Beach Camping Near Elmira, New York, US: 12 Best Beach Campsites 2025

Looking to camp near Elmira, New York, and craving a beachy escape? Hipcamp has you covered with over 110 options that offer the perfect combination of sandy shores and outdoor adventure. Whether you're a seasoned beach bum or just looking to dip your toes in the water, you'll find the ideal campsite to suit your needs. Check out top-rated options like Welcome Ricketts Glen Hikers (96 reviews), Sanctuary in the woods (86 reviews), and Mission Hemlock Grove (44 reviews). With popular amenities like showers, campfires, and pet-friendly sites, you'll have everything you need for a memorable camping experience. Plus, indulge in thrilling activities such as whitewater paddling, wind sports, and boating. So pack your sunscreen and get ready for the beach adventure of a lifetime!

88% (265)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking to camp near Elmira, New York, and craving a beachy escape? Hipcamp has you covered with over 110 options that offer the perfect combination of sandy shores and outdoor adventure. Whether you're a seasoned beach bum or just looking to dip your toes in the water, you'll find the ideal campsite to suit your needs. Check out top-rated options like Welcome Ricketts Glen Hikers (96 reviews), Sanctuary in the woods (86 reviews), and Mission Hemlock Grove (44 reviews). With popular amenities like showers, campfires, and pet-friendly sites, you'll have everything you need for a memorable camping experience. Plus, indulge in thrilling activities such as whitewater paddling, wind sports, and boating. So pack your sunscreen and get ready for the beach adventure of a lifetime!

88% (265)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Sanctuary InTheWoods Tent/Yurt Camp

99%

(161)

18mi from Elmira · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging · Newfield, NY

After traveling and living around the world, raising my kids... you can return home. I craved the seasons and the woods and some quiet peaceful land. I feel in love with this property as it had the perfect spot in the middle of the ten acres for camp, not to far from the house and driveway so very easy assess. A short walk up a trail. It is private and has lots of wildlife. We have 2 cabins for rent on land as well. It is a short 12 miles to Ithaca for provisions and activities, or stay and play on the land, hike, swing, rest, read, write, meditate, dream. come in peace or come to rediscover your peace. I look forward to meeting you Learn more about this land: We have 10 forested hilly acres 12 miles from Ithaca. We’ve built a camp with a yurt with a foam floor that sleeps a family of 4. Bring sleeping bags and pads or you have an air mattress you can blow up inside the yurt that is fun. in the photo s you will also see a dry lean-to with a double bed platform inside to put your sleeping bags or air mattress or to put supplies off the ground to keep dry. Also lots of room for tents. The campfire has a grill to cook over a wood fire, 2 benches & Adirondack chairs, a hammock and a picnic table. There’s also a fun homemade swing & seesaw. There are many marked walking trails around our land to enjoy. There is access to well water. Dry cut Firewood is available for $7 a bundle at the property or you can add extras with booking for $7.70 per bundle. Portable toilet outside & outdoor hot water shower. It is very quiet here. We are close to Treman, Buttermilk And Taughannock State Parks which all have swimming. Watkins Glen State Park and racetrack is half an hour away. 150 breathtakingly magnificent waterfalls in this area. Great hiking. We are 14 miles from Cornell University and 10 miles from Ithaca College. We are between two finger lakes, Cayuga and Seneca, there are 60 wineries and breweries around the lakes. Woman’s Rights National Museum in Seneca Falls, Corning Museum of Glass is fabulous. Ithaca has theatres, many museums & lots for kids to do. Or just hang out in our forest & enjoy our 10 private acres of trails. Bob is in the Ithaca Art Trail so check out his workshop if you are interested. On Instagram and FB go to Robertroemischcreativearts.

2. Bare Lake House

89%

(33)

9.8mi from Elmira · 2 sites · Lodging · Corning, NY

Family owned 35 acre property, with a 3 acre lake where we like to play and explore nature nude. We are clothing optional. Meaning you need not partake in the most comfortable and most natural way to enjoy nature. But you may see others on property that are nude. Learn more about this land:The Nut House is a newly built cabin. It is 10 x 16 with a small front porch with chairs . This unit is set in the acorn and hickory nut trees. This unit has electric with ceiling fan and heat. It has a Queen size bed with all linens, blankets and pillows. It is approximately 40 yards to club house with rest rooms and shower. There is a vending machine for snacks and sodas/water. You may pay an extra $7.00 to join for breakfast at Blake's B n B. Payment will be received at breakfast. Oct 1st until Apr 1st the club house is winterized and will not have water. Additional facilities and shower can be used at the B n B, approx 100 yards from the cabin. The cabin is located within Bare Lake Nudist Club, a Clothing Optional Club. This is a 18 years of age plus listing. No children allowed for this location Thank you. All areas of the property are clothing optional. There is a 3 acre lake for swimming, boating, and fishing. We also have marked trails to hike. Life jackets are REQUIRED with use of any and all boats! NO EXCEPTIONS. We HIGHLY recommend the use of bug spray while hiking! Come join us at our beautiful piece of nature! See you soon!

3. The Landing on Seneca Lake

88%

(16)

30mi from Elmira · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · Dundee, NY

If you're looking for a quiet setting along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, The Landing is your spot! Park your vehicle on a level parking lot or pop a tent in our spacious grassy fields. NEW for 2025!!! Buy a Day Pass for access to our pristine waterfront and swim off the dock. Enjoy a scenic and quiet setting with a view of Seneca Lake and woods nearby to hike and listen to birds and water flowing through the ravines. Picnic table, fire pit and port-a-potty on-site. No running water or electricity. Very close to Tabora Farm, Hickory Hollow winery, and Glenora winery, and just a 10 minute drive to Watkins Glen. This is a former school campus with several dorm buildings. The school has closed and the owners are trying to reimagine the property and put it back to use. It's a beautiful setting but don't be surprised to see the large dorm buildings! ;-)

4. Camping @ Blooming Acres

19mi from Elmira · 27 sites · Tents · Newfield Hamlet, NY

Located atop of a mountain nestled in a breathtaking natural Glen built by millions of years of erosion. Are beautiful spring feed creekway runs through the property with winding trails. A great place to escape the city and enjoy nature. Wild life surrounds this gully with morning and evening visits from deer and other creatures. So far away but still close enough to grab dinner 15 minutes to Ithaca or cookout on our private fire-pits or bbq grill. You will have access to a spring feed shallow pond at the top of the property. A short hike away. Remember this is a ravine. Bring hiking boots or sneakers and water shoes for those adventurous times. You will have access to the hemlock and fern forest, blackwalnut trail, the Vintage Orchards and Raspberry Fields(coming soon), the gull, ravine and creekway. As well as access to a public discovery area. We have free parking on sites. There is no traditional electricity. Water can be collected and transported to sites from the water connections. We do not have showers facilities built yet but will have them up by next season (solar shower available). , some sites are vehicle pull-up and others are walk-in sites. You can pitch your tent or hang a hammock in the trees.(we will be building platforms and have preset up tents and cabins available next season. As well as winter getaway camping(winter202). We are also improving your experience everyday. Come and visit a non cramped, very well spaced out more private nature experience. We have a beautiful place and would like to enjoy it with others. You can have a private stay or hit the trails and make a new friend even if it's a chipmunk... Most sites are under the tree line and not in an open field. We allow one vehicle per site others can be parked at parking area at entrance. We offer a sunrise , sunset public viewing area for breathtaking sky color shows and tree dances from the wind. We do remind you we are a wilderness camp and all camps are in the forest under trees and on rocks, dirt, grass, moss and sticks.( Sites are cleared for use) This is nature and you should understand the risk and respect nature for itself. We can not guarantee your safety from falls, slips and bumps(we do have first aid available) but if you follow simple protocol, have a bit of n

5. Smith Memorial Park Campground

80%

(25)

28mi from Elmira · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · Hector, NY

Welcome to the Finger Lakes A park and campground on Seneca Lake Smith Park is a classic lakeside park and campground built on the slopes of Seneca Lake in the 1970’s — enjoyed by many since the 1800’s. In the heart of New York State’s Finger Lakes and along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, the park and campground’s location offers the best of both nature and socializing. Open daily from dawn to dusk, visitors can access Seneca Lake by foot from the “Green” in the middle of the park, or dirt roads on both the north and south ends of the park.

6. The Spotted Sandpiper

94%

(99)

34mi from Elmira · 5 sites · Lodging · Trumansburg, NY

The land that became our property was once owned by the King family. (i.e. Kingtown Beach Road) In the 1970s it was a marina developed by the Fulton family, with 4 small tourist cabins on the hillside above the water. Two more families loved and cared for the property before our family purchased it in late 2018. We're are delighted to share the beauty of Cayuga Lake with guests from all over the United States and the world, and hope to welcome you soon to The Spotted Sandpiper! Situated on 4 acres and with 400’ of secluded frontage on Cayuga Lake, The Spotted Sandpiper is the largest private lakefront vacation rental property in the Ithaca area. We’re nestled at the end of a private road, but only 7 minutes from Trumansburg, 3 1⁄2 miles from Taughannock State Park, and 20 minutes from Ithaca. We're conveniently located along the Cayuga Wine Trail!We are perfect for family reunions and wedding party rentals, families traveling together or friends looking for a week or weekend away! Our beach is an ideal swimming spot for children because of its gentle slope and clear waters.

7. Beach love

88%

(12)

47mi from Elmira · 1 site · Tent · Romulus, NY

Small beached area for peace and serenity . Roughing it for sure… out house on property and potable water. No electricity … no amenities… Ideal for a couple roughing it. Fishing/ on the fingerlakes wine trail. Close to Seneca falls and Ithica . No pets. Please . Bring Kayaks or rafts and enjoy the lake and quiet.

Camper favorites near Elmira

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Camping @ Blooming Acres

19mi from Elmira · 27 sites · Tents · Newfield Hamlet, NY

Located atop of a mountain nestled in a breathtaking natural Glen built by millions of years of erosion. Are beautiful spring feed creekway runs through the property with winding trails. A great place to escape the city and enjoy nature. Wild life surrounds this gully with morning and evening visits from deer and other creatures. So far away but still close enough to grab dinner 15 minutes to Ithaca or cookout on our private fire-pits or bbq grill. You will have access to a spring feed shallow pond at the top of the property. A short hike away. Remember this is a ravine. Bring hiking boots or sneakers and water shoes for those adventurous times. You will have access to the hemlock and fern forest, blackwalnut trail, the Vintage Orchards and Raspberry Fields(coming soon), the gull, ravine and creekway. As well as access to a public discovery area. We have free parking on sites. There is no traditional electricity. Water can be collected and transported to sites from the water connections. We do not have showers facilities built yet but will have them up by next season (solar shower available). , some sites are vehicle pull-up and others are walk-in sites. You can pitch your tent or hang a hammock in the trees.(we will be building platforms and have preset up tents and cabins available next season. As well as winter getaway camping(winter202). We are also improving your experience everyday. Come and visit a non cramped, very well spaced out more private nature experience. We have a beautiful place and would like to enjoy it with others. You can have a private stay or hit the trails and make a new friend even if it's a chipmunk... Most sites are under the tree line and not in an open field. We allow one vehicle per site others can be parked at parking area at entrance. We offer a sunrise , sunset public viewing area for breathtaking sky color shows and tree dances from the wind. We do remind you we are a wilderness camp and all camps are in the forest under trees and on rocks, dirt, grass, moss and sticks.( Sites are cleared for use) This is nature and you should understand the risk and respect nature for itself. We can not guarantee your safety from falls, slips and bumps(we do have first aid available) but if you follow simple protocol, have a bit of n

Smith Memorial Park Campground

80%

(25)

28mi from Elmira · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · Hector, NY

Welcome to the Finger Lakes A park and campground on Seneca Lake Smith Park is a classic lakeside park and campground built on the slopes of Seneca Lake in the 1970’s — enjoyed by many since the 1800’s. In the heart of New York State’s Finger Lakes and along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, the park and campground’s location offers the best of both nature and socializing. Open daily from dawn to dusk, visitors can access Seneca Lake by foot from the “Green” in the middle of the park, or dirt roads on both the north and south ends of the park.

The Spotted Sandpiper

94%

(99)

34mi from Elmira · 5 sites · Lodging · Trumansburg, NY

The land that became our property was once owned by the King family. (i.e. Kingtown Beach Road) In the 1970s it was a marina developed by the Fulton family, with 4 small tourist cabins on the hillside above the water. Two more families loved and cared for the property before our family purchased it in late 2018. We're are delighted to share the beauty of Cayuga Lake with guests from all over the United States and the world, and hope to welcome you soon to The Spotted Sandpiper! Situated on 4 acres and with 400’ of secluded frontage on Cayuga Lake, The Spotted Sandpiper is the largest private lakefront vacation rental property in the Ithaca area. We’re nestled at the end of a private road, but only 7 minutes from Trumansburg, 3 1⁄2 miles from Taughannock State Park, and 20 minutes from Ithaca. We're conveniently located along the Cayuga Wine Trail!We are perfect for family reunions and wedding party rentals, families traveling together or friends looking for a week or weekend away! Our beach is an ideal swimming spot for children because of its gentle slope and clear waters.

Beach love

88%

(12)

47mi from Elmira · 1 site · Tent · Romulus, NY

Small beached area for peace and serenity . Roughing it for sure… out house on property and potable water. No electricity … no amenities… Ideal for a couple roughing it. Fishing/ on the fingerlakes wine trail. Close to Seneca falls and Ithica . No pets. Please . Bring Kayaks or rafts and enjoy the lake and quiet.

Public campgrounds near Elmira

Tompkins Campground

21mi from Elmira · 119 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cowanesque Lake

South Shore Recreation Area and Campground

22mi from Elmira · 1 site · in Cowanesque Lake

Lambs Creek Recreation Area and Campground

23mi from Elmira · 1 site · in Tioga-Hammond Lakes

100%

(1)

Ives Run Campground

24mi from Elmira · 188 sites · Tents, RVs · in Tioga-Hammond Lakes

Footbridge on the upper end of the gorge trail

96%

(13)

Robert H. Treman State Park Campground

25mi from Elmira · 85 sites · Tents, RVs · in Robert H. Treman State Park

100%

(12)

Buttermilk Falls Campground

27mi from Elmira · 51 sites · Tents, RVs · in Buttermilk Falls State Park

Blueberry Patch Campground

27mi from Elmira · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · in Finger Lakes National Forest

Backbone Horse Campground

27mi from Elmira · 11 sites · in Finger Lakes National Forest

100%

(2)

Potomac Group Campground

28mi from Elmira · 1 site · in Finger Lakes National Forest

100%

(2)

Hills Creek State Park Campground

28mi from Elmira · 91 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hills Creek State Park

100%

(9)

Taughannock Falls State Park Campground

33mi from Elmira · 84 sites · Tents, RVs · in Taughannock Falls State Park

100%

(1)

Esperanza View Campground

37mi from Elmira · 44 sites · Tents, RVs · in Keuka Lake State Park

Stories from the community

Cherie

October 2025

30 ft Class A

6 nights at The Landing on Seneca Lake

A perfectly pleasant stay! Kate was very responsive and even gave us a suggestion of a good place to eat. Tabora’s was yummy! We chose the spot on the property closest to the lake so we could have the view. It was level, super quiet and peaceful. We even had two whitetail deer run past our rig one afternoon. At night we could hear cars at the Watkins Glen racetrack in the distance, which was super cool. Only about 10 minutes from the town of Watkins Glen, it was super convenient. During part of our stay, the local police department used the property to train its K-9 division, which was intriguing to watch. (It would have been nice to have been notified that this was a training rather than a man hunt, though. We were a bit nervous until we figured it out.) :) Overall, it was a great stay and we would definitely recommend!

G

Gillian

October 2025

Weekend Trip to The Spotted Sandpiper

Spent 3 nights in Glamp 1 in October of 2025. It was 40s at night and rained 2 of the nights, but we stayed warm with the heater (and an electric blanket we brought)! It was dry inside the tent despite the rain. Area is beautiful. Due to weather, didn't spend any time on the lake, but did make use of the shower areas, which worked well - hot water and shower/bathroom walkable from Glamp 1. Kate answered all questions before and during the stay. Shampoo/conditioner and towels provided. Great affordable glamping experience!!

L

Louren

October 2025

17 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Smith Memorial Park Campground

Gem of gems! Exquisite location! Very clean facilities. Super cool location near good food and wine!

New yurt instead of teepee totally dry with a skylight so you don't have to bring a tent if you don't want to, just the bedding.

M

Madeleine

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Sanctuary InTheWoods Tent/Yurt Camp

Camping here was such a lovely experience! Pamela was so kind and made sure we knew about all the amenities. The yurt was clean and very comfortable.

Kim

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Bare Lake House

This was a last minute stop on our trip. Aric was very accommodating! I would love to come back in the summer, it seems like a really good time. The cabin was clean and cozy. There was a like a clubhouse with a kitchen, warm shower and toilets. It wasn’t a far walk.. The other campers were very courteous. We happen to come on the last weekend and they were having a potluck. I love being nude in nature. This was perfect!

K

Kristina

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Landing on Seneca Lake

A last minute decision to go camping led us to pick here, it's a large campus and plenty of space to keep between others, it was just my bf and I with our 2 dogs for an over night. We arrived late morning was set up by noon and was just us till early evening another couple came and set up across the way. We enjoyed the view and peace and quiet. We did walk down the road down to the watefront but there were other homes so we didn't go all the way down. It's a hike! It's a primitive set up no bathroom or running water so we came prepared. Would definitely go again.

E

Elizabeth

September 2025

Weekend Trip to The Spotted Sandpiper

We loved glamping at Spotted Sandpiper! We had all of the necessities and more at our tent site. You can’t beat the view of Lake Cayuga—we loved going down to the dock for sunset every night. It’s also very close to Taughannock State Park and a short drive from Ithaca.

Derek

August 2025

18 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Smith Memorial Park Campground

Well maintained campgrounds on a beautiful lake, swimming and boating options. Plenty of driftwood for starting fires, and a water spigot on our campsite adds convenience.

Jo

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Bare Lake House

We had such a relaxing time. Everyone, well, it felt like a big family, wonderful feeling! Aric and Colleen very warm and welcoming. I couldn't recommend this place more. The cabin was small but so cozy, clean and well kept. The small porch was excellent for just relaxing and watching the fish jump in the pond.

a

alicia

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Spotted Sandpiper

I loved tent camping at the spotted sandpiper. The tent was comfortable and had everything we needed. I especially loved they had so many things we could use on the water…kayaks, paddle boards, life jackets, floats, and the lake was beautiful! I would def stay here again.

Birdseye view of site. Site is located inside the L shaped parking lot between Academy Rd and reddish building.

S

Sam

August 2025

25 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to The Landing on Seneca Lake

Host was very kind and available, helpful. Was disappointed in the extremely steep and windy hill to access the dock. I was not comfortable walking or taking a vehicle down.

J

Jose

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Smith Memorial Park Campground

Great base for the village. Would definitely camp here again

Carie

August 2025

With pets

2 nights at The Spotted Sandpiper

This was our second stay here. The lake is beautiful and being able to use the kayaks/ paddle boards is a plus. We will definitely be back again and again.

d

danielle

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sanctuary InTheWoods Tent/Yurt Camp

Pamela was very sweet and welcoming. We booked the site with the Yurt and had the option to sleep in the Yurt, under the lean-to or pitch our tent on the ground in the area! Was a lovely stay and the hammock at the site is a nice touch for some morning reading :)

n

nick

August 2025

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Smith Memorial Park Campground

Clean, quiet, easy access to lake. Very few people in tent section. Clean new bathrooms with hot water. Would absolutely come back again

H

Hillary

August 2025

2 nights at The Spotted Sandpiper

The glamping tents were beautiful, well stocked and way beyond what I was expecting. Fresh towels, a day bed with trundle, TV, fridge, the works. Wonderful amenities, especially for the price! Easy and beautiful lake access, and access to kayaks and canoe. Check-in and check out was really simple, and directions clear. Welcoming, friendly, beautiful and peaceful.

Grass field with flat grass and plenty of room to spread out.

Jennifer

August 2025

36 ft fifth wheel

Weekend Trip to The Landing on Seneca Lake

We loved staying here. Beautiful view of the lake (from one spot), easy access to Watkins Glen and surrounding wineries. We were the only people there, very quiet. We hope to stay again next summer.

Nora

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sanctuary InTheWoods Tent/Yurt Camp

Pam and Bob’s property is beautiful. The yurt we stayed in was incredible, and the lean-to was very convenient. Also nice was the shower and porta-potty, all very clean and well-maintained. Lots of wonderful things to see and do in the area. We had a great stay!

Kate

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Bare Lake House

The only thing I would’ve changed about my stay at Bare Lake would’ve been that I had stayed longer. The cabin was perfect for one or two people, hosts and fellow campers very welcoming. Looking forward to going back.

J

Joel

July 2025

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Smith Memorial Park Campground

Very nice little campground right on the shore, staff was super friendly and accommodating, sites were clean and had good privacy, as well as access to bathrooms and of course, the lake.