9 Best New York State Parks for Fall Foliage Camping | Autumn Escapes

We discovered our best camping trip parks in New York state. It can be hard to choose which park to start your camping trip and where to see fall foliage.
In our opinion, these parks are the most gorgeous in New York. As the leaves change, it’s worth considering hidden gems that are among the Best New York State Parks for Fall Foliage Camping.

The state parks allow tourists to enjoy comfortable weather and perfect autumn-fall camping. Whether for families or couples, these parks can be their unforgettable journey that can turn into a simple foliage viewing trip. There’s nothing quite like the crisp air on our faces during orange and gold leaves-peeping hikes or gathering around a cozy campfire as night falls. Trust us: New York state parks have some of the most unforgettable fall camping adventures we’ve ever experienced. Here are a few of our favorite 9 Best New York State Parks for Fall Foliage Camping

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Best New York State Parks for Fall Foliage Camping is a Must-Do Experience

Fall camping in New York State Parks offers a unique adventure for families and couples alike. Forests transform into vibrant displays of red, orange, and gold. Cool, crisp air is perfect for hiking without summer’s heat or crowds.

Families and everyone who loves Fall Foliage Camping there’s more enjoy seasonal activities like apple picking and harvest festivals. Couples can savor romantic evenings with cozy campfires and stargaze in the clear autumn sky, and there are more things to do for Fall Foliage Camping in every park.

What to Pack for Your Fall Foliage Camping Trip

What to pack for your fall foliage adventure. We’re the first to admit we made rookie mistakes in this department. At the time, we thought a light jacket would be enough for a camping trip. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. We looked like human burritos wrapped in every piece of clothing we had!

So, learn from our mistakes, folks. First, layers are your best friend. We’re talking about T-shirts, long sleeves, fleece jackets, etc. Think of yourself as a fall-themed onion. You want to be able to peel off or add on as the temperature changes.

Remember to bring a suitable sleeping bag rated for lower temperatures than expected. It’s better to be too warm than spend the night doing the cold feet shuffle in your sleeping bag. While we’re on warmth, throw in some hand warmers. They’re like little pockets of happiness when the temperature drops.

Camera gear is a must if you want to capture those stunning fall colors. But here’s a pro tip: don’t get so caught up in taking pictures that you forget to enjoy the view. I once spent an entire hike looking through my camera lens and missed a deer family crossing the path. Lesson learned!

Top 10 New York State Parks for Fall Foliage Camping

1. Letchworth State Park

Letchworth State Park, where do we even begin? This place is like a beautiful state park; it’s got it all! We remember the first visit. We stood at the edge of the gorge, our jaw practically on the ground, surrounded by a sea of autumn colors. It was like someone had taken the most beautiful postcard you’ve ever seen and made it real.

There are three main waterfalls during fall. Whew! They’re showing off, surrounded by all those colorful leaves. As for camping, you’re in for a treat. There are spots where you can wake up to a view of the gorge. We are talking about rolling out of your tent, and BAM! It is an instant autumn wonderland. Just be sure to book early – this place is famous for a reason!

And if you’re into hiking, bring your boots because there are trails for days. We attempted the Gorge Trail, and let me tell you, it was like walking through a painting. Every turn was another “oh wow” moment. Just watch your step. We may or may not have almost face-planted while gawking at the scenery. Safety first, folks!

2. Allegany State Park

Allegany State Park is like that overachiever in high school who was good at everything – it’s got it all and then some! This place is HUGE. Talking 65,000 acres of pure autumn bliss. It’s like fall threw a party and invited everyone!

Now, you have two main areas to choose from: the Red House and Quaker areas. They’re both excellent. We stayed in the Red House Area, and let us tell you; we woke up to that lake view with the fall colors reflecting off the water.

If you’re into hiking (or, in our case, enthusiastic walking), you’re in luck. There are trails galore! we attempted the Bear Caves trail, which was like stepping into a storybook. Picture this: winding paths, massive boulders covered in moss, and a canopy of golden leaves above. we felt like kids again, scrambling over rocks and peeking into caves.

The Stone Tower. we huffed and puffed up there (note to self: more cardio), but the view from the top? It’s worth every wheezing breath. It’s like a 360-degree panorama of fall awesomeness.

3.Harriman State Park

Harriman State Park is like that excellent, artsy friend who lives just outside the city. It’s close enough to NYC for a quick escape but far enough to feel like you’re in another world. And let us tell you, during fall? It’s like stepping into a Monet painting, but you must wear more comfortable shoes.

The first time we visited, we were blown away by the lakes. There are over 30 of them! It’s like nature couldn’t decide which view was best, so it just went, “Eh, let’s do them all!” our favorite is Lake Sebago. Picture this: a mirror-like surface reflecting the sky and surrounding fall foliage. It’s so pretty it almost hurts your eyes. we tried to capture it on camera, but my photography skills weren’t entirely up to the task.

Now, let’s talk about hiking! With over 200 miles of trails, it’s like a choose-your-own-adventure book with more exercise and better views. We attempted the Racoon Brook Hills Loop, and… well, let’s say we got a little turned around.

Pro tip: bring a map, folks.

And the camping? It’s like glamping’s cooler, more rugged cousin. They’ve got these rustic shelters that make you feel like you’re roughing it but in a fun way. we stayed in one and felt like a regular Bear Grylls.

4. Watkins Glen State Park

Credit Photo: canva.com

Watkins Glen State Park is one of the most famous Finger Lakes parks in New York, with a reputation for leaving visitors spellbound. This place is like nature decided to show off and create the most Instagram-worthy spot ever. We mean, a gorgeous gorge and fabulous fall foliage? It’s almost too much. The gorge has 200-foot cliffs on either side and 19 waterfalls. It’s like walking through a fairy tale but with better footwear.

Now, let us warn you about something: those stairs. There are  832 staircase steps. How do we know? We tried to count every Single One as we gasped our way to the top. But what is the view from up there? It’s worth every burning muscle and labored breath.

As for camping, they’ve got options. You can go for the full-on roughing it experience, or if you like and enjoy a little comfort with your nature, they’ve got cabins, too. we stayed in one of the cabins, which was like having a front-row seat to the best fall show in town.

5.Fahnestock State Park

Fahnestock State Park is like that hidden gem of a restaurant that locals don’t want you to know about. But too bad, the cat’s out of the bag now! This place is a fall lover’s paradise, and it’s just a hop, skip, and jump from the Big Apple.

First things first, Canopus Lake. Oh, my. Gourd. (See what we did there? Fall puns, anyone?) This lake is like a mirror in autumn, reflecting the surrounding colors, so ideally, you’ll think you’re looking at a painting. We tried skipping stones across it and ended up staring at the reflections for a good hour of time well spent.

Now, let’s talk trails. They’ve got over 50 miles of them! It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure book with more trees and less risk of being eaten by a grue. We attempted the Appalachian Trail section and figured we’d knock out a tiny bit of that bucket list item. Let’s just say we have a newfound respect for thru-hikers. our legs were jelly by the end, but our eyes were happy!

Camping here is a treat. You’ve got options ranging from tent sites to “we like nature, but we also like not sleeping on roots” cabin rentals. we went to a tent site near the lake. Were we waking up to that misty, colorful view? Better than any alarm clock, we’ll tell you that much.

And if you’re into fishing, bring your rod! The lake is stocked with bass and pickerel. It’s about the experience, right?

6. Green Lakes State Park

Green Lakes State Park is like that one friend who’s irritatingly photogenic no matter what angle you look at it from; it’s just stunning.

Now, let us tell you about these lakes. They’re not just green; this otherworldly blue-green makes you think you’ve stumbled onto some alien planet. And when you add in the fall colors reflecting off the surface? It’s like… well, nothing else I’ve ever seen. we spent a good hour just sitting on the shore, staring at the water like a slack-jawed yokel. No regrets.

The hiking here is top-notch. They’ve got this 10-mile perimeter trail that loops around both lakes. we attempted it, and… well, let’s just say we underestimated how long 10 miles is.

Pro tip: bring snacks, water, and maybe a support team to carry you the last mile.

Now, if you’re a golf enthusiast (or, in our case, someone who enjoys walking around beautiful places while occasionally whacking a small ball), they’ve got a course here that’s to die for. Imagine teeing off surrounded by a sea of reds, oranges, and gold. we spent more time taking photos than golfing.

You’ve got your pick of sites, some right near the lake. We chose one with a view of the water and you waking up to that misty, colorful scene.

7. Taconic State Park

Credit: Taconic State Park – Copake Falls Facebook Page

Taconic State Park is like that excellent, artsy friend who lives on the border of three states. It has a foot in New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, which means triple the fall foliage fun! It’s like the leaf-peeping trifecta if you will.

Bash Bish Falls. First off, it’s a great name. It’s fun to say. Bash Bish. Okay, But seriously, this waterfall is the star of the show. It’s the highest single-drop waterfall in Massachusetts, and when you see it surrounded by autumn colors? Whew! It’s like nature decided to show off. we tried to capture it on camera, and well, let’s say sometimes you have to put the phone down and just soak it in.

And for all you hikers out there, hold onto your boots because the Appalachian Trail runs right through here! we attempted a small section of it, and… well, let’s say we have a newfound respect for thru-hikers.

8. Bear Mountain State Park

Bear Mountain State Park is like that overachiever in high school who was good at everything – it’s got views, history, and activities galore. And in the fall? The park puts on its finest outfit and struts its stuff.

First things first – that view from the top of Bear Mountain. Holy guacamole! (Is that still a thing people say? No? Just us? Okay.) You can see for miles and miles, with the Hudson River winding through a sea of autumn colors. We huffed and puffed the way up there (note to self: more cardio), but let us tell you, it was worth every wheezing breath.

There’s Perkins Memorial Tower. This place is like a cherry on top of an already delicious sundae. You climb up, look out, and BAM! Panoramic views that’ll make your jaw drop.

The camping options here are like a buffet. There’s something for everyone. You’ve got your standard tent sites for the “roughing it” crowd, cabins for those who like a little comfort with their nature (guilty as charged), and get this: there’s an inn! That’s right, you can “camp” in style. We stayed at the inn once, and it felt like we were living in a swanky alpine lodge with better views.

They’ve got this Oktoberfest that’ll make you think you’ve stumbled into a little slice of Germany. we may or may not have attempted the chicken dance after a stein or two. The less said about that, the better.

9. Wellesley Island State Park

Wellesley Island State Park is a hidden gem in the Thousand Islands region, perfect for fall foliage enthusiasts. It is situated on an island in the St. Lawrence River and has a unique blend of water views and autumn colors.
The park boasts premium campsites right on the water’s edge, providing stunning views of the fall foliage reflected in the river. Even the regular sites offer spectacular autumn scenery.

For hikers, the Eel Bay Trail showcases the best fall scenery, winding through colorful forest canopies and rocky shorelines. Don’t forget your camera!
Unique features include a butterfly house, which offers an interesting contrast to the bold autumn colors. Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck with bass, pike, and muskie in the St. Lawrence River.

Pro tip: On clear days, you can see Canada across the river, adding an international flair to your leaf-peeping adventure.
Wellesley Island State Park combines island charm with excellent fall foliage viewing, making it a top choice for autumn camping in New York.

Conclusion: Fall Foliage Camping Adventure

we’ve leaf-peeped our way through some of New York’s most stunning state parks, and what a colorful journey it’s been! From the grand vistas of Letchworth to the island charm of Wellesley, we’ve discovered that when it comes to fall foliage camping, the Empire State really knows how to put on a show.

As we’ve seen, each park offers its own unique blend of autumn magic. Whether we’re chasing waterfalls framed by golden leaves, hiking through tunnels of crimson and orange, or waking up to misty lakes reflecting the fall palette, there’s something for every type of camper and leaf enthusiast.

Remember, fall camping isn’t just about the views (though they’re pretty spectacular). It’s about the crisp air filling our lungs, the crunch of leaves under our boots, and the warmth of a campfire on a cool autumn night.

So, what are we waiting for? It’s time to enjoy and start your camping, pack some warm layers (and don’t forget the camera!), and set out on our own fall foliage adventure. Whether we’re seasoned campers or first-timers, New York’s state parks are ready to welcome us with open arms and dazzling autumn displays.