With summer just around the corner, it is the perfect time to go camping, especially in and around Upstate NY. One of the best things about camping is that you can get away without breaking the bank, and if you can find free campsites, then your outdoorsy vacation just got a lot cheaper. As an added bonus, the less money you spend on lodgings, the more you can spend on adventuring. With that in mind, knowing where you can camp out for free this summer is a must. So to ensure your travel plans run as smoothly as possible, here are eight free and fun campsites in Upstate New York to check out before they're all booked up.
8 New York State Forests
Like most State Forests in New York, campers can enjoy primitive camping at no cost. Of course, no-cost sites offer far fewer amenities than those with a base rate, but with all the things to see and do in these superb locations, you probably won't even notice what you're missing. Upstate options to consider include Letchworth State Park, Devil's Hole State Park, Allegany State Park, and Taughannock Falls State Park.
Location: Over 800,000 acres throughout the state of NY.
Contact: (518) 402-9428.
Campsite Amenities: Include over a dozen free campsites, lakes, ponds, nature trails, and more.
Nearby Attractions: NY State Parks typically offer an abundance of outdoorsy fun, including horseback riding, fishing, hiking, and winter sports like snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, or snow-shoe hiking.
7 Sugar Hill Fire Tower
Located just outside Watkins Glen, New York, Sugar Hill Fire Tower is a free campsite available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Location: 3361 Tower Hill Rd, Watkins Glen, NY 14891.
Contact: (518) 408-5850.
Nearby Attractions: These are ample, with a Six Nations Trail System and the 75-foot-tall Sugar Hill Fire Tower—to name a few.
Campsite Amenities: Include a nine-acre open field, fire rings, a picnic area with tables, and accessible horse-mounting platform, a pavilion, available horse stalls, and during summer months, a restroom with potable water.
6 Finger Lakes National Forest
In picturesque Finger Lakes, you will find ample campgrounds, many of them for free. Nestled between Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake, Finger Lakes National Forest is the ideal spot to camp out. With 16,000+ acres, you can enjoy the backcountry for a few nights with ease, at little to no cost, and never run out of things to see and do here.
Location: Burdett, NY 14818.
Contact: (802) 747-670.
Campsite Amenities: A gorgeous setting to pitch a tent, established shelter or lean-to for your use, nearby walking/hiking trails, and more.
Nearby Attractions: Finger Lakes, Buttermilk Falls State Park, Keuka Outlet Trail & Seneca Mills Falls, horseback riding, and much more.
5 Thomas Farm, Hounsfield
A unique take on camping, this privately-owned farm offers guests onsite activities, plus sites for your RV, which can be any length.
Location: 17553 County Route 75 Sackets Harbor NY; Hounsfield, New York.
Contact: (315) 646-3527.
Campsite Amenities: An onsite farm with low-cost activities that are fun for the whole family, and owner-maintained grounds, you can extend your stay for a small donation if you so choose.
Nearby Attractions: Include Sackets Harbor Battlefield, Westcott Beach State Park, BOB rafting, Yellow Barn Winery, and New York State Zoo at Thompson Park.
4 North-South Lake Campground
A popular destination in Catskill Forest Preserve, North-South Lake offers campers absolutely stunning scenic views. Here you can enjoy some free time under the stars and take in the amazing surrounding countryside. Preserve guests can also entertain themselves with volleyball, horseshoes, fishing, etc.
Location: County Route 18, Haines Falls, NY 12436.
Contact: (518) 589-5058.
Campsite Amenities: Include multiple beaches and lakes, up to seven camping loops, 200+ tent and trailer sites, picnic areas with tables, charcoal grills, a playground, flush toilets, plus hot showers. North-South also has a playing field, trailer dump station, recycling center, solar cell phone charging station, and ADA fishing platform. While camping, take advantage of the endless activities and rentable water toys, including rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats.
Nearby Attractions: Vary but include Alligator Rock, Kaaterskill Falls, and the former site of the Catskill Mountain House.
3 Moose River Plains Camping Corridor
This particular Upstate campground is a part of the Adirondack Forest Preserve and the Moose River Plains Wild Forest. Moose River Plains Camping Corridor is brimming with wildlife, over a dozen nature trails, several lakes ideal for water sports, winter sports grounds, and then some.
Location: Inlet, NY 13360.
Contact: (518) 897-1200.
Campsite Amenities: Campers can enjoy a lush forested recreation area with ample outdoor activities, numerous hiking trails, lakes, ponds, plus free camping sites.
Nearby Attractions: Include the Limekiln Lake-Cedar River Road, the Wakely Dam Gate, and the Rocky Mountains.
2 East Otto State Forest Campground
Located near East Otto, outdoor lovers will find 14 amazing designated sites here that are spacious and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. It is worth noting this particular free site has no outhouse facilities. Also, if you have plans to camp out for more than three nights or with a group of ten or larger, a permit from a forest ranger is required.
Location: Kiedeman Forest Road, East Otto, NY 14729.
Contact: (716) 372-0645.
Campsite Amenities: Include numbered sites, primitive fire rings, hunting grounds, state forest access, plus outdoor sport rentals and gear.
Nearby Attractions: Are aplenty. But, make sure you check out the 2.6-mile out-and-back trail near Cattaraugus first and foremost.
1 Chapel Pond, Keene Valley
Nestled away in the Adirondack Forest Preserve, Chapel Pond is truly a great spot to set up camp. Surrounded by predominately lush mountain country, this beautiful campsite is ideal for those looking to reconnect with nature and relax for free.
Location: Route 73, Keene Valley, NY.
Contact: (518) 523-2445.
Campsite Amenities: Include beautiful streams and waterways, privacy, fire rings, open spaces for fun activities, pet-friendly grounds, and spacious camping sites.
Nearby Attractions: Giant Washbowl, Giant's Nubble, a one-of-a-kind mountain range, Roaring Brook Falls, and High Peaks Wilderness Keep.