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Today, more campgrounds are using the sun to power New York’s camping trips. These solar-powered campsites offer a sustainable way to enjoy the great outdoors without relying on gas generators or traditional electricity. Camping hobbyist or just craving a quick escape? These solar-powered campsites make it easy to unwind while keeping your environmental impact low.
Campsites Using Solar for Electricity
All across the state, a growing number of campsites are embracing solar technology. That means when you plug in your phone, turn on a camping lamp, or even rent a solar-charged cabin, you’re using clean, renewable power from the sun. Here are some campsites that have begun switching to solar that prove you don’t have to sacrifice comfort or convenience to camp mindfully.
Camp Rockaway
Location: Rockaway Beach, Queens, New York
Located in the historic Fort Tilden National Park, the 6-week pop-up campsite keeps guests connected to electricity using solar chargers and solar lights. If you’re looking for a beachside escape without leaving the city too far behind, Camp Rockaway is a unique destination.
Here, you’ll find canvas tents already set up for you, complete with comfortable beds. But what sets it apart is their commitment to eco-friendliness. The team behind Camp Rockaway uses portable solar units that collect energy during the day, storing it for evening use. These solar units power ambient lighting and small essentials like fans, keeping things cool and comfortable without needing traditional electricity.
Urban getaways can be sustainable too, making Camp Rockaway one of the most innovative solar-powered campsites in the state!
Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA
Location: Herkimer, New York
Herkimer Diamond Mine is more than just a spot for mining – it’s also home to one of the most futuristic camping setups in New York. The KOA campground here offers solar-powered cabins. Everything inside the cabins, from lights to outlets, is powered by solar. It reduces emissions while teaching campers about sustainable living and the hidden luxury of it.
Outside of the lodge, there are also standard campsites and RV hookups, but this location has started to lean more into green upgrades due to their popularity. If you’re into mining, off-grid comfort, and starry nights, this spot will be a hit.
Green Lakes State Park
Location: Fayetteville, New York (near Syracuse)
Green Lakes State Park is a gem in central New York. It offers hiking, swimming, fishing, and, more recently, a push toward eco-conscious upgrades. In 2023, Green Lakes State Park announced that the park would install a new solar array to provide carbon-free, sustainable power.
While the campsites themselves are traditional, bringing solar-powered accessories is encouraged. With its wide-open spaces and sunny fields, it’s easy to use portable solar panels to charge essentials during your stay.
This makes Green Lakes not just beautiful, but also one of the more accessible solar-powered campsites for families and first-time campers wanting a more eco-friendly experience.
Hither Hills State Park
Location: Montauk, New York
Like Green Lakes State Park, Hither Hills State Park also intends to scale up their solar array that provides sustainable power to the facilities at the park. Hither Hills has gradually incorporated solar systems into its operations.
While traditional tent sites here don’t come with electric hookups, you’ll notice solar panels working quietly in the background to reduce the park’s reliance on grid power. Some campers even bring their solar-powered gear like lanterns, showers, and phone chargers, to complete the solar agenda.
Even though you won’t find luxury cabins or built-in solar units at each campsite just yet, Hither Hills represents a step toward cleaner outdoor recreation. For those looking to dip their toes into solar-powered camping while still roughing it a bit, this park is a great start to transforming your camping experience.
Camping with Solar
Across New York, more campgrounds are beginning to adopt solar systems. Not only because they’re better for the planet, but also because they’re quiet, low-maintenance, and perfect for remote areas where running power lines isn’t an option or needed.
Solar-powered campsites offer many perks. You get to enjoy nature while also helping to protect it. You can charge your phone, run fans, and light up your tent without worrying about batteries or extension cords. And perhaps best of all, many campers find the gentle hum-free experience more relaxing and connected to the outdoors.
As solar technology becomes more portable and affordable, we expect to see even more campgrounds adding solar-powered options. Even DIY campers are now bringing along solar panels that fold up in their backpacks. If you’re curious about bringing solar into your everyday life, solar companies in New York CIty offer home and commercial property installations, helping you take the solar wave a step further.
Thinking about taking a short camping trip before summer ends? There’s likely a solar-powered campsite nearby that satisfies all your cravings. So pack your bags, grab your reusable water bottle, and choose a campsite that lets you explore without leaving a footprint.