The best camping near Sampson State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Sampson adventure.

100% (3 reviews)

Swimming and paddling are popular at this Finger Lakes park famed for its sunsets,

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Sampson State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Sampson State Park

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Sampson State Park Campground

307 sites · RVs, Tents In Sampson State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Sampson State Park

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Waterfall Creek

6 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Millport, NY

This is a beautiful piece of property located in the heart of the Finger Lakes and Wine Country of NY. It features a stunning spring fed waterfall and nice forest land. Very close to town but also very secluded and private. Great place to unwind and relax from our everyday lives. It is situated however in a gully next to a creek and waterfall so it is susceptible to heavy rains. It is recommended to at least have an AWD vehicle if rainy. I can usually help campers with getting to the site in my side X side if you need to park up at the pasture. Please order enough wood initially as I have found I spend a lot of time delivering extra wood to campers. It seems as if you will typically go through 2 bundles per night on average. Also I supply a contractor size garbage bag to you if you choose garbage removal. It is also a good idea to text me when you have a solid ETA so I can be here to take you to the site. I want to mention that the two sites closest to the waterfall are a slight hike in and can only accommodate up to 4 person tents so if a bigger group or vehicle camping you will be placed at another site. Hope to see you soon. Ken

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Yost Ridge in the Finger Lakes

2 sites · RVs1 acre · Waterloo, NY

This peaceful, private RV camp site has ... - FULL HOOKUP site, with 110, 30 amp and 50 amp electrical outlets - WIFI - POTABLE WELL WATER (65psi) - SEPTIC TANK, - LARGE DRIVEWAY ENTRANCE - LEVEL PARKING Park however it suits you for getting the best views. It's easy to back in or out with big rigs and trailers from the quiet road . The driveway entrance is extra large. There's plenty of space for a boat, trailer or second vehicle. This is a perfect place for fishing, kayaking, bicycling, kite flying, hiking, wine trailing or relaxing at the well-maintained fire pit in the Adirondack chairs. (Local firewood is for sale in the area.) Sunrise and sunset are spectacular here and stargazers will be delighted with the expansive views. Amish carriages and work horses are common sites. YOST RIDGE is located between Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lakes ("Trout fishing capital of the World") in the Finger Lakes wine country, and is just a short distance from numerous wineries; Swedish Hill, Knapp Vineyards, Three Brothers, Ventosa, Buttonwood Grove, and Hosmer wineries. Also located nearby are the National Women's Hall of Fame, and many state parks, including Cayuga Lake State Park, Seneca Lake State Park, Taughannock Falls State Park, Watkins Glen State Park, Buttermilk Fall State Park, within just a few minutes of this site.

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Cool Wooded Retreat

1 site · RV5 acres · Geneva, NY

We enjoy using private hipcamps when we travel so we decided to offer our full rv hookup for other rvers.Learn more about this land:This is a full RV hookup in a small grove of trees ,while there's not a whole lot to do on this property, its a great place to stop for the night or a place to park your RV while visiting the surrounding area. Enjoy your stay at our little wooded retreat in the country! There are great hiking/biking trails within 10 min, such as Outlet trails in Penn Yan, Grimes Glen in Naples.

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Crazy Goats Farm Camp

3 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Hall, NY

The property is 5 miles west from downtown Geneva, and 10 miles east from Canandaigua. Sits on 6.8 acres, right on the country side, but very close to everything. We have a small hobby farm with some very cute and friendly goats, chickens, ducks and a mini pig. We also run an outdoor grill Friday & Saturday. We have some picnic tables, hammocks and a fire pit for our guests. We offer breakfast. We are proud of our cooking, hard-work and hospitality.

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Pooh’s Corner

9 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Watkins Glen, NY

WELCOME to Pooh's Corner- We hope you enjoy Pooh's Corner as much as we enjoy having all of you great Hipcampers sharing our beautiful Fingerlakes Region with us. Pooh's Corner lies in a rural area just 1.5 miles from Watkins Glen. (3315 County Road 28, Watkins Glen, NY 14891). We took great care to make sure each campsite is PRIVATE (parking on-site*) and the trails are easily navigable. Our 'Welcome Shed' is equipped with a compost toilet, local information, (newly added) Hot Water Station, first-aid kit, charging station, bug spray etc. and is located in a safe, well lit, open area on the property. Each site is equipped with a fire pit and comfortable seating with tables, chairs, and/or picnic tables and tripod grills. Firewood is available on a donation basis. There are State Parks and places to hike one of the many gorges around beautiful Seneca Lake and surrounding area. Take a tour of the many wineries and breweries which our region is famous for. Enjoy hiking, swimming, biking, kayaking, and many historical sites to see. Our reviews tell it all. We know you'll love it here :) *PLEASE NOTE: Our sites are custom made for TENT or CAR camping. Because we have "parking on-site", Large RVs, Campers (over 16'), and any 5th-wheel campers are very difficult to place since there are no easy ways to back in or turn around. We highly recommend "Havana Glen State Park" (same general area) for those types of camping units.

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Mountainside Camp

6 sites · Tents4 acres · Naples, NY

Mountainside Camp is actually 6 miles from Naples in the Town of Italy, NY at the Southern tip of Canandaigua Lake. This is a carry in/carry out camp site. This location is "Dry Camping"; no water or electric; just a port a potty. Italy Valley is a gorgeous hidden part of New York. Be one with The Great Outdoors near New York's picturesque Canandaigua Lake in the Finger Lakes. Our Mountainside Camp offers a retreat for the fully equipped camper who wants to get off the beaten path. There is an Eagle's Nest about 2 miles North on Route 245, pass Coward Rd., watch across valley in a big dead tree about 400 yards away. When you see the nest, you'll know it. I've seen an Eagle perching on the tree. Here, you're within driving and biking distance to the Town of Naples, NY (Grimes Glen Park), and Canandaigua Lake, and all of the beauty and culture of the Finger Lakes Region is at your doorstep: vineyards and wine tours, water fun on the lake... and so much more. Within an hours drive you can bike, hike, camp fish, boat or swim in 7 of the 11 FINGER LAKES (Conesus, Hemlock, Canadice, Honeoye, Canandaigua, Keuka, and Seneca. Keep truckin' and hit Cayuga, Owasco, Skaneateles and Otisco. (or 90 minutes until you reach the 11th FINGER LAKE, Otisco) The camp has come along way since it was established (June 2017) when our Scout Camper came to stay***, with "Base Camp" site maturing with level tent sites, fire pits, benches, tables, port-a-potty. "Hawks Landing" site (1/2 way up the hill) making progress as well, not so much road noise up here. "Eagles Nest"; all the way up is the most private deep in the woods, 1000 feet back! More carved out camp sites to come soon I hope. ***Carry in and carry out. I'm shocked at the liter left by some campers. This is a simple privately owned piece of land that I've been renting out for the lower cost, no frills private location. PLEASE just leave as you find it; most do, thank you.

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DoggieCamp

5 sites · RVs, Tents23 acres · Newfield, NY

We bought our beautiful 23 acres with our hacienda on it more than 30 years ago and we have had friends come camp here over the years. Our friends love to swim in our pond and bring their dogs over for hikes and mountain bike rides so we decided to open it up for others to enjoy.

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Six circles farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · Lodi, NY

Six Circles farm is located in the majestic geographical center of the finger lakes, in the heart of wine country. We grow over 80 varieties of vegetables, fruit, and herbs with our main crop being the versatile, tasty, seductive, and immune boosting garlic. The Eisman Family has cultivated this land with ecological and restorative intentions since 1992. Learn more about this land: Private tent sites with lake or forest views and nature trails. On an organic vegetable family farm with tours available. Foraging encouraged. Nearby restaurants, wineries and national forest.

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Al 's camp

2 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Dresden, NY

We bought this property because we enjoy nature and wildlife. This woodlot was formally used as a boy's Scout camp.Learn more about this land:There's room for 1 camper or pitch your tents. Have access to a picnic table and firepit. Enjoy the nature by hiking the trails on our 40 acres. We are close to the Seneca lake, also the Keuka outlet trail for biking or hiking. Watkins glen is 18m away. We also offer free firewood.

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Wonderland Forest

99 sites · Tents300 acres · La Fayette, NY

Wonderland Forest is located on 500 beautiful acres that overlook New York's Apple Valley. Camp Wonderland offers primitive camping sites. Home to the historic Rattlesnake Gulf and The Blue Hole, along with other waterfalls and watering holes. Spend your days exploring! In 2023 Wonderland Forest will host its 1st music events!

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Minglewood Camp

2 sites · Lodging90 acres · Trumansburg, NY

Both my husband Ben, and I are natives to the Fingerlakes region. We are nature lovers and enjoy , (Love) camping. When this property became available to us we couldn't help visualize our dream camp spot. We decided to make a go for it. The frontage of the property is a small mobile home park which truly reminded us of a quaint camp community we had just visited in Canada. After exploring the 90 acres of hardwood forest beyond the park we realized an eco friendly camp ground was exactly what the property needed. Ben sourced only local wood for the cabin and used all natural building materials. No plastic anywhere! our hope is that people who need a break from the hustle of daily life can visit Minglewwood and enjoy some serenity.Our sweet little cabin is about a quarter mile into the forest. You will have total privacy. The cabin sits beside a little creek which runs till late summer depending on rain. There is 90 acres of beautiful forest to explore. The stunning Finger lakes are only a short drive as well as the impressive Gorges that surround the area. You will find no shortage of natural beauty when you visit Minglewood camp.

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Tempest Ranch camp

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Beaver Dams, NY

40 secluded acres with 1850 feet of clear stream with a great swimming hole. Our fenced fields with sheds boarders 9100 acres Sugar Hill State Forest, hiking trails and a dirt seasonal road that connects to other dirt roads. We have a mature pine forest grove that you can pick a spot to camp next to,or walk our creek and find a cleared spot to tent or just sleep next to campfire. We are have been here 20 years improving what was run down and continue to add a few pines and special private site for great memories! Our sites sit along meads creek which is nice to sit and relax in. At the bridge along maple lane is a very fun swimming hole ,which has been so nice all summer let your dog swim with you and have a nice float .we have a picnic tabel and fire ring at most sites . We are constantly making new fun sites to enjoy . fire-ring and outhouse! We have a pond to feed fish and explore on a canoe or bring tubes .always horses and donkeys to see . I have 1850 foot of stream to hike along and explore wildlife.turkey,deer,fox the occasional coyotes howling . We have been getting eagles.few bear sightings. ..we have .some pretty private spots along the creek . And under the pine tree grove.we border 9100 acres of sugar hill state Forrest. Trailss everywhere. Twelve miles of back dirt roads to get to Watkins Glen state park. 7 miles to the Glen race track .twelve miles to a great dirt track to see racing.we can accommodate horse camping ,either by ride ins or trailers with pASTURES TO PULL INTO. ! This site borders sugar hill state Forrest! Twelve miles to Watkins glen

The best camping near Sampson State Park guide

Overview

About

Covering just over 2,000 acres on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake, Sampson State Park is a prime location for boating, swimming, hiking and volleyball. The marina has 96 boat slips and a large multiple launch site, while the sandy beach has guarded swimming, playgrounds, and a scenic lake trail. Other popular activities include fishing, biking, and wildlife watching. At the end of a full day of activity, you can enjoy one of the Finger Lakes’ most picturesque sunsets. Those who wish to spend the night can choose from 243 electric campsites at the Sampson State Park Campground.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Bookings can easily be secured online or by phone.
As this is a popular campground, reservations are recommended: bookings may be made up to nine months in advance.
Same-day reservations are allowed until 3pm on the day of arrival.

When to go

Sampson State Park is open year-round but the campground only opens from mid-April to early October. As water activities are the main draw, spring and summer are the busiest times in the park, especially on weekends. In winter, roads in and around the park may become icy and difficult to maneuver.

Know before you go

If you need to stock up, you’ll find the essentials at grocery stores just outside the park. For bigger purchases, head for Geneva, 10 miles away.
A maximum of two pets are allowed in campsites and day use areas, but not in the swimming area, and must be on a leash and have proof of rabies inoculation.
Swimming season typically runs from mid-June to early September.
Boat rentals are available from Seneca Lake Resorts.