Top 5 RV destinations in upstate New York

Sure, everyone loves to visit New York City and experience the autumn leaves synonymous with upper New England, but what about the rest of The Empire State? Between the Adirondack Mountains, the Finger Lakes, Niagara Falls, and more, the “rest of New York” offers a lot more to adventuring RVers than just access to the city. So here are our top 5 picks for the best RV destinations in upstate New York!

1. Storm Storm King Art Center by RV

Located in the beautiful Hudson River Valley in New Windsor, NY, Storm King Art Center is a 500-acre outdoor museum founded by the co-owners of the Star Expansion Company, Ralph E. Ogden and H. Peter Stern, in 1962. Though Storm King was originally planned as a way to showcase the Hudson River School painting, its founders shifted toward modern sculpture during the site’s production. 

Following the purchase of thirteen works from the estate of sculptor David Smith, sculptures were placed directly into the landscape. Sculptures continue to be placed this way with consideration for their immediate surroundings, vistas, and how the natural world plays with the art form. Some of the world’s most famous sculptors are featured in this beautiful setting, including Andy Goldsworthy, Alexander Calder, and Henri Matisse. 

Today, the site boasts over 100 large-scale sculptures, many of which are permanent fixtures or long-term loans from artists’ estates. As visitors explore the expansive grounds, these incredible sculptures ignite imaginations and provide new perspectives for visitors to the natural surroundings. 

For RVers, Storm King is not far from New York City, but far enough away that you’ll feel you’ve left the grips of city life. Nearby Croton Point Park campground is an excellent choice for those on their way out of the city, while Winding Hills Campground offers RV camping for those heading further North and West from Storm King.    

2. Take your motorhome to Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

With its diverse habitats of grassland, shrubland, and wetland, Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is truly a wildlife haven. Located at the north end of Cayuga Lake, in the heart of the Finger Lakes region, many migratory birds, including waterfowl and others, rely on its forests and water for nesting, breeding, and stopover grounds, while residential birds also call it home. With walking trails and viewing areas open year-round from sunrise to sunset, the wildlife-loving RVers will delight in this scenic setting for appreciation. 

Montezuma was once a thriving marshland used by indigenous populations for hunting and fishing. As dams and canals were constructed in the early 1900s, area wildlife all but vanished as the water was removed from the area. Since 1938, the Montezuma Wetlands Complex - comprised of the US Forest and Wildlife Service, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Audubon NY, Ducks Unlimited, the Nature Conservancy, and Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex - has strived to restore this critical habitat to the wildlife that called it home for so long. 

Where to park your RV and rest your head: Check out Hejamada Campground & RV Park in nearby Port Byron, NY for some fun, relaxing, and family-friendly camping.

3. Corning, NY by coach

Nestled in the heart of New York's Southern Tier, Corning is a quaint town that seamlessly blends history, art, and the charm of small-town living. Also known as America’s Crystal City, Corning promises an immersive journey through its glowing restaurant and history presence, scenic landscapes, and the world’s largest glass museum, the Corning Museum of Glass. From intricate glassblowing demonstrations to stunning displays of historical and contemporary glass art, the glass museum offers a glimpse into the history and evolution of glass as an art form, science, and more. 

With events like May’s annual GlassFest, 100s of boutiques, shops, art galleries, studios, cafes, and restaurants, Corning is considered one of America’s most charming small towns. If you’re lucky enough to visit during autumn, the town celebrates its role in creating the first Edisoninan light bulbs by transforming itself back to the 1880s during The Days of Incandescence. 

Where to park your RV and rest your head: Check out the Watkins Glen/Corning KOA resort for access to Corning and the famously beautiful Watkins Glen State Park. Though it didn’t quite make our rather short list, Watkins Glen is definitely a destination worth exploring if you’re in the area. Also, be sure to check out our blog post about the KOA for more information about this wonderful service and community.

4. RV adventuring in Letchworth State Park

Sometimes referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the East," Letchworth State Park is a hidden gem for RV and outdoors enthusiasts alike. The park's expansive gorge, carved by the mighty Genesee River, offers beautiful views and fun activities for all ages and experience levels. As you travel through the park’s overlooks, make time to take in Inspiration Point, Archery Field, and the park’s three major waterfalls - the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls. 

If you love to hike, look no further than Letchworth State Park. With diverse landscapes covering dense forests close to magnificent waterfalls, the park offers trails suitable for all skill levels. The popular Gorge Trail guides you along the edge of the gorge, providing close-up views of the cascading waterfalls and river above. Not a hiker? Check out the fishing, birdwatching, kayaking opportunities, and more along the Genessee River. 

Where to park your RV and rest your head: Letchworth seamlessly blends the wonders of nature with the convenience of RV travel thanks to RV-friendly campsites within the park.

5. And finally, visit Niagara Falls

No trip to Upstate New York would be complete without experiencing the power and majesty of Niagara Falls! Enjoy a boat tour to feel the mist on your face or explore the adjacent Niagara Falls State Park for panoramic views. Check out the many available options for walking tours, including the Underground Railroad Heritage Center.

You can even take a helicopter ride over the falls! Want to try your luck? Check out Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino for an all-inclusive experience just three miles from the falls. Or try the Niagara Wine Trail, take a whirlpool jet tour, charter a fishing boat, check out Old Fort Niagara, or any other of the many other attractions available near the falls. 

Where to park your RV and rest your head: Branches of Niagara Campground and Resort, possibly the most famous of the campgrounds near Niagara Falls, is a great basecamp location for visiting the falls and an excellent camping experience on its own. The surrounding region offers plenty of other RV-friendly accommodations, making it convenient for travelers eager to explore the falls and the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Ready to take on upstate New York in an RV of your own?

We hope our list inspires you to make the most of your trip to “the rest of New York!” If you’re looking for the perfect RV for your next big adventure, look no further than your local Transwest dealer. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is available to help you make the best choice to meet your travel needs. Check out our available inventory and visit a location near you today to help make your trip upstate a reality.