Swimming Campgrounds in New York
Discover the best swimming campgrounds across New York. Beat the heat at campgrounds with pristine swimming spots. Lakes, rivers, beaches, and swimming holes just steps from your campsite.
Swimming Campgrounds in Other States
Featured Campgrounds
Handpicked destinations that define the region
A supervised swim beach with lifeguards overlooks crystal-clear Adirondack waters, where families splash safely in designated areas ringed by forest. Young swimmers can join the Junior Naturalist Program between dips, then explore the shoreline nature trail that circles the entire lake.
Natural sand beaches line the shoreline—a rare find in the Adirondacks—with designated swimming areas where crystal-clear waters invite families to splash and float just steps from waterfront campsites.
Swimmers delight in the rare natural sand beach stretching along crystal-clear Raquette Lake, where shallow waters warm quickly for young children and designated swim areas stay protected from boat traffic.
About Swimming Campgrounds in New York
Swimming camping in New York offers an unparalleled blend of pristine mountain lakes, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters across some of the Northeast's most spectacular landscapes. From the legendary Adirondack wilderness to the shores of Lake Ontario and the rolling hills of the Hudson Valley, New York's swimming campgrounds provide refreshing escapes where you can dive into cool waters by day and sleep under the stars by night.
Best Time
The prime swimming camping season in New York runs from late June through early September, with water temperatures reaching their warmest in July and August when most lakes hit comfortable 70-75°F ranges. Early summer (June) offers fewer crowds and blooming wildflowers, though water may still be brisk, particularly in higher-elevation Adirondack lakes.
Activity Highlights
- Lake and river swimming access
- Natural swimming holes
- Beach and waterfront sites
- Family-friendly swimming areas
Campground Locations
Showing top 20 campgrounds near Swimming Campgrounds in New York
Plan Your Trips
Popular Activities
Tips & Recommendations
- 1Reserve popular swimming campgrounds like Nicks Lake, Fish Creek Pond, and Fair Haven Beach well in advance—summer weekends book up 9 months ahead through the New York State Parks reservation system.
- 2Bring water shoes for rocky lake bottoms common in Adirondack locations, and pack reef-safe sunscreen as many pristine lakes are sensitive ecosystems.
- 3A mesh bag for wet swimsuits and towels prevents mildew in humid conditions.
- 4Consider bringing inflatable rafts or pool floats for relaxing on the water, but check individual campground regulations as some restrict certain watercraft.
Swimming Campgrounds in New York FAQ
Popular New York Campgrounds Book Fast
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