15 Spots You Can Go Free Camping in New York

Who says camping in New York needs to cost an arm and a leg? So many things in the Big Apple may be expensive, but that doesn’t mean you need to shell out big bucks to enjoy a nice tent camping trip.

In fact, free camping in New York can be found all over the state and has sites perfect for nature lovers and budget-minded travelers alike.

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Best Places for Free Camping in Western New York

Little Rock City Camp Area:

• Popular for hiking and nature enthusiasts
• Features mountain bike trails, remnants of old Seneca CCC camp, and enormous boulders with tunnels and caves
• Offers several free campsites across the 2,905-acre property for camping, hiking, and picnicking with family and friends.

Ossian State Forest:

• Location: Livingston County
• Features: 1,303-acre protected forest with timber, diverse wildlife habitats, and clear water formations
• Ideal for nature lovers, offering opportunities to see black-throated blue warblers, brook trout, black bears, and more.

North Harmony State Forest:

• Location: Southwest of Chautauqua George State Forest County
• Spans 2,561 acres with lush forests and various wildlife
• Activities: cross-country skiing, hiking, hunting, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and camping
• Explore on foot, bike, or horseback.

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Best Places for Free Camping in Central New York

Rockwood State Forest:

• Highlights: Situated near Rockwood village on an 856-acre property with access to Rockwood Lake; offers trails, old logging roads, and wildlife; ideal for hiking, fishing, hunting, and horseback riding.

Moose River/Old Forge/Woodhull State Forest:

• Location: Spanning 3500 acres of land; offers 100 secluded backcountry camping sites; accessible by driving or hiking.

Stoney Pond State Forest Camping Area:

• Features: 44-acre man-made pond serving as a wildlife habitat; ideal for wildlife viewing, hiking, and enjoying the scenery.

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Best Places for Free Camping in Northern New York

Watkins Glen State Park:

• Offers breathtaking views and free camping
• Features beautiful waterfalls and amenities like electricity, hot showers, and bathrooms

Cherry Plain State Park:

• Nestled in Taconic Valley, a 175-acre park with nature trails and secluded campsites
• Ideal for disconnecting from the modern world and enjoying mountain views

Saranac Lake Islands:

• Perfect for boating enthusiasts with primitive campsites
• Offers fishing for rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass, as well as hiking trails

Letchworth State Park:

• Dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the East,” featuring steep gorges and waterfalls
• Offers camping in the gorge or on the lakeshore with picturesque views

Wellesley Island State Park:

• Largest camping complex in the Thousand Islands region with over 400 free campsites
• Secluded sites reachable by foot or boat, with a sandy beach for sunbathing and swimming

The North-South Lake:

• Spans 1,100 acres with swimming beaches and picnic areas
• Ideal for boating, sunbathing, and fishing, with amenities like showers and grills

Kenneth L. Wilson Campground:

• Features 76 tent and trailer campsites surrounded by mountains
• Offers canoe and rowboat rentals for fishing, with hiking trails accessible only by foot for a backcountry experience

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Best Places For Free Camping In Eastern New York.

Hearthstone Point Campground:

• Located on Lake George in a beautiful cove
• Offers hiking trails and primitive camping with amenities like electricity, showers, picnic tables, and grills

Schodack Island State Park:

• Features camping spots and a river
• Ideal for spending quality time with friends and family, with hiking trails and Bird Conservation Areas for bird watching