Recreational
Vehicle Camping In New York
RV camping
in New York offers great scenery, solitude,
interesting history, and outdoor recreation for the whole
family. From full service RV resorts, to basic service public
campgrounds, there is something for everyone in New York. Free
dispersed camping (boondocking) is allowed in USDA National
Forests too.
Free camping ideas
follow New York RV camping resources.
New
York Resources for RV Camping Information
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Private
RV Parks - Research tools for finding
RV parks and campgrounds in New York.
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US Forest
Service - USFS information about free
dispersed camping (boondocking) and developed
campgrounds in the USDA Finger Lakes
National Forest in New York.
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- New
York State Tourism Website - Where to go, and what to do.
Includes campgrounds.
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State Parks - Information about camping and
campgrounds in the many New York state parks.
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New York
DEC
- Department of Environmental Conservation
has 52 campgrounds. Learn about all of them here.
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Historical
Weather - Know what to pack. Includes
monthly average highs, lows, mean temperature,GPS
location and elevation.
RV
Camping pages with more information
- USFS (US Forest Service) - Describes USFS
policies and rules about RV camping. Information about
dispersed camping, and tips on how to find great free RV camping sites.
-
USACE/COE (US Army Corp of Engineers) - USACE (perhaps
better know as COE) manages water recreation areas throughout the
USA. Information about finding USACE lakes, RV camping
possibilities, and rules and policies for use of these water based
recreation areas is included.
-
NPS (National Park Service) - General
information about RV camping and campgrounds in US National
Parks. With campgrounds in the most historic and scenic
places in the country, the NPS offers some of the best places for RV
camping.
We
recommend the New York Atlas & Gazetteer to help find RV camping locations. This New
York topographic atlas offers
comprehensive detail including trails, back country roads, lakes and
streams, boat ramps, forests, wetlands, campgrounds, public lands, and
hunting and fishing locations. Information about family trips,
wilderness outing possibilities, and more are
included. Put that together with DeLorme Topo 6.0
Software and
you have a versatile set of research tools to find
great RV camping sites all across New York.
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New
York Free Camping Ideas
Free RV camping and parking is available throughout New York. National
Forest and state administered lands offer "dispersed
camping". This term is often referred to as "boondocking", but
what it means is that you can camp anywhere on public lands for free
unless otherwise restricted. Restriction reasons can be for
protection of wildlife, delicate resources, heavily used areas etc.
Our Boondocking
Section has tips and information about how to find the best
public land dispersed RV camping sites.
Private property also offers some opportunities for free overnight RV
parking.
Here are a few ideas to get you started...
Be smart and Be Safe...Ask Permission.
- Truck Stops -
Asking permission is usually not a requirement Be considerate
of the big rigs!
- Walmart - Not all
stores allow overnight RV parking in New York due to city
ordinances. Check store for policy.
- Nightclubs - Had
one too many or just pretending?
- Grain Elevators -
Ask where you can park your RV out of the way for the night.
- Fraternal
Organizations - VFW, Elks etc. may allow members free overnight RV
camping.
- Cemetery - Sounds
creepy to us, but we've also heard they may have water available.
- Fairgrounds - State
and County facilities may allow RV camping when not otherwise in use.
- Parks - City,
County, State, and Community parks often have free RV
camping.
- Churches - You can
almost make "reservations" by calling ahead for permission.
- Hotel Parking Lots
- Assuming a nightclub/bar is inside, had one too many or just
pretending?
- Truck Terminals -
Parking areas for large trucks might allow you free RV camping
permission
- RV Dealers - Pretty
brave to us, but you could fit right in.
- Cracker Barrel -
These nationwide restaurants usually allow free overnight RV parking.
- Movie Theaters -
Too tired to drive home after the late show?
- Highway Rest Areas
- All rest areas allow a few hours of free RV parking, but noisy.
- Drive In Movies -
Got a small RV, park in the back row and enjoy the show. Fell
asleep by accident right?
- Vehicle Repair
Shops - Need to see the repairman first thing in the morning?
- Big Box Retailers -
Kmart, Best Buy, Sams Club often allow free RV camping.
- Roadside Parks
& Picnic Areas - The early day version of the rest
area.
As you can see, there are a lot of free RV camping and parking
possibilities in New York. If you are not asking permission,
it's best to keep a very low profile. If your RV has slide
outs, jacks and TV antennas, don't use them so as not to draw attention
to yourself. Consider your surroundings carefully and if you
feel uncomfortable with the area, move somewhere else. |
