New York State Guide

Ahh New York. Can you say that without actually busting into song? For me, its Jay-Z “Empire State of Mind”. Can’t say New York without hearing that in my head. New York, particularly upstate, will always have special place in my heart. While I haven’t gottent to sample the mountain biking yet (that’s for when I come back through in late September), I spent a few glorious weeks Upstate reliving my college years.  Just a little older. Maybe a little wiser.  Or at least a lot less dumb and maybe slightly more humble….

🗺️ Trail + Van Life Highlights Map

This map shows some of the places I stopped in NY. Can’t wait to add some MTB destinations when I come back through this Fall!

Quick Stats:

 ⏱️ Time in State: 22 days
 🚵 MTB destinations visited: None Yet – But I’m adding 2 in October
🏕️ Favorite campground / boondocking spot: Black River Drive In Theater (Watertown, NY)
📍 Favorite Highlight:| Seeing Family / Reliving College Glory / Boldt Castle.

🚐📓 Quick Trip Notes.

Upstate NY will always have a place in my heart. Every time I come here I remember how much I truly loved my college years. To this day, I consider having the opportunity to matriculate at Cornell University to be one of the greeatest honors and gifts in life that I have ever received. Coming back here was so much fun. 

Perhaps my favorite new memory (aside from the time I spent with my Aunt and Uncle) will be spending the night at a classic Drive-In Move Theater. The theater is on Harvest Host (although I didn’t know that when I booked). I also enjoyed the cross border expeditions into Canada. Especially seeing Ottawa.

🚴‍♂️ MTB Info + Ride Logs

Stay tuned. MTB log coming after I ride a few places in NY!

🏕️ Campground + Van Life Recap

I had great fun and enjoyed the trip down memory lane. These are a few of my favorite things I did in Upstate NY during my time there!

🎥 Videos

While I love blogging, videos are my passion! Check out the Official Live Free RV TV YouTube Channel! Here are the New York videos! While you are there – make sure to subscribe and turn on notifications so you are the first to know when I drop new content!

🖼️ Favorite Photos:

Mural Watkins Glen, NY
Cute House in Watkins Glen, New York.
Cute House in Watkins Glen, New York.
Drinking from the Waterfall
The Gorge Trail, Watkins Glen, New York. Living the #Van Life
Seneca Lake, Watkins Glen, New York
Seneca Lake, Watkins Glen, New York
Gorge Trail, Watkins Glen State Park. Van Life Exploration!
Ty Chapman living Van Life at Buttermilk Falls State Park, Ithaca, New York
Gorge/Rim Hike Buttermilk Falls State Park, Ithaca, NY
Gorge/Rim Hike Buttermilk Falls State Park, Ithaca, NY
Driving through the Finger Lakes, Van Life Upstate New York
View from Top Wellseley Island State Park
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Boldt Castle Thousand Islands, NY
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Useful Info/External Resources

New York State: Essential External Links for Your Van Life & Finger Lakes Adventure

Ready to explore the Empire State? From the spectacular gorges of Ithaca and Watkins Glen to the world-class wineries of the Finger Lakes region, New York offers a diverse and unforgettable van life experience. Here are some essential external resources to help you plan your journey and make the most of your time in this beautiful area:

  • Buttermilk Falls State Park: Located just south of Ithaca, this park is a must-visit for its stunning waterfalls and gorges. The website provides details on hiking trails, camping (including van-friendly sites), and park amenities. https://parks.ny.gov/parks/150/details.aspx
  • Watkins Glen State Park: Famous for its world-renowned Gorge Trail, this park is a natural wonder with 19 waterfalls. This is the official site for planning your visit, understanding trail access, and booking camping. https://parks.ny.gov/parks/142/details.aspx
  • Watkins Glen International: For those interested in motorsports, this is the official site for the legendary racetrack. Here you can find the schedule of events, from major series like NASCAR to local races. https://www.theglen.com/
  • Cornell University Visitor’s Website: A great resource for anyone wanting to explore the beautiful campus in Ithaca. The site offers information on visiting hours, walking tours, and points of interest. https://www.cornell.edu/about/visiting
  • iOverlander: This community-driven app is an invaluable resource for van lifers. It provides locations for free camping, water stations, dump sites, and other services. The Ithaca article mentioned using it for stealth camping locations. https://ioverlander.com/
  • Harvest Hosts: If you’re a member, this is a great resource for finding unique, free overnight stays at wineries, farms, breweries, and museums. The Ithaca article suggested it as an alternative to state park camping. https://harvesthosts.com/
  • Wegmans: As mentioned in the Ithaca article, Wegmans is a fantastic grocery store for van life resupply. Their website can help you find locations throughout the state. https://www.wegmans.com/
Ty Chapman relaxing for lunch during a hike at Big Bend National Park.

A Little Bit About Me.

I started writing this blog as a way to capture the adventurous and free lifestyle I’m privileged to live. I’ve traveled to over 28 countries and 35 U.S States. I’ve lived aboard in multiple countries and averaged over 100 days a year of travel for work. I’ve skied and hiked all over the world – and my new obsession is mountain biking.

What I bring to you isn’t AI generated. It’s based on my feet on the ground – or sometimes conversations with locals.Click Here to read more about me.

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