If you're going to camp, who wouldn't prefer camping next to the water? Whether you find a lake, river, creek, waterfall or pond, waterfront camping gives you a chance to cool off, get clean, boil some water or just enjoy the extra sights and sounds.
Not all waterfront camping is the same. Some campsites host hundreds of people, while others are delightfully secluded. Another factor is the cleanliness of the water. While New York's waterways have gotten significantly cleaner over the last few decades, we'd still take a pristine creek like the Shawangunk Kill over many other tributaries (we're looking at you, Wallkill River.)
We also excluded campsites and campgrounds that are on the water but don't let you go in the water, which is an annoying aspect of some upstate camping. And we didn't count swimming pools. They are water, but not water water. If you're looking to camp, we assume you are looking for somewhere natural to cool your toes.
We're dividing our list between secluded small campsites and larger family/resort style campsites so you can find the best campsite to fit your needs. We'll continue to add more campsites and campgrounds as we find them.
Secluded and/or primitive natural campsites
Hudson Valley River Camp
Wallkill, New York
Since this is our blog, we'll feature ourselves first, yes, thank you. This secluded bird sanctuary features three dispersed campsites along the Shawangunk Kill and Dwaar Kill. These are minimal impact campsites, so you get the back country camping experience but less than two hours from New York City. And it only takes 20 minutes to hike in. With 80 acres to roam and only three sites, you will have plenty of space to yourself. Sites are $50 a night and we provide a starter supply of firewood, firepits and portable camp toilets. Your fee helps to sustain the bird sanctuary from development and logging. You can hike, swim or birdwatch (we have bald eagles.) Nearby attractions include Angry Orchard, Minnewaska State Park, Sam's Point, and Mohonk Preserve.
Historic Riverside Farm
Walden, New York
This popular venue offers three RV or tent sites along or near the Wallkill River. These are pull up sites, so you can do car camping. They have a pump for water but no showers. The smallest site is right on the river. Sites run about $50 a night. Riverside Farm was voted best of Hipcamp New York in 2022. They also host weddings and other events in the historic barn. The Wallkill River is not our fav for swimming or fishing, but it works for boating.
Wallkill River Camp
Montgomery, New York
This near-to-the city campsite offers three sites on a 30-acre hay farm, all with views of the Wallkill River. Amenities include picnic tables and a shared outhouse that reviewers say is very clean. The sites allow car camping. The Wallkill River is definitely not as pretty as other rivers but it's water, and the owners welcome you to bring your own canoe or kayak. Sites start at $55 a night.
Ugly Apple Farms
Port Jervis, New York
This farm offers four tented sites on 70 acres along the Neversink River. For an added fee, you can enjoy experiences like bee keeping, vegetable picking and cheese making. The Neversink is a beautiful river. Sites start at $55 for five people.
www.uglyapplefarms.com
Taino Woods Sanctuary
Harris, New York
You can primitive tent camp right along the East Mongaup River at two dispersed campsites. For $95 a night, you also have access to showers and toilets. They also have two bell tent sites for $135 to $185 a night. Seclusion and nature are the features of these campsites.
Neversink Hideaway
Fallsburg, New York
This Catskills property offers a single campsite on 20 acres with access to the always beautiful Neversink River. Currently, the introductory pricing is $10. As with our campsites, there are no amenities, just a firepit and a lot of lovely nature.
The Sanctuary At Blossom Dell
Bloomingburg, NY
This campground offers five sites on 75 acres with most being along the Shawangunk Kill. More sites are being added but the owners say that sites are at least 100 feet apart. If you don't mind plastic chairs, you'll enjoy the clean waters of the Shawangunk Kill.
Malouf's Mountain
Beacon, New York
This one is a little hard to categorize. Malouf's has nearly 30 campsites, but they are hike-in only. The sites are a mix of platform and primitive campsites. The appeal is that you don't need a car to camp here. They will pick you up at the Beacon train station. They also will haul your gear to your rustic site so you don't have to carry it, and they will deliver meals. So it's primitive camping - and yet not. As far as water goes, a seasonal stream runs through the campsite. Like our campsites, it offers a mix of primitive camping but without the long haul of dragging your gear for miles. It does host quite a few more people than we would consider to be secluded. But it's a great option for city dwellers who don't have cars or camping gear.
Large resort-style campsites and campgrounds
Silvan Lake Beach Park
Hopewell Junction, Duchess County
This private campground has a real lake beach open only to campers. You can car camp in the trees near the beach. You can also boat and fish. Sites run $35 to $50 a night, depending on whether you want electric.
www.dutchesscountycampground.com
Neversink River Resort
This campground features a variety of cabins, tiny homes, RV sites and tent campsites with various amenities. A riverfront tent site with electric is $65. With 167 sites, this campground is hardly secluded, but we can vouch for the beauty of the Neversink River.
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park
Gardiner, New York, Ulster County
It's a bit of a stretch to include this popular campground. The featured river is a lazy river ride connected to a swimming pool, so not exactly a natural experience. However, this campground and waterpark is loads of outdoor fun for kids and it offers some activities on the Wallkill River like fishing. They also offer rustic campsites along the Wallkill River with access to restrooms for about $150 a night. No Saturday arrivals, and you have to book at least two nights in the summer.
Korn's Campground
Middletown, New York, Orange County
Like our campsites, Korn's Campground is situated on the banks of the Shawangunk Kill, which is clean water. Unlike our property, Korn's is big and full of people, with almost 100 campsites for tents, RVs and cabins. Tent camping is $40 a night. They also offer amenities like laundry, a store, pool, basketball court and so forth.
Thousand Trails Rondout Valley
Accord, NY
This predominately RV campground includes a few tent sites along Millbrook Stream and Rochester Creek and all the amenities of a large campground with more than 100 sites. Tent sites run about $80 a night.
Spring Glen Campground
Spring Glen, New York
This is an RV friendly campground with some tent camping. Some sites are along the Homowack Kill.
Fahnestock State Park Campground
Putnam Valley, New York
Across the river we have this state park which has 75 campsites, some near Pelton Pond. The park also includes a beach, boating and fishing on Canopus Lake. The park has two lakes and four ponds and standard campground amenities. Sites range from $15-$30.
