Hey there, fellow adventure seekers and happy campers! If you’re on the lookout for the ultimate family-friendly camping experience in the picturesque state of New York, you’ve landed in the right spot. We know that finding the perfect campground for your family getaway can be a bit like searching for hidden treasure, but fear not, because we’ve done the digging for you. In this blog post, we’re thrilled to unveil our carefully curated list of the top seven family-friendly campgrounds in New York state, each offering a blend of natural beauty, exciting activities, and, of course, that special touch of charm that makes camping with your loved ones an unforgettable memory. So grab your marshmallow roasting sticks, dust off your trusty hiking boots, and get ready for a camping adventure that will have your family saying, “Remember that time in New York?”
As parents ourselves, we know what’s important for a successful family camping trip.
CLEAN BATHROOMS – so important for tent campers who rely on clean, well-maintained bathrooms and showers! Even if you have a bathroom with your RV, its essential to have nice bathrooms when you are out and about exploring the parks.
KIDS’ AREAS & ACTIVITIES. While it isn’t essential to have organized activities for children, they are nice to have as an option. In addition – playgrounds and kid-friendly hiking trails are a must. (Camping with a preschooler? Start here)
CAMPSITE PRIVACY. No one wants to drive a couple hours from home with all their camping gear to just be crammed into a campsite practically on top of their neighbors! We know we aren’t exactly back-packing into the wilderness, but bonus points for those campsites who have a measure of privacy so you can at least pretend you are miles away from society.
With these criteria in mind, here is our suggested list of best campgrounds for families — sorted geographically NORTH to SOUTH.
- Lake Placid/Whiteface Mtn. KOA Holiday in Wilmington, NY
- Old Forge Camping Resort in Old Forge, NY
- Lake George Escape Campground in Lake George, NY
- Lake George Camping Village in Lake George, NY
- Moose Hillock Camping Resorts in Fort Ann, NY
- Watkins Glen State Park Six Nations Camping Area in Watkins Glen, NY
- Hither Hills State Park Campsite in Montauk, NY
Not sure where to start when setting up a good campsite? Check this guide out.
Lake Placid/Whiteface Mtn. KOA Holiday
Reservations: 800-562-0368
5591 NYS Route 86
Willimgton, NY 12997
If you are looking to escape the city and head north, the Adirondack Mountains are calling – and the KOA at Lake Placid/Whiteface is the right destination for family fun. The campground is located near the Ausable River and there are big RV sites, tent sites, and even cabins to rent. Kids will enjoy exploring the fishing, beach access, hiking, and boating. RV and Tent sites are a bit dusty (lots of loose dirt/gravel) so don’t forget to bring a RV camping mat to keep the mess out of your sleeping quarters.
| Facilities | Wi-Fi Fishing Camp Store River Access Playground Game Room KampK9® Gem Mining Bike, Canoe, Kayak Rentals ($) Trail Access Propane ($) Firewood ($) Pets on leash are OK Golf carts can only be driven by persons with valid drivers license |
RV/Tent/Trailer Sites
Cancellation Policy: 48 hours or more ahead of check in date during non holidays or special events and you will be charged $10 fee with balance of deposit refunded.
| Tent Sites: | 22 |
| Site features: | Check-In: 1:00 pm Check-Out: 11:00 am Rustic – no hookups |
| RV/Camper Campsites: | 36 |
| Site features: | Check-In: 1:00 pm Check-Out: 11:00 am RV sites accommodate rigs up to 45’ Most sites with full hook ups, some with only water/electric 50 Max Amp |
Cabins
Cancellation Policy: 7 days or more ahead of check in date during non holidays or special events and you will be charged $10 fee with balance of deposit refunded.
| Cozy Cabins: | 16 |
| Site features | Check-In: 3:00 pm Check-Out: 11:00 am Layouts include 1, 2, & 3 bedrooms Small refrigerator Table top fan Campfire ring |
| Deluxe Cabins: | 12 |
| Site features | Check-In: 3:00 pm Check-Out: 11:00 am Small refrigerator Table top fan Campfire ring Kitchen Bathroom Temperature Control |
Old Forge, NY 13420
315-369-6011
If you are looking for a large, resort-type campground that has activities and amenities for everyone you should check out Old Forge Camping Resort. Before we mention all the recreation options, we have to talk about the big draw for families with kids: Enchanted Forest Water Safari and Calypso’s Cove. While not technically part of Old Forge Camping, both are located right next to the resort, you can get discounted tickets and there is a free shuttle bus to and from the fun parks. We’ll let you research the park yourself – but trust us, if its in season (summer weather) – you will be a hero if you book tickets.
The campground is busy, but efficiently run spread over 130 wooded acres. Campsites are large and flat (many RV sites have gravel, but lots have just dirt – bring a RV patio mat). Lake Serene offers swimming, fishing, and boating. There are game courts, playgrounds, tons of bikeable roads – basically kids can have the run of the place – meeting new friends, exploring, and having a blast. You could easily book an entire week at the campground and not run out of fun stuff to do together as a family building memories and having the best family camping vacation.
| Facilities | 7 heated restroom & shower facilities 4 laundry facilities 2 dump stations Gasoline & propane Camp security with night patrol Wi-Fi Winter cozy family lounge Camp store (camping supplies, souvenirs, groceries) Café Shuttle bus to/from Enchanted Water Safari (in season) Arcade Boat rental (in season) Direct snowmobile trail access Fishing (small mouth bass & Blue Gill) – no license necessary Bait for sale Nature trails & pet trails 2 playgrounds Snowshoe loop Volleyball, basketball, horseshoe courts |
RV/Tent/Trailer Sites
| Tent Sites: | 400 sites for tents/RV/Campers |
| Site features: | Wooded sites Picnic table Fire ring Near heated restrooms and shower facilities |
| RV/Camper Sites: | 400 sites for tents/RV/Campers |
| Site features: | Water/Electric sites Pull-thru water/electric sites Full hookup sites Lake front hookup sites Picnic table Fire ring AC and electric heaters are NOT permitted |
Cabins & Cottages
| Cabins: | 132 |
| Site features: | Sleep 4 (1 room, double bed + set of bunk beds) Overhead light Electrical outlets Heater Small bench Small table Near heated restrooms/showers |
| Cottages: | 60 |
| Site features: | Sleep 6 (2 room, double bed + set of bunk beds in each room) Kitchenette w/microwave, propane stove top, small refrigerator, sink Dining table & 6 chairs Bathroom w/shower Porch swing Charcoal grill Picnic table Fire ring |
Got kids? Looking for a resort that offers FUN + CAMPING? Lake George Escape Campground is the full deal. With 175 wooded acres with lush meadows situated next to Adirondack Park, the campground is a nature paradise. Added to the mix are tons of activities that are fun for the whole family as well as being in close proximity to local attractions like Six Flags Great Escape & Hurricane Harbor, Lake George Steamboats, Bolton Landing and Lake George Village. At the campground you’ll find coordinated children’s programs, two heated pools, all kinds of sports courts with organized games (daily dodge ball – get ready for it!), boats for rent, nightly entertainment including live music and DJs, a huge dog park, fishing, playgrounds, bouncy houses, and more. Even your teenagers will put away their phones and join in the fun!
| Facilities | Game courts: ping pong, basketball, tennis, horseshoes, volleyball, shuffleboard, pickleball Laundry facilities 2 heated pools Fishing Mini golf Boat rentals Playgrounds Billiards/Game room Bike trails Library Clubhouse Restroom/Shower facilities Dog Park Ballroom/Banquet Hall General Store Activities Center with coordinator Childrens programs Bingo Wagon rides 19’ Waterslide Free Shuttle to Lake George Pedal Carts Crafts |
RV/Tent/Trailer Sites
| Tent Sites: | undetermined |
| Site features: | No hookups Water available nearby |
| RV/Camper Sites FULL HOOK UP: | 226 |
| Site features: | 50, 30, 20 Amp Water Electric Sewer Cable |
| RV/Camper Sites PART HOOK UP: | 224 |
| Site features: | 50, 30, 20 Amp Water Electric Cable |
Cabins
| Cabins: | 55 |
| Site features: | Variety of sizes of cabins with different amenities Some cabins are pet friendly |
Heated pools (open Memorial Day to Labor Day) are perfect for hot summer days. Kids can find playgrounds, a game room, basketball and volleyball courts, and miles of nature trails. In the evening there are outdoor movies for the whole family and enhanced Wi-Fi throughout the camp.
Nearby you can check out the Wild West Ranch and Western Town or explore Fort Ticonderoga.
| Facilities | Clean Restrooms Showers Coin laundry facilities Camp Store Dump Station Heated pools (seasonal) Outdoor movies Game Room Playground Badminton & Shuffleboard |
RV/Tent/Trailer Sites
| Rustic Tent Sites: | 16 |
| Site features: | Many sites are sandy – bring outdoor mats/rugs to keep dirt at bay Rustic campsites (no hookups) Water located nearby Restrooms located nearby |
| Water/Electric Tent Sites: | 8 |
| Site features: | Many sites are sandy – bring outdoor mats/rugs to keep dirt at bay Individual water faucet Electric (20/30) outlets Restrooms located nearby |
| RV/Camper Sites: | 133 |
| Site features: | Many sites are sandy – bring a patio mat Variety of hookup sites – check when you make reservations. Mostly shaded sites Some pull-thru sites Picnic table |
| Facilities | Tropical Swimming Pool – heated 2 outdoor movie theater Café Entertainment pavilion Hiking & Biking trails Arcade Playground Volleyball & basketball court Horseshoes Extra large campsites Golf cart rentals Cabana rentals Book a birthday party with “Bruce the Moose” Wi-Fi |
RV/Trailer Sites
| RV/Camper Sites: | 323 |
| Site features: | Level sites with privacy Full Hookup – water, sewer, cable TV, 20-3—50 amp electric Can handle any size camper Natural stone fireplace 8 ft picnic table |
Cabins
| Deluxe Cabins: | 8 |
| Site features: | 2 bedrooms Full bath Sleeps 8 Flat screen TV Dining room table Kitchen (stovetop, microwave, sink, full size refridgerator/freezer) Cable TV Heat & AC Picnic table Fireplace Charcoal Grill No Pets (except service animals which must be registered) |
| Cabin Suite: | 6 |
| Site features: | 1 room Sleeps 5 Heat & AC Full bathroom Flat screen TV Cable TV Full size refrigerator Patio kitchen (charcoal grill, stove top burners, sink, microwave) Picnic table Fireplace Charcoal Grill No Pets (except service animals which must be registered) |
Watkins Glen State Park Six Nations Camping Area
1009 N Franklin St
Watkins Glen, NY
607-535-4511
Located in the heart of Finger Lakes region in Western New York, Watkins Glen is a picturesque camping spot with access to the incredible Gorge Trail and 11 mile Finger Lakes Trail. Along these trails are 19 different waterfalls to explore. Follow the glen’s stream as it descends 400 feet past 200 foot cliffs. The trail winds its way over and under waterfalls while rim trails overlook the gorge. If you visit in the summer, you can schedule tours through the gorge and enjoy excellent fishing in nearby Seneca Lake or Catherine Creek.
| Facilities | Olympic size swimming pool Kiddie pool 19 Waterfalls Pavilions & shelter rentals Playgrounds Gift shop Hiking Hunting Playing fields Showers Restrooms & Hot shower facilities Dump station Firewood for sale Interpretive programs Baseball/softball fields |
Tent/RV/Trailer Sites
| Tent/RV/Camper Sites: | 305 |
| Site features: | Restrooms & Hot showers nearby
|
Cabins
| Rustic Cabins: | 9 |
| Site features: | Campfire ring Picnic table Sleeps 6 Full shade No tents allowed on cabin sites No electric or running water 3 night minimum |
164 Old Montauk Highway
Montauk, NY
631- 668-2554
For those families looking for a beach camping trip, check out Hither Hills State Park. All of the tent sites are right next to the sandy beach (make sure you read this quick guide on beach camping) next to the Atlantic Ocean. When the kids aren’t playing in the sand at the beach, they can enjoy the playgrounds, hiking trails and fishing nearby. During the summer there is an organized recreation program for children including a Childrens’ theater, magic shows, and environmental interpretation programs.
| Facilities | Biking Equestrian trails Fishing Hiking Hunting Playgrounds Showers Stand-up paddle boarding Swimming beach |
Tent/RV/Trailer Sites
| Tent/RV/Camper Sites: | 176 |
| Site features: | Restrooms & Hot showers nearby Many sites have direct beach access
|
