Camping along the Canalway Trail
The New York State Canal System offers a variety of Biker-Hiker-Boater Campsites along the Canalway Trail. The campsites, mostly located at canal lock sites, are designed to make touring along the Canalway Trail and Canal System easier for trail users and boaters (both motorized and non-motorized).
The sites include an area for four tents, potable water at some sites, picnic tables, grills and toilets. 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.
- Waterford Canal Visitor Center - 518-233-9123
The Waterford site is located along the waterfront at the eastern gateway to the New York State Canal System and the Erie Canalway Trail. The site features potable water, toilets and showers. Restaurants, shops and other businesses can be found in the Village of Waterford. - Lock 15 Fort Plain - 518-993-4161
Located toward the western end of over 40 miles of continuous trail in the scenic Mohawk Valley, the Lock 15 site is close to restaurants, shops and other businesses in Fort Plain. The site features potable water, toilets and picnic facilities. - Lock 20 Marcy/Utica - 315-736-4617
The lock 20 site is located along a Canalway Trail segment near Utica. The site features potable water, toilets and picnic facilities. Restaurants and shops and are located nearby in the town of Marcy. - Lock 21 New London - 315-336-8229
Located at the eastern end of the 35-mile Old Erie Canal State Park
. The site features toilets and picnic facilities in a rural setting. - Lock 30 Macedon - 315-986-5631
Located near the eastern end of the 100-mile Erie Canal Heritage Trail at Lock 30 in Macedon. The site features potable water, toilets, picnic facilities and a boat launch, which makes this a favorite location for kayaking and canoeing. The remnants of historic Lock 60, built in the 1860’s, is linked to this site by trails developed by a local volunteer group. Convenient stores, restaurants and other businesses are located nearby in the Village of Macedon.
Camping at other Canal Corporation locks may be allowed on a case-by-case basis. Camping at these non-designated sites is limited to a maximum of four tents per night. Campers must contact the lock operator in advance to determine if camping is permissible and where to set up.
The above refers to tent-only "informal" camping opportunities. Those seeking full amenity tent and/or RV sites should view Campsites on the Canal Map.
Other Publicly Operated Camping Facilities Near the Canalway Trail
- 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.