One of the greatest summer activities is camping. Whether you're with family or friends some of the best memories are created around the fire and sleeping on the ground. Other than buying equipment, camping is relatively inexpensive. We have a list of 7 campsites you can stay at for free.

7. Cherry Ridge Camping Area - 965 Truck Trail 8 West Edmeston, NY

The road in is Gravel. Cherry Ridge Camping Area is open 5/1 - 12/1. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. You may stay 3; with free permit up to 2 weeks at Cherry Ridge Camping Area.

6. Rockwood State Forest Campsite - Johnstown, NY

The road in is Dirt and 1 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 15 feet. You may stay 3; 14 days with a permit at Rockwood State Forest Campsite.

5. North Lake near Utica, NY - Forestport, NY

The road in is Dirt and 1 miles from a paved road. There are 16-29 campsites at this location.

4. Stony Pond State Forest Camping Area - Morrisville, NY

The road in is Gravel and 3 miles from a paved road. Stony Pond State Forest Camping Area is open Year Round. There are 16-29 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. You may stay 14 days at Stony Pond State Forest Camping Area.

3. Moose River/Old Forge/Woodhull State Forest

Turn East off rt 28 onto McKeever Road (just south of the moose river) go over the rail road tracks and soon enough you will see pull offs for camping! all legal as its in the Woodhull State Forest

2. Moose River Plains - Inlet, NY

The road in is Dirt and 16 miles from a paved road. Moose River Plains is open Summer. There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is Any. You may stay 14 days at Moose River Plains.

1. Piseco-Powley Road - Hoffmeister, NY

The road in is Gravel and 10 miles miles from a paved road. Piseco-Powley Road is open 5/31-12/1 (motor vehicles; snowmobiles in winter). There are 16-29 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. You may stay 3 nights; 2 weeks with permit at Piseco-Powley Road.

To find more free campsites across New York State, or to find specific directions to these 7 campsites you can visit the Free Campsites website. This site includes an interactive map with all the free camping locations. You can also find out specific amenities or activities offered at each of these locations. If you love camping in the great outdoors and want to see all that our great state has to offer, do a little exploring of your own.

BONUS VIDEO: Explore New York's First Canal in Marcy, NY