Weekend Getaways Near NYC: Lake Resorts in New York State

When it comes to summer weekend getaways near NYC, there's nothing more inviting than jumping into the refreshing waters of one of the state’s beautiful swimming lakes. If you want to escape the stifling heat for a weekend getaway from NYC, these lake resorts in New York give families the chance to cool off and enjoy both swimming and a whole host of water-based activities.

From the Hudson Valley to Lake George, Lake Placid, and the Catskills, read on for 11 family-friendly lakefront resorts and find more overnight destinations in our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways Near NYC.

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A weekend getaway in family-friendly hotels in Lake George and Lake Placid could include a whole host of water-based activities and family-friendly things to do. As well as swimming from beautiful sandy beaches, you could enjoy fishing, boating, waterskiing, tubing, and parasailing during your adventure, or even embark on a steamboat cruise.

At lake resorts closer to NYC, a weekend getaway in the Catskills or Hudson Valley could include fun like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and pedal boating.

RELATED: Adirondacks, Catskills, and Hudson Valley Travel Guide for Families

Take a dip in the lakeside pool or Lake George itself during your visit to Scotty's Lakeside Resort.

Hotels in Lake George for Weekend Getaways Near NYC

1. Scotty’s Lakeside Resort – Lake George

Scotty’s Lakeside Resort is located on a quiet bay at the north end of Lake George village just a short walk away from all the shops, restaurants, and activities. It is newly renovated and offers a variety of accommodations including two- and three-bedroom family suites.

During this weekend getaway near NYC, visitors can enjoy Scotty’s large sandy beach as well as a beachside pool and splash pad. Water sports include canoeing, kayaking, pedal boats, hydro bikes, and paddleboarding. Off the water, families can enjoy beach volleyball, a beachfront pingpong table, and an arcade.

2. Stone Gate Resort – Lake George

Stone Gate Resort is located in the most southern part of Lake George. During this waterfront weekend getaway near NYC, enjoy its private sandy beach with a variety of watercraft rentals, a heated swimming pool, game room, basketball court, bocce courts, horseshoe pits, an enclosed playground, and a tot lot.

Rooms at this Lake George hotel accommodate families of up to four people; for more space, book family suites and cabins. The cabins have full kitchens, fire pits, and grills, but require a minimum week-long booking.

An on-site trolley stop offers easy transportation into Lake George Village and Bolton Landing. Tubing, rafting, parasailing, and all kinds of water activities are available within just a few miles of the resort.

3. O’Connors Cottages – Lake George

O’Connors accommodations are individual cottages in a wooded setting with a private sandy beach that gradually slopes into the lake. Rowboats, stand-up paddleboards, pedal boats, kayaks, a playground, a pingpong table, and a miniature golf course are available for use. If you've got a boat of your own, dock rentals are also available for $1.75 per foot, per day.

O’Connors provides guests with discounted tickets for local attractions including the local rodeo and the nearby Six Flags amusement park. It does not allow pets.

4. Trout House Village Resort – Lake George

If you're looking for a family-friendly weekend getaway on northern Lake George, Trout House Village Resort offers a mix of accommodations including cabins, a country inn, and motel-style rooms. It has a 400-foot-long sandy beach descending into the lake’s crystal clear waters. Fishing is available on the dock or from boats as well as all kinds of on-the-water activities. The resort has a variety of other things to do including bocce, wiffleball, shuffleboard, and a putting green.

Trout House Village Resort requires a week-long stay from June through September, and a three-night minimum over holiday weekends. Trout House is a dog-friendly resort.

RELATED: Letchworth State Park in Upstate New York Is a Must-See

Pedal your family across Lake Placid when you visit High Peaks Resort.

Weekend Getaways Near NYC at Hotels in Lake Placid

5. High Peaks Resort – Lake Placid

High Peaks Resort includes three separate lakeside hotels on Mirror Lake. The actual resort hotel offers family-friendly accommodations for weekend getaways near NYC and amenities that make the stay easy for the whole family, including your pup with dog beds, bowls, and a doggy bandana included in every pet booking.

The rooms are beautifully decorated with a comfortable but modern vibe. Suites are great for families with a king bed, queen-size sleeper sofa, sink, fridge, microwave, and a private patio or balcony.
Your stay includes access to two outdoor pools, complimentary boats, kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats, and yoga. There is an on-site spa, a fitness center, and a salon. Nearby attractions include zip-lining, the Olympic Training Center, or The Wild Center in Tupper Lake.

6. Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort – Lake Placid

Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort is centrally located on Main Street in Lake Placid just steps away from the 1980 Winter Olympics Village. Water babies can enjoy an indoor pool, two hot tubs, a sauna, and a steam room as well as a white sand beach with access to Mirror Lake and complimentary watercraft.

Golden Arrow's amenities include the family-friendly Generations restaurant which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Accommodations for families include suites with a second bedroom and a maximum capacity of five.

RELATED: Family-Friendly Spa Resorts Near NYC

Soak in the family atmosphere at Wildwood on the Lake.

7. Wildwood On the Lake – Lake Placid

Wildwood on the Lake is a smaller, family-run resort offering a fleet of boats, a unique lake-fed pool complete with its own sandy beach, guided fishing trips, lakeside barbecue grills, picnic tables, and an indoor heated pool, hot tub, and sauna.

Standard rooms are available for weekends year-round, and one- and two-bedroom cottages and family efficiency units can be booked nightly in May, June, September and throughout the winter months; in July and August, a weekly reservation is required. These accommodations offer more space and private kitchens.

Family-Friendly Getaways Near NYC at More New York Lakefront Resorts

8. Rocking Horse Ranch Resort – Highland

For a different kind of lakefront resort in New York, head to the all-inclusive Rocking Horse Ranch in the Hudson Valley. Situated on a private lake, you have all the fun lakeside activities, including banana boat rides, kayaking, pedal boats, canoes, and fishing, alongside a whole host of other family-friendly activities to enjoy.

Go horseback riding, rock climbing, or bounce high on the 25-foot bungee jumpers during a weekend getaway near NYC. Cool off and splash down at Boulder Bay Outdoor Aquatic Adventure, which features two heated pools and five waterslides.

Your stay is made simple at the Rocking Horse Ranch with all-inclusive dining and all rooms being family-friendly, sleeping 4 to 6 guests. Some even include bunk beds.

RELATED: 14 Cool Hotel Pools in New York for Family Vacations

The brand new Cove at Sylvan Beach offers lakefront luxury accommodations on the shores of Oneida Lake. 

9. The Cove at Sylvan Beach – Sylvan Beach

The Cove at Sylvan Beach on Oneida Lake offers 70 two- and three-bedroom units designed with families in mind, including full kitchens, washers and dryers, fire pits, and gas grills. The grounds feature a heated pool, fire pits, and playground as well as a dockside boardwalk wrapping the water’s edge.

Your stay includes complimentary use of a 20-foot pontoon boat and a personal slip. Take the family, a picnic, and your dog along for a day swimming off the boat. Tubes, water skis, a variety of watercraft, and fishing equipment are also available for rent.

From May to August, visits require a week-long stay; in September it's a minimum two-night stay.

10. Mohican Lake Resort – Glen Spey

Located close to all the fun—read: rafting, ziplining, and more—of the Upper Delaware River, the Mohican Lake Resort offers its own on-site water activities with direct lake and dock access. Rent kayaks, row boats, and pedal boats, or watch the family enjoy the water from the comfort of lounge chairs on the grassy beach.

Accommodations include one-bedroom bungalows with private bathrooms, kitchens, and large porches just steps from Mohican Lake and the campfire site. There are also studio efficiency rooms with lawn chairs, picnic tables, and barbecues, perfect for a family gathering and cookout. If you're coming with a bigger crew, consider booking a two-room studio that can accommodate up to seven guests.

An open-air, covered activity area includes pingpong, foosball, pool tables, couches, and music for off-the-water entertainment.

RELATED: 15 Family-Friendly Catskills Resorts for Your Next Weekend Getaway

The water at Mohonk Mountain House's glacial lake beckons swimmers of all ages.

11. Mohonk Mountain House – New Paltz

At the famous, luxurious, yet family-friendly Mohonk Moutain House, visitors enjoy everything from kayaking to swimming, paddleboarding, fly-fishing, and rowboats in the 1/2-mile long glacial Lake Mohonk, surrounded by pristine forests and dramatic overlooks.

Your stay includes three meals a day, guided hikes, a heated indoor pool, access to the lakeside beach, horseback and carriage rides, and tennis. Family accommodations include two- and three-bedroom suites.

Please note that many of the lakefront hotels listed require booking well in advance. If you're searching for last-minute weekend getaways near NYC, it is worth contacting the resorts by phone to inquire about availability or cancelations. Keep in mind, too, that many offer specials in the spring and September.

Unless noted, all photos courtesy of the resorts.