Camping

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Camping Along the Canals

If you are you looking to camp along the New York State Canal System, you'll find good options available. However, it's important to plan ahead to find overnight stays that fit the distance you want to travel each day. In addition to spots to pitch a tent, there are also hotels, bed and breakfasts, and Airbnbs that are easily accessible from the canal and trail.

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Primitive Campsites at Locks

The NYS Canal Corporation offers primitive camping mid-May to mid-October during the canal navigation season, with limited on-site amenities at designated Hiker-Cyclist-Boater campsites. These tent-only campsites offer water views and portable toilets, but visitors should be prepared with their own potable water, food, and camping supplies. Some of these are inaccessible to paddlers as the high walls of the canal do not allow access. Campsites are first-come, first-serve. Availability can be impacted by weather conditions or emergency maintenance work.

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Canal Amenity Centers, Municipal Parks, & Marinas

Camping for cyclists, paddlers, and boaters is available at several free or low-cost municipal facilities along the waterway. These Canal Amenity Centers, parks, and marinas are often within walking distance to food and other services. Find options in Waterford, St. Johnsville, Little Falls, Ilion, Frankfort, Clyde, Lyons, Newark, Palmyra, Brockport, and Middleport.

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New York State Parks

Several state parks near the canals offer full-amenity tent and RV camping for a modest fee. Cayuga Lake State Park near Seneca Falls, Green Lakes State Park just east of Syracuse, and Verona Beach State Park near Sylvan Beach are closest to the trail and waterway. Reservations are strongly suggested. Find details at FIND A CAMPGROUND, call 800-456-CAMP, or check www.newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com.

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Private Campgrounds and Warm Showers

Private campgrounds often offer additional amenities like laundry or a swimming pool. There are good options, though some are a few miles from the waterway. Find options at CAMP NEW YORK. Warm Showers is a non-profit hospitality exchange for people who are bicycle touring. There are over 50 Warm Showers hosts along the Erie Canalway Trail. It's free, but you must create an account to see host locations.