Hiking Campgrounds in New York
Discover the best hiking campgrounds across New York. Experience the best of both worlds with camping that puts you right at the heart of incredible hiking opportunities. Direct trail access and stunning mountain vistas.
Hiking Campgrounds in Other States
Featured Campgrounds
Handpicked destinations that define the region
Trailheads launch directly from camp into the vast Pharaoh Lake Wilderness, where the 12-mile Swing Trail winds past pristine waters like Grizzle Ocean and Alder Pond.
Nineteen waterfalls thunder down a dramatic 400-foot canyon as you climb 800 steps through carved gorge passages and behind misty cascades. The legendary Gorge Trail delivers jaw-dropping rock formations at every turn, with rim trails offering sweeping views for those who prefer dry footing.
Trails wind directly from your campsite into towering Adirondack pines, eliminating any drive time before your boots hit the dirt. The nearby Otter Hollow Loop and Floodwood Loop offer everything from leisurely forest strolls to challenging terrain, all framed by pristine wilderness views.
About Hiking Campgrounds in New York
Hiking camping in New York offers an extraordinary diversity of wilderness experiences, from the rugged peaks of the Adirondacks to the dramatic gorges of the Finger Lakes and the rolling hills of the Hudson Valley. The Empire State's landscape encompasses over 6 million acres of protected parkland, creating an unparalleled network of trails that range from gentle lakeside strolls to challenging mountain ascents with panoramic summit views.
Best Time
The prime hiking camping season in New York runs from late May through mid-October, with each season offering distinct advantages for trail enthusiasts. Late spring (May-June) brings wildflower blooms, rushing waterfalls fed by snowmelt, and fewer crowds, though trails may still have muddy sections and lingering snow at higher elevations.
Activity Highlights
- Direct trail access
- Mountain and forest settings
- Backpacking base camps
- Scenic wilderness views
Campground Locations
Showing top 20 campgrounds near Hiking Campgrounds in New York
Plan Your Trips
Popular Activities
Tips & Recommendations
- 1Reserve campsites well in advance for popular hiking destinations, especially Adirondack campgrounds, which often fill 9 months ahead for summer weekends through the state reservation system.
- 2Bring detailed trail maps and a compass or GPS device, as cell service is unreliable in wilderness areas and trail markers can be sparse on remote routes.
- 3Pack layers for rapidly changing mountain weather—Adirondack summits can be 20-30 degrees cooler than base elevations, and afternoon thunderstorms develop quickly in summer.
- 4Waterproof hiking boots are essential, as many trails feature stream crossings, muddy sections, and wet rock surfaces, particularly on gorge trails like Watkins Glen.
Hiking Campgrounds in New York FAQ
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