Upstate NY/NH/Vermont/Maine

[rmnpcolorado]

We're considering heading up to New England next year - trying to get an idea of different areas to visit in the upstate New York, New Hampshire, Vermont or Maine areas. Possibly may head to Acadia NP, but what else would be good in the region? We typically head west to the Rockies and have absolutely no idea of what's in the region.

We DON'T do RV parks, preferring to stay in nice state parks or national forest campgrounds (preferably with electricity if there is such a thing). We prefer privacy, not parking lot campgrounds. Thanks!

[Crowe]

John, you are correct. The basketball Hall of Fame is in Springfield, as is the Springfield Armory Museum.

[Haley]

One of my last trips up here I passed by the Boxing Hall (near Syracuse NY) of Fame; the Baseball Hall of Fame (Cooperstown NY) and the Basketball Hall of Fame (Springfield MA?).

On my list is also Croton Point Park for its ease of access to NYC.

[Community Alumni]

Come up and visit Ausable Chasm in the NY Adirondacks where our seasonal site is. There's lots to do for the kids. The campground has some 50-amp sites and wifi. From here you can take the ferry to Burlington (Vt) for a day trip and visit there also. The Burlington city beach is nice and so is the Ausable Point state park beach just a couple miles from Ausable Chasm.

http://www.ausablechasm.com/

[Mick9064]

My vote is for North Beach Campground in Burlington VT. On Lake Chanplain and walking distance to town. Lots to see and do. Bike path along the lake. We are going there this week and have water, electric and sewer.
Mick

[s1214]

If you like nature with a little history, then Fort Ticonderoga with maybe a side trip to Fort Independence. Both provide good scenic views of Lake Champlain. For a scenic crossing of New Hampshire, how about either 302 or the Kancamangus.

[Norskeman]

Length of you rig will impact getting into to some state parks.

We have a 34' fifth wheel.

State Parks in New York

Higley Flow State park - just outside the Adirondack State park - day trips to the thousand Island area and Adirondack State park. great for canoeing an kayaking
Sampson State park
Cayuga Lake State park.
Keuka Lake State park
Wellesley Island State Park
Lakeside Beach State park
Golden Hill State park.
Allegany State park

[vermilye]

One thing you should consider is whether you want to cross NY (and the rest of the trip) on interstates, or take the more interesting secondary roads. For example, the Seaway Trail across NY is mostly 2 lane roads through many small towns, but is far more interesting than I90 (and less expensive). Branching off the Trail near Watertown, NY lets you eventually get to US 2 across Vermont & New Hampshire. I like Lamoine State Park in Maine rather than the more crowded Arcadia National Park, which is in easy driving distance from Lamoine.

My last trip was to Nova Scotia from Central NY. While I stayed in some commercial campgrounds, when possible it was state and provincial parks, with as little interstate driving as possible. Rather than list all the routes & campgrounds here, most are listed in the journal of the trip.

[Veebyes]

One time in the area we did the northernmost route across VT, NH & ME. Those states are not easy to cross but it sure was a pretty ride.

[popupcamping]

Mount Washington in The White Mountain region of NH has to be a stop. Nothing is more scenic than that in NE.

I think state parks with electric will be tough to find. I never have much luck

[rmnpcolorado]

Good ideas so far. I'll reiterate that we have spent NO time in this area, so I have no idea of what's up there except for Niagara Falls. Coming from Wisconsin we'd work our way across hitting upstate New York, through New Hampshire and Vermont and up into Maine. We don't do all the commercial stuff, opting to just peruse the areas and check out neat scenic areas, maybe thrown in some hiking etc. That's why I asked about state parks/national forest areas. I prefer to avoid big cities.

[darsben]

The thousand Island region of NY should not be missed. At least 8 - 10 state parks on the route. All with electricity and water some with Sewer. Try looking at
Wellesley Island State park.
http://www.nysparks.com/parks/52/details.aspx

Grass point State park close to the Thousand Island bridge
http://www.nysparks.com/parks/139/details.aspx

[Crowe]

FYI, NY is not part of New England. That said, Acadia NP in Maine has at least one campground that might fill your bill. I believe Lamoine State Park in Maine might also work.

[s1214]

What sorts of things are you interested in?
Commercial: waterparks, amusement parks, shopping?
Educational: Museums, exhibitions?
Recreational: Hiking, boating, biking?

What time of year will also help in suggesting places and activities.

[Matt_Colie]

Oh Man - Where to Start...

Unless you have specific ideas where you want to go, I can't help a whole lot. If you can, you should get to Fort Ticonderoga, but if you don't climb well, forget Mt. Defiance. (a great story goes with that.)
That area is loaded with state and national forest. When we camped there, it was pitch a tent time and I never paid attention to RV stuff. Not a lot less than I might pay now. Camping is available all over, but it may be kind of tight in season, I wouldn't know about that.

Be ready to stop and take in the view and also clear the tailback.

Matt