks, stop by the
Backdoor Bakeshop at the historic Wellesley Hotel on St. Lawrence Avenue and
pick up cupcakes, cookies, tarts, or pizza to go.
93 Wellesley Island State Park
Location: 29 miles north of Watertown; next to Dewolf Point State Park

Sites: 412 tent and trailer sites (159 with hookups); 10 cabins; 12 full-service
cottages Maximum RV length: 50 feet
with pavilions, golf course, baseball diamond, volleyball court, museum, camp
store, snack bar, laundry, sand beach with lifeguarded swimming area,
bathhouse, boat launch, boat rentals, dockage, boating, fishing, biking,
swimming, golfing, hiking, handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$—$$$
Finding the campground: Follow I-81 north toward Canada. After crossing the
Thousand Islands Bridge, take exit 51 for CR 191. Turn right on CR 191 and
then make the next right onto CR 100 / Thousand Island Park Road. Make
another right onto Cross Island Road and follow it north to the park headquarters
and the main campground.
About the campground: With more campsites than any other park in the region
spread out over 2,642 acres, Wellesley Island could be said to have something
for everyone. Almost any outdoor activity can be enjoyed here, from cycling and
canoeing to swimming and volleyball. With the exception of the 53 full-hookup
sites in the Fox area, each of the other six groups of campsites has its own
shower house. The “Chipmunk” cabins have bunk beds, microwaves,
refrigerators, and propane heat but no linens or water, while the larger rentals in
the cottage colony include a fully equipped kitchen, bedding, as well as in-suite
bathrooms. A large museum and interpretive center, the Minna Anthony
Common Nature Center, is a great place to learn about geology, migrating birds,
butterflies, and more. Look for gulls, terns, sandpipers, green and great blue
herons, as well as green frogs, bullfrogs, painted turtles, and snapping turtles on
walks along the shoreline or on short hikes that pass by wetland areas. On an
unexpected rainy day, consider making the short trip to Clayton’s Antique Boat
Museum, a ten-building campus that tells the nautical and cultural history of the
mighty St. Lawrence River. For filling homemade snacks, stop by the Backdoor
Bakeshop at the historic Wellesley Hotel on St. Lawrence Avenue and pick up
cupcakes, cookies, tarts, or pizza to go.
94 Grass Point State Park
Location: 27 miles north of Watertown

Sites: 53 tent sites; 19 trailer sites with electrical hookup Maximum RV length:
40 feet
pavilions, playground, sand beach with lifeguarded swimming area, boat launch,
boat rentals, dockage, fishing, hunting, swimming, boating, handicapped
accessibility
The new Thousand Islands Seaway Wine Trail in Jefferson County includes five
wineries and nineteen vineyards. Niagara Tourism & Convention Corporation

Finding the campground: From Watertown and points south, take I-81 north.
Before crossing the river, exit onto NY 12 south. Drive 1.5 miles and look for
Grassy Point Road and the park entrance on the right.
About the campground: Yet another prime fishing spot on the St. Lawrence
River, Grass Point State Park is also a favorable place from which to launch a
sea-kayaking day trip, with the Rock Island Lighthouse only about a mile away.
Sites 39—48 and numbers 51—56 are on the water; site 7 is handicapped
accessible. Grassy Point has two shower houses plus an additional restroom. On
the west side of the park, a two-story cottage is available for those who want to
enjoy the natural environment but prefer not to sleep in a tent. A 0.9-mile
snowmobile trail that cuts across the length of the park can be hiked during the
warmer months. The Thousand Islands Winery, which offers tastings and tours
year-round, is a mile away from the entrance. For a longer walk or bike ride,
seek out the 27-mile Sissy Danforth Rivergate Trail, a multiuse path that follows
an old railroad bed on the New York Central/Penn Central line.
95 Canoe-Picnic Point State Park
Location: Across Eel Bay from Wellesley Island State Park Season: Memorial
Day through Labor Day weekend
Sites: 19 tent sites, 5 cabins
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, picnic area with pavilions, dockage,
hunting, hiking, fishing, boating Fee per night: $$—$$$
About the campground: Another spot that’s only reachable by boat, Canoe-
Picnic Point State Park on Grindstone Island can be accessed from either the
Wellesley Island State Park Marina or the Grass Point Marina. At 7 miles long
and 3 miles wide, Grindstone is the fourth largest island in the region and once
supported Algonquin and Iroquois villages before European farmers cleared the
land for dairy cattle in the eighteenth century. The wooded nature of the
campground means almost every site has full shade. Sites 11—15 and 21—24
have views of the St. Lawrence River. One of the two comfort stations has
showers. Farther from the docks on the eastern shore, five two-room cabins can
also be rented at a higher rate. To explore part of the park by foot, follow the
Grindstone Island Nature Trail from the kiosk to the gazebo on Picnic Point.
Note: It’s wise to call ahead before planning an overnight stay at Canoe-Picnic
Point; this remote campground has been closed in the past due to budgetary
constraints.
96 Westcott Beach State Park
Location: 12 miles southwest of Watertown

Season: Mid-May through early Sept
pavilions, snack bar, playground, baseball diamond, horseshoe pits, volleyball
court, basketball court, sand beach with lifeguarded swimming area, boat launch,
dockage, boating, hiking, hunting, fishing, swimming, biking, handicapped
Finding the campground: From Watertown, head west on Arsenal Street / NY
3 toward Sackets Harbor. Keep left at the fork to stay with NY 3. Turn right onto
Ridge Road and then make an immediate left into the park.
About the campground: Directly on Lake Ontario, Westcott Beach State Park
is a large campground with lots of activities for families and individuals. Sites
are organized into two main groups, with the majority on the lakeshore, near the
amenities. Up on the bluff, an additional thirty-seven sites with electric hookups
encircle a basketball court, a playground, and one of the park’s five shower
houses. A sandy beach on the lake attracts sunbathers and swimmers, while
black bass entice anglers to cast their lines into the waters of the smallest of the
Great Lakes. At 1.4 miles, the Plateau Trail in the southeast corner of the park is
an easy, short hike with views of Henderson Bay to the west and the rolling hills
of Jefferson County to the east. Another unnamed trail wriggles between the
plateau and Route 3. Immediately to the north in Sackets Harbor, a number of
small museums including the Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site and
the Seaway Trail Discovery Center offer indoor activities in the event of a rainy
afternoon or unseasonably cold temperatures.
97 Cedar Point State Park
Location: 30 miles north of Watertown

with pavilions, baseball diamond, volleyball court, shuffle board, sand beach
with lifeguarded swimming area, boat launch, marina pump-out stations,
dockage, boat rentals, hunting, fishing, boating, swimming, handicapped
Finding the campground: From Watertown, head northwest on NY 12. In
Clayton, just before the 20-mile mark, turn left onto State Street/NY 12E south.
Follow 12E for just over 6 miles and look for the park entrance on the right.
About the campground: With an 1897 birthday, Cedar Point on the St.
Lawrence River is one of New York’s oldest state parks. Campsites spread out to
the west from Route 12E, with three shower houses evenly spaced throughout
the park. Partial shade is likely, but many lots are lined up closely, without much
of a barrier (if any) between them. Sites 3—20 are closest to the water. The
beach is quite small and next to a newish playground, likely designed with water
loving kids in mind. This is also a pet-friendly park with a dog walk area along
the southern boundary. On an unexpected cold day, consider making the short
trip to Clayton’s Antique Boat Museum, a ten-building campus that tells the
nautical and cultural history of the mighty St. Lawrence River. Farther west
along the river, the village of Sackets Harbor has a number of small museums
including the Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site and the Seaway Trail
Discovery Center that offer indoor activities for a rainy afternoon.
98 Southwick Beach State Park

Location: 25 miles south of Watertown
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, picnic area, snack bar,
baseball diamond, basketball court, volleyball court, playground, sand beach
with lifeguarded swimming area, swimming, biking, hiking, hunting, fishing,
Finding the campground: Head north from Syracuse on I-81. After 41 miles,
take exit 40 for NY 193 toward Ellisburg and Pierrepont Manor. Turn left (west)
at the bottom of the ramp onto NY 193. Drive west for almost 8 miles, and look
for the entrance when NY 193 intersects with Route 3. Continue straight onto
Southwicks Place.
About the campground: The name says it all at Southwick Beach State Park.
Together with the bordering 3,421-acre Lakeview Wildlife Management Area,
Southwick Beach is part of the largest natural freshwater barrier beach in the
state. Campsites are organized into three groups: one just inside the entrance
booth, another right on Lake Ontario, and the largest cluster on the northern edge
of the park. Site 47 is handicapped accessible. Because they’re directly on the
beachfront, sites 2—30 are in particularly high demand. Three trails in the north
part of the park add up to 2.1 miles of hiking; the Big Beech Trail is
handicapped accessible. Deer hunting (in season) is allowed in the southern
portion of the park and within the Lakeview Area. Listen for American bullfrogs
and watch for black terns swooping by overhead. Or head to the observation
tower on Montario Point Road to get an even better view of the dunes and their
residents.
99 Selkirk Shores State Park

Location: 40 miles north of Syracuse
Sites: 143 tent and trailer sites (85 with hookups); 26 cabins; 1 cottage
with pavilions, baseball diamond, basketball court, volleyball court, horseshoe
pit, snack bar, rec hall, boat launch, biking, hiking, fishing, boating, handicapped
Finding the campground: Head north from Syracuse on I-81. After 28 miles,
take exit 36 for NY 13 toward Pulaski. At the bottom of the ramp, turn left onto
Rome Road/NY 13 west. Continue through Pulaski on NY 13 / Port Street.
Travel 3 miles, then turn left onto NY 3 west. Look for the park entrance on the
right.
About the campground: At Selkirk Shores State Park in Oswego County, the
sunsets are legendary. And it’s not a bad place for stargazing either. This square-
shaped park supports breeding populations of marsh birds such as the pied-billed
grebe, the American bittern, and the least bittern, and each spring, migratory
songbirds concentrate here along the eastern shores of Lake Ontario. The
campground is essentially divided into two main sections of tent and trailer sites
(subdivided into A, B, C, and D loops), with a separate cabin colony where
lodging is available at higher daily and weekly rates. Each section has its own
shower house. Sites 94 and 95 are handicapped accessible as are cabins 3, 10,
and 24. Firewood is available for purchase at the park office. Due to a waterfront
reconstruction project, swimming and wading are no longer possible at Selkirk
Shores. However, at Sandy Island Beach State Park 7 miles away to the north,
campers can swim for free. Canoeists and kayakers may launch small craft into
Lake Ontario at the end of Pine Grove Road.
100 Burnham Point State Park

Location: Approximately 32 miles north of Watertown
with pavilions, fishing, hunting, boat launch, dockage, boating, handicapped
Finding the campground: From Watertown, head northwest on NY 12. In
Clayton, just before the 20-mile mark, turn left onto State Street/NY 12E south.
Follow 12E for 10.5 miles to Tripoli Shores Road and the park entrance on the
right.
About the campground: Burnham Point State Park is a little green square of
public land northeast of the village of St. Vincent. It’s also the westernmost park
on the St. Lawrence. Sites are arranged in three rows that parallel the river.
Numbers 44—50 are on the water; number 11 is handicapped accessible.
Meanwhile, the shower house is closest to sites 10—13 and numbers 18, 21, and
22. Due in part to its size, Burnham Point does not have a beach or a swimming
area and lacks hiking trails. Instead, campers can launch boats into the St.
Lawrence, picnic on the grassy lawn, fish for bass, pike, muskellunge, and
walleye, or simply gaze across the river at Carleton Island. Proof of current
rabies vaccination is required for all pets, which are not permitted in the park’s
picnic areas.
The Finger Lakes
Even though the lakes themselves are the natural feature that stands out
on a map of the region, it’s actually hundreds of spectacular waterfalls
(1,063 to be exact) that have made this part of New York a popular
tourist destination since the early nineteenth century. Yes, the T-shirts
and bumper stickers declaring that “Ithaca is Gorges” will induce groans
from just about anyone who isn’t mad about puns, but the fact remains:
The hanging valleys and dramatic cascades in the Finger Lakes are
deservedly famous. Dry summers do have the ability to reduce the water
flow to less impressive levels, but visit in the spring—or better yet during
the colorful months of fall, and prepare to fill up your camera’s memory
card. The other big attraction here is the Finger Lakes Wine Trail.
Encircling Cayuga, Keuka, Seneca, and Canandaigua Lakes, four
different routes with a total of sixty-two members pose a difficult
question for oenophiles: Where to begin? Not to be left out though, a
number of creameries and craft breweries have created their own foodie
trails, encouraging tourists to think beyond the grape.
The southern end of Canandaigua Lake is visible from Parrish Hill in the
High Tor Wildlife Management Area. FingerLakes.org
Spanning the region from east to west, eleven glacially formed lakes
range in size from tiny Canadice at a mere 3 miles long to mighty
Cayuga, the longest at over 38 miles from end to end. Seneca Lake,
which comes the closest to Cayuga in length, is the deepest and the
widest. Scattered between them with a higher concentration around
Cayuga and Seneca are a collection of parks that could themselves be
arranged into an excellent trail for outdoor enthusiasts. At the southern
end of Seneca Lake, Watkins Glen with its gorge trail that wanders over
and under numerous waterfalls tends to get the most attention, but
Buttermilk Falls and Taughannock Falls on Cayuga Lake, and Fillmore
Glen near Owasco Lake are also deserving of visits. And then, somewhat
in the middle of these parks, is the Finger Lakes National Forest, 16,000
acres of woods and pastures with more than 30 miles of multiuse trails.
At the northern end of the region, parks like Cayuga Lake and
Sampson see less traffic than their counterparts and are close to Seneca
Falls and the Women’s Right National Historic Park as well as the
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, a large protected area in the
middle of the Atlantic Flyway that shelters forty-three species of
mammals, fifteen species of reptiles, sixteen types of amphibians, and a
whopping two hundred forty-two bird species. Migrating shorebirds such
as killdeer, spotted sandpiper, common snipe, and American woodcock
use Montezuma as a stopover point in late summer/early fall, while
several pairs of bald eagles also nest within the refuge. During the first
few months of spring, Canada and snow geese along with various species
of ducks pause here on their way to northern breeding grounds. So
whether you’re enticed by waterfall viewing or bird watching, a camping
trip to the Finger Lakes region always offers more than a just quiet night
and a campfire.
Max.
Length
Fillmore Glen $$–
101 10 60 50 E F Y Y Y H, S, P Y
State Park $$$
Buttermilk Falls
102 0 45 20 N/A F Y Y N F, S, H, P $$ Y
State Park
Robert H. Treman $$–
103 11 72 50 E F Y Y Y F, H, S, P Y
State Park $$$
Taiighannock F, H, B, S, $$–
104 15 68 30 E F Y Y Y Y
Falls State Park P, L $$$
Fair Haven Beach F, H, B, S, $$–
105 43 184 30 E F Y Y Y Y
State Park C, P, L $$$
Cayuga Lake F, B, S, C, $$–
106 35 267 40 E F Y Y Y Y
State Park P, L $$$
State Park P, L $$$
F, H, B, S, $$–
107 Park Station 0 40 35 N/A F Y Y Y Y
C, P $$$
Newtown
$$–
108 Battlefield State 2 18 40 N/A F Y Y Y N/A Y
$$$
Park
Finger Lakes
National Forest:
109 0 1* 0 N/A NF N N N F, H, C $ Y
Potomac Group
Campground
Finger Lakes
National Forest:
110 0 9 24 N/A NF N N N F, H, C $ N
Blueberry Patch
Campground
Finger Lakes
National Forest:
111 0 11 0 N/A NF N N N F, H, C, R 0 N
Backbone Horse
Camp
Sampson State F, H, B, S, $$–
112 245 309 40 E F Y Y Y Y
Park C, P, L $$$
Smith Memorial F, H, B, S,
113 0 28 30 W, E F Y Y N $$$ Y
Park C, P, L
Warren W. Clute
F, B, S, P,
114 Memorial Park 135 143 50 W, E, S F Y Y Y $$$ Y
L
and Campground
Watkins Glen F, H, S, C, $$–
115 50 305 30 E F Y Y Y Y
State Park P $$$
Keuka Lake State F, H, B, S, $$–
116 51 150 40 E F Y Y Y Y
Park C, P, L $$$
Ontario County
117 Park at Gannett 23 43 0 E F N Y N F, H, C, P $$ Y
Hill
* 1 site for 8–40 people Max. RV Length: All RV lengths are in feet.
Recreation: F = Fishing, H = Hiking, B = Boating, S = Swimming, C = Biking, P =
Playground, L = Boat launch, R = Horseback riding
101 Fillmore Glen State Park

Location: About 24 miles northeast of Ithaca
Season: Early May until Early Oct
diamond, volleyball courts, picnic area with pavilions, hiking, hunting,
Finding the campground: From Ithaca, head northwest on NY 34 East Shore
Drive. After about 5 miles, turn right onto North Auburn road to stay on NY 34.
Turn right onto Lane Road and continue onto CR 48, which becomes NY 90
south. Turn left onto NY 38 northMain Street. Continue north for another 2.8
miles and look for the park entrance on the right, just before the town of
Moravia.
About the campground: A long, narrow park in Cayuga County that hugs the
gorge created by Dry Creek, Fillmore Glen State Park takes its name from
Millard Fillmore. The thirteenth president grew up on a farm outside of the town
of Moravia to the north; a replica of the humble cabin he was born in stands just
inside the park entrance. Fillmore’s small, shady campground is also close to the
office, with tent and trailer sites on either side of the little waterway. Each side
of Dry Creek also has a restroom with showers. Fish at Owasco Lake Inlet, take
a dip in the cool stream-fed pool, or picnic by the cabin. For some exercise,
follow one of two hiking trails running along both rims of the gorge as well as
with another trail alongside the creek bed itself, that lead past five photogenic
waterfalls. A fourth route, the quarter-mile Old Gorge Trail, begins at the end of
South Rim Road. Especially when hiking with children, always remember to use
caution on these paths, some of which can be dangerous.
102 Buttermilk Falls State Park

Location: 4 miles south of Ithaca
Season: Early May to early Oct
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, playground, picnic area with pavilions,
fishing, hunting, hiking, swimming, handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$
Finding the campground: From Ithaca, follow NY 13 south NY 34 south NY
96 south/Elmira Road. Just over a mile south of the city, turn left onto East
Buttermilk Falls Road to access the lower park entrance.
About the campground: Another popular park due to its namesake cascade,
Buttermilk Falls State Park (or Buttermilk Creek to be more accurate) powered
several mills in the eighteenth and nineteenth century. A small, shady tent and
trailer area with a handful of cabins is an ideal base camp for the outdoor
enthusiast who wants to wander through Buttermilk’s woodlands or explore
other state parks and forests in the region. Sites 46 and 47, as well as cabin
number 3, are handicapped accessible, built to ADA standards. Choose numbers
5—11 to be closest to the showers. Fortunately, the campground’s distance from
the ticket booth and natural pool keep noise from the day-use area to a
minimum. To see the main attraction, start a hike on the Rim Trail, the Gorge
Trail, or try the easier Larch Meadow Trail from the lower park entrance instead.
Deeper into the park, the Bear Trail to Lake Treman begins at the upper
entrance. The Ithaca Beer Company and the Six Mile Creek Vineyard, both of
which offer tastings, are near Buttermilk Falls. To the north, the Museum of the
Earth, the Cayuga Nature Center, and Frontenac Point Vineyard are also a short
drive away.
103 Robert H. Treman State Park
Location: Approximately 5 miles south of Ithaca

Season: Late Apr until mid-Nov
Lucifer Falls drops 115 feet at Robert H. Treman State Park. FingerLakes.org

pavilions, museum, playground, hiking, hunting, fishing, swimming,
handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$—$$$
Finding the campground: Head southwest from Ithaca on NY 13A Floral
Avenue. Two miles beyond the city, turn right onto NY 13 south NY 34 south NY
96 southElmira Road. Turn right (north) onto NY 327 / Enfield Falls Road.
Make the first left onto Park Road and continue to the campground.
About the campground: Camp at Robert H. Treman State Park and spend a few
days hiking along Enfield Creek, snapping photos of 115-foot Lucifer Falls, or
swimming in a stream-fed pool by the lower entrance. Created with a grant from
Mr. Treman, an Ithaca native, this park has grown from 380 acres in the 1920s to
more than 1,000 today. Across Enfield Creek from the day-use area is a small
campground. The first eleven sites have hookups for electricity while sites 34—
39 are closest to the shower house. Sites 68—72 offer the most privacy, but are a
rather long walk from the comfort stations. Sites 7 and 8 as well as cabins 2 and
3 are ADA accessible. For a bit of history, visit the Old Mill museum on Fish
Kill Creek near the upper park entrance. The long-distance Finger Lakes Trail
can also be reached from the park.
104 Taughannock Falls State Park
Location: 10 miles north of Ithaca

Season: Late Apr until mid-Oct
with pavilions, recreation shelter, snack bar, drinking fountains, sand beach with
lifeguarded swimming area, bathhouse, boat launch, marina pump-out station,
boating, swimming, hiking, hunting, fishing, handicapped accessibility Fee per
night: $$—$$$
Finding the campground: Drive northwest from Ithaca on NY 96 Trumansburg
Road. After 2 miles, turn right onto CR 141 Krums Corners Road. Make a slight
left onto CR 140 / Dubois Road. Turn right onto CR 145 and then make the next
left onto NY 89 northbound. The campground entrance is on the left, just over 2
miles to the north.
About the campground: Taughannock Falls State Park, just north of Ithaca, is
best known for its namesake cascade, a majestic waterfall that plummets 215
feet on its way to Cayuga Lake. One of the most impressive waterfalls in the
eastern United States, it’s roughly 30 feet higher than Niagara Falls. Swimming
in the pool beneath the falls is strongly discouraged, due to the likelihood of
falling rock. The campground is about three-quarters of a mile from the
waterfall, north of the popular picnic area, boat launch, and fishing pier. Sites 34,
36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 55—57, 61, 63, 65, 67, and 68 have the best views of
Cayuga Lake on the other side of Route 89. Cabins 4 and 17 are handicapped
accessible. Both the cabin area and the tent and trailer area have restrooms with
showers. Three trails follow Taughannock Creek west from the lake—two above
the rim and another down in the gorge—while the multiuse trail leading north
from the Falls Overlook parking area forms another 2-mile hiking loop. The
Museum of the Earth, the Cayuga Nature Center, and Frontenac Point Vineyard
are all a short drive from the park.
105 Fair Haven Beach State Park
Location: 44 miles northwest of Syracuse

Season: Apr to mid-Oct
Sites: 184 sites (43 with electric hookups)
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, snack bar, playground,
picnic area with pavilions, basketball court, horseshoe pits, volleyball court, boat
launch, boat rentals, dockage, bike rentals, sand beach with lifeguarded
swimming area, golf course, hiking, hunting, fishing, swimming, golfing, stand-
up paddleboarding, biking, boating, handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$
—$$$
Finding the campground: Head northwest from Syracuse on NY 690. Make a
slight left onto NY 48 north/Oswego Road. After 10 miles, turn left (west) in
Fulton onto NY 3/West Broadway. Next, turn left onto NY 104A west. Make a
slight right to stay with 104A and look for the park entrance on the right.
About the campground: Located next to Little Sodus Bay at the mouth of
Sterling Creek, Fair Haven Beach State Park meets the shore of Lake Ontario
with steep bluffs that descend to a quarter-mile of sandy beachfront. The
campground is divided into four sections: Drumlin, Pond Shore, Bluff, and
Lakeview. Pond Shore is a 30-unit cabin colony and picnic area. Drumlin is
closest to the beach and the day-use area. Each group has two or more comfort
stations, one of which has showers. The Lakeview group does not have showers,
but all 14 of its campsites (248—261) overlook the water. The 0.8-mile Bluff
Nature Trail and the longer Lakeshore/Woodland loop connect to the cabin
colony and the Lakeview area. Springbrook Greens, an eighteen-hole, par 71
golf course operated by the state since 2006 is also within Fair Haven Beach
park boundaries. The eleventh hole overlooks Sterling Marsh and Lake Ontario.
106 Cayuga Lake State Park
Location: 44 miles west of Syracuse

Sites: 267 tent and trailer sites (35 with hookups); 14 cabins; 1 cottage
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, playground, horseshoe
pits, picnic area with pavilions, sand beach with lifeguarded swimming area,
boat launch, boating, fishing, biking, handicapped accessibility Fee per night:
$$—$$$
Finding the campground: Head southwest on I-90 from Syracuse. Take exit 40
for NY 34 toward Weedsport and Auburn. Turn right onto NY 34 south at the
end of the ramp. Turn right onto NY 31 west Erie Drive. Continue on NY 31 for
about 8.5 miles, then turn left onto NY 90 south. After 0.7 miles, turn right to
keep on NY 90. At the three-way intersection, stay to the right and merge onto
NY 5 west US 20 west/Clark Street Road. Travel 2 miles, then turn left (south)
onto NY 89. Look for the park entrance on the left after another 3.6 miles.
About the campground: Stretching 40 miles from north to south, Cayuga Lake
is longer than the ten other Finger Lakes in central New York. And with depths
exceeding 400 feet in places, this freshwater body supports a variety of fish,
from largemouth bass, bullheads, and carp to northern pike, smallmouth bass,
lake trout, and salmon. Occupying land on both sides of NY 89, the campground
is divided into an east section near the swimming beach and boat launch, and a
larger west section across the road. Higher rates apply to the 14 cabins and the
full-service vacation cottage. Sites 1—36 on the east side have electric hookups;
sites 164 and 165 on the west side are ADA accessible. Both sides have multiple
comfort stations with showering facilities. Heading south from the park by car,
five members of the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail (Swedish Hill, Knapp, Goose
Watch, Cobblestone Farm, and Buttonwood Grove) can be reached within 20
minutes or less. Meanwhile, the Finger Lakes Beer Trail
(http://fingerlakesbeertrail.com) publishes a map of the more than thirty
brewpubs and breweries in the region.
107 Park Station
Location: Approximately 28 miles southwest of Ithaca

Season: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend
pavilions, laundry facilities, vending machines, playgrounds, camp store, fishing,
swimming, boating, hiking, biking Fee per night: $$—$$$
Management: Chemung County Department of Parks and Recreation
Contact: (607) 739-9164; www.chemungcounty.com/index.asp?pageId=88
Finding the campground: Driving south from Watkins Glen, follow NY 14
South Franklin Street. After 2 miles, turn left onto NY 224 south Clawson
Boulevard. Travel 17 miles, then make a sharp right onto NY 223 west /
Swartwood Hill Road. Turn right onto Austin Hill Road and then make another
right onto Park Station Road. Look for Beaver Pond Road and the park entrance
on the left.
About the campground: Relatively small at only 500 acres, Park Station
surrounds a spring-fed body of water alternately called Beaver Pond and Park
Station Lake. A dam built on Newtown Creek in 1979 created the lake and the
recreation area. The campground extends into the water on a peninsula, and
every site has electricity. Sites 1—8, 10, 12, 14, 16—18, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 29,
31, and 33 on the outer edge of the loop all have views. With several different
habitats within its boundaries, Park Station gives campers a chance to spot
mammals like chipmunks, raccoons, opossums, and foxes, or birds such as rose-
breasted grosbeaks, cardinals, catbirds, vireos, red-winged blackbirds, and cedar
waxwings. Private motorboats are not allowed on the lake, but rentals are
available at the boathouse when the swimming area is open. With a DEC permit
anglers can also fish the lake for largemouth bass, yellow perch, and brown
trout. Before venturing off to explore the park’s 7 miles of hiking trails, pick up
a free brochure at the office. Watkins Glen, one of the most spectacular parks in
the Finger Lakes region, is a short drive to the north.
108 Newtown Battlefield State Park
Location: About 38 miles south of Ithaca

Season: Mid-May until Mid-Oct
pavilions, horseshoe pits, vending machine, handicapped accessibility Fee per
night: $$—$$$
Finding the campground: From Ithaca, head southwest on NY 13A Floral
Avenue. Turn right onto NY 13 southNY 34 south NY 96 southElmira Road and
then make a slight right (south) onto NY 13 Elmira Road. Continue south for
about 23 miles, and then take the ramp onto I-86 east NY 17 east. Travel
another 9 miles, then turn left onto Oneida Road. Make the first right onto
Newtown Reservation Road to enter the park.
About the campground: Sitting atop a hill alongside the Chemung River,
Newtown Battlefield was the site of a clash between the Continental Army and a
smaller force of British regulars, Loyalist rangers, and Iroquois warriors. The
park has two small campgrounds, one near Sullivan’s monument, the granite
obelisk commemorating the battle, and the other close to a replica Iroquois
village. Both have restrooms with showers. Sites 17 and 18 have electric
hookups; 7 and 18 are also handicapped accessible. The five cabins offer rustic
lodging without heat, bedding, or cookware. Several trails meander across the
park, leading to a few overlooks and picnicking areas. Two Rivers State Park in
nearby Waverly also contains a number of unmarked hiking/ mountain biking
trails.
109 Finger Lakes National Forest: Potomac Group

Campground
Location: Approximately 19 miles west of Ithaca

Season: Early May until late Oct
Sites: 1 tent and site for 8 to 40 people
Facilities: Pit toilets, picnic area with pavilion, hiking, hunting, fishing,
mountain biking Fee per night: $
Management: US Forest Service
Contact: (607) 546-4470;
www.fs.usda.gov/activity/fingerlakes/recreation/camping-cabins
Finding the campground: From the south, take exit 52 off SR 17 to SR 14
north and Watkins Glen. In Watkins Glen, turn right at the Fourth Street
intersection onto SR 414 north. Go north for 9 miles, past the Hector Ranger
Station. After another half mile, turn right on CR 2. Travel 4.4 miles east to a T
intersection. Turn left onto Potomac Road and look for the campground sign on
the right.
About the campground: Close to the center of the sprawling Finger Lakes
National Forest, the Potomac Group Campground is surrounded by more than
16,000 acres of land and 30 miles of multiuse paths, including the popular 12-
mile Interloken Trail. Reservations are required at this primitive tent site just
south of the Potomac Ponds in Schuyler County. In essence the campground is a
simple field that contains a pavilion with four picnic tables, a large grill, trash
cans, and two vault toilets. The Potomac Group Campground does not have
water, electricity, or lighting. This is not a drive-up location; site access requires
hiking 200 yards from the parking area on Potomac Road. A short drive west
from the campground leads to a number of wineries on the Seneca Lake Wine
Trail. Taughannock Falls State Park is due east.
110 Finger Lakes National Forest: Blueberry Patch

Campground

Season: Early May until late Oct
Facilities: Pit toilets, picnic area, hiking, hunting, fishing, mountain biking,
handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $
Contact: (607) 546-4470;
Finding the campground: From the south, take exit 52 off SR17 to SR 14 north
and Watkins Glen. In Watkins Glen, turn right at the Fourth Street intersection
onto SR 414 north. Travel north for about 9 miles, past the Hector Ranger
Station of the Finger Lakes National Forest. After another half mile, turn right
on Schuyler CR 2. Look for Blueberry Patch Campground on the right after
continuing east 4 miles.
About the campground: Another small Forest Service campground between
Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake, Blueberry Patch is, unsurprisingly, next to a
sizeable patch of highbush and lowbush blueberries that attract fruit lovers in
June and July. Sites are first come, first served with self-pay envelopes available
at the entrance. Both of the vault toilets here are ADA accessible and some of
the sites also have handicapped accessible picnic tables. A dumpster is provided
but Blueberry Patch does not have a dumping station for trailers. Leashes are
required for pets at all times. A short drive west from the campground leads to a
number of wineries on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. Taughannock Falls State
Park is due east.
111 Finger Lakes National Forest: Backbone Horse

Camp

Season: Year-round (horses from Memorial Day to Columbus Day weekend)
Facilities: Pit toilets, picnic area, corral, hiking, hunting, fishing, mountain
biking, horseback riding Fee per night: None
Contact: (607) 546-4470;
Finding the campground: From the south, take exit 52 off SR 17 to SR14 north
and Watkins Glen. In Watkins Glen, turn right at the Fourth Street intersection
onto SR 414 north. Travel approximately 9 miles north, past the Hector Ranger
Station. After another half mile, turn right on Schuyler CR 2. Travel 3.5 miles
east and look for Backbone Campground on the left, opposite the intersection
with Burnt Hill Road.
About the campground: Small, shady, and semiprivate, Backbone Horse Camp
is intended for riders looking to explore the multiuse trails in Finger Lakes
National Forest. The amenities here are very basic. And while there is no fee to
use these sites, it is necessary to obtain a free permit at the campground. In
addition to trash cans, picnic tables, and fire rings, each spot also has tie posts
for horses. Sites are first come, first served and share three vault toilets on the
premises. The pond nearby may be used for watering horses. A short drive west
from the campground leads to a number of wineries on the Seneca Lake Wine
Trail. Taughannock Falls State Park is due east.
112 Sampson State Park
Location: About 33 miles north of Ithaca

Season: The last weekend in Apr until early Oct
Sites: 309 tent and trailer sites (245 with electric hookups); 7 cabins Maximum
RV length: 40 feet
pavilions, playground, snack bar, basketball court, baseball diamond, horseshoe
pits, tennis courts, volleyball court, fitness circuit, boat launch, dockage, marina
pump-out station, camp store, museum, biking, hiking, fishing, hunting,
swimming, boating, handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$—$$$
Finding the campground: Head northwest from Ithaca on Trumansburg Road
NY 96. After almost 24 miles, keep right and continue onto NY 96A north North
Street. Drive 5.9 miles and look for the park entrance on the left.
About the campground: Situated between the Seneca Army Depot and Seneca
Lake, Sampson State Park has a sprawling tent and trailer area and a large
marina that don’t stay quiet for long once the camping season begins. And
Seneca Lake’s role as host of the National Lake Trout Derby means that many
people come here with the intention of fishing for days on end. Inside the
entrance, six loops of partially shaded campsites are spread out from north to
south, each with a central comfort station. Loop Six borders the busy day-use
area. Sites 59—61 as well as cabins C3 and C4 are handicapped accessible. At
the southern end of the park, the 1.7-mile Lakeshore Trail runs along the
waterfront, offering views. A drive north from Sampson toward Geneva will
pass three members of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail: Zugibe Vineyards, Three
Brothers Wineries and Estates, and Ventosa Vineyards. But if fermented grapes
don’t appeal, there is a also a Finger Lakes Beer Trail and a Finger Lakes Cheese
Trail that lead to numerous farms, creameries, brewpubs, and breweries across
the region. A small military museum within the park contains exhibits on World
War II and the Korean War and is open Wednesday through Sunday from late
May until early October.
113 Smith Memorial Park
Location: 9 miles north of Watkins Glen

Season: Late Apr until mid-Oct
Facilities: Flush toilets, cold showers, dumping station, playground, basketball
court, volleyball court, picnic area with pavilions, sand beach with lifeguarded
swimming area, WiFi, boat launch, hiking, fishing, biking, boating Fee per
night: $$$
Management: The town of Hector Department of Parks and Recreation
Contact: (607) 546-4467; http://smithmemorialpark.weebly.com/
Finding the campground: From Ithaca, take NY 79 west/Mecklenburg Road
toward Westhaven Road. Turn left to stay on NY 79 in Burdett and then make a
sharp right onto Main Street/CR 5. Main Street forms a T intersection with NY
414 after about one mile. Turn right and head north on NY 414. Just after the
Bloomer Creek Vineyard, turn left on Bond-Smith Park Road to reach the park.
About the campground: Once a fruit farm owned by Leon Smith, 92-acre
Smith Memorial Park is now a campground and beach immediately to the south
of Peach Orchard Point and Sawmill Creek. Managed by the town of Hector and
favorably located on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake, its sites are somewhat
close together but generally well shaded. All sites have water access; seven are
lakefront spots. Besides Bloomer Creek Vineyard near the entrance, Chateau La
Fayette Reneau, Atwater Estate Vineyards, J. R. Dill Winery, Red Newt Cellars,
Leidenfrost Vineyards, and Two Goats Brewing are all extremely close to the
park. Many miles of multiuse trails also await hikers in Finger Lakes National
Forest, a short distance away on CR 2 / Picnic Area Road.
114 Warren W. Clute Memorial Park and

Campground
Location: Half a mile east of Watkins Glen on Seneca Lake

Sites: 8 tent sites; 135 trailer sites with hookups
soccer field, WiFi, swimming area, bathhouse, picnic area with pavilions,
baseball diamond, skate park, boat launch, fishing, boating, swimming Fee per
night: $$$
Management: Village of Watkins Glen Department of Parks and Recreation
Contact: (607) 535-4438; www.watkinsglen.us/?parks
Finding the campground: From Ithaca, take NY 79 west/Mecklenburg Road
toward Westhaven Road. Turn left to stay on NY 79 in Burdett, continue onto
Main Street, and then resume following NY 79 until it merges into NY 414
south. Turn left on Boat Launch Road to enter the park.
About the campground: Sitting at the southern end of Seneca Lake, Clute Park
makes for an appealing place to spend a night or two. Flat sites with grass or
gravel pads are lined up along the park road, which also leads to the town boat
launch. This means it can get noisy on summer weekends. RVs outnumber tent
campers here and shade can be hard to come by. Luckily there’s a breeze off the
lake. As in many other parks throughout the state, pets are welcome with proof
of inoculation. Clute Park enjoys a convenient location that enables campers to
venture north on either side of the lake to visit wineries, breweries, parks, or
other attractions. Plus the shops, restaurants, and ice cream parlors of Watkins
Glen are a short walk from the main gate.
115 Watkins Glen State Park
Location: Roughly 25 miles west of Ithaca

Season: Mid-May to early Oct
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, snack bar, gift shop,
picnic area with pavilions, swimming pool, basketball court, baseball diamond,
playground, biking, fishing, hiking, hunting, swimming, handicapped
Finding the campground: From Ithaca, take NY 79 west Mecklenburg Road
toward Westhaven Road. Turn left to stay on NY 79 in Burdett, continue onto
Main Street, and then resume following NY 79 until it merges into NY 414 South.
Turn left onto North Franklin Street NY SR 14. In 0.4 mile, make a right onto
Old Corning Road/Route 329. Turn right again onto NY 419 / Walnut Road and
follow this road into the park.
About the campground: Watkins Glen was the first park in the Finger Lakes
region and it remains immensely popular today. Its shale and limestone walls
have been sculpted by centuries of water from nineteen waterfalls and are
nothing less than marvelous to see in person. By camping at Watkins Glen
though, it’s possible to admire some of this natural beauty before or after the
crowds arrive. With a nod to the Iroquois tribes that built their longhouses across
northern and central New York, the large campground on a hill is organized into
six loops called villages: Cayuga, Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Seneca, and
Tuscarora. Mohawk Village (sites 50—105) is the only loop with electric sites at
Watkins Glen. Each group has restrooms with showers and Onondaga is linked
to the Gorge Trail. Pets aren’t allowed on the Gorge Trail or near the pool area.
Swimming is not permitted in the stream. For more dramatic views of the
hanging valley, take Indian Trail or the South Rim Trail above Glen Creek. To
learn more about park history, ecology, and geology, join one of the ranger-led
gorge tours that run regularly throughout the summer months.
116 Keuka Lake State Park
Location: Roughly 55 miles northwest of Ithaca

Season: Early May until mid-Nov
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, playgrounds, picnic area
with pavilions, sand beach with lifeguarded swimming area, dockage, boat
launch, marina pump-out station, hunting, hiking, fishing, biking, boating,
Vineyards grow along Keuka Lake’s shores in Steuben and Yates counties.
FingerLakes.org
Finding the campground: From Ithaca, take NY 79 west Mecklenburg Road
toward Westhaven Road. Turn left to stay on NY 79 in Burdett and then continue
through Watkins Glen on NY 414 south. Turn right (north) onto NY 14 North
Franklin Street. After 3 miles, make a slight right onto NY 14A north. Continue
to follow NY 14A for 21 more miles. In Penn Yan, turn left (south) onto NY
54A / Elm Street. Turn left onto Pepper Road after 6.2 miles. The park entrance
is on the right.
About the campground: In the middle of the Finger Lakes region and the heart
of wine country, Keuka Lake State Park has sweeping views across this Y-
shaped body of water and Urbana State Forest to the south. The campground is
organized into three loops (Deer Run, Esperanza View, and Twin Fawns) that
each encircles a playground. A comfort station with mirrors, sinks and showers
with hot and cold running water, and electrical outlets also occupies the middle
of each loop. Trees and shrubs offer some privacy, but not all sites are shaded.
Seven short hiking trails weave their way through the park, serving double duty
as cross-country skiing trails in the winter. Follow either the Blue or White
Trails to the beach. Stever Hill Vineyards and Hunt Country Vineyards, two
members of the Keuka Wine Trail, are minutes away by car on the other side of
the lake’s west branch. Or instead of wine, consult the newer Finger Lakes Beer
Trail (http://fingerlakesbeertrail.com) or the Finger Lakes Cheese Trail to
discover numerous farms, creameries, brewpubs, and breweries to visit across
the region.
117 Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill
Location: About 38 miles south of Rochester

Sites: 20 tent sites and 23 trailer sites; 2 cabins
Facilities: Flush toilets, playground, baseball diamonds, playing fields, picnic
area with pavilions, hiking, fishing, mountain biking, handicapped accessibility
Fee per night: $$
Management: Ontario County Department of Parks
Contact: (585) 374-6250; www.co.ontario.ny.us/Facilities.aspx?
Page=detail&RID=4
Finding the campground: Drive east from Rochester I-490. Take exit 25 for
NY 31F toward Fairport. At the fork, keep right and merge onto NY 31F
east/Fairport Road. Turn right (south) onto NY 153/Washington Road and then
after a mile make a left onto North Main Street. Continue onto NY 64
south/Mendon Road. After 14 miles, turn left onto NY 5 east/NY 64 south/US
20 east. Turn right to stay with NY 64 south. Make a final right onto Gannett
Hill Road and follow it just over a mile into the park.
About the campground: The highest point in Ontario County at 2,256 feet,
Gannett Hill has some of the best vistas in the region. From the lookout (known
as the “Jump Off”) on the Finger Lakes Trail, the views of the Bristol Hills go
on for miles and miles. This overlook is ADA accessible from the park road that
loops around the top of the hill. On clear days, it’s also possible to see Seneca
and Cayuga Lakes to the east. Hikers will like the fact that numerous trails zig
and zag across Gannett Hill’s 410 acres, but from softball to swing sets, this park
contains a wide range of other outdoor activities in spite of its relatively small
size. Close to the entrance, in the northeast corner of the park, tent and trailer
sites cluster together around two restrooms. Two cabins are also available to rent
at a higher rate. For a taste of Finger Lakes wine, visit Heron Hill Vineyards or
Arbor Hill Grapery, both of which are a short drive from the park.
Chautauqua-Allegany and
Greater Niagara
From almost any angle, at any time of day, Niagara Falls are impressive
to behold.
NIAGARA ToURISM & CONVENTION CORPORATION
Bordered by two of the Great Lakes as well as Pennsylvania, western
New York could almost pass for another state. Buffalo, its major
metropolitan area, is close to 400 miles away from busy Manhattan on
the Atlantic Coast. On the flip side, Toronto, Canada, is roughly four
times closer. Ontario and western New York also share Niagara Falls, a
cascade that rates as the most powerful in North America based on height
and water flow. Its status as the oldest state park in the country bears
testament to its magnetic appeal. And while Allegany State Park to the
south is considerably larger, Niagara Falls State Park is unquestionably
the jewel of the region. Beyond the awe-inspiring trio of mighty cascades
at Niagara though, the western part of the Empire State has plenty of
other parks that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Between Buffalo and Rochester on the south shore of Lake Ontario, a
handful of beachfront campgrounds are ideal places to swim, sail, or soak
up the sun’s rays. Four Mile Creek is also very close to Fort Niagara and
the famous falls. Farther to the south, a short distance from the
westernmost of the Finger Lakes, Letchworth State Park contains a river
gorge that’s often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East.” Hiking
trails lead to numerous overlooks and viewpoints within the park, but
some people insist that the best way to see the three waterfalls here is
from above—in a hot air balloon. Meanwhile, Allegany State Park along
the Pennsylvania state line has quietly earned its own fans, impressing
them with 65,000 acres of unspoiled forest, including several groves of
trees that are at least three centuries old. Wildflowers and ferns carpet the
forest floor, and 80 miles of trails greatly reduce the likelihood of
anything resembling a hiking traffic jam.
In between the collection of campgrounds in the north and Allegany in
the south, a handful of other parks beckon outdoor enthusiasts to the
westernmost reaches of New York. Erie County’s Sprague Brook Park is
particularly well known among mountain bikers, while on the shores of
Lake Erie, 730-odd acres that had been farmland are now a waterfront
park called Evangola. For endless views of Lake Erie, the smallest,
shallowest, and southernmost of the Great Lakes, visit Lake Erie State
Park in Chautauqua County. Long Point State Park on Lake Chautauqua,
one of the highest navigable bodies of water in North America, also
happens to be nearby. And off of I-86 along the Pennsylvania border, the
Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History sits on ten acres of
property crisscrossed with short nature trails.
Max.
Length
Stony Brook $$–
118 0 119 40 N/A F Y Y Y H, S, P Y
State Park $$$
F, H B, P,
119 Kanakadea Park 40 70 0 E Y Y Y Y $$ N
L
Hamlin Beach F, H, B, S, $$–
120 248 264 50 E F Y Y Y Y
State Park C, P, L $$$
Letchworth State F, H, S, C, $$–
121 258 258 50 E F Y Y Y Y
Park P, R $$$
Lakeside Beach $$–
122 268 268 40 E F Y Y Y F, H, C, P Y
State Park $$$
Darien Lakes F, H, C, P, $$–
123 129 158 40 E F Y Y Y Y
State Park R $$$
Golden Hill F, H B, C, $$–
124 33 57 40 E F Y Y Y Y
State Park P, L $$$
Sprague Brook
125 30 123 0 E F N Y Y F, H, C $$ Y
Park
Allegany State
F, H, B, S, $$–
126 Park: Red House 64 130 40 E F Y Y Y Y
C, P, L, R $$$
Area
Allegany State
F, H, B, S,
127 Park: Quaker 92 189 57 E F Y Y Y $$ Y
C, P, L, R
Area
Four Mile Creek $$–
128 131 275 50 E F Y Y Y F, H, C, P Y
State Park $$$
Evangola State F, H, S, C, $$–
129 50 80 40 E F Y Y Y Y
Park P $$$
Lake Erie State $$–
130 81 97 50 E F Y Y Y F, H, C, P Y
Park $$$

118 Stony Brook State Park

Location: Roughly 52 miles south of Rochester
ball field, bath-house, picnic area with pavilions, snack bar, hiking, hunting,
Finding the campground: Head south on I-390 from Rochester. After about 47
miles, take exit 4 for NY 36 toward Dansville and Hornell. Turn right onto NY
36 south. Travel 2.6 miles and then turn left onto CR 47 / Stony Brook Road.
The entrance to the campground will be on the left.
About the campground: At 577 acres, Stony Brook State Park isn’t huge, but
the trio of waterfalls that have carved a gorge out of the soft shale here in
Livingston County have attracted attention for more than 100 years. In the late
nineteenth century, passenger trains carried tourists to the waterfalls, dropping
them off and picking them up again at a railroad station that stood where the
campground office is today. The camping area is located at the southern end of
the park, and includes three bathrooms with showers on a wooded slope.
Another comfort station is next to the picnic area and the East Rim and West
Rim trailheads. Sites 100—115 back up against Stony Brook itself. Eight simple
cabins that sleep four people but lack electricity or water have recently been
added to the campground. Cabins 27C and 74C are handicapped accessible. All
three of the main hiking trails in the park can be reached from the camping area.
Running along either side of Stony Brook, they can be combined to form a
variety of short but moderately steep loops. On hot days, the two natural
swimming areas on the north end of the park often become crowded.
119 Kanakadea Park

Location: Approximately 67 miles south of Rochester
Season: Apr 15 through Dec 1
Sites: 30 tent sites; 40 trailer sites with hookups
pavilions, vending machines, boat launch, playgrounds, baseball diamond,
volleyball courts, basketball courts, boating, fishing, hiking Fee per night: $$
Management: Parks Division, Steuben County Department of Public Works
Contact: (607) 324-0539; www.steubencony.org/pages.asp?PID=82
Finding the campground: From I-86/Route 17, merge onto NY 36 toward
Hornell. Be prepared to turn right at CR 66/Webbs Crossing Road very soon
thereafter. Travel approximately 2 miles; Kanakadea Park will be on the left.
About the campground: Located on Almond Lake a few short miles from the
town of Hornell, Kanakadea Park is a dependable backup for campers who
aren’t lucky enough to land a spot at Stony Brook or Letchworth State Park
nearby. Easy to find from the Southern Tier Expressway, the campground has
electric hookups as well as potable water. Grassy sites are first come, first served
and offer plenty of elbow room but many have next to no shade. Pets are
welcome with proof of inoculation. Several short hiking trails, including a spur
that connects with the Finger Lakes Trail, can be found in the park on the north
side of I-86. Use the tunnel on Webbs Crossing Road to reach these paths.
Nonmotorized boating and fishing are allowed at the 110-acre lake, swimming is
not. On the other side of SR 21, a multiuse trail suitable for mountain biking
reaches into Canacadea State Forest from Erie Street in Almond.
120 Hamlin Beach State Park
Location: 23 miles northwest of Rochester

Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, tennis courts, playground,
baseball diamond, camp store, rec hall, snack bar, picnic area with pavilions,
sand beach with lifeguarded swimming area, boat launch, biking, hiking, fishing,
swimming, boating, laundry, handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$—$$$
Finding the campground: Take NY 390 north from Rochester. After roughly 7
miles, keep left and merge onto Lake Ontario State Parkway west. Follow the
parkway for 17 miles and then take the right exit for Hamlin Beach State Park.
About the campground: Only a handful of miles beyond greater Rochester,
Hamlin Beach State Park can be described fairly as a magnet for summer
vacationers on Lake Ontario. Between 1944 and 1946, however, an 8-acre area
close to the southern entrance served as a POW camp for more than 400
captured German soldiers. The Friends of Hamlin Beach Park are currently
working to develop at history trail through this section of the park. As for
camping, six loops of tent and trailer sites are separated from the water by a park
road with laundry facilities and a camp store near the middle. Twenty comfort
stations are dispersed throughout the park. Pets (no more than two per site) are
only allowed in the A, B, and C Loops (sites 1—137). Campers looking for
some exercise can use the 10 miles of hiking and biking trails or follow the
easier mile-long self-guided nature trail in the park’s Yanty Creek Marsh area.
The boat launch area is also on the east side of Hamlin Beach, although canoes
and kayaks can be put into the water right from the sandy shoreline.
121 Letchworth State Park
Location: About 35 miles south of Rochester

Sites: 258 tent and trailer sites (with hookups); 82 cabins Maximum RV length:
50 feet
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, museum, playground,
snack bar, gift shop, camp store, volleyball courts, picnic area with pavilions,
swimming pool, hunting, hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, swimming,
rafting, laundry, handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$—$$$
Finding the campground: Drive south on I-390 for 37 miles toward Mount
Morris. Take exit 7 for NY 408 toward Mount Morris and Letchworth Park. At
the bottom of the ramp, turn left onto NY 408 south/Mount Morris Geneseo
Road. Turn right onto Main Street / NY 36 north and continue to follow NY 36
for just over a mile. Turn left at the Mount Morris entrance to Letchworth, and
follow it for about 5.5 miles, past the park headquarters. Turn left to enter the
Highbanks camping area.
About the campground: Sometimes referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the
East,” Letchworth State Park can’t help but impress first-time visitors with three
big waterfalls stacked on top of one another, towering cliffs, and 66 miles of
hiking trails, many of which lead to dramatic overlooks. Ranging across 14,000
acres on either side of the Genesee River in Livingston and Wyoming counties,
the park grew out of a gift to the state from William Pryor Letchworth, a wealthy
iron tycoon who had purchased property around Middle Falls in order to build an
estate he called Glen Iris. Today his historic home is an inn and restaurant that
sits just inside the park’s southern entrance next to a small museum he also
established. Both ends of Letchworth have places for visitors to stay, but all tent
and trailer camping is at the Highbanks area in the north. Each of the eight loops
of thirty or so campsites has a central shower house, while Loop 300 benefits
from its proximity to the camp store, the playground, and laundry facilities. Pets
are only permitted in Loops 100, 200, and 700. The 7-mile Gorge Trail is one
popular (and challenging) hiking route, but the options are many.
122 Lakeside Beach State Park
Location: Approximately 36 miles west of Rochester

Sites: 268 tent and trailer sites (with hookups)
playground, baseball diamond, basketball court, volleyball court, disc golf,
picnic area with pavilions, biking, hiking, hunting, fishing, laundry, handicapped
Finding the campground: Take NY 390 north from Rochester. After roughly 7
miles, keep left and merge onto Lake Ontario State Parkway west. Follow the
parkway for 32 miles, almost to the end, and take the right exit for Lakeside
Beach. Keep to the right on Picnic Road and look for the campground entrance
on the right.
About the campground: Fifteen miles east of Golden Hill, Lakeside Beach
State Park is another great place to pitch a tent to admire one of the five Great
Lakes. Seven loops of campsites, each with its own comfort station including
showers, fit between the water and the Lake Ontario State Parkway on the
eastern side of the park. Sites 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, and 23 in Loop A along
with 15, 16, and 18 in Loop D are considered prime locations and are slightly
more expensive. Four playgrounds, laundry facilities, and a well-stocked camp
store make this park particularly appealing to families with children. The
eighteen-hole Shore Winds Disc Golf Course was recently added to Lakeside
Beach. There is no swimming at the park but fishing is permitted (as is water-
fowl hunting in season) and 4 miles of trails can be hiked or mountain biked.
Due to the presence of raccoons, skunks, and foxes, campers are reminded to
seal and secure all food and to pack out garbage or place it in Dumpsters.
123 Darien Lakes State Park
Location: Roughly 20 miles east of Buffalo

Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, disc golf, basketball
court, playground, picnic area with pavilions, horseback riding, hiking, fishing,
hunting, biking, handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$—$$$
Finding the campground: From Buffalo, head east on Broadway Street.
Beyond the city limits, this becomes Route 20. After about 17 miles, turn left
onto Harlow Road/CR 4 and look for the campground entrance on the right.
About the campground: Just beyond the outer edge of Buffalo, Ellicott or
Eleven Mile Creek runs through hilly Darien Lakes State Park, a large wooded
landscape in rural Genesee County. Electrified campsites, loosely collected into
two loops near Harlow Lake, share three comfort stations. Sites 127 and 128 are
handicapped accessible. Two other bathrooms are closer to the day-use area and
the little body of water with its sandy beach and Picnic Island. It’s linked to the
rest of the park by a short footbridge. Five different multiuse trails zigzag across
the east side of the park, allowing hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders
to explore its 1,800 acres. An eighteen-hole disc golf course was also recently
added to Darien Lakes. Next to the park, Darien Lake Theme Park Resort has
roller coasters, rides for kids, and numerous water slides.
124 Golden Hill State Park
Location: Approximately 42 miles northeast of Niagara Falls Season: Early Apr

until early Oct
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, tent rental, playground,
picnic area with pavilions, volleyball court, baseball diamond, boat launch,
boating, hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, handicapped accessibility Fee per
night: $$—$$$
Finding the campground: From Niagara Falls, head northeast on NY 104
Lewiston Road. At the fork, keep left to merge onto Robert Moses Parkway
toward Fort Niagara. At the end of the parkway, turn left (east) onto NY 18 Lake
Road. Follow NY 18 east along Lake Ontario for about 26 miles. Turn left onto
Carmen Road. Make the next right onto Lower Lake Road. The entrance is on
the left after another 0.4 mile.
About the campground: Another small park on Lake Ontario’s shoreline,
Golden Hill State Park is unique because its decommissioned lighthouse, the
Thirty Mile Point Light, was converted into a comfortable three-bedroom
cottage with outstanding water views. At 70 feet off the ground, the original
light was visible from 18 miles away. Today, the tower, keeper’s quarters, fog
signal building, and coal building are all open to the public. Several dozen sites
and a single shower house cluster together in a small campground right on the
lake; roughly half of the sites have views. The setting is striking, but most sites
have partial shade at best. Following grassy mowed trails, it’s possible to walk to
the boat launch area on the east of Golden Hill. Swimming is not permitted, but
fishing is allowed from the jetty near the lighthouse.
125 Sprague Brook Park
Location: Roughly 25 miles south of Buffalo

Season: Year-round
Sites: 123 tent and trailer sites (30 with electric hookups) Maximum RV
length: N/A
Facilities: Flush toilets, dumping station, tennis courts, baseball diamond, picnic
areas with pavilions, biking, fishing, hiking, handicapped accessibility Fee per
night: $$
Management: Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry
Contact: (716) 592-2804; http://www2.erie.gov/parks/
Finding the campground: From Buffalo, head south on I-90 West. Take exit 54
to merge onto NY 400 south toward East Aurora and NY 16. After traveling 5
miles, exit onto NY 78 south US 20 west Transit Road. To stay on Transit Road,
turn left onto NY 187 south and 3 miles later, turn left again (east) onto US
Route 20A Quaker Road. Make a right turn onto Davis Road and then continue
onto NY 240 south CR 30A. Make a final left on Foote Road and immediately
look for the park entrance on the left.
In addition to camping, visitors to Golden Hill State Park can stay at the Thirty
Mile Point Lighthouse. Niagara Tourism & Convention Corporation

About the campground: Covering more than 2,200 acres in southern Erie
County, Sprague Brook is an L-shaped park that takes its name from the narrow
waterway that cuts across its midsection. The campground is divided into three
loops of 30 to 50 sites; each group has a restroom. Only sites 1—30, which are
closest to the tennis courts and a few picnic pavilions, have electric hookups.
Trails in the park are designated as multiuse, so hikers and mountain bikers must
share the routes that weave through eastern cottonwood, sycamore, black walnut,
red pine, and Norway spruce. In terms of wildlife, campers should keep their
eyes open for porcupine, red fox, white-tailed deer, and snowshoe hare, and
listen for pileated woodpeckers, robins, and frogs. Several miles southeast of the
park in Arcade, the Arcade and Attica Railroad offers various themed scenic
train rides—a fun excursion for kids—beginning in late May.
126 Allegany State Park: Red House Area
Location: Close to 75 miles south of Buffalo

length: 40 feet
museum and gift shop, playground, tennis courts, baseball diamond, basketball
court, horseshoe pits, volleyball court, boat launch, bike rental, boating, hiking,
fishing, hunting, biking, swimming, horseback riding, laundry, handicapped
Finding the campground: From Buffalo and points north, take US 219 south
toward Orchard Park and Springville. Continue south for approximately 42 miles
then turn right on Wildwood Avenue in Salamanca. Immediately after crossing
the Allegheny River, turn right again on Clinton Street, which becomes NY 417
west. Merge onto I-86 west / NY 17 west. After about 7.5 miles, take exit 19 for
NY 280 toward Allegany State Park Red House Area. Merge onto Allegany
State Park Route 2 and drive east to the campground.
About the campground: A massive tract of forested land that stretches across
the Pennsylvania state line to the south, Allegany State Park covers 65,000 acres
and includes hundreds of campsites and cabins, 80 miles of hiking trails, and two
mid-sized lakes. In the Red House section in the northern half of the park, a tent
and trailer campground perches on Stoddard Creek. Three comfort stations are
shared by five loops of campsites; numbers 28 and 29 are handicapped
accessible. Shade is ample throughout. Five miles of paved multiuse trails circle
Red House Lake, and the Conservation, Osgood, and Beehunter trails all begin
in the area, too. Other points of interest at Red House include Stone Tower and
the Summit Fire Tower (both of which promise sweeping vistas across the
Allegheny Highlands) as well as Bridal Falls. The Tudor-style Red House
administration building houses a natural history museum with exhibits on flora,
fauna, and geology. It’s open year-round from 8 a.m.—10 p.m. Films, guest
speakers, and programs for children are also offered on occasion. For another
take on local history and the people that originally lived off the land in western
New York, visit the Seneca Iroquois National Museum in nearby Salamanca.
Kayakers at the Chautauqua Lake outlet, near the Chadakoin River Chautauqua
County Visitors Bureau
127 Allegany State Park: Quaker Area
Location: Close to 75 miles south of Buffalo

length: 57 feet
museum and gift shop, playground, tennis courts, baseball diamond, basketball
court, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, boat launch, boat rental, boating, hiking,
fishing, hunting, biking, swimming, horseback riding, laundry, handicapped
Finding the campground: From Buffalo and points north, take US 219 south
toward Orchard Park and Springville. Continue south for approximately 42 miles
and then turn right on Wildwood Avenue in Salamanca. Immediately after
crossing the Allegheny River, turn right again on Clinton Street, which becomes
NY 417 west. Merge onto I-86 west / NY 17 west. After approximately 7.5
miles, take exit 18 for NY 280 toward Allegany State Park Quarter Run Area.
Turn left onto NY 280 South. Keep left onto Allegany State Park Route 3 when
NY 280 curves toward the reservoir in the other direction. Follow signs to the
campground.
About the campground: A massive tract of land that stretches into a national
forest across the Pennsylvania state line to the south, Allegany State Park covers
65,000 acres and includes hundreds of campsites and cabins, 80 miles of hiking,
and mid-sized lakes. The Quaker Area makes up the southern portion of New
York’s largest park and provides fishing and boating access to the 24-mile-long
reservoir created by the Kinzua Dam. Like Red House, the Quaker Area has its
own small exhibit area. Built in 1925, an old camp store that once sold groceries
and supplies to campers is now a visitor center and museum. Spacious campsites
in the four Cain Hollow loops have a sufficient amount of separation between
them and numbers 47 and 48 are handicapped accessible. Seven handicapped
accessible vacation cottages named for Senator Albert T. Fancher, the Father of
Allegany State Park, sleep six and include a full kitchen, a private bathroom and
shower, as well as bedding and utensils. From Quaker Lake, day hikers can
access the Three Sisters Trail, the Bear Caves Trail, the long-distance North
Country Trail, and a path that leads to the fire tower atop Mount Tuscarora.
128 Four Mile Creek State Park
Location: 15 miles north of Niagara Falls

Season: Early Apr through mid-Oct
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping station, camp store, volleyball
court, playground, picnic area, hiking, fishing, biking, laundry, handicapped
Finding the campground: Take I-90 north toward Peace Bridge and Canada.
After 22 miles, take exit 25B toward NY 104/Robert Moses Parkway. Merge
onto Upper Mountain Road and keep right at the fork, following signs for NY
104 east and Lewiston Road. After 2 miles, stay to the left to merge onto Robert
Moses Parkway toward Fort Niagara. In 7.8 miles, take the exit on the right for
Four Mile Creek. Turn left at the bottom of the ramp to reach the campground.
Historical reenactors drill in front of Old Fort Niagara, a national historic

landmark that dates to the eighteenth century. Visit Buffalo Niagara, Angel Art
Ltd. and Nancy J. Parisi
About the campground: Four Mile Creek State Park is on the south shore of
Lake Ontario, a short drive north of Niagara Falls. The camping area is divided
into three loops with four comfort stations and a camp store. Twenty-one prime
sites have panoramic views of the lake and involve a higher daily rate. Sites 273,
276, and 283 are handicapped accessible. Old Fort Niagara, a popular historic
site that includes some of the oldest buildings on the Great Lakes, is about 3
miles away to the west. A family campground surrounded by other activities
ranging from the Lockport Caves and the Erie Canal to Ransomville Speedways
and outdoor concerts at the Artpark Performing Arts Center, the park
nonetheless supports wildlife such as white-tailed deer and great blue herons. A
camping permit from Four Mile Creek allows visitors to swim at nearby Wilson
Tuscarora State Park or Fort Niagara State Park free of charge.
Vineyards are a common sight in much of western New York. Niagara Tourism
& Convention Corporation
129 Evangola State Park

Location: Approximately 25 miles southwest of Buffalo
Season: Mid-Apr until mid-Oct
Sites: 80 tent and trailer sites (50 with hookups); 1 cabin Maximum RV length:
40 feet
diamond, basketball court, disc golf, tennis courts, volleyball courts, picnic area
with pavilions, rec hall/banquet room, sand beach with lifeguarded swimming
area, snack bar, camp store, biking, fishing, hiking, swimming, hunting, laundry,
vending machines, handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$—$$$
Finding the campground: Head south from Buffalo on I-90 west toward Erie.
Take exit 57A toward Eden and Angola. Turn right (west) onto Eden Evans
Center Road and continue onto Beach Road. After about 4 miles, turn left onto
NY 5 west / Erie Road. The park entrance will be on the right and an additional
4 miles to the south.
About the campground: Sitting on the eastern shore of Lake Erie, Evangola
State Park isn’t big, but ball fields, a natural sand beach, and sunny picnic areas
draw thousands of people every year. Campsites are organized into three small
groups with two comfort stations between them. Almost half have views of the
water. Sites 22, 46, and 52 are handicapped accessible. For more money, a single
heated, ADA-accessible cabin with four beds can also be rented. The camp store
carries groceries, firewood, air mattresses, toiletries, and more. Meanwhile, the
snack bar serves typical beach fare: hot dogs, fries, nachos, and ice cream. Late
each summer Evangola hosts a Pirate Festival and then a Tomato Festival, the
latter a tribute to the park’s former life as farmland.
130 Lake Erie State Park
Location: Approximately 58 miles southwest of Buffalo

length: 50 feet
Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, dumping stations, playground, baseball
diamond, volleyball court, basketball court, horseshoe pits, picnic area with
pavilions, biking, fishing, hiking, handicapped accessibility Fee per night: $$—
$$$
Finding the campground: Take I-90 west toward Erie from Buffalo. Just before
the 42-mile mark, take exit 59 for NY 60 toward Dunkirk and Fredonia. At the
bottom of the ramp, make a right turn (north) onto NY 60 Bennett Road.
Continue north onto Maple Avenue, which then becomes Main Street in Dunkirk.
Turn left onto NY 5 westLake Shore Drive and follow it for 7.6 miles. The park
entrance will be on the right.
About the campground: A 355-acre triangle of green on the southernmost and
shallowest of the five Great Lakes, Lake Erie State Park contains a medium-
sized campground, a playground, and a picturesque area for picnicking. With
nearly a mile of shoreline, this spot in Chautauqua County is also popular for its
views. Half of the sites are grouped around a comfort station with the remaining
units close to the one shower house. Sites 82 and 83 are handicapped accessible,
as is cabin number 6. Numbers 79—84 along with 43, 45, and 46 are a stone’s
throw from the showers. Multiuse trails enable campers to explore the park by
foot or bicycle. The nearest swimming area is at Point Gratiot Beach in Dunkirk,
8 miles away. To try some of the wines from western New York’s grape belt,
visit the 21 Brix Winery 6 miles down the road in Portland.
Appendix A: Online Resources
With a few successful camping trips under your belt, you might want to start
looking for ways to meet other outdoor enthusiasts, participate in local
conservation efforts, or learn more about the state’s history, habitats, and
heritage. You’ll find your favorites over time; the following list of state and
national clubs, organizations, associations, and museums is simply meant to
provide some initial guidance. Choose a cause, foster an interest, get involved,
and get outside. Many of these groups also produce publications that can
supplement information in this guidebook.
Fishing and Boating

American Canoe Association—A nonprofit organization that promotes paddle
sport recreation, educates the public on all aspects of paddling, and helps to
protect paddling environments nationwide. www.americancanoe.org
Great Lakes Sport Fishing Council—An advocacy organization established to

educate anglers and boaters, protect aquatic resources, and promote safe boating
practices throughout the region. www.great-lakes.org
Hudson River Watertrail Association—A volunteer coalition actively developing

a water trail from the mouth of the Hudson River to the Great Lakes and the St.
Lawrence Seaway. They promote a low-impact approach to the river and publish
The Hudson River Water Trail Guide. www.hrwa.org
Lake Ontario Sportfishing Promotion Council—News, events, and fishing

location information (including maps) pertaining to Lake Ontario and the St.
Lawrence Seaway. www.ilovenyfishing.com
New York Sportfishing Federation—Established to promote sportfishing in New
York, advocate on behalf of the fishing community, and to protect and conserve
the marine environment. http://nysf.org
Northern Forest Canoe Trail—Access, safety, and travel information about the
740-mile inland paddling trail tracing historic routes across New York, Vermont,
New Hampshire, and Maine. www.northernforestcanoetrail.org
Less than 3 miles north of Niagara Falls, Whirlpool State Park is worth a side
trip. Niagara Tourism & Convention Corporation
World Stand Up Paddleboard Association—A membership organization

dedicated to promoting and preserving the sport of SUP through events, training
tips, certified instruction, and more.
http://worldstanduppaddleboardassociation.com
Hiking and Biking
Adirondack Mountain Club—A member organization dedicated to responsible
recreation in the Adirondacks. Maintains trails, leads hikes and paddling trips,
and runs programs near Lake Placid. www.adk.org
The American Hiking Society—A nonprofit organization committed to

promoting hiking and protecting trails through advocacy, volunteerism, and
outreach. www.americanhiking.org
American Trails—A national nonprofit working to create and protect America’s

network of hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing,
trail motorcycling, four wheeling, and snowmobiling trails. Publishes American
Trails magazine quarterly. www.americantrails.org
Appalachian Mountain Club—The nation’s oldest outdoor recreation and

conservation organization with twelve chapters that maintain trails and lodges
and lead programs for youth and adults. www.outdoors.org www.amc-ny.org
Catskill Mountain Club—A community-based volunteer organization promoting

responsible, safe, and sustainable outdoor recreation in the Catskills. Regularly
hosts activities and educational programs and offers links to maps, outdoor tips,
and regional information. www.catskillmountainclub.org
Champlain Area Trails—Young nonprofit group concentrating on building and

expanding a trail network in the Champlain Valley, including a 30-mile loop
between Westport and Essex. www.champlainareatrails.com
Finger Lakes Trail Conference—A membership organization founded in 1962

that seeks to build, protect, enhance, and promote a continuous, 558-mile path
from Allegany State Park to the Catskills. www.fltconference.org/trails
Long Island Greenbelt Conference—Nonprofit group that has built and now
maintains more than 200 miles of trails on Long Island. Offers free guided hikes,
books and maps, and occasional events. www.ligreenbelt.org
New York Bicycle Coalition—Advocating for the rights of all bicyclists and
promoting the safe use of the bicycle with the goal of making New York State a
leader in multimodal transportation. www.nybc.net
New York—New Jersey Trail Conference—Members of this 90-year old

organization work to create, protect, and promote more than 1,800 miles of trails
across two states. They organize regular workshops and volunteer projects and
publish up-to-date news, topographic maps, and books. www.nynjtc.org
The Westchester Trails Association—This small club started in 1923 and

organizes hikes and weekend events year-round. www.westhike.org
Western New York Mountain Bicycling Association—Builds and improves

mountain biking trails, engages in bicycle advocacy and rider education, or
organizes events and group rides. Trail maps for ten parks in the area.
www.wnymba.org
Museums and Nature Centers

Adirondack Museum—A history museum with twenty-two indoor/outdoor
exhibit spaces, picnic areas, and a cafe on 32 acres that is open from 10 a.m.—5
p.m. Memorial Day weekend to mid-October. www.adkmuseum.org
Baltimore Woods Nature Center—An educational organization on 180 acres in

Marcellus that’s open from 9 a.m.—4 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10 a.m.—4
p.m. on Saturday. Six miles of hiking trails on the property are open daily until
dusk. www.baltimorewoods.org
Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum—Displays of angling equipment,
educational programs on river ecology, fishing etiquette, fly tying and casting,
and angling history that are open daily from 10 a.m.—4 p.m. April through
October and 10 a.m.—4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday from November to
March. www.c?cm.net
Cayuga Nature Center—This center west of Ithaca sits on 120 acres overlooking
Cayuga Lake and includes a live animal collection. It’s open seven days a week
from 9 a.m.—5 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day and from 10 a.m.—4
p.m. between Labor Day and Memorial Day. www.cayuganaturecenter.org
A small cascade rushes by fallen leaves. Niagara Tourism & Convention

Corporation
New York State Museum—A free museum in Albany with exhibits on Native
American culture, minerals, the Adirondack wilderness, bird life, archaeology,
and more. Open daily from 9:30 a.m.—5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Rides
on the antique carousel are also free of charge. www.nysm.nysed.gov
Pfeiffer Nature Center & Foundation—More than 9 miles of trails, a picnic

pavilion, an old cabin, and a small working farm on 642 acres in Portville. Free
admission year-round from dawn to dusk. http://pfei?ernaturecenter.org
Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History—An educational center in

Jamestown with the collected writings, drawings, paintings, photography, and
films of renowned naturalist Dr. Roger Peterson. The museum is open from 10
a.m.—4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 1—5 p.m. Sunday.
www.rtpi.org
Seneca Iroquois National Museum—Features exhibits on the origins, heritage,

and culture of the Seneca people, one of the Six Nations of the Iroquois. Call
(716) 945-1760 for hours and admission fees. www.senecamuseum.org
Tanglewood Nature Center and Museum—A museum in Elmira with interactive

exhibits and a live animal collection that’s surrounded by 10 miles of hiking
trails. Free admission year-round from 8:30 a.m.—4:30 p.m. May through
October and from 9 a.m.—4 p.m. between November and April.
www.tanglewoodnaturecenter.com
The Wild Center—A science-based museum in the town of Tupper Lake that
seeks to educate visitors about coexisting with nature. Open daily from 10 a.m.
—6 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day and from 10 a.m.—5 p.m. on
winter weekends; closed in April. www.wildcenter.org
Parks and Conservation

American Rivers—Conservation organization working to ensure clean drinking
water, revitalize fish and wildlife, improve recreation, and draw attention to the
most endangered rivers. www.americanrivers.org
American Whitewater—Membership organization committed to conserving

America’s whitewater resources and enhancing opportunities to enjoy them
safely. Publishes a bi-monthly journal. www.americanwhitewater.org
Appalachian Trail Conservancy—Founded in 1925, the organization is

committed to preserving and managing the Appalachian Trail for future
generations. Publishes A.T. Journeys six times a year. www.appalachiantrail.org
Catskill Center for Conservation and Development—A membership

organization serving seven counties in the Catskills that focuses on
environmental education, cultural programming, and sustainable planning.
www.catskillcenter.org
The Finger Lakes Land Trust—Founded to protect the region’s wetlands, forests,
farmland, and gorges. Publishes The Land Steward quarterly and organizes
nature walks and volunteer projects. www.fllt.org
Friends of Westchester County Parks—A nonprofit devoted to supporting,

maintaining, and enhancing Westchester’s Parks, promoting their value to the
community, and stimulating public interest and support in their preservation.
www.friendsofwestchesterparks.com
Hudson Highlands Land Trust—A community-based organization devoted to

protecting the natural resources, rural character, and scenic beauty of the
highlands regions in the Hudson Valley. http://hhlt.org
Hudson River Valley Greenway—A state-sponsored program created to

facilitate a regional strategy for preserving scenic, natural, historic, cultural, and
recreational resources. The Greenway’s conservancy is actively working to
establish a Hudson River Valley Trail system. www.hudsongreenway.ny.gov
Lake Champlain Committee—A citizens’ organization dedicated to protecting

Lake Champlain through advocacy and education. Includes information about
current ecologic challenges, the lake’s health, and ways to access resources such
as the Lake Champlain Paddlers’ Trail. www.lakechamplaincommittee.org
Lake George Land Conservancy—Not-for-profit land trust dedicated to

protecting the water quality of Lake George and to permanently preserving the
natural, historic, and recreational resources of the Lake George region. Manages
eight nature preserves and hosts regular events. www.lglc.org
The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics—Educational information about

how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly and ensure the health of the natural world.
Offers training, events, and volunteer opportunities. http://LNT.org
Long Island Pine Barrens Society—An environmental and advocacy

organization focused on protecting drinking water and preserving open space on
Long Island. Links to recreational opportunities. http://pinebarrens.org/
The Nature Conservancy—Works to protect ecologically important lands and

waters around the world, including dozens of places across New York, from
Bear Swamp to Zoar Valley. www.tnc.org
New York Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation—

Comprehensive information about state parks, historic sites, camping, and
outdoor recreation. Details about admission fees, discounts, seasonal events, and
park news. http://nysparks.com
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation—Agency designed

to protect and enhance the environment with information and maps pertaining to
outdoor activities, permits and licenses, and animal life. www.dec.ny.gov
Open Space Institute—Protecting more than 116,000 acres of scenic, natural,

and historic landscapes in New York through land acquisition, easements,
partnerships, and research. www.osiny.org
The Palisades Parks Conservancy—Works to protect open space and offer
recreation and education programs across twenty-nine parks and historic sites in
New York and New Jersey. The first nature museum, the first section of the
Appalachian Trail, and the first scenic highway are all here.
www.palisadesparksconservancy.org
Parks & Trails New York—New York’s leading advocate for parks as well as
more than 1,500 miles of trails, greenways, and bike paths. Publishes news,
brochures, and two biking guidebooks. www.ptny.org
Scenic Hudson—The largest environmental group focused on the Hudson River

Valley that works to create environmentally healthy communities, champion
smart economic growth, open up riverfronts to the public, and preserve the
valley’s natural resources. http://scenichudson.org
Western New York Environmental Alliance/GrowWNY—A hyperlocal

information source about living green. Includes a blog, tips for living green, and
a calendar listing volunteer opportunities, community events, and more.
www.growwny.org
Western New York Land Conservancy—A nonprofit land trust dedicated to

preserving the region’s natural environments, farms, forestlands, and open space.
Hosts events, hikes, and volunteer projects. www.wnylc.org
The Wilderness Society—Founded in 1935 to protect wilderness and inspire

Americans to care for wild places. Information about visiting and helping to
protect the Northern Forest. http://wilderness.org
Tourist Information
Adirondack Explorer —A nonprofit magazine devoted to exploring, protecting,
and unifying the Adirondack Park. Publishes six issues a year in addition to an
AnnualOutings Guide. www.adirondackexplorer.org
Adirondack Regional Tourist Council—Information about the park and its seven
regions, including what to do, where to stay, group attractions, news, maps and
directions, and travel itineraries. http://visitadirondacks.com
Capital-Saratoga Tourism Region—Information about the six county region

between the Hudson Valley and the Adirondacks. Details about top events,
things to do, and vacation packages. http://capital-saratoga.com
Finger Lakes Wine Country Tourism—Dynamic website with up-to-date

information about restaurants, wineries, farmers’ markets, breweries, museums,
shopping, family vacations, and much more. http://fingerlakeswinecountry.com
Historic Hudson River Towns—A consortium of municipalities between

Yonkers and Albany that works to revitalize downtowns, renew waterfronts, and
develop tourism. Website includes travel info. http://hudsonriver.com
New York State Division of Tourism—The official site for tourism in the state
with history, trivia, regional information, travel deals and travel guides, plus an
event listing and preplanned itineraries. http://iloveny.com/
Niagara Tourism and Convention Corporation—Travel information about one of

the state’s most popular tourist regions. Includes transportation options,
shopping and entertainment, attractions, and restaurants. www.niagara-usa.com
Thousand Islands International Tourism Council—Comprehensive website with

visitor information on attractions, things to do including recreational
opportunities, places to dine, and events and festivals.
www.visit1000islands.com
Appendix B: Camping Essentials
While many public campgrounds in New York aren’t far from outfitters, grocers,
or convenience stores, it’s always a good idea to start thinking about your
overnight trip before you’re on the road to the park. This doesn’t mean you need
to try to fit the kitchen sink into your backpack, but it is worth preparing or
going over a checklist of essentials before heading into the woods. It’s also wise
to bear in mind the seasons when packing clothing, footwear, and accessories.
And remember that temperatures can drop steeply after dark, particularly at
higher elevations. Everyone has their own personal preferences, and campers
planning to stay at more remote sites might want to pack lighter, so the
following selection of gear is simply meant to cover common items most people
won’t want to leave home without.
❒ Tent and matching footprint (in good weather, more experienced campers
often prefer to use a rain fly, tarp, or hammock to cut down on weight)
❒ Sleeping bag and pad or air mattress (both of these come in a range of
prices, sizes, and warmth ratings—choose accordingly)
❒ Flashlight and/or headlamp (don’t forget extra batteries)
❒ Basic first-aid kit (be sure to include aspirin, ibuprofen, an antihistamine
for allergies, an antidiarrheal like Pepto or Imodium, bandages in various
sizes, sterile gauze, sanitizing gel, a small knife or scissors, tweezers,
adhesive tape, and hydro-cortisone cream to treat itches and rashes)
❒ Trail maps and a compass or a GPS (especially if your vacation plans
involve hiking, biking, or boating beyond the confines of the campground)
❒ Daypack (a kid carrier might be useful if you’re camping with small
children)
❒ Binoculars and/or a camera for wildlife viewing
❒ Sunglasses, hat with a brim, and sunscreen
❒ Bear spray and insect repellant
❒ Trowel and toilet paper (if using a primitive campsite)
❒ Plenty of drinking water plus a water filter and/or a UV device
❒ A liquid gas or pressurized canister stove (plus extra fuel for longer trips)
❒ Lighter and/or waterproof matches
❒ Hatchet or a small folding saw for firewood
❒ Food (unless you’re going gourmet, choose nonperishable items and dry
goods that can be stretched out over multiple meals, but don’t feel limited
to freeze-dried meals, dehydrated food, powdered liquids, and trail mix)
❒ Cookware and utensils (stackable pots—if you need more than one—
collapsible cups, and sporks all help to minimize clutter in camp)
❒ A waterproof dry sack in addition to one or more stuff sacks to store food
in when preparing a bear bag (pricier bear canisters are also available)
Let the morning sun serve as your alarm clock while camping.
❒ Small knife or multitool for food prep and repairs

❒ Sponge and a small bottle of biodegradable soap
❒ Hard plastic or soft foam cooler for perishables
❒ Pot grabber and a windscreen or heat reflector for the stove
❒ Extra trash bags and several smaller resealable plastic bags
❒ Small toiletry kit (don’t tempt pests: always remember to store these items
in a locked car or hanging bear bag overnight)
❒ Lightweight or quick-drying towel for each camper
❒ Games to play in camp (Frisbee, playing cards, a boomerang, kite, soccer
ball, volleyball, water toys, etc.)
❒ Biking, fishing, canoeing, or kayaking equipment
❒ Dog food and pet toys if Fido will be joining the trip
❒ Extras (cutting board, corkscrew, camp sink, French press, folding chairs
and/or table, lanterns, screenhouse, books/cookbooks, ice, lantern)
Appendix C: The Camper’s Library
Camping can be as simple as pitching a tent and unrolling a sleeping bag, but
with experience, there’s room to expand on basic skills and learn more about
how to make the most of an overnight trip to one of New York’s many scenic
wilderness areas or parks. Before taking that next step, however, do a bit of
research to ensure the success of your outing. Overall, campers tend to be a
friendly sort, and will often gladly offer tips on first aid, gear, cooking, and
more. Authors and publishers that specialize in outdoor recreation are another
great source of information for people who want to increase their camping
knowledge. Below, a relatively brief list of titles to consider adding to your
home library.
Auerbach, Paul S. Medicine for the Outdoors: The Essential Guide to

Emergency Medical Procedures and First Aid, 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA:
Mosby Books, 2009.
Bills, Jay, and Shirley Bills . Dehydrating Food: A Beginner’s Guide. New
York, NY: Sky-horse Publishing, 2010.
Conners, Tim, and Christine Conners. Lipsmackin’ Car Campin’: Easy and
Delicious Recipes for Campground Cooking. Guilford, CT: FalconGuides,
2013.
Dyson, Katherine Delavan. Explorer’s Guide Finger Lakes: A Great
Destination, 4th ed. Woodstock, VT: Countryman Press, 2011.
Forgey, William. Wilderness Medicine: Beyond First Aid, 6th ed. Guilford, CT:
FalconGuides, 2012.
Hayes, John, and Alex Wilson. Quiet Water New York, 2nd ed. Boston, MA:
Appalachian Mountain Club Books, 2007.
Jacobson, Cli?. Camping’s Top Secrets, 25th Anniversary Edition: A Lexicon of
Expert Camping Tips. Guilford, CT: FalconGuides, 2013.
———. Canoeing & Camping Beyond the Basics, 30th ed. Guilford, CT:
FalconGuides, 2007.
Kavanagh, James. New York State Trees & Wildflowers: An Introduction to
Familiar Species. Phoenix, AZ: Waterford Press, 2005.
———. New York State Wildlife: An Introduction to Familiar Species. Phoenix,
AZ: Waterford Press, 2005.
Kick, Peter. Discover the Adirondacks: AMC’s Guide to the Best Hiking, Biking,
and Paddling . Boston, MA: Appalachian Mountain Club Books, 2012.
March, Laurie Ann . Fork in the Trail: Mouthwatering Meals and Tempting
Treats for the Backcountry. Birmingham, AL: Wilderness Press, 2007.
Michaels, Joanne. Explorer’s Guide Hudson Valley & Catskill Mountains:
Includes Saratoga Springs & Albany, 7th ed. Woodstock, VT: Countryman
Press, 2009.
Olsson, Helen. The Down and Dirty Guide to Camping with Kids: How to Plan
Memorable Family Adventures and Connect Kids to Nature. Boston, MA:
Roost Books, 2012.
Ostertag, Rhonda, and George Ostertag. Hiking New York: A Guide to the
State’s Best Hiking Adventures, 3rd ed. Guilford, CT: FalconGuides, 2009.
Sibley, David Allen . The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America.
New York, NY: Knopf, 2003.
Skurka, Andrew. The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide: Tools and Techniques to Hit
the Trail. Washington, DC: National Geographic, 2012.
St. Clair, Lucas, and Yemaya Maurer. AMC Guide to Winter Hiking and
Camping. Boston, MA: Appalachian Mountain Club Books, 2008.
Stoltie, Annie. Explorer’s Guide Adirondacks: A Great Destination: Including
Saratoga Springs, 7th ed. Woodstock, VT: Countryman Press, 2012.
Waterman, Laura, and Guy Waterman. Backwoods Ethics: A Guide to Low-
Impact Camping and Hiking, 2nd ed. Woodstock, VT: Countryman Press,
1993.
Rockier campgrounds like Lake Taghkanic often have elevated tent platforms.
About the Author
Ben Keene contributes to a wide range of publications including Travel +
Leisure Southeast Asia, WorldHum.com, the Village Voice, DestinAsian,
ShermansTravel.com, Rails to Trails, and the San Francisco Chronicle. His
articles on craft beer have appeared in DRAFT,Beer Connoisseur, All About
Beer,TheNew York Times Guide to Essential Knowledge, and The Oxford
Companion to Beer. He authored Best Hikes Near New York City and blogs
about beer and travel at whereandback.blogspot.com.
These days, when not hunched over a laptop in an airport or a hotel room,
Keene is often leading trips as a licensed guide for Discover Outdoors in New
York. He is a member of the American Hiking Society and the North American
Guild of Beer Writers.

Camping New York - A Comprehensive Guide To Public Tent and RV Campgrounds (PDFDrive)

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Camping New York - A Comprehensive Guide To Public Tent and RV Campgrounds (PDFDrive)

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

A Comprehensive Guide to Public Tent and RV

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this book may be reproduced or

FalconGuides is an imprint of Globe Pequot Press

Interior photos by Ben Keene, except as otherwise credited.

Project editor: Julie Marsh

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Keene, Ben.

Hudson Valley and the Catskills

The Capital Region and Central New York

Thousand Islands and Lake Ontario

The Finger Lakes

Chautauqua-Allegany and Greater Niagara

Appendix A: Online Resources

Help Us Keep This Guide Up to Date

Globe Pequot Press

Or you may e-mail us at:

Thanks for your input, and happy camping!

Location. This is the name of a town or a major city near the

Season. Some campgrounds are open year-round, while most of those in

Sites. This information provides the number of campsites available and

Maximum RV length. This information will help RV campers decide

Facilities. This describes the facilities and amenities provided, including

Management. The authority managing the campground is identified

Finding the campground. Detailed instructions are furnished for driving

About the campground. This information differentiates this particular

Respecting the Environment

Campsites at Fire Island National Seashore receive little, if any shade.

Max. RV Length: All RV lengths are in feet.

1 Hither Hills State Park

Location: Near Montauk, about 122 miles east of Manhattan

2 Cedar Point County Park

Location: 6 miles north of East Hampton or approximately the same distance

Sites: 190 tent and trailer sites

Location: 6 miles east of Riverhead

Location: 2 miles east of Riverhead

Location: North of Wading River, approximately 73 miles east of Manhattan

6 Smith Point County Park

Location: 5 miles south of Shirley, on the eastern end of Fire Island

7 Cathedral Pines County Park

Location: Roughly 13 miles northeast of Ronkonkoma

The playground at Cathedral Pines County Park

GPS coordinates: N40 52.143' / W72 56.562'

8 Fire Island National Seashore: Watch Hill

Location: Roughly 60 miles east of Manhattan

9 Gateway National Recreation Area: Floyd Bennett

Location: Brooklyn, about 6 miles east of Coney Island

10 Gateway National Recreation Area: Fort

Location: Staten Island, approximately 3 miles south of St. George

Max. RV Length: All RV lengths are in feet.

11 Taconic State Park: Rudd Pond

12 Taconic State Park: Copake Falls Area

Location: 21 miles southeast of Hudson, on the Massachusetts state line

13 Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park

Location: Approximately 10 miles northeast of Katonah

14 Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

Location: Roughly 5 miles east of Katonah

15 Wilcox Memorial Park

Location: About 11 miles east of Rhinebeck

16 Lake Taghkanic State Park

Location: Approximately 17 miles northeast of Red Hook

17 Fahnestock State Park

Location: Roughly 35 miles north of White Plains

18 Mills-Norrie State Park