If you live in or near Manhattan, get a quick break from the urban routine by immersing yourself in nature. Because you probably could not squeeze the commute time that has so many people traveling across the country for their desired camping site, you can always opt for something equally great and close to home in Manhattan.
Whether you are into seaside, mountainside, or lakeside camping, you can always stay close to home and camp around New York. Take the chance to immerse yourself in the tranquility and peace of nature when you go on your very own weekend camping trip in New York. Here you will find everything from the deep woods of Allegany Park, to the gorgeous beachside of Fire Island for beach camping.
However, camping in New York or near Manhattan is not only about getting away from everything. A vacation spent here means that one is never too far from family activities like fishing, canoeing, and swimming. And the best part is when you need to pop back to the concrete world places like Lake George Village are filled with entertainment, marinas, and shops. Here are the best five spots for your camping getaway.
1. The Robert H. Treman State Park in Ithaca
The great outdoors isn’t too far away from this destination. The place has scenic gorges and a total of twelve massive waterfalls that spread across hiking trails. Interestingly, to see all, you have to travel nine miles. This park is just one of the lot that got Ithaca the mottos of “Ithaca is gorges”.
The largest waterfall here is called Lucifer Falls which is 115 foot, but its size is not what attracts people. The particular waterfall has a lot of awe-inspiring views of the gorge. If you plan to visit this place, you can select between cabins and RV hookups. Sleeping bags and the must-have “outfitter tent” can’t be ignored. You can also access the public swimming area where visitors float in the stream fed pool area or you can swim under the waterfall.
2. Fayetteville’s State Park the Green Lakes
Get ready to witness pretty cool glacial lakes which are known for their one of a kind aquamarine hues. This is a natural result of the great depth. This particular state park attracts seasoned hikers and casual water sports enthusiasts. It is specifically popular for swimming, disc golf, golf, kayaking, and rowboats.
Make sure you book your trip any time between Labor Day to Memorial Day. This is the time when most rentals are in business and you can easily get your hands on a rental kayak or a rowboat even. If you are going with a party of campers, you can access a lot of quaint picnicking spots all across the lush park. If you are camping with your family and there are children with you, you will also find plenty of playgrounds to have the younger ones indulge in here. Campsites in Green Lakes State Park include trailer sites, tents, and cabins. You can avail shower facilities too near the beach and around many of the campsites where you pitch your tent.
3. Fair Haven Beach Park
This one is situated on the eastern side of Lake Ontario. This particular beach state park comes with 1500 ft. of golden sand making it the perfect place to enjoy your beach getaway. The best feature here is the 600 feet of diving and swim area. You will find 3 separate campgrounds as well as a 30 unit cabin colony all of which are hidden away into the woodlands that surround the beach. The campgrounds are filled with amenities. The site has a center shower facility, restrooms for campers, and you can use the camp store around the site as well for supplies. You will also find picnic areas sprawled across the plan of Fair Haven. In the morning you can always take a hiking trip to enjoy the bluffs that surround the area, or you can relax with a friend and go to the 18-hole course and enjoy a day of playing golf.
4. The Herkimer Diamond Mines
This camping resort in Herkimer offers a lot of spaces for RVs, tents, and cabin and lodge accommodations. You can always book the popular Astronomy Lodge. These cabins are a favorite amongst visitors for their observatory. There is a deck with a high-powered telescope you can use to gaze up at the stars.
The Solar Kolony which is a group of luxury cabins and is powered by solar panels is crafted and designed by the students at Binghamton. This includes a Rube Goldberg machine which is a force hazel and centripetal hammock. There are plenty of other features at your disposal as well. A place where you can go tubing and trout fishing on West Canada Creek, a pool, and many on-site restaurants. You can also regroup supplies at the camp store in case you run out of things.
None of these features make the biggest attraction of Herkimer. The mines are the reason people come here. The nearby diamond mines make people keep coming for quartz crystals which are millions of years old and make for wonderful souvenirs.
5. Forestport
The Kayuta Lake Campground in Forestport is on the foothills of Adirondack Mountains. This campground has all the amenities one would require for cabins, RVs, and tent camping. (For tent camps look here: https://www.globosurfer.com/best-pop-up-tents/)
Activities for children include entertainment centers, a heated pool, a playground, an arcade, and laser tag for children and young adults. So if you think they might feel homesick for amenities they are used to, this site is an excellent getaway that mingles urban and nature. The adults can always make use of the general store which serves lattes, cappuccinos, and espressos. Some themed activities around the site include Christmas celebrations, Halloween events, once in a year cook-offs, the great Yachting Weekend, and plenty of other recreational planned activities for visitors.
There you have it. 5 camping spots that you can’t afford to miss while camping in Manhattan.