There’s just something magical about waking up to the sound of water on a summer morning.
Whether it’s sipping coffee outside your tent as the lake sparkles in the early sun, spending the afternoon swimming and kayaking, or ending the day around a campfire beneath a sky full of stars, beach camping is one of those quintessential summer experiences that never gets old.
Luckily for New Yorkers, you don’t have to travel far to find it. From the sandy Atlantic coastline on Long Island to crystal-clear lakes tucked deep within the Adirondacks, the Empire State is home to some truly spectacular waterfront campgrounds.
If you’re searching for the ultimate place to pitch a tent this summer, you’re in luck.
A recent ranking from Hipcamp highlighted the very best beach camping destinations across New York—and one hidden Adirondack gem claimed the coveted No. 1 spot. Offering a private mile-long lake, peaceful waterfront campsites, cozy cabins, and thousands of acres of pristine wilderness, it’s the kind of place that reminds you just how incredible a New York summer can be.
What a Mountaineer Campground experience looks like
Taking the crown as New York’s top waterfront camping destination is Mountaineer Campground, located at the historic Massawepie Scout Camps just west of Tupper Lake, NY. Owned and operated by the Seneca Waterways Council (Boy Scouts of America) since 1953, this incredible property opens its doors to the public for a highly anticipated, limited summer rental season.
- Pristine Wilderness: Spread across a massive 3,769-acre property, the campground feels completely tucked away from the rest of the world.
- Private Waterfront Fun: The centerpiece of the property is a private, mile-long lake perfect for swimming, boating, and sunbathing.
- Endless Exploration: Miles of scenic hiking trails loop through the property, offering a perfect jumping-off point for broader North Central Adirondack adventures.
- Diverse Accommodations: Whether you prefer roughing it in a tent, parking your RV, renting a cozy cabin, or organizing a large group site, there is an option tailored to your style.
The top 20 beach campgrounds in New York, according to Hipcamp
- 📍 1. Mountaineer Campground @Massawepie – Tupper Lake, NY
- 📍 2. Mission Hemlock Grove – Conesus, NY
- 📍 3. Big Indian Wilderness Paradise – Big Indian, NY
- 📍 4. Catskill State Park – Catskill Region, NY
- 📍 5. Allegany State Park – Western New York, NY
- 📍 6. MSC Alumni Weekend at Mountaineer – Tupper Lake, NY
- 📍 7. Ugly Apple Farms – Port Jervis, NY
- 📍 8. High Peak Meadows – Tannersville, NY
- 📍 9. Letchworth Valley Campground & Resort – Bliss, NY
- 📍 10. Fair Haven Beach State Park – Fair Haven, NY
- 📍 11. Buttermilk Falls State Park – Ithaca, NY
- 📍 12. Chenango Valley State Park – Broome County, NY
- 📍 13. Hither Hills State Park – Montauk (Long Island), NY
- 📍 14. Smith Memorial Park Campground – Hector, NY
- 📍 15. Wood Spring Club, Inc. – East Aurora, NY
- 📍 16. Spring Lake Retreat on the Farm – Wolcott, NY
- 📍 17. PRIVATE WATERFALL @ Davey Falls ADK – Crown Point, NY
- 📍 18. The Spotted Sandpiper – Trumansburg, NY
- 📍 19. Bridgeview Harbour Marina – Port Henry, NY
- 📍 20. Waddington’s Leishman Point – Waddington, NY
What to Know Before You Go
- ✅ Booking: Reservations for the limited summer season must be secured in advance through Hipcamp.
- 🗓️ Seasonality: Camp Mountaineer’s public rental season is highly exclusive and runs strictly from July 2 to August 7, making mid-summer the absolute prime time to visit.
- ⏳ Book in Advance: Because of the exceptionally brief public booking window, spots fill up incredibly fast—especially for weekend getaways.
- 📍 Location: 65 Massawepie Road, Piercefield, NY (just west of Tupper Lake)
- 🏕️ Nightly Rates: Budget-friendly primitive sites start as low as $20 per night, with varied pricing for RV sites and cabins.
- 🌊 Amenities: Private mile-long lake, waterfront access for swimming and boating, miles of hiking trails, group campsites, and accessible restroom/shower facilities.
- 🌲 Nearby: Situated in the North Central Adirondacks, offering a perfect jumping-off point for exploring the broader Adirondack Park and neighboring Tupper Lake.
