State Parks near Schenectady, NY

Rugged mountains, lush boreal forests, tumbling waterfalls, and glassy lakes make Adirondack Park a wonderland for outdoor lovers. The park occupies roughly six million acres, making it one of the largest publicly protected areas in North America. In fact, its footprint is bigger than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Everglades, and Glacier National Parks combined. The sprawling park was created in 1892 and quickly emerged as a beloved recreation area for locals and visitors alike. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the crisp mountain air, from hiking high-altitude trails to exploring scenic paddling routes.Planning a road trip in the Empire State? Book an RV in Clinton County and gear up for an unforgettable adventure. When you choose one of the …

Laying on the banks of the Farmington River, American Legion State Forest is a hidden natural gem of Connecticut. It is located north of New Hartford and a 20-minute drive away from Torrington. This 893-acre park is famous for its trail system, as well as being an excellent canoeing destination for all outdoor enthusiasts interested in this activity. Dense forests, rocks, and cliffs create a perfect environment for a fun motorhome camping adventure.American Legion State Forest has a fascinating history. The first 212 acres of land was a present from the American Legion in 1927. They wanted to teach the citizens about forest management often seen in Europe. The state of Connecticut called in the Civilian Conservation Corps, …

After you book an RV in Windsor County, head to Ascutney State Park to experience Vermont’s second-highest mountain peak. Mount Ascutney is located in the southern half of Vermont, near the border that the state shares with New Hampshire, about 40 miles north of Brattleboro. The park and mountain were originally thought to be named after a local settlement along the Sugar River, but it has been decided by local historians that the name instead has no known meaning.Camping in an RV at Ascutney State Park is a fantastic way to visit the mountain, and it is believed that the mountain was home to the nation’s first public recreation trail, built-in 1825. The park offers many recreation …

Local Massachusetts lore says the origin of the name, Bash Bish Falls, comes from a story that occurred hundreds of years ago. A Mohican Native American was accused of committing adultery, for which the punishment was to be tied up inside a canoe and pushed over a waterfall. It’s unknown whether this event actually occurred, however.Home to the highest waterfall in Massachusetts, Bash Bish Falls State Park is considered one of the most scenic - and dangerous - locations in the state. The top of Bash Bish Falls is extremely slippery, and there have been over 25 deaths since the 1970s from people attempting to jump from rock to rock. A handful of deaths were from drowning, also. As …

Beacon Memorial Park is a cultivated urban park located in the town of Beacon in New York. Its location is just one of the reasons why the park is a popular destination for outdoor sports and activities, such as running and hiking. The park's landscape consists of large grass areas, with some forest sections and paved paths throughout. The park has an athletic field that is used as a venue for community athletic programs such as organized football and baseball; if you choose to visit, attending an event is just one of the activities at your disposal.Beacon Memorial Park also has tennis courts and a dog park, and it's not far from the town's Main Street, where you can …

In 1908, prison authorities began looking for a new location for the Sing Sing prison and felt that the Bear Mountain would meet their needs. However, people lobbied against relocating the prison, and the state of New York eventually succeeded. The president of Union Pacific Railroad, E. H. Harriman, passed away that year, and his wife offered 10,000 acres and a million dollars if New York would turn it into a state park. Other prominent community leaders and benefactors like John D. Rockefellers donated a significant sum, too, contributing to the cause. Bear Mountain State Park was officially established and opened to the public in 1913.The on-site Trailside Museum and Zoo treat and rehabilitate many injured animals, including bears, …

Beartown State Forest covers an area of over ten thousand acres, nearly two-hundred of which is given over to recreational parkland. This ancient deciduous forest is the perfect location for renting an RV and escaping the bustle of modern Massachuttes. The towns of Great Barrington, Tyringham, and Monterey are only a few minute's drive from the forest, making ideal places for those who are motorhome camping and wish to stock up on any last-minute supplies.Beartown State Forest is a haven for an array of wildlife. This state forest offers visitors the chance to see deer, bobcat, fishers and of cause the black bear which gives the forest its name. During the summer months, the pristine Benedict Pond …

Exploring northern Connecticut will reward you with dense forests, gently rolling hills, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy both nature and decent-sized cities. Camping with an RV at Bigelow Hollow State Park is easy to do when you book an RV in Tolland County, one of the state’s northernmost counties. Bigelow Hollow State Park is part of one of the largest unbroken forest areas in Connecticut, a must-see destination for nature lovers.The origins of the name of the park are unknown, but locals believe it may be derived from a reference to the deep hollow pond that is in the area. In total, the park covers over 500 acres and borders Nipmuck State Forest, which further increases the …

This state park is situated in the western portion of this New England state, near the small hamlet of Watertown. It lies a mere 30 miles from the border with New York. The nearest larger city is Waterbury, found less than 10 miles to the south, while the state's capital, Hartford, is less than 30 miles to the east.This area is hilly, forested, and rather rural, which makes it quite a contradiction from the busy, populated areas located on the eastern side of the state. Activities available at Black Rock State Park include picnicking, camping, hiking trails, and swimming sites. The park offers both ponds and streams where fishing can be enjoyed as well. The Mattatuck …

Bomoseen State Park is a classic example of the picturesque Vermont landscape. Three thousand five hundred seventy-six acres sprawl over low mountains covered with birch, maple, and oak trees and wide-open valleys. The way of life is slower in this part of Vermont. Friendships are savored along with a good cup of coffee, and the wildlife is cherished. Count yourself lucky if you catch a fleeting glimpse of a white-tailed deer bounding through the woods or a shy black bear poking his head out of the bushes warily. The park borders a few acres of wetlands as well as Lake Bomoseen, the largest lake that’s entirely inside Vermont’s borders.Though Bomosteen is a pristine example of wilderness, it’s not an …

Bowman Lake State Park spreads out across 967-acres and is nestled among the scenic hills of Chenango County, New York. Known as a “camper's paradise," the remote state park is located west of Oxford in the town of McDonough. The park is open year-round and is easy to navigate in a motorhome rental thanks to its easy access and wide, well-paved roads.The land that became Bowman Lake State Park was originally part of the region's reforestation lands, which the state acquired in 1929. Around 200 campsites were established around Bowman Lake in the early 1960s, and in 1966 the property officially opened as a state park. Book an RV in Chenango County and enjoy a relaxing retreat at Bowman …

Branbury State Park is located in eastern Vermont, near the small community of Brandon, which lies only around 20 miles from the state border with New York. The nearest larger town is actually Ticonderoga, NY, which is around 25 miles to the west. The nearest real city is Montpelier, VT, at almost 60 miles to the northeast.Branbury State Park sits on the eastern shores of the, fairly large, Lake Dunmore, very near the Green Mountain National Forest. This is a very rural, very scenic part of the country, comprised of forested lands and rolling hills. There are all sorts of ways to enjoy the great outdoors here. From hiking, camping, and water sports in the summer …

Brown Tract Pond Campground was first opened to the public in 1958 but has remained one of the Adirondack region's best-kept secrets. The campground is situated in a heavily wooded area on the eastern shore to the pond, where non-powered boats provide access to fishing and self-guided lake tours. It's also a good area for mountain bike riding; you can take your bike on the trails or on the nearby access roads. The hiking trails lead from the campground to several other lakes and two mountains. If you book an RV rental near Brown Tract Pond, you can also take a self-guided tour of the area's access roads.Brown Tract Pond Campground is a short distance from the town …