One of the most popular state campgrounds in the Adirondacks right on the shore of Lake George. The 251 sites are shaded by tall pines and many sit directly on the waterfront. Kids can swim at the campground beach, fish from shore, and explore nearby hiking trails. Its location just two miles south of Lake George village makes it convenient for day trips to shops and attractions. Reserve months in advance for summer weekends because this one books up fast.
Paddle to your own island campsite on Indian Lake for a family camping adventure that feels like true wilderness. The DEC maintains 55 island and shoreline campsites accessible only by boat. Kids love the excitement of paddling to their campsite and having an island all to themselves. Indian Lake is large and scenic with mountain views from the water. The campsites have fire rings and pit toilets. The town of Indian Lake is nearby for supplies. This is a more accessible alternative to the Saranac Lake Islands with similar magic.
A well-maintained Catskills campground with 76 sites surrounding a beautiful 25-acre lake with a sandy beach. The swimming area is perfect for kids and canoe and kayak rentals are available. Sites are well-spaced and shaded. The campground is centrally located for day trips to Kaaterskill Falls, Slide Mountain, and Woodstock. The combination of lakeside camping, good swimming, and easy access to top Catskill trails makes this one of the best family base camps in the region.
Camp in a mountain forest at 3,600 feet elevation above Waimea Canyon on Kauai with cool temperatures that feel nothing like the beach below. The campground has tent sites and rustic cabins set in a native forest filled with birdsong. The cooler climate is a refreshing change and kids need jackets which feels exotic in Hawaii. From camp you can hike to Waimea Canyon lookouts and Na Pali Coast viewpoints. The nene (Hawaiian goose) is commonly seen in the park. Stars at night are incredible with minimal light pollution.
A scenic state campground on the shore of Lake Durant in the central Adirondacks with 60 tent and trailer sites, many with direct lake access. The beach area is sandy and the lake is clean and calm for swimming and paddling. A short nature trail loops through the surrounding forest. The campground is centrally located for visits to the Adirondack Experience museum and the Blue Mountain fire tower trail. The sites are well-spaced and shaded. This is a solid, no-fuss family campground with great water access.
Camping on one of the islands in Lake George is a bucket-list Adirondack experience. Over 300 islands dot the lake and the DEC maintains campsites on many of them accessible only by boat. Kids are thrilled by the adventure of paddling or boating to a private island campsite surrounded by clear water and mountain views. Sites include fire rings and pit toilets. The Glen Island, Long Island, and Narrow Island groups are the most popular. You will need your own boat or canoe to reach the sites.
A beautiful beachfront campground on the North Shore with a long sandy beach, calm water, and a small offshore island you can wade to at low tide. Goat Island (Mokuauia) is accessible by wading across the shallow channel and kids think it is the coolest thing ever to walk to their own island. The beach is quiet and uncrowded compared to town. Tent camping is available right behind the tree line. Cabins and yurts are also an option for families who want more comfort. This is beach camping at its finest.
A state campground on the northern end of Lake George with direct lake access, a sandy beach, and outstanding cliff views. The 332 tent and trailer sites are spread through a wooded area and many have lake views. Kids love the beach and the boat launch makes it easy to get out on the water. The nearby Rogers Rock cliff face is a striking backdrop and a popular spot for experienced rock climbers. The campground is quieter and less crowded than those near Lake George village.
Paddle to a private island campsite on one of the Saranac Lakes for an unforgettable family camping trip. The DEC maintains 87 primitive island campsites across Lower, Middle, and Upper Saranac Lakes, each with a fire ring, privy, and picnic table. Kids feel like explorers paddling to their own island and spending the night surrounded by water and wilderness. The Lower Saranac launch is the easiest access point. Loon calls at sunset and stars with zero light pollution make this a magical experience.
A family campground perched on bluffs above Lake Ontario with a beach, cabins, and trails along the Salmon River. The 148 campsites and 36 cabins are set in a wooded area above the lake. The beach has dramatic bluff views and Lake Ontario sunsets. The Salmon River at the park boundary is famous for salmon and steelhead fishing. Trails along the bluffs and through the woods connect the park areas. The combination of lake swimming, river fishing, and bluff-top camping makes this a unique family destination.
A sprawling park along the Taconic Range on the Massachusetts border with two camping areas, swimming, hiking, and waterfalls. The Copake Falls area has a campground, lake swimming at Ore Pit Pond, and a short trail to Bash Bish Brook. The Rudd Pond Area has another campground and a beautiful swimming pond. Over 20 miles of trails including a section of the South Taconic Trail offer ridge-top views. The park spans both gentle terrain for young families and rugged terrain for adventurous older kids.
Family campgrounds nestled among towering pines along the Mountain Fork River inside Beavers Bend State Park. Sites range from primitive tent spots to full RV hookups and many sit right on the riverbank. Kids fall asleep to the sound of running water and wake up ready to explore trails that start right from camp. The campgrounds connect to the full park trail system so you can hike straight from your tent. Book well in advance during peak season because these sites fill up months out.