Discover the best private sites lakeside campgrounds in New York

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New York

98% (922 reviews)

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12 top lakeside campgrounds in New York

99%

(74)

Adirondack Adventure Base

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres · Paul Smiths, NY

Overlook Lean-To, Treehouse, primitive campsites, and so much more! This is glamping at its finest. Our property was originally used as a seasonal hunting/fishing camp in the 1920's. Sheila and Bob bought it in the early 80s and have turned it into an amazing compound built for their family. They blinked their eyes and their children are gone, so this beautiful 50 acre diverse property and its private trail system are meant to be shared. Nestled in a mature, private pine forest, this well cared for property boasts abundant wildlife and a network of walking, skiing and mountain biking trails which take you past wetlands, cliffs and a variety of forest types. They have all kinds of lodging options from a beautiful vacation cabin they rent, to an Adk lean-to, to a Treehouse, and primitive campsites. You'll find a little bit for everyone at Adirondack Adventure Base.

Brook Hollow Homestead

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents115 acres · East Meredith, NY

Enjoy rustic camping on our 115 acres of upstate NY forest. We are just a short drive to Cooperstown, the Baseball Hall of Fame and the summer baseball camps as well as the other museums that it has to offer. Howe Caverns in Cobleskill is also about 30 minutes away as well. The property consists of a mixture of upland hardwoods (mainly Oak, Maple and Cherry) with scattered stands of Red Pine, White Spruce, Hemlock and two open fields/pastures. There are also the occasional conifers scattered about just to keep things interesting. The majority of the property is gently sloping from the South up towards the North. The is also a nice ridge on the NE corner of the property to aid in topographic diversity. One of the fields is a seven acre hay field and the other is a five acre food plot planted in clover, chicory and other grasses. This field has also been recently planted with Apples, Pear, American Plum, Red Osier Dogwood, Persimmon, Red Mulberry, Chinese Chestnut, and Hazelnuts. These are all young at this time but will start to provide diversity and wildlife interest in the coming years. Wildlife abounds here at the homestead. Whitetail Deer and Eastern Wild Turkey are very common to see. We also have a variety of small animals as well such as Red and Grey Squirrels, Raccoons, Porcupine, Opossum, Fisher etc. For the birders, we have Barred and Great Horned Owls and Red Tailed Hawks. It is also not uncommon to see Bald Eagles soaring over the fields looking for their next meal. All of the property is easily accessible via our extensive trail system. There is also another 187 acres that borders our land that also has trails that would allow hiking. We have detailed maps so that getting lost would be the least of your worries. Attractions Near Us: Hanford Mills Museum - 3 Minutes SUNY Oneonta, Hartwick College, & SUNY Delhi - 20 Minutes Cooperstown (Baseball Hall of Fame & Museums) - 40 Minutes SUNY Cobleskill - 44 Minutes Howe Caverns - 50 Minutes

Towner's Country Paradise

4 sites · Lodging, Tents500 acres · Addison, NY

Towner's Country Paradise started out as a wild forest and pasture for cows in the 1940's, owned by Llewellyn Towner. In the 1960s, Llewellyn's love for aviation led him to construct a small airstrip and hangar, and then his son Terry began to plant Christmas Trees (no more cows) and clear much of the land. By the early 1970's our main and largest pond was built and since that time our fully functional cabin, several more fish ponds, roads, trails, running water and generated electricity have been added. Christmas Trees are still grown and harvested by Terry's son Scott Towner. Green rolling hills, deep valleys, a waterfall, ponds stocked with fish, a fully functional cabin, herds of deer, flocks of turkey and Canada Geese, & well-maintained roads and trails here in Addison NY. It's so private that even most of the people who live in our small town don't know we're here! CHECK OUR REVIEWS!OPTION to camp/hike in the woods for a more wild experience. NEARBY: restaurants including Chinese, Subway, pizza/wings, & several excellent diners offering take out or eat-in. ALSO: Dollar General, Wal-Mart (15 min away), Dunkin Donuts (5 min away), & gas stations.Your jaw will *drop* when you see Towner's Country Paradise for the first time!

Adirondack Rustic Retreat

2 sites · Lodging240 acres · North Creek, NY

As far as we know, this land has been occupied since shortly after the civil war. It is actually two farms, combined into one around 1900. The main farmhouse was built out of the logs they cleared in 1879, and there are old foundations of the other original farm houses/barns as well. All over the property (now woods) there are piles of stones that the original inhabitants pulled from the fields. The second farm house was built in 1901. Most of the total 240 acres were cleared pasture land at that time. During the twenties and thirties the property was owned by an industrious couple from the City that lovingly turned it into more of a "rustic retreat"; damming a pond, planting ornamentals and upgrading the buildings. There have been many owners over the years, but we are proud to say it has been with us the longest. Our family bought it in 1961 and we have been trying to be good stewards ever since. Come and visit our little patch of wilderness!

The Domes At Catskills

5 sites · Lodging22 acres · Swan Lake, NY

Welcome to The Domes at Catskills, where adventure meets luxury in the heart of the Catskill Mountains! Our lakefront glamping experience offers a unique blend of natural beauty and modern comforts, providing guests with the best of both worlds. Nestled in a serene forest environment on the shores of a pristine lake, our geodesic domes provide the perfect retreat for adults (16 and older) looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Just 90 minutes from NYC (GWB), you'll find yourself surrounded by nature's splendor, yet still within easy reach of the city. Experience the joys of camping without sacrificing the amenities of a 5-star hotel. Relax in your cozy dome, complete with comfortable furnishings and panoramic views of the forest. Step outside to explore the hiking trails, take a dip in the lake or simply unwind by the campfire under a starlit sky. At The Domes at Catskills, we invite you to disconnect from the stresses of modern life and reconnect with nature in a truly unforgettable setting. Come experience the magic of glamping in the Catskills!

Revive Your Spirit at Lagom Langing

3 sites · Lodging, Tents60 acres · Dansville, NY

Get away from it all on 60 acres of quiet space! You have two options--bring your own tent and camping gear and rough it, or stay in our hand-built cabin with all you need for a couple of nights of pure R&R! Experience zero light pollution at this off the grid cabin or in one of our camping spots. Although the cabin is not hooked up to electric or water, it is equipped with kitchen cabinets, pots and pans and dishes and silverware, drinking and cleaning/cooking water, a pullout bed with sheets and blankets (2 people), 2 couches, a dining room table and four chairs, a porch glider, an outhouse, a camp stove, books, a few rechargeable lights (but good to bring your own), kindling and firewood, and is insulated with a stove for winter stays. A fire pit and benches await your nighttime enjoyment of the solitude and stars. We encourage you to walk and experience a true "backwoods" experience, but we will drive you down in our Utility Vehicle if needed. A ping pong table is available in the barn/workshop if people would like to play. We also have pollinator and vegetable gardens and chickens, and we produce maple syrup in the spring. If guests are interested in workshops on carpentry, food preservation, foraging, gardening, bread baking, and kombucha-brewing, they should let us know a WEEK in ADVANCE. We also offer spiritual direction and Enneagram typing and exploration. This experience can be as solitary as a guest would like, or guests can also experience the gift of connecting with others in community.

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Red House Ranch Camp

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents200 acres · Van Etten, NY

We have three camp sites on a 200-acre parcel of secluded, rural farm land. We are a working pasture based farm where you can see how grass fed beef, pork, chicken, and eggs are produced. There's nothing quite like fresh eggs and bacon after waking up to the sunrise over a fog-filled valley! When you arrive we will provide a complimentary carton of pastured raised eggs and you are welcome to visit our web site (redhouseranch . net) or store to order meats for your stay and/or to take with you upon your departure. We have a wide variety of grass fed beef, pasture raised pork, snack sticks for long hikes, and dog bones and smoked treats for your furry friends. Many of our items are well suited for campfire cooking. Keep in mind that all our products are frozen so be sure to plan for time to thaw. If you're not sure what that involves - we're here to help. We are a working farm but, much of our property is not grazed or farmed. You are welcome to explore the entire area while also getting a glimpse of sustainable, pasture-based, farming methods. Learn more about us and the history of the farm at our website. As you roam the hills and forests you'll eventually bump into some of our animals. Please do not enter the animal enclosures or touch any of the electrified fence lines. If you really want to pet a piggie or hold a chicken - just reach out to Ike or Dave and we will gladly arrange this for you. Red House Ranch is also the perfect spot for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers. During your stay you may encounter eagles, blue herons, coyotes, turtles, wild turkeys, foxes, the endangered bobolink bird (its unique call sounds a bit like R2D2), deer, great horned owls, and many unique plants. It's not uncommon to hear the coyotes howling at night. In addition to hiking trails with incredible views, there are four ponds on the property easily accessible with mown paths. One is very large with a dock and suitable for swimming, paddling, fishing, or just relaxing but the water. The other three are smaller and are now primarily wildlife habitat. easily accessible with mown paths If you're feeling adventurous, there is a more strenuous hike down into the creek bed where you can find miniature versions of the gorges and waterfalls that our region is known for. We are happy to provide maps and guidance or leave you to your own devices. When skies are clear our area has very little light pollution and excellent star visibility. It's a great place to view the night sky during a meteor shower. We hope you enjoy your stay as much as we enjoy living in the beautiful Southern Tier/Finger Lakes area!

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Gatherwild Ranch

13 sites · Lodging, Tents15 acres · Germantown, NY

Welcome to Gatherwild Ranch, featured in The New York Times and home to 8 beautiful and unique accommodations spread out on the rolling hills of a former apple orchard in the heart of the Hudson Valley in Upstate NY. We provide a luxurious farmstead experience, and offer a place to comfortably reconnect with nature. Enjoy the privacy of your site or meet meaningful community in the common areas. Explore the bustling nearby upstate town of Germantown, Hudson and Rhinebeck, drop in a swimming hole, cool off in our sprinklers, enjoy our beautiful bathhouse amenities, pet a goat and collect duck eggs for your breakfast, and stargaze by your private fire at night. The experience of a lifetime is at your fingertips.

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HipSites @ Fulkerson Winery

2 sites · RVs, Tents65 acres · Dundee, NY

Primitive site with no services, but a great view of Seneca Lake and the Vineyards of Fulkerson Winery. Adjacent to hole 17 of the Back Forty Disc Golf Course. Campers must have their own toilet (NO ACCESS AVAILABLE.) Site is on active farm, campers must leave room for tractor/vehicle access. Hiking trails and disc golf on site.

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Lil' Bit of Country

9 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Victor, NY

If you ever experienced, as a kid, going to the country to visit grandparents - this is an adventure just like that with dirt (mud puddles and all) driveway (approx. 1000 ft. long). This is a private property of 10 acres of lightly wooded, sloping areas with a pond and a private residence of 2300 sq. ft. which have guest rooms available as a BnB - Book rooms on Booking.com or AirBnB. It is NOT a manicured estate but rather land with mowed rustic trails with a old pond with water critters, bullfrogs, fishes, water spiders, tiny snails. There is an occasional Blue Herring, Wood Ducks and Canadian Geese that stop by as well as other wildlife.

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Rock Farm Ranch

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents35 acres · Callahan, CA

In Beautiful Scott Valley, a hidden destination loved by stargazers. campers, hikers, bikers, hunters, fishers, nature lovers, rock climbers, and prospectors. Property straddles Hwy. 3 in between Etna and Callahan. Hwy. 3 is not busy during the day, and evenings traffic drops off to almost nothing. Very rural farming/ranching area. No agricultural, ranching or spraying nearby, though. There's lots of blue-green Serpentine stone here, hence the name "Rock Farm." We are an organic farm so we take care to use non toxic agriculture. Fresh spring water provided, we offer primitive camping and are developing some more luxurious sites. Call me at 541-301-3331 for details, we don't always post right away the improvements we're making. Bathroom available, haul water to flush toilet. Dark nights with no light pollution gives great sky watching. Mountain views in daytime. Very quiet at night, and safe. Near beautiful Kangaroo Lake and Mount Shasta. Quiet and peaceful, pristine. Formerly Munson Mill, which closed in the 70''s. Property is for sale, all or part. Ask Nina for details. Learn more about this land: Private, wooded area available for primitive camping or RV for $25 per night. Improved sites with bathroom , tables; chairs, firepit. We have 35 acres so you can choose the site you like best when you arrive. Mountain Views are amazing. Swimming hole nearby. Right off Highway 3 between Etna and Callahan, California. Or, camp across the street with an old wooden mill building for company. Small wetland nearby brings lots of birds to sing you awake in the morning. Open, level space great for nighttime stargazing. Property has a gate you can close at night. One hour drive to Mt. Shasta or Ashland, Oregon. Groceries, massage, hardware store, laundry, bakery, showers, restaurants in Etna 8 miles away. Farmer's market in Etna Saturday morning. Not far from PCT trailhead outside of Callahan CA. If you need a ride from there, call and we'll pick you up if possible for $20. Firewood available too, $1. a stick. Near Kangaroo lake for fishing, swimming, hiking, boating. Bicycle groups and motorcycle groups going by every summer. We're at 3000 feet elevation, so nights are cool even in the summer. Bright stars; We even have our own UFO. Air fresh and clean. Minimal mosquitos due to dry climate. Fresh Spring water available for free. We call it "RockFarm" because there's lots of Serpentine rock here and you're welcome to collect some. Even pan for gold in the Scott River nearby.

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Hill Top Views

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents25 acres · Delhi, NY

This is the farm where I grew up. We had cows and sometimes a horse or goats and chickens. Learn more about this land: Pick a spot just about anywhere on the 30 acre property sit and read. There is a rail to trail less than 15 miles in one direction and a great boating lake less than 15 miles in the other direction.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Private sites lakeside camping in New York guide

Overview

New York state is made for outdoor adventures, whether you're hiking in the Finger Lakes, glamping amid Hudson Valley vineyards, or backcountry camping in the Adirondacks. Campers can take their pick of 180 New York state parks, 22 national park sites, and a national forest, almost all of which provide RV sites and tent camping—some also have cabin rentals and glamping options. June through August is peak camping season in Upstate New York, and camping reservations are essential through fall, too. November through March is ski season, and many RV parks and cabins stay open year-round.

Where to go

New York City & Long Island

When the temperatures rise in summer, New York campers make a beeline for the sandy shores of Long Island. Beach camping experiences abound on the island, both along the Atlantic Coast and the North Shore. Check into one of the coastal RV parks, camp at one of the many country parks, or head to the beachside campgrounds at Hither Hills State Park or Wildwood State Park.

Hudson Valley & the Catskills

Vineyards and heritage towns dot the banks of the Hudson River, north of NYC, stretching all the way up to the Catskills Mountains. There’s lakeside camping within an hour’s drive of the city at Harriman State Park, kayak-in tent sites at Hudson River Islands State Park, and a popular campground at Bear Mountain State Park. For keen hikers, some of the best camping and glamping is found in the vast Catskill Forest Preserve.

Saratoga & Adirondacks

To escape the crowds and explore the wilderness, continue north into the Adirondacks, where the soaring mountains and wild woodlands stretch across more than 6 million acres. Epic hikes, fall foliage views, and idyllic lakes await campers, whether you prefer a hike-in tent site or a cozy log cabin in the woods. Don’t fancy hiking? Try whitewater rafting along the Ausable River, go canoeing between the three Saranac Lakes, or enjoy boating on Lake George.

Central New York & the Finger Lakes

For tranquil lakeside camping, the Finger Lakes get our vote. Regional highlights include the Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park, the beaches and waterfalls of Buttermilk Falls State Park, and the "Grand Canyon of the East" at Letchworth State Park, but you can also fill your camping trip with wine tasting, farm-to-table restaurants, and lake activities.

Western New York

More than 65,000 acres of mountains, forest, and lakes make up the vast Allegany State Park, where you can choose from four state campgrounds or book one of the many cabins. Further north, there’s beachside camping along the shores of Lake Ontario, while Four Mile Creek State Park is one of three western New York state parks to offer yurt rentals. An added bonus? It’s within a 15-minute drive of Niagara Falls.