Welcome to the Empire State, where adventure awaits around every corner! New York State is not only famous for its bustling city life but also for its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse landscapes that make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Let’s dive into the wonders of camping in New York State, from the majestic peaks of the Adirondack Mountains to the sandy shores of the Finger Lakes, and everywhere in between. Whether you're a seasoned backpacker, a family looking for quality time in nature, or an RV traveler seeking comfort on the road, New York has something to offer for everyone ..read more

The 2023 Exposition for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry was a resounding success, bringing together industry professionals, enthusiasts, and experts from across the nation to celebrate the great outdoors and the thriving outdoor hospitality sector. Hosted at the impressive Turning Stone Resort and Casino, this year's event was filled with exciting activities, innovative products, and valuable insights for those involved in this dynamic industry.   With the support of Camp New York, this event proved to be a hub of inspiration, knowledge-sharing, and networking opportunities for outdoor h ..read more

The author shares photos of herself with family as they enjoy the simple pleasures of a trip to a Hudson Valley diner, apple picking, and out at a local pumpkin patch. When reminiscing about my childhood there is not a single moment I can remember where I wasn’t a camper. My mother has often told me that when shopping for their first travel trailer they specifically looked for ones with a countertop microwave to warm up my baby bottle, because back then microwaves in RV’s were uncommon. Camping trips were always a big adventure. For a significant portion of my life, our family camping trips ..read more

If you’re like me, you know that the phrase “Friday Night Lights” refers to high school football games, not only in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State but across the United States. My family and I have put our own spin on this concept by starting “Friday Night Hikes” as we are fortunate to have access to hundreds if not, thousands of miles of public trails throughout the region. On many Friday evenings throughout the spring, summer and fall before hunting season consumes my time, we explore some of the different trails, letting the stress from the week fade away. Sometimes it will be ..read more

Vacationing in the land of 1000 Islands The 1000 Islands region is surely a special place and the reason is simple: the St. Lawrence River. From Cape Vincent, up Route 12E to Clayton and Alexandria Bay and beyond, it is just a wonderful place that my wife Adrienne and I have always enjoyed.  Out on the water via one of the several cruise options available in the aforementioned communities, there is just so much to see. And those sights vary from quaint little cabins that seemingly fill the tiny islands they inhabit to the majestic Boldt and Singer Castles, which are both major tourist ..read more

It never ceases to amaze me that people are often surprised when I tell them that my family loves to go camping. I’m not even sure why. Is there a sense that there is a “type” of person who camps? I can definitely tell you the answer is a resounding no! Camping really is an activity anyone can enjoy given how many different ways you can access this amazing activity. Growing up, my parents took out our musty green tent every summer for a trip we took with friends. It was amazing, but definitely more of a rustic experience than my husband would prefer now. I also got to experience a slightly l ..read more

The lower Niagara River: More than just Niagara Falls Millions of people visit Niagara Falls every year. It is a natural wonder of the world that attracts people from all over the globe. However, the stretch of real estate that extends north of Niagara Falls through the passage of the lower Niagara River in what locals refer to as “the Gorge” is a wonderful place to enjoy nature. It is my favorite “quiet place” when I want to escape from the hustle and bustle of society. The Gorge extends from the mighty Cataracts to Lewiston, several miles downriver, where the Escarpment drops down. It is ..read more

When it’s time for a family vacation, it’s hard for me to justify leaving the state I’ve called home for most of my life. There’s a reason the phrase “I Love New York” is one of the most famous slogans of all time. In fact, there are a lot of reasons to love New York: theres the six-million acre Adirondack Forest Preserve. 520 miles of ocean coastline. The world’s most famous waterfalls. Two of the world’s largest freshwater lakes. One of the country’s most respected wine regions. An international seaway. 11 spectacular, glacially-carved “Finger” Lakes. And, of course, The Big Apple. These at ..read more

I’m an “Inside Cat.” Sure, I’ve always loved to play golf and putter around the backyard on a summer evening. But for the most part, I’ve tended to unwind by watching superhero movies (even the bad ones), playing cards and diving into a book. Then I married an “Outside Cat.”   Anne, my wife, loves the outdoors to the point that she enjoys mowing the lawn (with a push mower nonetheless!). And as our kids, Catherine and Andrew, have grown I’ve managed to not only leave the Great Indoors from time to time, but enjoyed doing so. I’ve also found that enjoying the outdoors doesn’t always mean ..read more

The pandemic has put a crimp on some forms of travel. Why not try a camping adventure closer to home ..read more