Camping is one of the most rewarding experiences you can enjoy outside, and between the scary stories and scrumptious s’mores over the campfire, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll have a great time. Here’s the Empire State’s 5 most popular campgrounds, based on rankings from TripleBlaze (and also considering reviews on Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor).
5. Lewey Lake by Lake Pleasant
Mwanner at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
If you’re looking to get away from it at all, a trip to this secluded, woodsy spot is just what you need. During your stay, you can go for a refreshing swim at the beach or partake in plenty of other activities around the central area of Adirondack Park. The location offers plenty of campsites, a picnic area with tables and fireplaces, restrooms with a separate building for showers and much more!
4. Cranberry Lake Campground
Mwanner, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Not far from Adirondack Park you’ll discover Cranberry Lake Campground – another cozy, secluded area featuring 173 campsites as well as hot showers, flush toilets, a dump station, boat launch, and many other amenities! Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate its stunning lakes and incredible wilderness that go on for miles.
3. Paradise Bay Park by Findley Lake
Whether you’re ready to set up tent or can’t wait to head out in the RV, you’ll be completely comfortable at this family campground that offers sites with fully stocked kitchens as well as fire rings, picnic tables, water, electric, and 30 or 50-amp hookups. They also have a heated pool, mini golf options, boat rentals, and free hayrides your kids will love at the camp store on Saturday nights.
2. Watkins Glen State Park
Between the cliffs and breathtaking cascading waterfalls, a camping trip out to this place is unforgettable. Not only do tourists come from all over to explore this park, but local residents visit often because hiking around the gorge is a solid workout. There’s also great fishing nearby at Seneca Lake or Catherine Creek, which is notorious for its annual spring run of rainbow trout.
1. Letchworth State Park, Castile
Renowned as the “Grand Canyon of the East”, it’s nearly impossible to not take a million photos of the scenic view surrounding your campsite here. They have 270 electric sites and also winterized cabins for the perfect getaway in the upcoming frigid months. You can find this site about 35 miles southwest of Rochester, covering 14,350 acres of land along the beautiful Genesee River. Some of the nearby attractions include swimming pools, areas for fishing, hiking trails, hot air ballooning, whitewater rafting and even canoeing!
