Campground Owners of New York (CONY) announced the recipients of its 2025 Best of Camp New York Awards during its annual meeting held November 2-3, 2025, in Cooperstown.
The awards, voted on by campers during the 2025 camping season, highlight excellence across multiple categories that reflect the range of guest experiences available at campgrounds statewide.
West Canada Creek Campground in Poland earned Best Overall Campground (125 Sites or Less) and Best Water Recreation. Located near Adirondack Park, the full-service campground offers tubing and canoeing on the West Canada Creek, a heated pool, and family activities surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains’ scenery.
Lake George RV Park in Lake George received Best Overall Campground (126 or More Sites) and Best Pet-Friendly Campground.
The park spanning more than 120 acres features nearly 400 RV sites, luxury cabin rentals, an aquatic area, multiple sports courts, live entertainment, and Charlie’s Bark Park for dogs.
Shady Oaks Camping Resort in Plattsburgh was named Best New Campground. The property, currently transforming an existing RV park into a modern camping resort, reflects ongoing investment in upgraded facilities and guest offerings in the region.
Catskill Mountains/Gilboa KOA Holiday in Gilboa took home Best Scenic Views. Nestled within the Catskill Mountains, the 95-acre, family-owned property offers a tiered layout overlooking the Schoharie Creek, five water slides, and themed weekends.
Dream Lake Campground in Warsaw won Best Campground Amenities. Owned and operated by Keith and Patty Jarnot since 2015, the campground emphasizes family-friendly experiences with themed weekends, lake activities, and local attractions.
Hickory Hill Camping Resort in Bath earned two honors: Best Glamping/Rental Accommodations and Best Family-Friendly Campground.
The 215-acre resort in the Finger Lakes region provides RV and tent camping alongside furnished cabins and cottages, family amenities such as a splash pad and mini golf, and proximity to Keuka Lake and regional wineries.
Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds in Saugerties received Best Tent Sites for its wooded 160-acre setting in the Catskills, offering seclusion with modern comforts.
Another awardee is Sleepy Hollow Lake Campground in Akron, recognized for Best RV Sites. The family-operated park between Buffalo and Rochester features a saltwater pool, sandy beach, fishing areas, and amenities for large RVs and tents.
Last but not least is Lazy Days RV Resort in Mooers Forks, receiving the award for Best Campground Community Atmosphere.
According to CONY, all winners will receive a custom digital badge, recognition on Camp New York’s website and social media, and a feature in the upcoming 2026 Camp New York Traveler’s Guide.
For campground owners and operators, the recognition underscores the role of camper engagement and amenity development in maintaining competitive standards within New York’s outdoor hospitality sector.
Awards highlighting guest experiences and operational excellence can inform investment strategies and reinforce community trust in privately owned parks.
Featured image by Campground Owners of New York (CONY)