Camping along the Canalway Trail
The New York State Canal Corporation offers 18 Cycler-Hiker-Boater Campsites along the Canalway Trail and waterways. These campsites are designed to make touring along the Canal System easier for trail users, boaters and paddlers during the navigation season (May-October). Canal Corporation offers camping designated as “primitive,” with limited on-site amenities. Porta johns are provided at the designated campsites but visitors should be prepared with their own potable water, first aid kits, and camping and cooking supplies.
The sites include an area for 4 tents. Stays are limited to 48 hours and are available on a first come first serve basis. Please provide advanced notice by contacting the sites at the phone numbers below prior to arrival.
Upon arrival, see Lock Operator, then take a 1-minute online survey.
If Lock Operator unavailable, see posted QR Code to access survey.
General Rules:
- Camping is first come first serve; lock operators should be contacted in advance so you can receive information on the campsite’s status as open. Weather or safety conditions can close campsites unexpectedly.
- Campsites are limited to 4 tents and 10 people
- Campers must be at least 18 years old, unless accompanied and supervised by an adult
- Stays are limited to 48 hours
- No campfires or bonfires are allowed
- Campsite sites are carry-in, carry-out for garbage unless a waste receptacle is present
- Quiet hours must be observed between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
- No motorized vehicles are allowed in the campsites
- For camping space for groups larger than 10 people/4 tents, you must reach out to the Canal Real Property Management Department to obtain a permit: (518) 449-6000
Primitive Campsites: Campsites which provide no amenities with the exception of a porta john. Campsites require carry-in and carry-out and campers to bring their own water or water purification.
Camping Locations:
Section 1 Fort Edward- 518-747-4613
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C9 Smith's Basin
2450 State Route 149, Fort Ann, NY 12827
- A Boater, Car and Trail Campsite
- Has a boat launch onsite
- Paddler access – Yes (hand launch)
- Cyclist access – Yes (on trail)
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C4 Stillwater
947 Stillwater Bridge Rd, Schaghticoke, NY 12154
- A Boater and Car Campsite
- No access from Trail
- Paddler access – Yes (hand launch is 500 feet across the pedestrian bridge)
- Cyclist access – Yes (.5 miles from the Canalway Trail in Stillwater)
Section 2 Waterford- 518-233-8575
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E6 Crescent
77 Flight Lock Rd, Waterford, NY 12188
- Paddler access – none
- Cyclist access – Yes (off trail 2 miles)
Section 3 Fonda - 518-853-3823
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Lock E7 Vischer Ferry
1280 Lock 7 Rd, Niskayuna, NY 12309
- A Boater, Car and Trail Campsite
- Has a boat launch onsite
- Paddler access – Yes (hand launch)
- Cyclist access – Yes (on trail), 0.5 mile from trail)
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E9 Rotterdam,
9 State Canal Park Rd (Rte 103), Rotterdam Jct., NY 12150
- A Boater and Car Campsite
- Has boat launch onsite
- Paddler access – Yes (hand launch)
- Cyclist access – Yes
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E15 Fort Plain
84 Otsquago Club Rd, Fort Plain, NY 13339
- A Boater, Car and Trail Campsite
- Has boat launch onsite
- Paddler access – Yes
- Cyclist access – Yes
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E16 St. Johnsville
171 Mindenville Dr, Fort Plain, NY 13339
- A Boater and Car Campsite
- Paddler access – Yes
- Cyclist access – Yes
Section 4 Utica- 315-329-1878
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Utica Harbor Lock
Utica, NY 13502
- Trail Campsite
- Paddler access – Yes (difficult due to high dock)
- Cyclist access - Yes
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E20 Whitesboro –
9028 River Rd, Marcy, NY 13403
- A Boater and Car Campsite
- Has boat launch onsite
- Paddler access – Yes
- Cyclist access – Yes
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E21 New London
7176 Lock Rd, Rome, NY 13440
- A Boater, Car and Trail Campsite
- Paddler access – No (high vertical walls)
- Cyclist access – Yes
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E22 New London
3692 Wood Creek Rd, Rome, NY 13440
- A Boater and Car Campsite
- Paddler access – Yes
- Cyclist access – Yes
Section 5 Lysander - 315-695-2210
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E23 Brewerton
9651 Lock Road, Brewerton, NY 13029
- A Boater and Car Campsite
- Paddler access – No
- Cyclist access – (Not along Canalway Trail)
Section 6 Lyons - 315-871-4300
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E25 May's Point
546 South Mays Point Rd, Savannah, NY 13146
- A Boater, Car Campsite
- Paddler access – No
- Cyclist access – Yes
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CS1 Cayuga
6869 River Rd, Cayuga, NY 13034
- A Boater and Car Campsite
- Has a boat launch onsite
- Paddler access – Yes
- Cyclist access - (Not along Canalway Trail)
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CS2-3 Seneca Falls
9 Seneca St, Seneca Falls, NY 13148
- A Boater and Car Campsite
- Has a boat launch onsite
- Paddler access – Yes
- Cyclist access - (Not along Canalway Trail)
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Lock E28B Newark
116 N Clinton St, Newark, NY 14513
- A Boater and Car Campsite
- Paddler access – Yes (at T. Spencer Knight Park)
- Cyclist access – Yes
Section 7 Pittsford - 585-586-6877
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E32 Pittsford
2785 Clover St, Pittsford, NY 14534
- A Boater and Car Campsite
- Paddler access – Yes (at DEC Pittsford Boat Ramp 0.10 mile away)
- Cyclist access - Yes
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E33 Rochester
1205 Edgewood Ave, Rochester, NY 14618
- A Boater, Trail and Car Campsite
- Paddler access – Yes (hand launch)
- Cyclist access – Yes
Other Publicly Operated Camping Facilities Near the Canalway Trail
- Waterford Canal Visitor Center – Waterford, NY - 518-233-9123
- Verona Beach State Park
, Verona Beach - 1-800-456-CAMP or 315-762-4463
Located on the eastern shore of Oneida Lake, is a picnicker's and camper's delight. Winter season hosts snowmobiling, XC skiing and ice fishing. Located on Oneida Lake (Erie Canal). - Cayuga Lake State Park , Seneca Falls - 1-800-456-CAMP or 315-568-5163
Camping, cabins, boat launch, trails, swimming and picnicking. Winter activities: XC skiing, ice fishing and sledding. - Green Lakes State Park , Fayetteville - 315-637-6111
Located adjacent to the Canalway Trail. Amenities include campsites, swimming, boat rentals, food, picnic tables and showers. - View complete listings of campgrounds operated by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation .
- Visit I LOVE NEW YORK for information on private campgrounds near the Canalway Trail.
The Waterford site is located along the waterfront at the eastern gateway to the New York State Canal waterways and the Canalway Trail. The site features potable water, toilets and showers. Restaurants, shops and other businesses can be found in the Village of Waterford. The property is managed by the Town of Waterford.