As the camping season arrives, our team at Alpin Haus RV is happy to unveil our first official Five Best RV Parks in New York State list. While we love to provide outdoor adventures to the community around Upstate NY, we also love to experience the adventures as well! With our experiences, including family-fun, outdoor adventure, local amenities, and more in mind, we have settled on these five RV parks and campgrounds that you should check out in 2025:
Lake George RV Park (Lake George, NY)
Kicking off our list is Lake George RV Park, located in none other than beautiful Lake George, New York. With years of providing happiness and adventure to Upstate New York, here is what we feel stands out about this park:
1. Loads of Space
The park itself boasts a total of 400 campsites, all including electric, water, septic, cable, Wi-Fi, and a fire/picnic area. In addition to this, luxury cabin rentals are also available, and include any amenities you may need to enjoy your stay!
2. Great Entertainment Choices
While Lake George has endless entertainment options, you can find everything you need right in the comfort of the park. These options include:
- Indoor/Outdoor Pool & Waterslides
- Pickleball, Basketball, and Tennis Courts
- Biking & Hiking Trails
- Fishing Ponds
- Movie Theater
- Indoor/Outdoor Dining
- Arcade
- Paddle Boats
If you want to venture out of the park at all, you can find many different entertainment, dining, and shopping options across Lake George as well. Less than a mile away, you will find The Outlets at Lake George, which feature great stops like L.L. Bean, Under Armour, and the delicious Log Jam Restaurant. The whole family is guaranteed to have a great time!
3. Pets are Family Too!
Lake George RV Park is not only pet-friendly across their campsite, but they also have a full dog park. Your furry friend can stretch out in the grass, jump through hoops in the play area, and then cool off in the spray fountain, all in one area! Your pets are family, and this park treats them as such.
Black Bear RV Park (Orange County, NY)
As far as the best of both worlds goes, Black Bear RV Park takes the prize! This park is located Orange County, NY, just 60 miles north of Times Square, and provides a sparkle of the big city while in a secluded, nature-filled area. Here is what we love about this park:
1. Country Living by the Big Apple
Like we said above, Black Bear RV Park offers many unique entertainment and dining options that you can only experience in this area! After a day of hiking and fishing, you can head out into town and enjoy a slice of authentic New York style pizza and other Italian specialties. Just a two minute drive into town will bring you to great local spots, such as Pizza Bella and Barrel 28. If you’re looking to venture a little further, you can find a good time at LEGOLAND, Sunnyside Landing Kayak & Paddle, or you could go as far as Times Square, which is just a short drive from the park!
2. Newly Renovated
What campers love the most about Black Bear RV Park is the constant refreshes and renovations made to the campground. Their fishing pond, as well as their various hiking trails are well-kept and cared for each season, along with new updates to their volleyball, basketball, mini-golf, and indoor gaming area!
3. Year-Round Adventures
A highly unique feature for RV parks throughout New York is being open year-round, and Black Bear offers just that. If you crave that nature getaway during the colder months, you can book here throughout winter. Being so close to New York City, this is a great opportunity to have an affordable, beautiful stay, and be close to all of Christmas and New Years festivities! If you haven’t ventured out during the snowy months, here are some tips that’ll help you prepare for a winter trip.
Cooperstown Shadow Brook Campground (Cooperstown, NY)
Located just minutes from the heart of Cooperstown, Shadow Brook Campground is one of the most beautiful campgrounds and RV parks in New York State, offering a unique and organic park design that sets it apart. With 100 campsites, guests can choose from deluxe and rustic cabins, large full hookup and water/electric RV sites, tent sites, and even a rental house. Affordable daily, monthly, and seasonal rates make it flexible for any length of stay.
1. Scenic Setting by the Pond
The sites are thoughtfully situated around a scenic 3-acre catch-and-release fishing pond stocked with perch, bass, and catfish that can grow up to 4 feet long, making it a thrilling spot for fishers, and anyone looking to just sit and relax by the water.
2. Fantastic On-Site Amenities
Guests can enjoy a newly renovated heated swimming pool with night-lighting, gem mining, a full arcade, paddle boats, a recreation hall, and a fully stocked general store. Every Saturday and holiday weekend includes fun activities like adult-only night swims, a community bonfire, and a complimentary s’mores, hot cocoa, and/or ice cream sundae bar.
3. Close to Baseball and Cultural Attractions
Located minutes away from the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown Dreams Park, and All-Star Village, this campground is iconic for any era of baseball fan. Family and friends can feel the spirit of Upstate New York with visits to Glimmerglass State Park, the Glimmerglass Opera House, The Farmers’ Museum, Fenimore Art Museum, and Doubleday Field. As far as dining, experience the Cooperstown Beverage Trail, Ommegang Brewery, and many other award-winning local establishments.
4. Nearby Outdoor Adventures
For those looking to explore further, outdoor attractions like Howe Caverns and Rail Explorers are just a short drive away. With so much to do, many guests find themselves wishing they had a few extra days to enjoy everything the area has to offer.
At Cooperstown Shadow Brook Campground you will discover your happy place, whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, or just a relaxing getaway.
Watkins Glen State Park Campground (Watkins Glen, NY)
Known for its breathtaking gorges and stunning waterfalls, Watkins Glen State Park Campground offers unmatched natural landscapes right in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Here’s why it’s a must visit destination for RVers:
1. Landscapes Like No Other
Watkins Glen is home to what many consider the most beautiful, breathtaking displays of nature in the State of New York. The Gorge Trail, a 1.5-mile hiking trail, displays the glen’s stream descending 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs, generating 19 waterfalls along its course. The trail winds over and under waterfalls and through the spray of Cavern Cascade (pictured below).
2. Campground Features Built for Family Fun & Relaxation
Throughout the campground, you’ll find updated, fun recreational activities and facilities, such as multiple baseball fields, basketball courts, playgrounds, swimming pools, fishing sights, and food concession stands. After a day outdoors, you have access to clean showers, restrooms, and various shops to pick up any extra needs for the night.
3. Entertainment Just Outside the Grounds
Beyond hiking, you can enjoy fishing in nearby Seneca Lake, picnicking at the various lakeside areas, or exploring local wineries along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. Watkins Glen is also home to Watkins Glen International Raceway, which you can visit to experience thrilling motor-vehicle races throughout the summer!
The Villages at Turning Stone RV Park (Verona, NY)
Located just minutes from the renowned Turning Stone Resort Casino, The Villages at Turning Stone RV Park combines relaxation with high-class entertainment options. Here’s why it earns a spot on our list:
1. Top-Notch Facilities
Each of the park’s 175 spacious sites includes full hookups, Wi-Fi, and picnic tables. Clean bathhouses, on-site general store, resort shuttle service, and 24-hour laundry facilities ensure an easy-going, comfortable stay.
2. Endless Entertainment
Take advantage of the resort’s amenities, including a world-class golf course, a luxurious spa, fine dining, live entertainment, and Turning Stone Casino gaming, all just a shuttle ride away. On the actual campgrounds you will find a fishing and a boating pond, along with a heated outdoor pool, volleyball, basketball, tennis, and bocce ball areas, with large playgrounds and an arcade for the kids!
3. Convenient Location
Situated in Central New York, this RV park provides easy access to local attractions in Syracuse, NY, such as the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, or the JMA Wireless Dome for Syracuse sporting events!
If you’re looking to begin camping this season, but you don’t have an RV, feel free to browse our RV inventory, or take a look at our RV rental options. No matter how and where you choose to park your RV, New York State has endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation in 2025. Whether you’re seeking family fun, outdoor exploration, or a luxurious retreat, these top RV parks in New York are sure to make your camping season unforgettable!
