New York State,
is mostly known for busy bodies, crazy traffic, being the birth place of five of our US presidents, its bright lights, and its tall buildings but nature rarely comes to mind. However, it absolutely should! According to a recent study done in Januarary of 2023 Buffalo has the 14th most trees per square mile and Albany follows closely in the 24th slot. Keep in mind that is for the entirety of the United States.
Bar the trees and the bustling New York lifestyle, the state has plenty of parks with beautiful sights and experiences that would be hard to find practically anywhere else. From the vast mountain ranges and beautiful greenery, to the boundless amounts of open water, all of it is so captivating, and worth experiencing. So, allow me to introduce you to 10 of our most must see state parks, perfect for breath taking camping and perfect for anyone looking to keep their summer fun!
1. WATKINS GLEN STATE PARK
1009 N Franklin St Watkins Glen, NY 14891, (607) 535-4511, https://parks.ny.gov/parks/watkinsglen/maps.aspx
Known for its natural beauty, Watkins Glen State Park has a hanful of waterfalls and gorges that are stunning for anyone. An almost two mile hike will take you past 19 waterfalls and up over 800 stone steps. There are a number of small trails leading off of the Gorge Trail, giving way to a number of other outdoor activities close by the main trail. There are tent and trailer camp sites, swimming pools, picnic areas and guided tours of the local topography.
2. LAKE GEORGE RV PARK
74 NY-149, Lake George, NY 12845, (518) 792-3775, https://www.lakegeorgervpark.com/
Lake George RV park is massive RV park near Lake George, NY with seemingly an endless amount of activities to do. From trolley rides, hiking, and biking to live events and fishings there is something for everyone to have fun and the fun never ends!
3. LAKE PLACID / WHITEFACE MTN. KOA HOLIDAY
5591 NYS Route 86, Wilmington NY 12997, 800-562-0368, https://koa.com/campgrounds/lake-placid/
Enjoy the Adirondack Mountain country side’s glorious mountains, lakes, and streams. The Lake Placid and Whiteface region of the Adirondacks is one of the oldest vacation destinations in the country, and camping gives you plenty of opportunities to take in the big views, big scenery and big history this area is known for.
4. LETCHWORTH STATE PARK
1 Letchworth State Park Castile, NY 14427, (585) 493-3600, https://parks.ny.gov/parks/letchworth
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The “Grand Canyon of the East,” is one of the most scenically magnificent areas in the eastern U.S. The Genesee River roars through the gorge over three major waterfalls between cliffs–as high as 600 feet in some places–surrounded by lush forests. Hikers can choose among 66 miles of hiking trails. Trails are also available for horseback riding, biking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. Letchworth offers nature, history and performing arts programs, guided walks, tours, a summer lecture series, whitewater rafting, kayaking, a pool for swimming and hot air ballooning. Experiencing Letchworth by hot air balloon is unforgettable.
5. Branches of Niagara
2659 Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island, NY 14072, (716) 773-7600, https://branchesofniagara.com/
Branches is conveniently located between Niagara Falls and Buffalo, NY offering you one of the ultimate camping experiences! Offering various activities such as zip lining, swimming, boating and much more to keep everyone engaged. They offer lodging, log cabin rentals, yurts, spacious RV sites and tent campsites to accomdate any and all campers!
6. Medina/Wildwood Lake KOA
2711 County Line Road, Medina, NY 14103, 585-735-3310, https://koa.com/campgrounds/medina/
The13-acre lake is great for non-motorized activities such as swimming, fishing, canoeing and kayaking. You’ll alo get a kick out of the heated pools, whinery and the famous jumping pillow! Leave boredom behind with fun activities for all ages, such as fire truck rides, firefighter appreciation, chocolate weekend, great outdoors weekend and a Halloween party. Enjoy pedal-bike rentals, golf cart rentals, the basketball court and horseshoes.
7. Jellystone Park at Birchwood Acres
85 Martinfeld Rd, Greenfield Park, NY 12435, (888) 726-7804, https://www.sunoutdoors.com/new-york/jellystone-park-birchwood-acres
Nestled in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, Jellystone Park provides an environment that is sure to create lasting memories for the whole family. Enjoy the Pools, splashgrounds, water slides, jumping pillows, wagon rides, mini-golf, lakes, beaches, boating, and more. All campers are welcome aswell with luxury cabins, the convenience of an RV site, the tradition of tent camping, or the novelty of a yurt!
8. Hidden Valley Camping Area
299 Kiantone Rd, Jamestown, NY 14701, (716) 569-5433, https://chqjellystone.com/
Hidden Valley Campground has large campsites with water, electric, cable TV at each site and pull-thru sites for RVs. The park also has Park Models available for rent that sleep 6 and feature a kitchen with refrigerator, stove, microwave, coffee pot, cable TV and full bathroom with toilet, sink and shower and an 8′ covered porch, and fire pit with grill grates for cooking. Enjoy some nearby loctons with the renowned Chautauqua Institution as well as the National Comedy Center, located just 8 miles away!
9. Wildwood State Park
790 Hulse Landing Road, Wading River, NY 11792, (631) 929-4314, https://parks.ny.gov/parks/wildwood/details.aspx
Wildwood State Park is comprised of 600 acres of undeveloped hardwood forest overlooking the Long Island Sound. Trailer and tent sites are available along side the newly added cottages, gving you diversity in the way you want to camp. Swimmers can take advantage of the cool waters of the Sound, and picnickers can relax at shaded picnic tables as their children enjoy the nearby playground. Visitors can fish and use the hiking and cross-country ski trails.
10. Sleepy Hollow Campground
13800 Siehl Rd, Akron, NY 14001, (716) 542-4336, https://sleepyhollowcamp.com/
Sleepy Hollow Lake Campground offers something for everyone! Whether you’re into sports, live music, relaxation, or a fun packed friendly atmosphere, they’ve got it! Campfires can be seen glowing radiantly around the campground. Telling campfire stories and eating smores are sure favorites of all ages. Their campground is one of New York’s most family friendly and scenic areas around town.
