Camping at our 100-plus campgrounds is the ultimate affordable getaway option, but it’s so much more than just a money saver. Camping connects you to nature and allows you to unplug in ways you just can’t replicate on a day trip. While some of our campgrounds are well-known statewide, others are unsung outside their immediate area, their natural beauty and ecological significance waiting to be discovered. As you plan your summer, get up to speed on camping guidance and consider these seven often-overlooked New York State Parks campgrounds for your next great stay.

Camp The Thousand Islands

Along the St. Lawrence River is a remote area known for its fishing, forever wild forests, and unmatched natural beauty. The Thousand Islands region is one of New York State’s most overlooked treasures and home to some of New York State Parks’ most extraordinary campgrounds, including these three.

Jacques Cartier State Park 

Jacques Cartier State Park is a bucolic park on the St. Lawrence River in Morristown, with electric and tent campsites along the scenic shoreline, and a small boat launch and dock area. Additional tent campsites are located in a wooded camp loop. The park includes 2 miles of hiking trails through the forest, where you can walk along a stream with small waterfalls. Whether you’re relaxing on the beach or picnicking on the expansive lawns, a peaceful good time awaits at Jacques Cartier State Park. Plan your stay for this summer. 

Robert Moses State Park 

Robert Moses State Park is the northernmost park in our system, located on the St. Lawrence River near the Eisenhower Lock and the Robert Moses-Robert H. Saunders Power Dam. Choose from 207 electric and tent campsites near the water and 15 cabins that can be reserved online. The park is known for its sandy swimming beach, fishing, playgrounds, and sports fields, wildlife and trails. Its Nicandri Nature Center offers educational programs, animal exhibits, and interactive displays. 

Wellesley Island State Park 

If you’re looking for something less remote, check out Wellesley Island State Park, the largest camping complex in the Thousand Islands, with 414 electric and tent campsites, 12 spacious cottages, and 10 cabins. Throughout the camping loops on the north side of the park, visitors will find the swimming beach, a boat launch, a large marina, playgrounds, sports fields, a picnic pavilion, a camp store, an arcade and a laundromat. The southwestern portion of the park is home to a small camping loop, fully furnished cottages, over 7 miles of hiking trails, and the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center. The nature center is open year-round and offers interactive displays and exhibits, educational programs, guided canoe and kayaking, a butterfly house, and luscious gardens. Make your reservation and join the thousands who make this campground part of their summer adventure. 

— Written by Chelsea Broughton, Communications Specialist 

Evangola State Park, Western NY

Located along Lake Erie, Evangola State Park is one of the few state parks to offer yurt camping. In addition to traditional campsites and a single cabin, the wood-lattice yurts provide cozy accommodations for outdoor adventures. Evangola’s beautiful arc-shaped shoreline and natural sand beach give off ocean vibes on the Great Lakes.

But there’s more to this park than the beach. The complex has sports fields, a disc-golf course, picnic areas, concession stands and stunning cliffsides — the perfect vantage point to some pretty amazing sunsets! Located south of Buffalo in Irving not far from I-90, you’re close enough to explore the “Nickel City,” catch a concert at Earl W. Brydges Artpark State Park, or even visit Niagara Falls State Park. Make your reservation to experience this Western New York treasure.  

Bowman Lake State Park, Central NY

Described as a camper’s paradise, Bowman Lake State Park is a 966-acre monument to the great outdoors with nine cabins and 152 campsites. Situated on Bowman Lake in Oxford in Chenango County, this park is home to a soft, sandy lakefront beach with picnic areas, canoe, kayak and boat launches, trout fishing, and more than 100 species of birds to spot in the canopy of hardwood trees.

One of Bowman Lake’s newest features is its 9-hole disc golf course, one of 20 courses in the New York State Parks system. You can also rent a rowboat, trek the park’s vast trail network, hunt in permitted areas, or simply hang out by the campfire and enjoy the relaxing deep woods aura. Whatever your definition of outdoor joy, Bowman Lake State Park has you covered. 

Plan your next adventure-filled week by visiting our reservations website. 

Newtown Battlefield State Park, Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes’ best-kept secret, Newtown Battlefield State Park combines nature and history in Elmira. A peaceful park steeped in history with rustic cabins, dozens of campsites and 8 miles of trails, the park’s lush forests provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing morning hike while also invigorating your mind. The 372-acre park features Chemung River views, bow hunting, and picnic pavilions. 

As the name suggests, Newtown Battlefield State Park is connected to the American Revolution. In 1779, the tranquility of the forest was disrupted by the crack of cannon fire in a decisive victory for American rebels during the Sullivan-Clinton Campaign. Today, an 80-foot-tall granite obelisk commemorates the battle. It also has 20th century significance: much of the park was constructed during the New Deal Era by the Civilian Conservation Corps Company 1251-c, the first CCC unit to be led by Black officers.

Whether you’re coming for the peaceful getaway or staying for the history, make your reservation at this hidden gem park.

Max V. Shaul State Park, Capital Region

Max V. Shaul State Park is camping at its simplest. No frills. No luxuries. Just your camping party and the forests of upstate New York. Located in Fultonham in Schoharie County, this state park is ideal for fishing with its access to Schoharie Creek. With 30 wooded tent and trailer sites, this state park is relatively small. That’s what makes Max V. Shaul perfect for those looking to relax and bathe in a sea of trees.

Those seeking a recreation-focused experience can get the best of both worlds by camping here and visiting Mine Kill State Park, just 9 miles north. Mine Kill State Park features miles of hiking trails, a playground, multiple swimming pools, recreation fields, and two waterfalls. So, whether you’re looking for a quiet week in the woods or days of outdoor fun, consider making your next camping reservation at Max V. Shaul.

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For a comprehensive list of all our offerings, check out the updated New York State Camping Guide. If this article inspires you to get outside and join the 2.2 million others pitching their tents, bunking in cabins, or anchoring their RVs at our 8,500 campsites, make the most of your stay by enrolling in the NY Camping Rewards loyalty program.  For every dollar spent on overnight accommodations at a New York State Park campground, you’ll earn 10 points towards future trips. To learn more about our campgrounds and get answers to frequently asked questions, visit our camping webpage. 

— Written by Jennifer Robilotto, Public Affairs Assistant