Winter Camping in New York

Discover the best winter camping across New York. Experience the serene beauty of winter camping. From snow-covered forests to mild desert escapes.

20+ Campgrounds4.6★ AverageBest: December through February

Find New York Campgrounds Set Availability Alert

Winter Camping in Other States

Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Florida Georgia Idaho Louisiana Michigan Montana New Mexico North Carolina Pennsylvania Texas Utah Wyoming

View all Winter Camping nationwide →

Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

Photo coming soon

4.8

(219)

Nicks Lake Campground

Old Forge

Cross-country ski trails glide directly from your campsite into thousands of acres of snow-blanketed Adirondack forest, while nearby Old Forge delivers snowmobiling, ice fishing, and winter festivals.

Fish Creek Pond Campground

SARANAC LAKE

Miles of groomed cross-country ski trails wind through snow-laden Adirondack forests, while the frozen pond transforms into a haven for ice fishing shanties.

Thompsons Lake Campground At Thacher State Park

Albany

Cross-country ski trails wind through snow-draped forests while ice fishers test their luck on the frozen lake, transforming this woodland retreat into a winter playground.

Tents

RVs

About Winter Camping in New York

Winter camping in New York transforms the state's diverse landscapes into a pristine wonderland, offering adventurous campers access to snow-covered Adirondack peaks, frozen lakeshores, and peaceful forest retreats far from summer crowds. The Empire State's winter camping scene centers around the legendary Adirondack Park, where campgrounds like Nicks Lake Campground near Old Forge and Fish Creek Pond Campground near Saranac Lake provide exceptional access to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing opportunities.

Best Time

The prime winter camping season in New York runs from late December through early March, with January and February offering the most reliable snow conditions and the fullest winter experience, though temperatures during these months can be brutally cold with overnight lows frequently reaching minus 10 to minus 30 Fahrenheit in the Adirondacks. Late December and early January provide excellent conditions with holiday break availability, though popular campgrounds near Lake Placid and Old Forge fill quickly during this period and require advance reservations.

Season Highlights

Year-round open campgrounds
Snow and winter activities
Mild climate destinations
Ultimate solitude and peace

More Winter Camping in New York

Discover 17 additional top-rated winter camping in New York

Snow blankets ancient hemlock groves and frozen Lewey Lake transforms into a pristine canvas for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing through untouched Adirondack wilderness.

Cross-country ski trails and snowshoe routes wind through frosted Adirondack forests where Blue Mountain's snow-covered peaks dominate the horizon above frozen Lake Durant.

Snow blankets the Adirondack trails surrounding this peaceful pond, with Lake Placid's Olympic ski jumps and bobsled runs just minutes away for world-class winter sports.

Fair Haven Beach State Park

Fair Haven

Lake Ontario's shoreline transforms into a winter wonderland where snowmobilers, cross-country skiers, and snowshoers traverse trails between frozen beaches and snow-laden bluffs.

Jacques Cartier State Park

Morristown

Cross-country ski trails wind through snow-laden forests while the frozen St. Lawrence River stretches endlessly beyond your campsite, creating a stark white landscape that few winter campers ever experience.

Paradox Lake Campground

Paradox

Frozen Paradox Lake transforms into a winter wonderland where ice fishing shanties dot the solid surface and cross-country skiers glide along snow-covered trails through towering Adirondack pines.

Frozen trails lead directly into Pharaoh Lake Wilderness, where snowshoers and cross-country skiers explore miles of backcountry terrain beneath snow-laden hemlocks.

Verona Beach State Park

Oneida

Oneida Lake's frozen expanse transforms into a winter wonderland where cross-country skiers glide through snow-draped forests and snowmobilers carve paths across pristine trails.

Watkins Glen State Park

Watkins Glen

Frozen waterfalls transform the famous gorge trail into a glittering ice cathedral, where winter hikers navigate snow-dusted stone pathways beneath 200-foot canyon walls.

Tents

RVs

Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Winter Camping in New York

Map of campgrounds near Winter Camping in New York

Explore Interactive Map →

Map Key

Nicks Lake Campground

Fish Creek Pond Campground

Thompsons Lake Campground At Thacher State Park

Lewey Lake

Lake Durant

Buck Pond Campground

Fair Haven Beach State Park

Jacques Cartier State Park

Paradox Lake Campground

Putnam Pond

Verona Beach State Park

Watkins Glen State Park

Point Au Roche State Park

Lake Taghkanic State Park

Evangola State Park

Forked Lake Campground

Thacher State Park

Burnham Point State Park

Buttermilk Falls State Park

Betty And Wilbur Davis State Park

View all 20 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Cross-country skiing on groomed trailsSnowshoeing through winter forestsIce fishing on frozen lakesWinter wildlife tracking and observationSnowmobiling on designated corridorsWinter photography and aurora viewing

Tips & Recommendations

1Reserve winter campsites well in advance for popular Adirondack locations, especially near Old Forge, Saranac Lake, and Lake Placid, as these areas have limited winter-accessible sites that book quickly for weekends and holiday periods.
2Invest in a true four-season tent rated for winter conditions, a sleeping bag rated to at least minus 20 Fahrenheit (go colder than expected temperatures), and a closed-cell foam pad beneath your inflatable sleeping pad to prevent heat loss to frozen ground.
3Bring a reliable winter-rated camping stove, as canister stoves often fail in extreme cold, and pack extra fuel as cold weather dramatically increases consumption rates.
4Layer your clothing using a moisture-wicking base layer, insulating mid-layers of fleece or down, and a waterproof-breathable outer shell, and always pack extra dry socks, gloves, and a warm hat.

20 campgrounds ranked

Based on real camper reviews

Curated for Winter Camping in New York

Winter Camping in New York FAQ

We've ranked 20+ winter campgrounds in New York based on year-round accessibility, winter activities, and weather conditions. Options range from snowy retreats to mild-weather escapes.

Winter camping in New York can be safe with proper preparation. Check campground winter hours, bring appropriate cold-weather gear, and monitor weather forecasts closely.

For winter camping in New York, bring a cold-rated sleeping bag, insulated pad, layered clothing, emergency supplies, and extra food and water. Four-season tents are recommended for cold conditions.

Availability Alerts

Popular New York Campgrounds Book Fast

The best winter camping in New York book up quickly. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.

Checks every 2 min

SMS, email, push

150,000+ campsites

Outdoorithm

Just now

🎉 Site opened up!

Nicks Lake Campground
Your preferred dates

Quick! This site typically books within hours.

Find Your Perfect New York Campground

Create your free account to save favorites, set availability alerts, and get personalized recommendations.

Search 20+ winter camping in New York
Set alerts for hard-to-book sites
Get personalized recommendations for your trip
Compare campground amenities
Check weather forecasts

Create Free Account Browse First

No credit card required. Every feature is free to use.