Family Camping at Adirondack loj Wilderness Campground

Beginner's Guide to Camping in New York State

Slumber under twinkling night skies, share a s’more around the campfire, and make memories that last a lifetime on a camping trip in New York State! Ever thought of embarking on a camping adventure but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered! From choosing the perfect campground to packing the right gear, here’s everything you need to know about camping in the Empire State.

Pick the perfect campground

From star-flecked nights in the Adirondacks and Catskills, to sunrises on the sandy shores of the St. Lawrence River, no matter where you choose to set up camp, you’re bound to create everlasting memories. Throughout the state, you’ll find a range of private campgrounds through CampNewYork.com as well as public campgrounds through the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). First-timers should take a look at the free Camp NewYork and DEC and Parks camping guides with everything you need to know before you go. You may also want to consider campgrounds that feature conveniences such as restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and informational booths. Watkins Glen-Corning KOA in the Finger Lakes and Camp Chautauqua in Chautauqua-Allegheny are great family-friendly options with restrooms, Wi-Fi, lake access, pools, waterslides, and more. Shelter along the shores at Southwick Beach State Park in the Thousand Islands or Mongaup Pond Campground in the Catskills, featuring restrooms, hot showers, waterfront access, and more.

Accessible Campgrounds

A variety of accessible adventures are available for visitors of all abilities in New York State! Accessible features at DEC facilities are designed or have been renovated to be consistent with the U.S. Access Board Accessibility Guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Architectural Barriers Act (ABA). Accessible campgrounds range from the Kenneth L. Wilson Campground with panoramic views of the Catskills to the historic Lake George Battleground Campground, offering accessible picnic tables, fireplaces/rings, boat launches, fishing platforms, trails, viewing areas, and more. For a full list of campgrounds, amenities, and photos of accessible features, visit DEC’s accessible campgrounds page.

How to book a campsite

Now that you’ve decided on a campground, it’s time to reserve a site! If you’re planning on settling into a New York State Parks or DEC-managed public campground, site reservations are required (no walk-ins) and available to book up to 9 months prior to day of arrival (until 3pm at Parks facilities and 5pm at DEC facilities). All public campgrounds can be reserved through newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com or 800-456-CAMP (2267). Visit the camp reservation guide for more information on how to book. Independently-owned campgrounds on Camp NewYork can be reserved through their individual websites.

Choose your accommodation

Tent, RV, cabin, cottage, or luxurious glamping accommodation? No matter what you choose, there’s a shelter for every kind of camper. A good set-up should keep you safe and be simple to use. Tents are great options for beginners because of how portable, adaptable, and affordable they are, but be sure to consider weather and group abilities. Certain outfitters such as Basecamp Brooklyn also offer tent rentals, perfect for first-timers. Similar to tents, RVs offer a lot of flexibility, but without the need to assemble. See if an RV is right for you with a rental from RV Shares, offering travel trailers, fifth wheels, and motorhome RVs. Cabins and cottages are perfect for those still wanting to experience New York’s great outdoors without sacrificing modern comforts such as electricity, tables, chairs, beds, a stove, and refrigerator. Rentals can be found at public and private campgrounds in all corners of the state; be sure to reserve in advance, as they tend to book quickly. Take your camping experience to the next level and go glamping! Glampsites such as Ithaca Firelight Camps, Boheme Retreats, or Huttopia Adirondacks feature plush beds, luxe tents, and more.

Pack the right gear

Set yourself up for success! Ensure that your camping adventure is amazing with the proper gear and supplies. Take a look at the DEC’s “What to Bring” video and NYS Parks’ camping checklist for a complete list of supplies. Here are just some of the items you should consider packing:

Shelter/Equipment: Tent with rainfly, extra tent stakes, hammer, ground cover/tarp, camp chairs, sleeping bag, pillows, air mattress and pump, sheets/blankets, flash light, batteries
Cooking/Dining: Drinking water, coolers/ice, camp stove, matches/lighter, tablecloth, plates/bowls, utensils, mugs/cups, pots/pans, can opener, coffee, trash bags, paper towels, sponge, spices/seasonings, aluminum foil, Ziploc bags.
First Aid: First aid kit, sunscreen, insect repellent, tick repellent, medication, portable fire extinguisher
Personal items: Clothes (especially layers), extra shoes, toiletries, washcloths, towels, soap, shampoo, shower shoes, etc.

Camping Safety

The most important part of your camping adventure is staying safe. Before arriving, be sure to visit the Parks, DEC, or individual campground websites for a full list of rules and regulations. Here are just a few rules that you should become familiar with:

Prevent tick bites. Ticks are most active in spring, summer, and fall and can be found in cooler areas with trees, brush, leaf litter, and tall grasses. Using tick repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, or IR3535, wearing light-colored clothes, tying up hair, and other tips help prevent ticks and lyme disease.
Don’t move firewood. Moving untreated firewood is one of the main ways invasive pests and diseases spread and harm new areas. It is illegal to import untreated firewood into New York State from any other state or country, and New York-grown firewood may not be transported more than 50 miles from its origin location. Buy your firewood on-site or follow these firewood transportation rules if you plan on burning.
Follow fire safety rules. Humans play a role in causing most wildfires. Be sure to check the fire danger map before starting a fire and follow these safety tips when burning outdoors.
Love Our New York Lands. The Empire State is home to breathtaking natural beauty. Make sure New York stays beautiful for generations by visiting responsibly, planning ahead, and practicing Leave No Trace principles.

Tips and Tricks

Still looking for some pointers before you go? Check out the DEC’s #adventureathome series with all kinds of how-to and demo videos for beginner campers. Plus, here are some more tips and tricks to get you started:

Test out new gear at home. Before you get out there, it’s a good idea to practice pitching your tent, testing flashlights and lanterns, and seeing if sleeping bags and other gear are comfortable.
Plan out your meals. Save time and space while camping and prepare any food you can at home. Check out this video for everything you need in order to cook while camping.
Download the NY State Parks Explorer App. Unlock park/trail maps, discover must-see locations, reserve campsites, and more. Free for iOS and Android devices.
Pack with the environment in mind. Be a good steward in protecting New York State! Check out this environmentally-friendly camping checklist.

Programs and rewards

Make the most out of your trip! Each summer, the DEC provides free first-time camper weekends for New York residents. If you’ve never camped before, this is a great opportunity to try it out before purchasing any gear. Plus, you’ll receive a camping 101 lesson from an expert and have the opportunity to learn how to fish, hike, paddle, and more. Locations range from the dazzling North South Lake Campground in the Catskills to the shores of Lake Champlain at Ausable Point Campground. The sweepstakes usually open mid-June and participants are chosen at random. Whether you’re a camping pro or just pitching your first tent, get rewarded for camping with the New York State Parks loyalty program! Enroll in the program and earn 10 points for every dollar you spend on overnight accommodations at all New York State Parks Campgrounds. Photo credit: @firelightcamps on Instagram.

Plan your next camping adventure with our blogs 12 Camping Trips to Take in New York This Summer, Best Glamping in New York State, and Spring and Summer Camping Trips in New York State to Plan Now.

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