The state of New York is home to mountain ranges, valleys, rivers, lakes, and ocean beaches. Of course, these are interspersed with highly developed urban areas, meaning you can enjoy both the peace found in nature and the excitement found in the city while exploring the state. The best way to do this? New York urban camping, of course!
Wondering where to go urban camping in New York? Read on for some fantastic suggestions.
Urban RV Parks in New York
Niagara Falls Grand Island KOA
You will enjoy staying in a location that is close to Niagara Falls, Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, and the city of Buffalo. Niagara Falls Grand Island KOA is full of family-friendly activities and amenities like heated pools, an inflatable jumping pad, a recreation room, and a playground. One of the perks of staying at this KOA is the availability of Niagara Falls tour packages and ticket information and transportation to nearby attractions through the staff services.
Besides Niagara Falls, you’ll also want to check out these attractions:
- Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House
- Buffalo AKG Art Museum
- The Buffalo Zoo
Liberty Harbor RV Park
Technically, Liberty Harbor RV Park is in New Jersey and not New York. That said, it is the closest urban RV campground to all that you most want to see in New York City. You can actually see the Statue of Liberty, Liberty Park, and Ellis Island from the park, and Manhattan is only 15 minutes away. It is an easy matter to access and ride the PATH train, the Hudson Bergen Light Rail, and the NY Waterway ferries to various destinations.
The Liberty Harbor Marina is next to the park, and there are two restaurants on-site. Liberty Harbor RV Park is a no-frills park but does have basic amenities like showers, Wi-Fi, a convenience store, a dump station, and RV sites with full hookups.
Things to do in NYC include:
Schodack Island State Park
Schodack Island State Park is located on the Hudson River and is just a few miles south of Albany. The park contains seven miles of the Hudson River and Schodack Creek shorelines.
This state park is also a state estuary and features a bird conservation area that has bald eagles, blue herons, and cerulean warblers. There are volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, boat launches, a kayak launching site, and eight miles of multi-use trails. Favorite activities include fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
Looking for things to do in Albany? We recommend the following:
- New York State Museum
- New York State Capitol
- Albany Institute of History and Art
- USS SLATER
- Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site
Green Lakes State Park
Green Lakes State Park is located just outside of Syracuse. The largest draw to this park is the Robert Trent Jones Green Lakes State Park Golf course. But if golf is not on your agenda, you will also appreciate the two glacial lakes of this beautiful park.
Because of the delicate nature of the lakes, no outside boats are allowed. Visitors can rent rowboats and kayaks on the weekends through Columbus Day, and there are swimming beaches, a playground, disc golf, concessions, and showers on-site. Popular activities include fishing and snowshoeing, and there are 15 miles of multi-use trails for cross-country skiers.
Wondering what to see and do in Syracuse? Try these options:
Webster Park
Webster Park is a county park located on the shores of Lake Ontario near the city of Rochester. This 550-acre park consists of stands of evergreens, lakeshore breakers, and valleys. Amenities include tennis and pickleball courts, a playground, and multiple hiking trails, some of which connect to the nearby Heatherbrook Park county park. There are also many opportunities for winter fun, like sledding in the designated sledding area, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
The nearby city of Rochester, the third-largest city in New York, has many interesting attractions.
Some of the best things to do in Rochester include:
- The Strong National Museum of Play
- George Eastman Museum
- Memorial Art Gallery
- Seneca Park Zoo
- Susan B. Anthony Museum and House
- Seabreeze Amusement Park
Where to Urban Camp in New York
- New York City is an obvious pick for urban camping in New York. Unfortunately camping options in and around the city are limited, but they are available.
- For a slightly less bustling experience, consider camping in Buffalo. This city has plenty to see and do and is surrounded by natural areas.
- Albany, Syracuse, and Rochester are also good picks for New York urban camping.
Ease of Urban RV Camping in New York
Some cities in New York offer more campgrounds than others. We recommend doing your research, finding the campground you wish to stay in, and booking it in advance, so you don’t end up in a city with no options.
While much of New York State is rural and provides easy driving, the cities in this state are busy, meaning lots of traffic and plenty of traffic jams. Plan accordingly and always leave enough space to stop your rig should there be an unexpected jam. Additionally, it’s best to stick to the highways when going through downtown areas.
Another thing to note? New York has many mountainous areas. Driving an RV through mountains can be tricky, so be sure to head in prepared and plan your route around especially steep grades or winding roads.
Lastly, we have to note that there are a number of toll roads in New York and driving an RV on these roads can be pricey. That said, there is often no reasonable alternative, so you will want to plan on paying some tolls as you travel.
With an RV rental, your urban vacation will be a little more comfortable! After you’ve spent a long day exploring the city, you can relax around the fire at your campsite. Then, retire inside to enjoy all the comforts of home onboard your RV. Plan your perfect urban getaway with an RV rental from RVshare.
