Tired of city noise and crowds? You’re not alone. Thousands of New Yorkers dream of a quick outdoor escape—somewhere quiet, green, and just far enough from the skyline. Whether you’re looking to hike forest trails, relax by a lake, or enjoy a night under the stars, these five peaceful camping destinations are perfect for a spontaneous weekend reset. Best of all, they’re all within a few hours of the city—no plane ticket required.
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? 1. Taconic State Park – Copake Falls, NY
Set against the rolling Berkshire foothills, Taconic State Park is known for its shaded trails, scenic ridgelines, and easy access to Bash Bish Falls, one of the region’s most photogenic waterfalls.
? Perfect For: Hikers, families, and nature lovers
? Bonus: The Harlem Valley Rail Trail runs right through the park.
? 2. Harriman State Park – Rockland/Orange County, NY
Just an hour from NYC, Harriman is one of the state’s most accessible yet expansive nature getaways. With over 200 miles of trails and a variety of lakefront campsites, it’s a classic choice for city dwellers seeking calm.
? Perfect For: First-time campers and weekenders
?️ Don’t Miss: Pine Meadow Lake Trail for an easy, rewarding hike.
? 3. North-South Lake Campground – Catskill Forest Preserve, NY
This high-altitude favorite offer sweeping valley views, cliffside lookouts, and plenty of space to stretch out. One of the Catskills’ most popular campgrounds, it’s a great balance between natural beauty and ease of access.
? Perfect For: Photographers, drone users, and stargazers
? Highlights: Sunset Rock and the Escarpment Trail.
? 4. Round Valley Reservoir – Lebanon, NJ
A hidden treasure for adventurous campers, Round Valley features paddle-in-only campsites that offer total seclusion. You’ll need a kayak or canoe to access your site—but that’s part of the charm.
?♀️ Perfect For: Minimalists, solitude seekers, and paddlers
? Evenings: Expect stellar star views with little light pollution.
? 5. High Point State Park – Sussex, NJ
Often overlooked, High Point offers panoramic views of three states and a peaceful atmosphere far removed from the bustle of urban life. It’s especially stunning in autumn.
? Perfect For: Fall camping, leaf-peeping, and quiet weekends
? Feature: The High Point Monument stands at the highest elevation in New Jersey.
? Where to Go from Here?
These five escapes offer just a glimpse of what’s possible when you live in or near NYC. Whether you’re planning your first camping trip or looking to discover hidden gems in the region, we’ve built a dedicated NYC Mini Hub full of weekend getaways, travel guides, and essential gear to help you make the most of your time outdoors.
? Planning more getaways near the city? Check out our full NYC Nature Escape Mini
? 25 incredible nature escapes
- ?️ 7 Scenic Weekend Camping Trips from NYC
- ? Explore New York’s Scenic Finger Lakes Region
- ? 10 Clever Camping Essentials You’ll Wish You Packed Sooner
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