Upstate New York Tour

[MBirch]

I am planning a trip / tour through upstate New York and have a few questions for the locals:

1. What are the "must sees" that I should plan into the trip.
2. We'll spend a day or two in NYC. Where is the best place to camp nearby? What is the best way to get into NYC without driving?

[MBirch]

Forgot to mention ... we are coming from Toronto, Ontario in August. We are well familiar with the Niagara and Finger Lakes regions.

Interested in seeing the Catskills as well as the Adirondacks and perhaps some day trips into NYC and/or Washington DC.

[affreeman]

Originally Posted by MBirch

Interested in seeing the Catskills as well as the Adirondacks and perhaps some day trips into NYC and/or Washington DC.

It's about 350 miles (560 km) from the Catskills to DC. Not really a day trip unless you fly.

[TonyDi]

Liberty Harbor RV Park in Jersey City will be the most convenient. It relatively close and service to the city is quick.
Upstate NY - Lake George.....Lake George RV Park
Ft Ticonderoga
Lake Placid

Good luck with the plans.

[mrrving]

To add to TonyDi's reply, I would also consider the Lake Placid area. Whiteface Mt and the Olympic tour is great. I also recommend Lake George RV Resort. We have stayed there a few time and defiantly worth the price. The entertainment at their French Mountain Theater is great. Besides Liberty Park, further out is Black Bear in Florida, NY with tours into the city. Black Bear is near West Point Military College. In Newburgh, NY there is a KOA that many people recommend, but we have never stayed there. If you do go as far as Washington,DC, stay at Cherry Hill in Maryland. They have tours of D.C. Right from the campground and a shuttle to the metro to access the D.C. Area. Enjoy your trip.

[JohnArch]

To add to mrrving - the KOA in Newburgh is popular because it offers bus tours / rides to NYC right from the campgrounds.
Saratoga / Lake George / Lake Placid / Adirondack Museum - so much to see in the Adirondacks.

[Dr4Film]

I am originally from Rochester NY, all of 49 years, then moved away (career) so NY is my first love.

I would cross at the Thousand Island Bridge and stay in that area to see some of the sites around the Thousand Islands.

Then meander down into the heart of the Adirondacks. Plenty to see and do anywhere in this vast state park. Others have given you good info.

In regards to the Catskills plus don't forget about the Finger Lakes region both have lots of places to see and visit.

Here are a few: Wine tours, Watkins Glen State Park, Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, Corning Glass Works, etc.

Two links from Trip Advisor regarding things to see in both places.

Top Ten things to do in the Finger Lakes

Top Ten Things to do in the Catskills

Dr4Film ----- Richard

[nothermark]

Another vote for hit the Thousand Islands, Adirondacks do the Museums in Tupper and Blue Mountain lakes. Lake Placid and then drop down to your NYC tour. Nothing in the Catskills but some interesting places in the Hudson Valley. Either swing back north from there or head west into the southern side of the Finger Lakes depending on your time frame.

[Betr2Trvl]

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

Site of the Woodstock Music Festval (which is nowhere near Woodstock NY) which includes a cultural center focused on societal change in the 1960s, as well as the music festival. The famous "hill" has not been disturbed, and the gravel foundation that was under the stage can still be found at the bottom. It was a very surreal experience for me; my knees actually trembled as we walked down the hill. And standing at the bottom looking up, was amazing - you really sense the size when you look up the hill and see other people walking down and think, wow........

There is also a separate modern amphitheater on the grounds, which hosts concerts and other events. If you plan to go, I would suggest avoiding event dates so you have full access to the center and the grounds.

[modified guy]

the finger lakes are awesome great state parks and letch worth in Geneseo
is awesome the wineries and breweries on both sides of Seneca lake are fantastic and Watkins glen state park or the koa are great places to stay

[Thortogo]

Go up to the shore of Lake Ontario to GOLDEN HILLS STATE PARK then drive along the lake to Niagara falls on rte 18

[sam-3]

Bigger campsites are Hamlin Beach,Lake side Beach. The closest one to Niagara Falls,USA is Four mile creek state campsite.

[Winemaker2]

If you are interested in the Adirondacks the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mtn Lake is a MUST.
Plan on a full day as there is a lot to see.
Olympic venues in Lake Placid may be of interest.