New York State Parks: Same Day Reservations For Adventure!

Are you looking for an unforgettable family-friendly outdoor experience this summer?

Look no further than New York’s state parks! With 52 campgrounds available, there are plenty of opportunities to explore and make memories. Plus, you won’t have to wait for your reservation! Thanks to their convenient same day camping reservations system through Reserve America, you can get out on the trails faster than ever before since all state campgrounds will accept reservations same-day.

Just imagine yourself breathing in the fresh air and exploring beautiful wooded areas with your loved ones. Don't just imagine yourself doing it, take advantage of this incredible opportunity to create unforgettable memories with family and friends.

And the best part? You can easily book your camping trip today with the new reservation system. Read or listen along with us as we trek through the details of the parks and how you can make it happen.

Get your free downloadable camping checklist here!

New York State Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

NYS Parks provide the perfect destination for a family vacation. Whether you’re looking to explore the lush Adirondacks, take in scenic views of Catskills, or discover hidden gems in the Finger Lakes region, these parks offer something for everyone.

From hiking and swimming to educational programs and fishing, these parks provide endless opportunities for outdoor recreation as well as cultural activities that highlight the state’s history and culture.

New York State's Adirondack and Catskill parks are home to some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the United States just as an example. With numerous camping options, an abundance of wildlife spotting opportunities, and spectacular views of epic landscapes, there is no better place to go on a family holiday than one of New York's beautiful state parks!

Start Here

New York State Parks are offering new same day reservations for visitors looking to explore the state's vast outdoor playgrounds. With convenient online and call-in reservation systems at Reserve America, you don't have to wait weeks or months in advance to plan your visit. Just meet the reservation window before 3 pm daily to reserve a campsite the same day.

Along with a variety of stunning landscapes, parks offer numerous ranger-led activities including camping trips, guided hikes, fishing excursions, wildlife spotting tours and educational programs that explore the history and culture of each park. Here are a few of the most popular parks to help making a camping reservation.

Letchworth State Park

Letchworth State Park, often called the "Grand Canyon of the East," is located in the western part of the state. The park features a visitor center where you can learn about the park's history and explore its geological features.

Peak season is during the summer months, and there is an admission fee for entry. Tent and RV campsites are available, with amenities such as showers and picnic tables. Activities in the park include hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and hot air balloon rides.

Watkins Glen State Park

Watkins Glen State Park, located in the Finger Lakes region of the state, is known for its stunning waterfalls and scenic gorges. The park has a visitor center where you can learn about the park's geology and history.

Peak season is during the summer months, and there is an admission fee for entry. Tent and RV campsites are available, with amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and showers. Activities in the park include hiking, camping, fishing, and swimming.

Bear Mountain State Park

Bear Mountain State Park, located just a short drive from New York City, offers stunning views of the Hudson River and surrounding mountains. The park has a visitor center where you can learn about the park's history and explore its natural features.

Peak season is during the summer months, and there is an admission fee for entry. Tent and RV campsites are available, with amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, and showers. Activities in the park include hiking, fishing, and boating.

What about bears?

Avoid a Bear Attack While Camping In Bear Country

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Outdoor VerifiedRon Knezek

Niagara Falls State Park

Niagara Falls State Park, located at the western edge of the state, is home to one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of the world. With over 300 acres of lush greenery and scenic vistas, the park offers a visitor center where you'll learn about the history and geology of the falls.

Peak season is during the summer months and there is an admission fee for entry. Tent and RV campsites are available, with amenities such as electrical hookups, showers, and laundry facilities. Activities in the park include hiking, biking, fishing, and of course, taking in the majesty of the falls.

Robert H. Treman State Park

Robert H. Treman State Park, located in the Finger Lakes region of the state, is known for its stunning waterfalls and natural swimming areas. The park has a visitor center where you can learn about the park's history and explore its geological features.

Peak season is during the summer months, and there is an admission fee for entry. Tent and RV campsites are available, with amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and showers. Activities in the park include hiking, camping, fishing, and swimming.

Adirondack Park

Adirondack Park, located in upstate New York, and covering 6 million acres of land, is the largest park in the contiguous United States and offers a wide variety of recreational activities. From scenic hikes through mountain ranges and unspoiled forests to whitewater rafting and fishing on crystal-clear lakes, there is something for everyone in this majestic park.

The park features a visitor center where you can learn about the park's history and explore its natural beauty. Peak season is during the summer months, and there is no admission fee for entry. Tent and RV campsites are available, with amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and showers. Activities in the park include hiking, fishing, and canoeing.

Jones Beach State Park

Jones Beach State Park, located on the south shore of Long Island, offers stunning ocean views and a wide sandy beach. The park features a visitor center where you can learn about the park's history and enjoy the sun and sand.

Peak season is during the summer months, and there is an admission fee for entry. Tent and RV campsites are not available, but there are numerous hotels and motels in the surrounding area. Activities in the park include swimming, fishing, and sunbathing. There are other options at some Brighton camping sites if you like water access.

Long Point State Park

Located in the scenic Finger Lakes region of New York, specifically in Cayuga County. The park boasts several amenities for its visitors, including a well-maintained visitor center, which provides information on the park's history, attractions, and camping rules. The peak season at the park is from May to October, when the weather is warm and conducive to outdoor activities.

There is a daily use fee of $7 per vehicle, while camping fees range from $15 to $35 per night. For those interested in tent camping at Long Point Camp, the park offers 115 tent sites with picnic tables and fire pits. Additionally, 38 RV sites are available with water and electrical hookups, as well as a dumping station. Long Point State Park offers activities for all ages, such as hiking, swimming, fishing, boating, and birdwatching. Whether you are looking for a serene camping spot or a fun-filled day trip, Long Point State Park is an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Minnewaska State Park Preserve

Minnewaska State Park Preserve, located in the Catskill Mountains, offers stunning vistas and scenic hiking trails. The park features a visitor center where you can learn about the park's geology and wildlife.

Peak season is during the summer months, and there is an admission fee for entry. Tent and RV campsites are not available, but there are numerous hotels and motels in the surrounding area. Activities in the park include hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. No need to look for a Michigan campground when so many like this are nearby.

Catskill State Park

Catskill State Park, located just north of New York City, provides an equally stunning landscape featuring cascading waterfalls, historic sites, and rugged rock formations. There are visitor centers located throughout the park, providing information, maps, and exhibits. Peak season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with fees ranging from $6 to $10 per car, depending on the season. Tent camping is available at multiple sites, with amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, and restrooms. There are also several RV camping sites, with full hookups and waterfront views. Activities in Catskill State Park include hiking, fishing, swimming, and birdwatching.

Green Lakes State Park

Green Lakes State Park, located in central New York, is known for its two clear, glacially-formed lakes and scenic hiking trails. The park features a visitor center where you can learn about the park's geology and history.

Peak season is during the summer months, and there is an admission fee for entry. Tent and RV campsites are available, with amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, and showers. Activities in the park include hiking, swimming, and volleyball.

Wellesley Island State Park

Wellesley Island State Park – Situated near the St. Lawrence River, this campground is the largest state park in the Thousand Islands region of New York. It offers a variety of camping options – from tent sites to RV sites, with plenty of amenities like showers, restrooms, and electrical hookups.

NY State Park camping reservations should be made in advance, especially for the summer months because adding same day reservations for this and other locations is very difficult. Fees for entry and campsites vary based on the size and location of the sites. Another river area to investigate would be the Indian River where you can swim in the Indian River Lagoon.

Allegany State Park

Allegany State Park, located in the southwestern part of the state, offers scenic hiking trails and stunning views of the Allegheny Mountains. The park features a visitor center where you can learn about the park's history and geology.

Peak season is during the summer months, and there is an admission fee for entry. Tent and RV campsites are available, with amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, and showers. Activities in the park include hiking, biking, and fishing.

Campgrounds In New York State

Run by DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos, here are ten of the most popular DEC campgrounds (Department of Environmental Conservation) in New York State. A DEC campground is well-known for its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and facilities. Here is a top ten list of some of the most popular New York State Campgrounds.

1. North-South Lake Campground (Catskill Forest Preserve): This campground is the largest of the Catskill Forest Preserve based campgrounds, offering a variety of outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and swimming. It's also close to several iconic Catskill Mountain destinations, including Kaaterskill Falls and Hunter Mountain.
2. Moffitt Beach Campground (Adirondack Park): Situated on the shores of Sacandaga Lake, this campground is popular for its sandy beach, excellent fishing, and access to numerous hiking trails. It also offers canoe, kayak, and rowboat rentals.
3. Fish Creek Pond Campground (Adirondack Park): A favorite among campers due to its spacious waterfront sites, this campground offers excellent fishing, swimming, and boating opportunities. It also connects to the nearby Rollins Pond Campground via a scenic 2.5-mile trail.
4. Lake George Islands Campgrounds (Lake George): Comprised of three island groups, these unique campgrounds can only be accessed by boat. The islands offer a peaceful and secluded camping experience with beautiful views of Lake George.
5. Lewey Lake Campground (Adirondack Park): Located between Lewey and Indian Lakes, this campground is a great destination for fishing, boating, and hiking. The nearby Snowy Mountain offers a challenging hike with rewarding views.
6. Cranberry Lake Campground (Adirondack Park): This serene, wooded campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, swimming, and hiking. The adjacent Cranberry Lake Wild Forest features over 50 miles of trails, including the popular Cranberry Lake 50 Loop.

1. Little Pond Campground (Catskill Forest Preserve): Nestled in the scenic Catskill Mountains, this campground offers fishing, boating, and swimming in Little Pond, as well as access to numerous hiking trails. The site is also known for its well-maintained facilities and friendly staff.
2. Alger Island Campground (Adirondack Park): Accessible only by boat, this small, primitive campground on Fourth Lake is perfect for those seeking a more secluded and peaceful camping experience. With only 15 sites available, it's a quiet escape for boating, fishing, and swimming.
3. Bear Spring Mountain Campground (Catskill Forest Preserve): This family-friendly campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, swimming, and horseback riding. The campgrounds are also home to the Walton Mountain Trail System, which features over 20 miles of multi-use trails.
4. Ausable Point Campground (Adirondack Park): Located near the mouth of the Ausable River, this campground offers stunning views of Lake Champlain and access to a sandy beach. Popular activities include windsurfing, fishing, and birdwatching.

Firewood Regulations in New York

Are you planning a camping trip in beautiful New York State? As you pack for your adventure, don't forget to consider your firewood options. When it comes to firewood regulation, New York State has strict guidelines in place to protect the environment from invasive insects.

First and foremost, it is important to obtain local firewood when possible. This means buying firewood from a vendor within 50 miles of your camping destination. By doing so, you can avoid transporting potentially harmful insects and diseases from one area to another.

If local firewood is not available, heat-treated firewood is a safe alternative. This type of firewood has been heated to a minimum core temperature to kill any pests that may be hiding inside. Look for a label indicating treatment method to ensure you are purchasing the right kind of firewood.

To transport untreated firewood is not allowed in New York State. It is against the law to bring firewood from another state or region into New York. This is because untreated firewood can harbor invasive insects like the emerald ash borer and the Asian Long-Horned beetle, which can cause significant damage to the state's forests.

To comply with firewood regulations, campers must obtain their firewood within 50 miles of their legal address or campsite. If you plan to bring your own firewood, you must have a self-issued certificate stating that your firewood is treated and pest-free.

New York State is also subject to federal quarantines and state and federal quarantines for specific invasive insects. By following firewood regulations, you can help prevent the spread of these pests and preserve the natural beauty of New York's forests.

In summary, for camping in New York State, it is important to obtain local firewood or heat-treated firewood with a label indicating the treatment method. Transporting firewood that is untreated or bringing firewood from another state or region is against the law.

To ensure compliance, campers must obtain firewood within 50 miles of their legal address or campsite and obtain a self-issued certificate if bringing their own firewood. Let's work together to protect our forests and keep New York beautiful!

Final Thoughts

With the New York State Department of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation's new reservations guarantee, it’s now easier than ever for families to take off for a camping trip at the last minute this upcoming season.

Whether you swing by a campground near you to set up a tent or rent an RV, getting outside is one of the best ways for us all to reconnect with nature and bond as a family. We cannot thank the incredible New York State Parks staff members enough for making this possible. You don’t want to miss out on other incredible camping destinations- especially in New York!

Consider subscribing so that you can stay up-to date on upcoming posts about camping in New York State and far beyond. Thank you so much for joining me on this journey! here’s hoping that it's just the beginning of many more amazing camping outings with friends and family.

~ Ron