Vacation plan in Pennsylvania or NY state (camping, rentals, best)

[chrisuk]

Fancied doing something different next year. I've been to the states many times and this year fancy a road trip. I'll probably be flying into Newark,NJ then get a car and head out round Pennsylvania or NY state for a week or so. I thought it would be nice to have a few days relaxing by a nice lake somewhere, does anyone have any recommendations as to areas I should be looking?

After that we'll probably head back to Newark, dump the car and have a few days in NYC. Any thoughts or comments?

[maf763]

While there are plenty of lakes in PA, some of the ones in NY are better known and more scenic. Try the Finger Lakes region, Lake George, or Lake Placid in upstate NY.

[chielgirl]

World's End campground in north central PA (more northwest than north central) is a very nice area.

[motordavid]

Originally Posted by chrisuk

...head out round Pennsylvania or NY state for a week or so. I thought it would be nice to have a few days relaxing by a nice lake somewhere, does anyone have any recommendations as to areas I should be looking?

After that we'll probably head back to Newark, dump the car and have a few days in NYC. Any thoughts or comments?

By 'relaxing by a nice lake' do you mean beach/sun, swimming, boating, just sitting on a deck of rented cottage, etc.? A more defined list of 'lake wants' would help, imo.

Any of the Finger Lakes have almost zero beaches, and the motels are shabby at best; there are some ok guest houses.

Lake George is decent, Placid is big, almost mini sea-like, and is quite cold for swimming, even in summer.

Lake Wallenpaupack in PA is decent, with many rentals, though none cheap in 'season'.

NYC: have you been? What are your interests? Budget? and what is 'a few days'?

Not trying to be a jerk, but these open ended/very vague post 'questions' require some mind reading to offer solid suggestions and opinions.
GL, mD

[chrisuk]

Originally Posted by motordavid

By 'relaxing by a nice lake' do you mean beach/sun, swimming, boating, just sitting on a deck of rented cottage, etc.? A more defined list of 'lake wants' would help, imo.

Any of the Finger Lakes have almost zero beaches, and the motels are shabby at best; there are some ok guest houses.

Lake George is decent, Placid is big, almost mini sea-like, and is quite cold for swimming, even in summer.

Lake Wallenpaupack in PA is decent, with many rentals, though none cheap in 'season'.

NYC: have you been? What are your interests? Budget? and what is 'a few days'?

Not trying to be a jerk, but these open ended/very vague post 'questions' require some mind reading to offer solid suggestions and opinions.
GL, mD

Sorry yeah I appreciate it was vague. Not looking for assistance with the NYC part I should have made that clear, I've been several times.

Re the lake I was meaning a holiday rental cottage/house for a few days (probably about 5 days, max a week ) from where we can swim, fish and do do some boating. It would also be good if it was within a short drive say 30-45 mins of somewhere with a few shops and restaurants where we can maybe go for a change for half a day or if the weathers not too good.

Thanks for the suggestions so far I'll take a look at those using google. I'll probably take the trip late June early July.

[MrRational]

I'd suggest that you focus on the towns and other attractions along the Hudson River Valley...
on your way to and later from the Adirondack Mountains

[Chava61]

I agree you should check out the lakes in Upstate NY.

[chrisuk]

Thanks all for the advice, gives me a reasonable starting point for planning things

[creeksitter]

I, too want to vacation in this area. I like quaint villages, waterfalls, hiking and walking, sitting by the lake (or creek!). Swimming is nice but not essential. I don't mind shabby motels if they are in a great setting. Maybe do some camping where there is a bit of woods and privacy between the sites. What is the nightime temperature in mid August?

I like the photo of the gorge at Watkins Glen but can't decide if I want to go to the finger lakes or stay closer to the Hudson and Adirondaks. I'll have at most 2 weeks in the area.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by creeksitter

...can't decide if I want to go to the finger lakes or stay closer to the Hudson and Adirondaks.
I'll have at most 2 weeks in the area.

You can (and should) do both... but all three are distinct and worth allocating enough time for.
That will require more than one trip for most people. Two weeks is about the minimum to even
see the different areas let alone to explore in any significant detail.

I like quaint villages, waterfalls, hiking and walking, sitting by the lake..
I don't mind shabby motels if they are in a great setting... Maybe do some camping...

What is the nightime temperature in mid August?

Higher than January but altitude is the issue.