10 Best Camping Spots in New York for Fall 2025

Whether you love lakeside views, mountain hikes, or quiet retreats, New York offers endless options for fall camping. Here’s a look at the best camping spots in New York for fall 2025.

1. Taconic State Park – Copake Falls Area

Nestled near the Massachusetts and Connecticut borders, Taconic State Park is famous for its stunning waterfalls and hiking trails.

The Copake Falls area is especially beautiful in autumn when the surrounding forests explode with color.

Families love it here for the well-maintained facilities and easy access to nature.

Additional Details:

• Best Time to Visit: Late September to mid-October.
• Location: Copake Falls, Columbia County, NY.
• Entry Fees: Campsites $18–$30 per night.
• Reservations: Book through ReserveAmerica.
• Parking & Transportation: On-site parking; Hudson train station ~30 mins away.
• Food & Drink: Local diners in Copake and Hillsdale.
• Activities: Hiking, waterfalls, family picnics.
• Cultural Note: Part of the historic Taconic Mountains.
• Nearby Attractions: Bash Bish Falls (Massachusetts).
• Alternative Stays: Local B&Bs and rustic lodges.

2. Allegany State Park

Western New York’s largest state park is a dream for campers in fall.

With rolling hills, two large lakes, and miles of biking and hiking trails, Allegany is the perfect place to soak in autumn’s beauty.

Pro Tip: If you’re into biking, the paved paths around Red House Lake are ideal for fall rides.

Additional Details:

• Best Time to Visit: Early to late October.
• Location: Salamanca, Cattaraugus County, NY.
• Entry Fees: Campsites $20–$35 per night.
• Reservations: Available via ReserveAmerica.
• Parking & Transportation: Multiple parking lots; best reached by car.
• Food & Drink: Park store plus Salamanca town eateries.
• Activities: Biking, hiking, kayaking.
• Cultural Note: Features stone cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
• Nearby Attractions: Seneca-Iroquois National Museum.
• Alternative Stays: Cabins and lodges inside the park.

3. Letchworth State Park

Often called the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park is one of the most scenic spots in New York.

Insider Tip: Head to Inspiration Point at sunset for one of the most iconic views in the entire state.

Additional Details:

• Best Time to Visit: Late September through October.
• Location: Castile, Livingston County, NY.
• Entry Fees: Campsites around $27–$35 per night.
• Reservations: Book online via ReserveAmerica.
• Parking & Transportation: Parking lots near trails and camping areas.
• Food & Drink: Glen Iris Inn and park concessions.
• Activities: Hiking, hot-air balloon rides, waterfalls.
• Cultural Note: Named after William Pryor Letchworth, who preserved the land.
• Nearby Attractions: Silver Lake and Mount Morris Dam.
• Alternative Stays: Glen Iris Inn (historic lodging).

4. Cranberry Lake Campground (Adirondacks)

If you crave wilderness and quiet, Cranberry Lake is the place.

Located deep in the Adirondacks, this campground is surrounded by untouched forests and calm waters.

It’s less crowded than other Adirondack spots, making it perfect for campers who want peace and solitude.

Additional Details:

• Best Time to Visit: Early October.
• Location: Cranberry Lake, St. Lawrence County, NY.
• Entry Fees: $20–$30 per night.
• Reservations: Through NY State Parks camping portal.
• Parking & Transportation: Car access only; on-site parking available.
• Food & Drink: Limited nearby—bring your own supplies.
• Activities: Kayaking, fishing, hiking.
• Cultural Note: One of the original Adirondack “forever wild” forest lands.
• Nearby Attractions: Cranberry Lake Wild Forest trails.
• Alternative Stays: Rustic cabins nearby.

5. Wellesley Island State Park (Thousand Islands)

Set along the St. Lawrence River, Wellesley Island offers riverside camping with endless opportunities for fishing, boating, and birdwatching.

Families flock here for its kid-friendly facilities and easy access to nearby attractions.

Insider Tip: Don’t miss a visit to Boldt Castle just a short boat ride away—it’s especially magical surrounded by fall colors.

Additional Details:

• Best Time to Visit: September to mid-October.
• Location: Wellesley Island, Jefferson County, NY.
• Entry Fees: Campsites $21–$36 per night.
• Reservations: Book via ReserveAmerica.
• Parking & Transportation: On-site parking; accessible by car and boat.
• Food & Drink: Thousand Islands eateries nearby.
• Activities: Fishing, boating, nature center programs.
• Cultural Note: Part of the scenic Thousand Islands region.
• Nearby Attractions: Boldt Castle, Alexandria Bay.
• Alternative Stays: Inns and lodges along the river.

6. North-South Lake Campground (Catskills)

The most popular campground in the Catskills, North-South Lake is a classic fall camping destination.

The North Point Trail is a must-hike if you want sweeping views of the Hudson Valley.

Additional Details:

• Best Time to Visit: Peak foliage mid-October.
• Location: Haines Falls, Greene County, NY.
• Entry Fees: $20–$26 per night.
• Reservations: Available through NY State Parks website.
• Parking & Transportation: Large parking lots, car-friendly.
• Food & Drink: Small restaurants in Tannersville.
• Activities: Hiking, fishing, boating.
• Cultural Note: Historic Hudson River School painting sites nearby.
• Nearby Attractions: Kaaterskill Falls.
• Alternative Stays: Motels and lodges in the Catskills.

7. Watkins Glen State Park Campground

Watkins Glen is famous for its gorge trail with 19 waterfalls carved into dramatic cliffs.

Camping here also puts you close to Finger Lakes wine country, making it easy to combine nature with local flavors.

Insider Tip: Pair your camping trip with a wine-tasting tour in the nearby Seneca Lake region.

Additional Details:

• Best Time to Visit: September–October.
• Location: Watkins Glen, Schuyler County, NY.
• Entry Fees: $20–$35 per night.
• Reservations: Through ReserveAmerica.
• Parking & Transportation: Multiple parking lots near gorge and campsites.
• Food & Drink: Finger Lakes wineries and local diners.
• Activities: Gorge hikes, photography, wine tours.
• Cultural Note: Historic trails developed in the 1800s.
• Nearby Attractions: Seneca Lake Wine Trail.
• Alternative Stays: Local motels and vineyard stays.

8. Bowman Lake State Park

For those who want to escape the crowds, Bowman Lake is one of New York’s hidden gems.

Known as “a camper’s paradise,” it offers quiet sites surrounded by rolling woodlands.

Fall weekends here are peaceful, with opportunities for fishing, paddling, and stargazing.

Additional Details:

• Best Time to Visit: September to October.
• Location: Oxford, Chenango County, NY.
• Entry Fees: $15–$25 per night.
• Reservations: NY State Parks booking portal.
• Parking & Transportation: On-site parking; remote location requires car.
• Food & Drink: Limited; bring your own supplies.
• Activities: Birdwatching, fishing, hiking.
• Cultural Note: Known for its “quiet camping” atmosphere.
• Nearby Attractions: Chenango Valley State Park.
• Alternative Stays: Motels in Oxford village.

9. Evangola State Park

Located along Lake Erie, Evangola offers sandy beaches and dramatic bluffs that glow in the fall sun.

Few campers expect to find beach-style camping in New York, but this park delivers both lake views and colorful foliage. It’s a great spot for evening campfires with unforgettable sunsets.

Insider Tip: Walk the shoreline bluffs at golden hour for the best photography opportunities.

Additional Details:

• Best Time to Visit: September sunsets are spectacular.
• Location: Irving, Erie County, NY.
• Entry Fees: $18–$30 per night.
• Reservations: ReserveAmerica.
• Parking & Transportation: Large parking lots; car recommended.
• Food & Drink: Small cafés and stores in Irving.
• Activities: Swimming (summer), fall beach walks.
• Cultural Note: Known for its dramatic coastal bluffs.
• Nearby Attractions: Lake Erie Wine Country.
• Alternative Stays: Lakeside motels nearby.

10. Adirondack Park (Various Campgrounds)

With more than 3,000 campsites, Adirondack Park is the heart of fall camping in New York.

From lean-to wilderness shelters to family-friendly campgrounds, the options are endless.

Pro Tip: For a true Adirondack experience, try lean-to camping. It’s rustic, adventurous, and gets you closer to nature.

Additional Details:

• Best Time to Visit: Late September–early October.
• Location: Adirondack Park spans 6 million acres in upstate NY.
• Entry Fees: Varies by site, $20–$40 typical.
• Reservations: NYDEC and ReserveAmerica portals.
• Parking & Transportation: Many car-access campgrounds; some require hiking in.
• Food & Drink: Local diners in Lake Placid, Saranac Lake.
• Activities: Hiking, canoeing, climbing.
• Cultural Note: Protected as “forever wild” land by NY Constitution.
• Nearby Attractions: Lake Placid, Whiteface Mountain.
• Alternative Stays: Adirondack lodges, cabins, resorts.

Conclusion

Camping in New York during fall is an experience every outdoor lover should try at least once.

From the waterfalls of Watkins Glen to the wilderness of the Adirondacks, each spot offers its own version of autumn magic.

Whether you’re looking for family fun, quiet escapes, or a mix of adventure and relaxation, these camping spots have you covered.

Read More: 10 Best Scenic Road Trips in New York This Fall