🏕️ Top 5 Campsites to Visit in Upstate New York (That You’ll Never Want to Leave)

Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just looking to escape the city for a weekend, Upstate New York offers some of the best camping experiences in the Northeast. From towering peaks in the Adirondacks to serene lakeside retreats in the Finger Lakes, here are five unforgettable campsites that combine natural beauty, history, and adventure.

🌲 1. Adirondack Loj & Heart Lake Campground

📍 Location: Lake Placid, Adirondack Mountains

Tucked beneath the towering peaks of the Adirondacks, this legendary site is run by the Adirondack Mountain Club and sits at the trailhead of Mount Marcy, New York’s highest peak. Whether you're setting off for a multi-day High Peaks trek or just want a quiet evening under the stars by Heart Lake, this spot delivers wilderness with a touch of community.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Stunning mountain views and mirror-like Heart Lake

• Direct access to dozens of hiking trails

• Lean-tos, canvas tents, and classic tent sites

🔗 Learn more

🏞️ 2. North-South Lake Campground

📍 Location: Catskill Forest Preserve

Imagine waking up to views that once inspired artists like Thomas Cole. This is the largest and most beloved campground in the Catskills, offering breathtaking hikes, waterfall access, and some of the best photo ops in Upstate New York.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Close to Kaaterskill Falls, Artist’s Rock, and Sunset Rock

• Two serene lakes for kayaking or swimming

• Ideal for families and beginner hikers

🔗 Explore more

🌊 3. Watkins Glen State Park Campground

📍 Location: Finger Lakes Region

If you’ve never camped beside a gorge carved by glaciers and dripping with waterfalls, now’s the time. Watkins Glen is one of New York’s most iconic parks, and staying overnight means you can explore its dramatic Gorge Trail at sunrise—before the crowds arrive.

Why You’ll Love It:

• 19 waterfalls along a winding stone pathway

• Easy access to Seneca Lake wine country

• Perfect for photography and short day hikes

🔗 Start planning

🛶 4. Keuka Lake State Park

📍 Location: Penn Yan, Finger Lakes

Lakeside serenity meets wine country charm at this peaceful campground on the shores of Keuka Lake. Whether you’re boating, hiking, or relaxing with a glass of Riesling, this park offers a balanced blend of outdoor activity and Finger Lakes leisure.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Beautiful swimming beach and boat launch

• Proximity to local wineries and farm markets

• Spacious campsites surrounded by woodlands

🔗 See details

🍃 5. Cherry Plain State Park

📍 Location: Rensselaer County (near Albany)

Looking to disconnect and find some true peace and quiet? Cherry Plain might be Upstate’s best-kept secret. With just a handful of campsites and miles of woodland trails, this spot is ideal for those seeking solitude, serenity, and starry skies.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Less crowded, more peaceful

• Small, tranquil lake for kayaking and fishing

• Great birdwatching and forest hiking

🔗 Plan your visit

🧭 Final Thoughts

Camping in Upstate New York is more than a weekend getaway—it’s a chance to reconnect with nature, breathe mountain air, and rediscover quiet. Whether you're chasing waterfalls, hiking through the pines, or sipping wine lakeside, these five campgrounds offer a little something for everyone.

Pro Tip: Book early for summer weekends—they fill up fast!

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