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New York · camping guide

Camping in New York

893 places to camp in New York: 14 national forest and federal campgrounds, 9 state park campgrounds, 257 free dispersed and primitive spots, 613 private campgrounds and RV parks. The best camping months are May–Sep, judged from 30 years of weather at a typical camp: comfortable days, mild nights, little rain. In July expect highs near 78°F and lows near 57°F.

Photo: Pexels
893places to camp
286free or dispersed
May–Sepbest months
88%with cell signal at camp

Best areas to camp

  1. Around Long Lake213 camps in the area within 25 miles
  2. Around Warrensburg121 camps in the area within 25 miles
  3. Around Speculator94 camps in the area within 25 miles
  4. Around Woodstock66 camps in the area within 25 miles
  5. Around Bliss47 camps in the area within 25 miles

Questions

When is the best time to camp in New York?

The best camping months are May–Sep, judged from 30 years of weather at a typical camp: comfortable days, mild nights, little rain. In July expect highs near 78°F and lows near 57°F.

Is there free camping in New York?

Yes: 286 free or dispersed spots, mostly on national forest and BLM land.

Will I have cell signal camping in New York?

At about 88% of camps, at least one carrier has 4G or better (FCC coverage maps, which tend to be generous). Plan for no signal on trails.

Where are the darkest skies for camping in New York?

271 camps sit under the darkest skies (class 1–2). See the stargazing page.

See all 893 on the map

Filter by camp type, amenities and activities, fly over any camp in 3D, then plan your trip.

Open New York in Find camps

This week's picks

A different handful each week. Tap a camp to see it from above, check the weather and plan the drive.

  • East Sidney Dam Recreation AreaFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal

    This recreation area is part of [East Sidney Lake](http://www.recreation.gov/recreationalAreaDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&recAreaId=186&agencyCode=130)

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  • Red House Horse CampState park · First come, first served · Cell signal

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  • Goldenrod CampgroundFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal

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  • Tamarack CampgroundFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal

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  • Camp Gateway - Staten IslandFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signal

    This campground boasts a spectacular view of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the longest vehicle suspension span in the United States. When it opened in 1964, it was the longest span in the…

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  • Otter Creek Horse CampingOther / private · First come, first served · Cell signal

    Primitive camping, no electric. No reservations, self registration. Large parking, picnic pavilion, 100 roofed tie stalls, two stud stalls, water for horses by all stalls. Bathroom with…

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  • Kimmie BivouacDispersed / primitive · Free · Cell signal

    Former lean-to location with fire ring, table, outhouse, and a stream nearby.

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  • Wildwood State Park CampgroundState park · First come, first served · Cell signal

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Free camping in New York

286 spots cost nothing: dispersed sites on national forest and BLM land and free campgrounds. Most have no water or toilets, and stays are usually limited to 14 days.

  • Moscow Hill Assembly AreaDispersed / primitive · Free · Cell signal

    Primitive campsites. Camping at designated sites only, except in the Moscow Hill Assembly where there is room for RVs and trailers. Picnic tables and fire pits. Cherry Ridge has potable…

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  • State Route 244 Horse CampDispersed / primitive · Free · Cell signal

    Offers 1 camp site with fire ring and picnic table, covered tie stalls. Self-contained campers can be used in parking lot as well. Accessible year-round by vehicle.

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  • Ebeneezer's Crossing Primitive Tent SiteDispersed / primitive · Free · Cell signal

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  • Canary Pond tentsiteDispersed / primitive · Free · No cell signal

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See all free camping on the map