RV Rental New York

RV Rental New York: Motorhome, Camper, & Trailer Rentals NY

Most people think of the Big Apple when it comes to New York, but the state also features some beautiful natural regions, such as the Adirondacks, the Catskills, and the Finger Lakes. These areas are a haven for outdoor adventurers and those who love hiking its large system of trails and paddling its idyllic bodies of water.

You can't go wrong with RV rentals in New York. Traveling across the state in a camper or motorhome is a great way to experience its diverse landscape, which features everything from farmlands to mountains and lakes. Our guide includes some of the Empire State's most popular attractions for RVers as well as some campground recommendations and other helpful information for planning your trip.

Popular RV Destinations in New York

Niagara Falls State Park

Less than 20 miles from Buffalo, Niagara Falls State Park is located on the U.S./Canadian border and is America's oldest state park. Millions of travelers visit each year to see the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. Its scenery is breathtaking throughout summer, fall, spring, and winter, so it doesn’t matter what time of year you plan your visit.

Some of the attractions include the Maid of the Mist boat tour, Cave of the Winds, Niagara Adventure Theater, Aquarium of Niagara, Niagara Gorge Discovery Center, and the Niagara Scenic Trolley. The falls are illuminated every night in the summer and feature seasonal fireworks. If you're adventurous, you can take a helicopter ride for an aerial view of the vast waterfalls.

The Finger Lakes

If you like wine, particularly Riesling, then the Finger Lakes should be at the top of your list. The area is also known for its boat and food tours. There are 11 long and narrow lakes in the region, and its top park is the Robert H. Treman State Park, which features an incredible gorge called Enfield Glen.

You can wander around the park’s trails adjacent to the gorge to see 12 waterfalls, such as the 115-foot Lucifer Falls. There you will see over a mile down the gorge. You can also swim in pools under the waterfalls and camp on the property's RV sites.

The Thousand Islands

The Thousand Islands are located on the border of New York and Ontario, Canada, and travelers have been visiting the area to explore its landscape and culture for over 150 years. There are actually over 1,800 islands in the St. Lawrence River, and the region was used as a luxury retreat by the wealthy during the late 1800s.

The islands have a fascinating history involving Prohibition bootleggers and pirates, so it's worth taking a tour for historical context. Make sure to visit some of its maritime museums and mansions, such as Boldt Castle on Heart Island and Singer Castle on Dark Island. It's also a great place for fishing, diving, shopping, and dining.

Enchanted Forest Water Safari

If you have children with you in your motorhome rental, you may want to stop at The Enchanted Forest, New York's largest water park. Located in Old Forge, it features over 50 rides and attractions for kids of all ages. Even better, Old Forge is a great starting point for exploring the Adirondack Park, which covers 20 percent of the state.

There is no entry fee for the park, and it's a perfect spot to check out and play in its forests, lakes, and rivers. Other attractions near Old Forge include the Adirondack Scenic Railroad, Fulton Chain Craft Brewery, Norridgewock Tour Boat, and the McCauley Mountain Scenic Chairlift.

Events and Entertainment in New York

Finger Lakes Wine Festival

Wine lovers unite every summer at the Finger Lakes Wine Festival, which is New York's largest wine exhibit. Held at Watkins Glen International, the festival features more than 80 wineries as well as music, food, and artisans. 

Food trucks and vendors accommodate a variety of tastes, while arts and crafts vendors sell everything from specialty items to vintage and upcycled clothing.

Visitors also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of seminars held by the Finger Lakes chapter of the Women for WineSense. And if that's not enough, you can watch some cooking demos or take in one of the festival's musical performances.

New York City Wine and Food Festival

The Food Network & Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival (NYCWFF) is an annual charity event that brings together some of the nation's top chefs, wine and spirit artisans, culinary experts, and lifestyle gurus to fight hunger. The festival features more than 80 events, including tastings, late-night parties, and seminars.

Approximately 45,000 people attend the event each year, which has been going on since 2007. According to TV chef Rachael Ray, the festival is more than just eating and drinking your way through an abundance of culinary options: "We are raising funds to help feed people. That feeds your soul.”

Bethel Woods Concert Series

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is a National Register Historic Site and is located 90 miles from New York City in the Catskill Mountains where the Woodstock festival took place in 1969. Every summer, Bethel Woods hosts a variety of musical performances in its amphitheater, which features both inside seats and a sprawling lawn for those who prefer the outdoors.

We strongly recommend you also visit the museum, which has loads of information about Woodstock and the 1960s culture. You can listen to music from that time period as well as watch some films, take part in interactive productions, and see artifacts and more than 300 photographic murals.

Campgrounds and Parks in New York

Camp Bell Campground

Located in the Finger Lakes, Camp Bell Campground has loads of amenities for RVers, including Wi-Fi, a heated pool, 30- and 50-amp electric, picnic tables, fire rings, and laundry facilities. Onsite activities include bingo, movie and popcorn night, arts and crafts, wagon rides, and cornhole tournaments.

The campground is 10 miles from the Corning Museum of Glass and is a great stopover if you plan on visiting some of the region’s wineries. Other area attractions include the Rockwell Museum, Tanglewood Nature Center, Tioga Downs Racetrack & Casino, and Watkins Glen State Park, gorge trails, and falls.

Lake Placid / Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday

If you're planning a trip to the Adirondacks, then consider staying at the Lake Placid / Whiteface Mountain KOA. It's a great place to hike the region's mountains and go fly fishing in its various lakes and streams. You can also visit the site of the 1932 and 1980 Olympic Winter Games.

The campground features large sites for big rigs, and amenities including 50-amp hookups, Wi-Fi, cable TV, a pool, mini golf, hayrides, snack bar, general store, and a playground. The KOA also hosts events, such as a Memorial Day pig roast, Fourth of July BBQ, and Halloween festivities.

Lake George RV Park

This 120-acre RV park is located close to Lake George Village and is a great place to go if you're looking for an Adirondack retreat. There are more than 400 RV sites, which include 30- and 50-amp hookups, septic service, water, cable TV, Wi-Fi, a picnic table, and fire ring.

There are plenty of things to do without leaving the campground, such as basketball, volleyball, shuffleboard, tennis, biking, hiking, paddle boating, and fishing. Area attractions include the Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom theme park, Painted Pony Rodeo, Adirondack Winery, Ausable Chasm, Lake George Steamboat Company, and Natural Stone Bridges & Cave Park.

RV Storage and Dumpstations in New York

When you're traveling in an RV, you may find yourself in a situation in which you need to store it for a short period of time. The good news is that New York has several storage options across the state, including the following:

• Hudson Valley RV Heated Storage, Malden Bridge
• Boat N RV Storage, Saratoga Springs
• Rochester RV Storage, Rochester
• ADK Storage, Utica

While it's not the most pleasant RV activity, it's essential that you dispose of your gray and black water on a regular basis. New York State has several areas in which you can dump your waste, such as:

• Jacques Cartier State Park, Morristown
• Battle Row Campground, Old Bethpage
• Saugerties/Woodstock KOA
• Niagara Falls North KOA
• Brookside Campground, Catskill

FAQs

1. What are RV rentals?

If you want the flexibility of using an RV without being responsible with the costs associated with ownership, then renting one is a great option.

2. How much are RV rentals?

RV rentals can cost anywhere from $75 to $250 per night, depending on its size. You can save money if you rent a motorhome or camper for longer periods of time. 

3. Do I need to be a certain age to rent an RV in New York?

Typically, you need to be 25 to rent an RV. However, you may be able to find a rental company if you're between the ages of 21 and 24. Extra fees may apply.

4. Do I need insurance when I rent an RV?

Yes. Insurance is required because you need protection if you’re involved in an accident.

5. Do I need to return my rental RV with a full tank?

Check with the rental company to determine if it requires a full tank of gas upon your return.

6. Are RVs pet-friendly in New York?

Many RV owners and companies allow users to have pets onboard, but they may charge an extra fee.