Free Camping in New York
Discover 14 free and dispersed camping spots
Best Seasons
Summer, Fall
Climate
Continental with cold winters and warm summers
Terrain
Mountains, Forests
Free Spots
14 locations
Camping Spots (14)
Adirondack – Moose River Plains
"Free dispersed camping around Adirondack Park New York. Designated roadside sites along dirt road with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Inlet/Indian Lake. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. 150‑ft rule Arrive early to claim a legal
Adirondack – Perkins Clearing Unit
"Free dispersed camping at Adirondack – Perkins Clearing Unit in New York. Designated roadside sites on timber roads with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Perkins Clearing. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Unit rules apply Arrive early
Finger Lakes NF – Connecticut Hill area
Rolling hills & hardwood. Pullouts along forest roads near Alpine.
Finger Lakes NF – Connecticut Hill area
Rolling hills & hardwood. Pullouts near Alpine forest roads.
Backbone Horse Camp
Backbone Horse Camp is a national forest campground in New York, about 5.0 miles NE of Burdett. It has approximately 11 campsites. Reported amenities include vault toilets. Typical operating season: all year. Notes: horses or not.
Blueberry Patch
Blueberry Patch is a national forest campground in New York, about 5.1 miles NE of Burdett. It has approximately 9 campsites. Reported amenities include vault toilets, laundry. Typical operating season: mid may-late nov. Notes: pick berries.
Floyd Bennett Field - Gateway National Rec Area
Floyd Bennett Field - Gateway National Rec Area is a national park campground in New York, about 5.7 miles SE of Brooklyn. It has approximately 38 campsites. Reported amenities include fishing, drinking water, showers, restrooms. Notes: Brooklyn - has bus service - tents & RVs - showers $10..
Fort Wadsworth - Gateway National Rec Area
Fort Wadsworth - Gateway National Rec Area is a national park campground in New York, about 5.1 miles E of Staten Island. It has approximately 7 campsites. Reported amenities include fishing, drinking water, showers, restrooms. Notes: Staten Island - has bus service - tents only - cold showers.
Beaver Pond - Harriman State Park
Beaver Pond - Harriman State Park is a state park campground in New York, about 4.3 miles W of Stony Point. Reported amenities include dump station, drinking water, showers, restrooms. Typical operating season: early may-late sep.
Bowman Lake State Park
Bowman Lake State Park is a state park campground in New York, about 6.9 miles NW of Oxford. It has about 1712 ft elevation. Reported amenities include dump station, drinking water, showers, restrooms, playground. Typical operating season: mid may-late sep.
Burnham Point State Park
Burnham Point State Park is a state park campground in New York, about 4.2 miles NE of Cape Vincent. Reported amenities include electric hookups, dump station, drinking water, showers, restrooms, playground. Typical operating season: early jun-late aug.
Buttermilk Falls State Park
Buttermilk Falls State Park is a state park campground in New York, about 2.1 miles SW of Ithaca. Reported amenities include drinking water, showers, restrooms, playground. Typical operating season: all year.
Cain Hollow (Quaker Area) - Allegany State Park
Cain Hollow (Quaker Area) - Allegany State Park is a state park campground in New York, about 10.7 miles SW of Salamanca. Reported amenities include electric hookups, dump station, showers, restrooms. Typical operating season: all year.
Cayuga Lake State Park
Cayuga Lake State Park is a state park campground in New York, about 2.4 miles SE of Seneca Falls. Reported amenities include electric hookups, dump station, drinking water, showers, restrooms, playground. Typical operating season: early may-late sep.
Popular Camping Areas
- Adirondack Park
- Catskill Park
- Finger Lakes National Forest
Important Regulations
- Permits required for wilderness areas
- Leave No Trace essential
- Bear safety protocols
Permits: Wilderness areas require permits
Complete Guide to Free Camping in New York
New York provides excellent Adirondack wilderness camping with pristine lakes, mountains, and the largest protected area in the contiguous US.
Best Free Camping Areas in New York
New York offers diverse free camping opportunities across mountains, forests, lakes, wilderness. The most popular areas include Adirondack Park, Catskill Park, Finger Lakes National Forest, each offering unique landscapes and camping experiences.
When to Visit New York for Camping
The best times for free camping in New York are during summer, fall. The state's continental with cold winters and warm summers means weather conditions vary throughout the year, so planning your visit during optimal seasons ensures the best camping experience.
New York Camping Regulations
Before camping in New York, it's important to understand local regulations. Wilderness areas require permitsMost dispersed camping follows standard federal guidelines, but some areas may have specific restrictions.
What to Expect
Free camping in New York typically involves camping on public lands managed by the Forest Service, BLM, or state agencies. Expect primitive conditions with no hookups, but incredible natural beauty and the freedom to explore mountains, forests, lakes, wilderness at your own pace.