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.

Best Places for Free Camping in Western New York
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Best Places for Free Camping in Central New York
- 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.
Best Places for Free Camping in Northern New York
- Offers breathtaking views and free camping
- Features beautiful waterfalls and amenities like electricity, hot showers, and bathrooms
- 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
- Perfect for boating enthusiasts with primitive campsites
- Offers fishing for rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass, as well as hiking trails
- Dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the East,” featuring steep gorges and waterfalls
- Offers camping in the gorge or on the lakeshore with picturesque views
- 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
- Spans 1,100 acres with swimming beaches and picnic areas
- Ideal for boating, sunbathing, and fishing, with amenities like showers and grills
- 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
Best Places For Free Camping In Eastern New York.
- Located on Lake George in a beautiful cove
- Offers hiking trails and primitive camping with amenities like electricity, showers, picnic tables, and grills
- 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
Wrapping Up The Best Free Camping in New York
There are plenty of spots for free camping in New York for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you want a secluded, quiet night alone in the woods or you enjoy the communal experience of shared campgrounds, you can easily find what you’re looking for.
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