New York State is not about the skyscrapers and smog of New York City instead it is an oasis of beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoors to explore. The perfect way to make the most of the great outdoors is by camping, by sleeping out in the elements you really get to experience the best of what the area has to offer. Here is a roundup of my top 5 campsites in New York State.
Heckscher State Park
Located in East Islip, New York, Heckscher State Park attracts more than a million visitors a year and has been voted one of the top 100 campsites in the USA. At only 50 miles away from Manhattan the area is popular for New Yorkers wanting to get away. The park boasts over 20 miles of trails that can be used by cyclists, hikers and even cross-country skiers in the winter, there is a swimming pool complex and a bay for boating and fishing. Within the park there are 69 individual camp sites to choose from so you can decide which of the amenities best suit your needs and pitch up close to them. Ideal for children, the park also has its own beach, nature trail and playing fields, sure to keep them entertained for the duration of your stay.
Wildwood State Park
If your idea of camping is based more upon being in the wilderness, Wildwood State Park is for you, comprising of 600 acres of undeveloped forest land. Here you can really be at one with nature and activities include swimming in the Long Island Sound, fishing and hiking not to mention enjoying the 2 miles of beach at the park. For the athletic types out there, there are basketball courts and baseball fields and after you have worked up an appetite there is firewood available for you to enjoy your own barbeque. Although the park is open all year round the camping season only runs from April to October and every October the park holds its own fall festival.
Hither Hills State Park
Hither Hills State Park is located 122 miles east from New York City on the eastern end of Long Island and offers its guests 2 miles of ocean front beach and a 40 acre freshwater lake. Organised activities for the guests at the campsite include family films, dancing lessons, children’s theatre, magic shows and other performances. Outdoor activities at the park include 10 acre picnic area complete with fires, horseshoe courts, volleyball areas, baseball fields and hiking trails. During the winter cross country skiing is also available and hunting is also permitted in the park during certain times of the year. It is important to note that the park does not allow pets however, so if you would like to take your furry friend with you Hither Hills is not for you, if you aren’t so keen on our four legged friends however this could be the perfect park for you.
Letchworth State Park
For awe inspiring landscapes head to Letchworth State Park, known as the “Grand Canyon of the East” it is one of the most dramatically scenic areas of the Eastern US. The Genesee River flows through the park and creates 3 spectacular waterfalls, as high as 600 feet at their peak and the lush forest provides the perfect back drop for hiking, horseback riding, biking and in the winter skiing and snowmobiling. The park also runs a series of educational programs covering performing arts, history, and nature along with activities such as guided walks, white-water rafting and swimming. Possibly the most unforgettable experience on offer at Letchworth is the chance to go hot air ballooning, viewing the park from this vantage point really does offer a unique and breathtaking experience. In terms of accommodation if you choose not to camp under the stars there are some excellent inns in the park.
Allegany State Park
Allegany State Park, the largest park in New York State, is split into 2 well known areas, the Quaker area and the Red House area, both offer amenities such as sandy beaches, picnic areas, hiking trails, walking trails and museums. There are 424 campsites to choose from in the park including 375 cabins and three group camps available for visitors to rent. Those looking for something a bit more luxurious for their stay may want to stay in one of the 7 Fancher Cottages (located in the Quaker Area of the park) each of the cottages has a bathroom with shower, a refrigerator, a countertop range and a microwave. The cottages are fully furnished and provide all you could need for your stay as well as having full disabled access and a picnic table outside.
by Charlotte McCulloch
Charlotte writes for new travel site Simonseeks.com where you can find inspirational travel guides and expert advice on the best nightlife in Paris to the cheapest hotels in London.
