Where can you kayak camp in New York? This question surfaces repeatedly among paddlers eager to explore the Empire State’s remarkable waterways. The draw is undeniable—from the pristine wilderness of the Adirondacks to the historic waters of the Thousand Islands, New York offers some of the most diverse kayak camping experiences on the East Coast.
During my early guiding days, I watched countless paddlers struggle with this exact question, often settling for crowded car camping when spectacular paddle-in sites waited just offshore. The challenge isn’t finding water—New York has over 7,600 lakes and 70,000 miles of rivers and streams—but knowing where overnight camping is permitted and which locations offer the best combination of scenery, safety, and solitude.
Where can you kayak camp in New York?
New York offers exceptional kayak camping across multiple regions, with the Adirondacks providing the most extensive paddle-in camping opportunities, including over 50 designated wilderness areas with primitive campsites accessible only by water. The state’s kayak camping destinations range from secluded Adirondack wilderness sites to island camping complexes that accommodate both novice and experienced paddlers.
The Adirondacks: New York’s kayak camping crown jewel
The Adirondack Park encompasses six million acres—larger than any other protected area in the lower 48 states—making it the undisputed champion for kayak camping in New York. More than 3,000 lakes, 8,000 ponds, and 1,500 miles of rivers lie within Adirondack Park, making it a paddler’s paradise.
Saranac Lake Islands stand out as the most accessible introduction to Adirondack kayak camping. For an island all your own, paddle 17.5 miles across the trio of Saranac Lakes, where your boat passes 79 campsites ($22/night for New York State residents) only accessible from the water. The three-lake chain features 55 campsites equipped with fire rings and pit privies, spreading across Lower, Middle, and Upper Saranac Lakes.
St. Regis Canoe Area represents the pinnacle of wilderness kayak camping. Encompassing 18,400 acres, the only designated canoe area in New York can be found in the Northern Adirondacks. The area consists of 50 ponds in remote wilderness settings and is known for its popular canoe routes, or carries, consisting of several bodies of water. This motorboat-free zone requires portaging skills but rewards paddlers with unmatched solitude and pristine wilderness camping.
Lake George Islands offer the largest island camping complex in the state. Lake George offers the largest island camping experience in the Adirondacks, with over 380 shoreline campsites spread across 44 islands – campsites are plentiful and affordable. Sites cost $28 per night and include docks, picnic tables, and toilet facilities, making them ideal for families or groups new to kayak camping.
Putnam Pond Campground serves as a gateway to the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness. Putnam Pond serves as a gateway into the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness, which offers great boating, fishing and miles of hiking opportunities. The 46,283-acre wilderness area is part of the Adirondack Forest Preserve and contains many lakes and ponds, especially in the northern portion near Schroon and Ticonderoga. The campground offers both developed sites and access to 38 primitive wilderness campsites scattered throughout the area.
Blue Mountain Lake provides free camping opportunities. At 1,220 acres, Blue Mountain Lake’s six campsites offer unspoiled views and that only-one-here vibe. Each site is free and on a first-come, first-serve basis and offers a fire ring and privy. No permit is required for stays of three nights or less with groups under nine people.
Hudson River Islands State Park
The length of the Hudson River between Albany and New York City offers a number of kayak camping spots. But none is so attractive as the Hudson River Islands State Park, about 20 miles south of Albany and several miles north of the town of Hudson. This complex of islands, backwaters, and marshes provides excellent wildlife viewing and surprisingly remote camping just hours from New York City.
Thousand Islands region
The Thousand Islands offers spectacular kayak camping along the St. Lawrence River, though options are more limited on the American side. Wellesley Island State Park stands out as the region’s premier destination. Wellesley Island State Park is the largest camping complex in the Thousand Islands region with 432 campsites. Within this rustic paradise, fishing is excellent–particularly for perch, smallmouth bass, pike, and muskie.
Canoe Point State Park provides a unique boat-access-only experience. Canoe Point State Park is only reachable by boat, offering a quiet camping experience in a wooded area with plenty of dock space available. Located on Grindstone Island, this park offers 29 primitive campsites accessible only by watercraft.
Finger Lakes limited opportunities
The Finger Lakes region, while excellent for day paddling, offers limited true kayak camping opportunities. Paddlers are welcome to enjoy over 2,000 acres of tranquil water, free of the common boat traffic found on all of the other Finger Lakes. The shores of these gems are free of development and utterly wild, so exploring Hemlock-Canadice State Forest is like stepping back in time to behold the Finger Lakes in their natural state. However, camping restrictions on most Finger Lakes limit overnight stays to established campgrounds rather than paddle-in sites.
Western New York and Catskills
Allegany State Park in western New York provides kayak camping opportunities. Allegany State Park has rentals of kayaks, canoes, and rowboats for use. These rentals can be found at the Red House Lake Boat House, by the large parking lot. The park offers access to the Allegheny River system for multi-day expeditions.
The Catskills region offers more limited kayak camping, with opportunities primarily found in Colgate Lake Wild Forest – A popular paddling, fishing, and camping spot located in East Jewett, NY — no motorized boats make for calm water.
Essential considerations for New York kayak camping
Permits and reservations: Most developed sites require reservations through ReserveAmerica, especially during peak summer months. It’s best to book early or, if in the backcountry, have a backup campsite picked out. Wilderness sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Seasonal access: Most campgrounds operate from mid-May through early October. Winter camping is possible in some wilderness areas but requires advanced skills and proper equipment.
Safety and preparation: New York’s weather can change rapidly, especially in the Adirondacks. Carry appropriate safety equipment, including personal flotation devices, communication devices, and emergency shelter. Many remote areas lack cell coverage.
Leave No Trace principles: All kayak camping in New York requires strict adherence to Leave No Trace principles, particularly in wilderness areas where human impact must be minimized.
Conclusion
Last September, I guided a family of four on their first kayak camping trip to the Saranac Lake Islands. Despite initial concerns about camping “in the wild,” they discovered that having a comprehensive guide transformed their experience from anxious uncertainty to confident adventure. By understanding where to go, what permits were needed, and how to prepare properly, they spent three days exploring different islands rather than worrying about regulations or safety. Following a well-researched guide can make the difference between a stressful outdoor experience and the kind of trip that creates lifelong paddlers—and memories that last even longer.