NEWSLETTER
Camper-voted awards name Poland, NY campground Best Overall Small Campground and Best Water Recreation for the second consecutive year
Poland, N.Y. - West Canada Creek Campground has once again been named one of New York State's top camping destinations, winning Best Overall Small Campground and Best Water Recreation in the 2026 Best of Camp New York Awards.
The wins mark the second consecutive year that West Canada Creek Campground has earned both honors, making it the only campground to successfully defend two Best of Camp New York titles in the awards program's first two years.
Presented by Camp New York and the Campground Owners of New York (CONY), the Best of Camp New York Awards are determined by campers themselves. More than 10,000 votes were cast in the 2026 competition, recognizing campgrounds across the state for the experiences they provide to New York's camping and RV community.
For owners lmrana Mouna and Jason Mouna, the repeat recognition carries particular meaning.
"Winning both awards last year was something we never expected, and we were incredibly proud," said Mouna. "But having campers choose us again, in both categories, means even more. It tells us that what they experienced wasn't just one great season. They came back, they made more memories with us, and they took the time to vote for us again. That is an incredible honor."
West Canada Creek Campground, located along its namesake creek in Poland, New York, first captured Best Overall Campground (125 Sites or Less) and Best Water Recreation when Camp New York launched the awards program in 2025. The inaugural competition drew thousands of nominations and votes from campers across the state.
In 2026, the campground successfully defended both titles.
The Best Water Recreation award recognizes a feature at the heart of the campground experience: West Canada Creek itself. Guests tube the creek, fish its waters and spend summer days along its banks, while many campsites offer direct access or views of the water.
But Mouna says the Best Overall Campground award may be the recognition that means the most to the team because it reflects the complete guest experience.
"We know we aren't the biggest campground, and we don't want to be," Mouna said. "What matters to us is creating a place where people genuinely enjoy being together - where families make traditions, kids spend their summers outside, and guests leave already talking about coming back. This award belongs just as much to our staff, our work campers and the camping community that has supported us."
WEST CANADA CREEK CAMPGROUND Poland, New York
The back-to-back wins follow another season of continued investment at the independently owned campground. In recent years, West Canada Creek Campground has expanded guest experiences while retaining the relaxed, community-oriented atmosphere that has long defined the property.
And despite earning the same two statewide honors two years running, the owners say standing still isn't part of the plan.
"Every season we look at what we can do better," Mouna said. "Some improvements are things guests immediately see, and others happen quietly behind the scenes. Winning again doesn't make us feel like we've a►rived. It makes us want to work even harder to be worthy of the people who voted for us."
The 2026 Best of Camp New York Awards were presented during CONY's annual conference in Lake George in September. Camp New York represents privately owned campgrounds throughout New York State and connects travelers with camping and outdoor recreation experiences across the state.
For West Canada Creek Campground, however, the owners say the significance of the awards comes back to the people who cast the votes.
"There are so many wonderful campgrounds in New York," Mouna said. "To have campers choose our little campground on the creek - twice, for two awards, two years in a row - is something we will never take for granted."
About West Canada Creek Campground
West Canada Creek Campground is an independently owned campground located in Poland, New York, at the foothills of the Adirondacks. Set along West Canada Creek, the campground offers RV and tent camping, cabins, creekside recreation, tubing, fishing, a heated swimming pool, family activities and seasonal camping. In both 2025 and 2026, campers voted West Canada Creek Campground Best Overall Small Campground and Best Water Recreation in the Best of Camp New York Awards.