Camping near Watkins Glen State Park

92% (27 reviews)

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

Iconic Finger Lakes park with 19 waterfalls and dramatic gorges.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Watkins Glen State Park

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

One of the best camp and park experiences in New York State!

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(7)

Watkins Glen Cabins

10 sites In Watkins Glen State Park

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Mohawk Village Campground

52 sites · RVs, Tents In Watkins Glen State Park

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Oneida Village Campground

31 sites · RVs, Tents In Watkins Glen State Park

Onondaga Village Campground

49 sites · RVs, Tents In Watkins Glen State Park

83%

(6)

Seneca Village Campground

47 sites · RVs, Tents In Watkins Glen State Park

The entire campground is very nice and well maintained. There are also well-marked trails that lead to the waterfalls.

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(8)

Cayuga Village Campground

48 sites · RVs, Tents In Watkins Glen State Park

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(1)

Tuscarora Village Campground

56 sites · RVs, Tents In Watkins Glen State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Watkins Glen State Park

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(314)

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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(456)

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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(135)

Valley View Camp

11 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Montour Falls, NY

WE ALLOW A MAXIMIUM OF 4 CAMPING GROUPS AT A TIME. We have 8 sites to choose from but, due to Town rules more than 4 camping any given night is tooo many. So, 4 acres 4 camping groups. We are advertising a "RUSTIC CAMPING EXPERIENCE". This isn't the state or county owned or run site. We want you to come and be clean and considerate and have a great experience! I walked many lots over the previous several years and this pasture was perfect. This location is a work in progress. The pictures are over a few years and when you get there the hay could be high, it could have just been cut. The reviews and some pictures begin 3 years ago 3 days after we went online. Work the reviews in reverse to see newest reviews.

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(176)

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

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The Green Heron

7 sites · RVs, Tents70 acres · Ithaca, NY

My property is about 70 acres of wildflower meadows, ponds, organic grain farm and forest located about 10 minutes northwest of Ithaca and 20 min from Finger Lakes wine trails. Enjoy walking along the dirt road and mown trails throughout the property, wild raspberry and blackberry picking, bird and wildlife watching and some incredible sunsets! The campsites are located well off the main road for privacy and seclusion. A convenience store and gas station are located about a mile down the road. This is a peaceful and beautiful place to stay.

Dragonfly Hollow Farm

1 site · Tent69 acres · Burdett, NY

Nestled deep in the hollow, our serene campsite invites you to pitch your tent alongside Cranberry Creek, where you can unwind to the soothing melodies of chirping birds and rustling wildlife. With miles of trails tracing the creek, leading past a fully stocked pond, and ascending to the valley's summit, exploration awaits at every turn. Surrounded by Finger Lakes Trails and connected to Texas Hollow State Land, our off-grid homestead offers the perfect balance of seclusion and accessibility. Just a short drive away lies the breathtaking Watkins Glen State Park, renowned for its stunning waterfalls and natural beauty. Our central location serves as an ideal launching point for a multitude of adventures, including hikes, waterfall excursions, days spent on the lakes, city shopping, and visits to local wineries and breweries. Discover some of our personal favorite spots nearby, including: Havana Glen Park (6 miles) Watkins Glen State Park (10 miles) Caywood Point, Finger Lakes National Forest (16 miles) Taughannock Falls State Park (19 miles) Ithaca Commons (21 miles) And countless more hidden gems waiting to be explored!

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Ithaca Artsy Bunkhouse

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Ithaca, NY

Stay in our cozy, heated and insulated, artsy bunkhouse. We're located on a quiet woodsy dead end street with tons of bird life and acres of nature to enjoy. Walking trails are right out the back gate! There is also frog pond and campfire pit to enjoy. Marshmallows provided. The bunkhouse is less than 2 miles to the center of Ithaca where there is plenty to do! including the taking advantage of the new bike share program and waterfront trails. Definitely come hungry, Ithaca has more restaurants per capita than NYC and LA.!! Were also just 12 min across town to Cornell University and Ithaca College and 5-20 minutes from numerous amazing waterfalls. The available half bathroom is in the main house, just seconds from the cabin and is open to use 24 hrs. The heated bunkhouse has 2 twin mattresses in the loft, and several blankets and pillows, but you need to BRING YOUR OWN SHEETS and pillow CASES as you wish. Firewood is $5 per fire, starters materials included, marshmallows are in the end table drawer! there are roasting sticks out by the fire pit. You can select the campfire wood option here or pay in cash in the cabin. Feel free to bring your own fire wood and pay nothing to enjoy a campfire. if you need any help starting a fire, we can help. We have a sweet fluffy orange cat who roams the property. His name is kitty kitty :) He's fearful of dogs, and is wary of visitors since they might be harboring one! If you have a pup with you, please keep them leashed at least around the main house and cabin. We are also fostering our adult daughter's very sweet dog Beya-- (pronounced Bay-yuh). She is the nicest person you'd hope to meet and although she may bark a little the first time you come in to use the bathroom she's just letting us know you have arrived- and will be very happy to have you greet her. She doesn't jump up, growl, or have any negative behavior with people other than getting underfoot in the kitchen!. There isn't a shower included in the stay unless you are here for multiple days and have spoken with us about it...but you can definitely wash up with hot water and soap, in the half bath --hand towel provided. The cabin has air conditioning for summer use So no worries about being too warm to sleep well. (and heat in the winter) The location is Beautiful in all seasons! Cross country skiing is possible in the winter but bring your own gear.. (we did not do a rink this year) If there's something else you need for your stay, just ask! We are pretty flexible and can probably help out.

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Off Grid cabin near Watkins Glen,NY

3 sites · Lodging15 acres · Rock Stream, NY

Get away from it all when you stay under the stars. This is a beautiful off grid cabin located out in nature. It’s a one room cabin with two queen sized beds. There is no running water, however a portable restroom is at the cabin. 12V lighting & USB ports for charging phones. Enjoy the scenic views from the outdoor fire pit or on the screened in porch! Bring your own food and drinks. Clean bedding is provided. If you want to venture out for a fun off grid experience come check us out!!

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RV/Camper Site Near WG Racetrack

4 sites · RVs5 acres · Watkins Glen, NY

Secluded campsite for RV/camper located 4 miles from Watkins Glen, 2 miles from racetrack and walking distance to finger lakes hiking trails. Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape. Very private location with full hook ups, 30 and 50 amp. This is privately owned property with three quiet campsites (150ft apart) with full hookups for an RV or camper. There are no wash room facilities.

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Underhill Forest and Farm

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents36 acres · Dryden, NY

Underhill Inn is a small homestead located in the Finger Lakes region tucked in the rolling hills near Dryden Lake. We have a small garden, a flock of sheep and chickens, hives of honeybees and countless wild foraging on our 36 acres of pasture and hiking trails. Take a walk down to Brockendock pond and cruise across the water in a canoe or paddleboat to find peepers, heron, toads and turtles. Drop a line in the water to catch trout, bass and sunnies. The chicken coop is always bustling and there are plenty of eggs to harvest each day. A morning hike on the trails usually kicks up the deer and wild turkeys and at night the barn owl will sing for you if you listen close. Adults and children are welcome to pet and feed the animals on the farm. There are farm tours available where you can learn more about our mushroom garden, composting techniques, blueberries, felting, and more.

Harpy Hollow

23 sites · Tents90 acres · Odessa, NY

Harpy Hollow is located on 89 beautiful wooded acres near Watkins Glen, NY. Come unplug and enjoy an abundance of wildlife, on-site trails and stargazing. We are located in the Finger Lakes Region with all the wine you can taste! While here you should visit all the waterfall trails you can! The Watkins Glen Gorge Trail is our favorite! The Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) is walking distance from "The Hollow" and so is a natural spring. There are horseback riding and ATV trails in the area. Bring or rent a kayak to paddle any of the several large nearby lakes! Plenty of fishing in the area too! There is a modern outhouse with flushing toilet and sink with running water a reasonable walking distance from each site. A private potty in a potty tent on your site is available to rent. Sorry, no shower yet! Every site has a fire ring and comes with first bundle of wood. Additional bundles are available on site for purchase.Owned by Army Veterans who love the outdoors and live on site in an off grid cabin. If you are looking for a place to unplug, this is the place for you! Learn more about this land:Beautiful site that is spacious, wooded and quite with no light pollution for amazing stargazing! Includes firepit. Bathroom is a short walk from the site. You may park at site (all wheel or 4 wheel drive necessary under some conditions). May need to walk in if very wet or snowy.

The best camping near Watkins Glen State Park guide

Overview

About

Located in the Fingers Lake region, this scenic park packs a lot of natural beauty in a small area, including 19 waterfalls, towering cliffs, and gorges. Several hiking trails take you alongside, over, under, and through gorges and behind several waterfalls. Facilities include an Olympic-size swimming pool, picnic tables and pavilions, playgrounds, sports fields, gift shops, food concessions, and a shuttle. Anglers can cast their line in nearby Seneca Lake or Catherine Creek, known for an annual spring run of rainbow trout. More than 300 campsites, suitable for RVs, trailers, and tents and 10 camping cabins, offer plenty of options for staying overnight.

Notable campgrounds

Best for hikers: The Tuscarora Village Campground offers the closest access to a network of hiking trails.
Best for RVs: The Mohawk Village Campground offers 54 sites with electric hook-ups.
Best for comfort: Ten rustic Watkins Glen Cabins provide sheltered space for six, but does not include water or electricity.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You must have a reservation to camp. Plan to reserve a site as soon as you know your dates during the peak season or over weekends.
If traveling between mid May and October, reservations can be made the same day until 3pm.
Reservations for 2 or more nights can be made nine months in advance. One night stays can be booked seven days in advance.

When to go

Mid June to August are the busiest times at the park, especially on weekends. Time your visit for early in the day before the parking lots fill up or go during the week. Entrance fees are collected from mid May to mid October. Spring is the best time to see the waterfalls at peak flow. The campground is open from late May to early October, while the pool is open from the end of June to Labor Day. The Gorge Trail is only open from early spring to late fall, with the shuttle running over the same period. Early to mid-October is the best time to see the fall colors. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities in winter.

Know before you go

During peak season, Gorge Trail is one-way. Wear sturdy shoes as there are more than 800 steps, and spray from the waterfalls can make rocky pathways wet.
Swimming is not permitted in the gorge and only in the swimming pool.
Accessible facilities include the gift shop, restrooms, swimming area, and most pavilions.
Pets are not allowed in buildings, playgrounds, the pool area, or on the Gorge Trail, though they are permitted on the Indian Trail and South Rim Trail and in some camping loops. A certificate of rabies vaccination is required.
Do not bring firewood from more than 50 miles away from the park