Renting an RV in New York
The Empire State is so closely associated with New York City that the entire state outside of the metropolitan sprawl is just collectively referred to as Upstate.
That said, New York is truly a best-of-both-worlds destination to explore via RV, with amazing natural destinations like the Finger Lakes sitting side-by-side with the Big Apple itself. Yes, that’s right—you can literally camp inside of New York City at several RV parks in boroughs outside of Manhattan. Who would’ve thought?
New York is a state of rich history and dizzying heights. Whether it’s the water rushing down Niagara Falls, the towering skyline of New York City, or the high mountain peaks of the Adirondacks, you’re never short of options to touch the sky.
That said, if you prefer to take a deep dive into the earth, unique spots like Howe Caverns and the Widow Jane Mine offer a glimpse into the secrets buried deep in the ground—and the past.
Located within the park is a campground with over 60 RV-friendly spots. Many of these campsites can accommodate RVs up to 50 feet, and also feature 30-amp electrical hookups. Sites include picnic tables, grills, and fire rings, and there’s an accessible shower facility in easy walking distance from anywhere on the grounds.
Learn more about Robert H. Treman State Park.
But Lake Placid isn’t just a destination for winter months. Mirror Lake and other waterways make for great watersports, fishing, and swimming. The town of Lake Placid itself is full of great restaurants, spas, and shopping. There is no shortage of RV-friendly resorts and campgrounds in Lake Placid and the surrounding area, making this a perfect destination for a rented RV vacation.
Learn more about Lake Placid.
Above ground, Howe Caverns also offers an escape room experience. Or, you can pay a visit to the Howe Caverns Mining Company, where you can grab your tools and work on stones in the water sluice to hunt for rare minerals and gems—or even have your very own geode cracked open right before your eyes. There’s an on-site motel if you’re looking for a night out of the RV, or you can find several RV-friendly campgrounds nearby, including Locust Park Campground and Hide-A-Way Campsites.
Learn more about Howe Caverns.
On the historical Snyder Estate in Rosendale, New York, the Century House Historical Society maintains a museum dedicated to the rich history of the Rosendale Cement District. There, you can find an estate frozen in time that was built on a mine of natural cement. The mine hasn’t been in operation for over 50 years, but it remains a hiking and biking destination to this day. In the years since ceasing operations, it’s been used as a mushroom farm, a trout hatchery, and even a fresh source of water for whiskey distilling—but today it’s mostly used as a performance venue for the historical society.
Entrance to the mine is free for visitors, but no trip here would be complete without paid admission to the on-site museum. Nearby Roundout Valley RV Campground and Interlake RV Park offer great camping in the wilderness of Upstate New York and can serve well as a home base for exploration in the mine and the other historical destinations at the Snyder Estate.
Learn more about Widow Jane Mine.
Niagara Falls is home to plenty of RV parks and campgrounds, where you can stay close to the park itself and also explore the surrounding town. Shopping, dining, and fun attractions like mini-golf make Niagara Falls a place for a good, old-fashioned vacation in the very heart of Americana.
Learn more about Niagara Falls State Park.
There, you get lost on walking tours of the massive park. Take a paddleboat out onto the Lake. Visit the Central Park Zoo, with tickets costing at most $13.95 for adults—a rather affordable destination in an otherwise expensive city. Bring your lunch and picnic in the park, or walk to any of the world-class restaurants just a stone’s throw away. And when you’ve seen it all, head back to your RV to get away from it all.
Learn more about Central Park, NYC.
The area is home to Watkins Glen State Park, which features winding hiking trails through the rocky gorge that houses 19 waterfalls. Enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming on the lakes themselves, and when you’re all tired after a day on the water, pull up your RV to camp at one of the area’s many campgrounds. Just make sure you have a designated driver to help you take the RV back out the next day for a tour of the wineries.
Learn more about Finger Lakes.
The town of Lake George is home to well over a dozen RV parks and resorts that come in a variety of flavors depending on your ideal vacation experience. Stay at the Adirondack Camping Village for a true taste of the mountains, or choose Moose Hillock Camping Resort for the Northeast’s largest heated pool. From more rustic campground experiences to fully developed and luxurious resorts, Lake George offers the RV crowd plenty of options.
Learn more about Lake George.
There is ample RV parking throughout the Adirondacks. Some campgrounds are publicly managed, while others are privately owned. Expect to find full electric, water, and sewage hookups and plenty of breathtaking views. For those looking to venture out of the RV for a night, exciting backcountry camping experiences like island camping on the Saranacs make for unforgettable nights under the stars.
Learn more about the Adirondack Mountains.
The park houses a campground with a staggering 257 RV-friendly sites, most of which have electrical hookups and can accommodate vehicles up to 50 feet in length. Reserve in advance for a weekend getaway or a whole week enjoying everything this unique and beautiful park has to offer.
Learn more about Letchworth State Park.
Ledgeview RV Park in Lake George, New York, is a wonderful place to camp. Lake George is one of the premier destinations in the Adirondacks, and Ledgeview RV Park puts you close to all the action. More than anything, though, Ledgeview provides an escape from the noise and tourist bustle, with beautiful RV campsites in shady forest glens.
Camp Bell Campground in Corning, New York, is another good spot. In the heart of the Finger Lakes, Camp Bell offers heated pools, free Wi-Fi throughout the campground, and even a dog park so your furry family members can stretch their legs. It’s close to many wineries and museums, so you’re always a quick drive back to camp throughout your day.
Niagara Falls Campground & Lodging in Niagara Falls, New York, is a must-stay if you’re seeing the falls. This one is the closest campground to the falls themselves, just six miles down the road. Several of the local tour groups pick up right from the campground, which is also conveniently close to shopping and other attractions in town.
As you can imagine, there are many other campgrounds out there. If you need some help finding a good one, check out Good Sam’s list of campgrounds in the state.
You might be surprised by how prevalent RV camping is throughout New York. Though the idea of driving an RV into the city might be a precarious one, “camping” by RV means you can set up your home base wherever your trip might take you, from the highs of the Adirondacks into the urban sprawl of Staten Island. Don’t be afraid to see New York by RV, but take the proper time to speak with staff at your chosen RV campgrounds and destinations. Ask them about the local roads, and how passable the area is by RV. With a local’s insights into how an RV might fit into your route, you can plan with confidence and embrace your rented RV’s potential to get you close to the destinations you can’t miss.
Boondocking is abundant throughout New York. Adirondack State Park covers nearly one-third of the state’s total area and offers lots of free camping locations.
Any of the land managed by the US Forest Service or US Army Corps of Engineers will have ample space that can accommodate RVers looking to pull over and dry camp for the night. Note that the National Parks Service does not maintain any camp facilities in New York.