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Camping in the Finger Lakes

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With 11 lakes, 25 state parks, three wine trails, and more than a dozen golf courses, it's easy to see why the Finger Lakes is one of the most popular vacation spots in New York state. Camping options abound around the lakeside, whether you prefer a family campground with full hookups, a rustic cabin in the woods, or a cozy glampsite. Summer is peak season, and the best time for swimming, wine tasting, and water sports, while leaf-peepers flock to the Finger Lakes state parks in fall. Winter camping can be fun, too, with skiing, ice skating, and sledding all on the activity menu.

96% (6.4K) 3,984 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Finger Lakes

Waterfall Creek

1. Waterfall Creek

99%
(530)
Millport, NY · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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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Pooh’s Corner

2. Pooh’s Corner

100%
(772)
Watkins Glen, NY · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
WELCOME to Pooh's Corner- Thank you Hipcamp and all of the beautiful people whom we have the pleasure of hosting at Pooh’s Corner! It’s a new year, a new season of camping, and another opportunity to camp with us. 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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Underhill Forest and Farm

3. Underhill Forest and Farm

99%
(474)
Dryden, NY · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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. 
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Watkins Glen State Park

4. Watkins Glen State Park

93%
(35)
State park in New York · 293 sites
Iconic Finger Lakes park with 19 waterfalls and dramatic gorges.
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Fair Haven Beach State Park

5. Fair Haven Beach State Park

95%
(11)
State park in New York · 214 sites
Fair Haven isn't an ocean beach, but it may as well be during the summer months.
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The Green Heron

6. The Green Heron

99%
(325)
Ithaca, NY · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
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Tempest Ranch camp

7. Tempest Ranch camp

98%
(274)
Watkins Glen, NY · 10 sites
40 secluded acres with 1850 feet of clear stream with a great swimming hole.mature pine tree grove 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 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. Trails 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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Hawk Meadow Farm

8. Hawk Meadow Farm

100%
(606)
Trumansburg, NY · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Enjoy a retreat into the woods on Hawk Meadow Farm’s spacious 68 acres. We are a working farm specializing in woodland mushroom cultivation, medicinal mushroom tinctures and earth based education. Our farming practices and products are based in Regenerative Farming, Chinese Medicine and a deep love and respect for the natural world, always striving to work in harmony with nature. This approach is a collaboration with the land which creates the conditions for plants, animals and people to thrive! Many of our campers have been delighted to discover the variety of song birds and other wildlife that they have seen at the campsite. When you stay with us you will enjoy spacious, private campsites with a generous amount of firewood included in your booking! All of our sites can be accessed by car. There is a composting toilet and shower facility nearby. We also have a farm store where you can find our products and we often have fresh shiitakes available for purchase. This is a place for you to reconnect with nature and recharge your spirits! We look forward to having you stay with us.
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Mission Hemlock Grove

9. Mission Hemlock Grove

93%
(263)
Conesus, NY · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome, Mission Conesus, originally built by Franciscan Catholics. These lands were likely chosen for many reasons. Suffice it to say there is something special here. Come discover for yourself. Lose yourself here, or maybe find yourself, among the Hemlocks. First, a bit about the terrain. There is much in the way of forest, very mature, and a broad array of plant species. Elevation differences are vast, land to the west is uphill for quite a ways, and downhill to the east, to Hemlock lake below, so the world here can feel a bit tilted. We adjoin 150 acres of nature conservancy lands that nobody seems to know about. These lands are for respectful public daytime use. We also adjoin 6600 acres of NY state forest which is public property. Exploring all that is here would take a very long time! Want to get away? Welcome to our little slice of heaven. See the provided map for site locations. Site 1 is open field and is near the pavilion, sites 2 and 3 are along the woods, and site 4 is the most private and tucked into the woods. We looking forward to hosting you, at the mission.
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Buttermilk Falls State Park

10. Buttermilk Falls State Park

100%
(12)
State park in New York · 51 sites
Imagine 600 feet of water cascading gently into a shallow pool. Welcome to Buttermilk Falls.
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Taughannock Falls State Park

11. Taughannock Falls State Park

100%
(9)
State park in New York · 84 sites
Camp in the shadows of one of New York’s best waterfalls.
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Sampson State Park

12. Sampson State Park

100%
(4)
State park in New York · 307 sites
Swimming and paddling are popular at this Finger Lakes park famed for its sunsets,
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Finger Lakes National Forest

13. Finger Lakes National Forest

40%
(5)
National forest in New York · 21 sites
Finger Lakes offers rustic and modern activities to get away from a busy life.
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Red House Ranch Camp

14. Red House Ranch Camp

100%
(260)
Van Etten, NY · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We have three camp sites on a 200-acre parcel of secluded, rural farm land. We are a working pasture based farm where you can see how grass fed beef, pork, chicken, and eggs are produced. There's nothing quite like fresh eggs and bacon after waking up to the sunrise over a fog-filled valley! When you arrive we will provide a complimentary carton of pastured raised eggs and you are welcome to visit our web site (redhouseranch . net) or store to order meats for your stay and/or to take with you upon your departure. We have a wide variety of grass fed beef, pasture raised pork, snack sticks for long hikes, and dog bones and smoked treats for your furry friends. Many of our items are well suited for campfire cooking. Keep in mind that all our products are frozen so be sure to plan for time to thaw. If you're not sure what that involves - we're here to help. We are a working farm but, much of our property is not grazed or farmed. You are welcome to explore the entire area while also getting a glimpse of sustainable, pasture-based, farming methods. Learn more about us and the history of the farm at our website. As you roam the hills and forests you'll eventually bump into some of our animals. Please do not enter the animal enclosures or touch any of the electrified fence lines. If you really want to pet a piggie or hold a chicken - just reach out to Ike or Dave and we will gladly arrange this for you. Red House Ranch is also the perfect spot for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers. During your stay you may encounter eagles, blue herons, coyotes, turtles, wild turkeys, foxes, the endangered bobolink bird (its unique call sounds a bit like R2D2), deer, great horned owls, and many unique plants. It's not uncommon to hear the coyotes howling at night. In addition to hiking trails with incredible views, there are four ponds on the property easily accessible with mown paths. One is very large with a dock and suitable for swimming, paddling, fishing, or just relaxing but the water. The other three are smaller and are now primarily wildlife habitat. easily accessible with mown paths If you're feeling adventurous, there is a more strenuous hike down into the creek bed where you can find miniature versions of the gorges and waterfalls that our region is known for. We are happy to provide maps and guidance or leave you to your own devices. When skies are clear our area has very little light pollution and excellent star visibility. It's a great place to view the night sky during a meteor shower. We hope you enjoy your stay as much as we enjoy living in the beautiful Southern Tier/Finger Lakes area!
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The Apple Station Farm

15. The Apple Station Farm

100%
(1)
Cayuga, NY · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Located in the center of New York State, just a mile or so from Cayuga Lake in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region, we are a small apple and blueberry farm with an on-site farm winery. We have a farm store and host private events in our large banquet hall. Our location is wonderfully rural and offers a peaceful, secluded atmosphere. The property features an orchard, a small woodlot near a large pond, a seasonal stream, hedgerows, and a swamp. Guests may also enjoy meeting our friendly farm animals, including a pet sheep, a goat, pet pigs, and chickens. Surrounded mostly by agricultural land and wooded areas, our farm provides a quiet escape filled with natural beauty and the sounds of country life. We are not part of any official local wine trails, but several are located nearby. Our central location also makes it convenient to visit the cities of Ithaca, Syracuse, and Rochester, which are all within a similar driving distance.
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Greenbush Farm

16. Greenbush Farm

100%
(2)
Erin, NY · 1 site
Greenbush Farm Campground is located on our 189-acre farm in beautiful Erin, NY. Each site is completely secluded and surrounded by nature’s bounty, providing a truly unique and peaceful camping experience. On clear nights, the stars are incredible, and you may even catch a glimpse of the Milky Way overhead. With over 5 miles of hiking trails on the property, adventure awaits! Located just around the corner from Park Station, which boasts a hundred-acre lake with a lovely sandy beach and swimming area, Greenbush Farm is also perfectly situated just below both Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. This puts you in an ideal location to easily explore everything the Finger Lakes has to offer. With over 150 wineries, breweries, cideries, U-pick farms, farmers’ markets, and creameries, you’ll never run out of beautiful local products and experiences to enjoy. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in stunning nature, we have that in abundance as well. From the largest waterfall east of the Rockies at Taughannock Falls State Park to hiking the breathtaking trails of Watkins Glen State Park, the Finger Lakes region offers countless lakeside beaches, waterfall hikes, and swimming holes. Be sure to check out Robert H. Treman State Park for a truly unique swimming experience. Multiple offerings from our Farm Stand & Farm Bakery are available to make your camping experience one to remember. Some examples of our offerings include dried firewood, pre-built fire pits, morning coffee and/or pastries delivered to your site, campsite-delivered dinners, and s’mores kits. Perfect for a special weekend getaway. Let us know how we can make your visit one to remember!
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Summer Dream

17. Summer Dream

94%
(26)
Ithaca, NY · 1 site · Tent, RV
Trees, nature and peace and quiet await your tent or RV on this small piece of heaven. In the heart of the Finger Lakes, the outdoors awaits your exploration of waterfalls, Cayuga Lake, State forests and parks, wine and beer trails, Cornell U, and the quaint town of Ithaca 7 miles away with all it has to offer. Owner is on-site and available for your questions/suggestions/assistance! Summer 2026: This summer I’m late arriving to the site so may not be around but if you need assistance I may be able to have a neighbor assist you. Summer Dream is seasonal and open June 1-Sept 30 subject to weather constraints.
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Hillside Pond with a View

18. Hillside Pond with a View

98%
(262)
Newfield, NY · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
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. We are LGBTQ+ ally.
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The Spotted Sandpiper

19. The Spotted Sandpiper

94%
(106)
Trumansburg, NY · 3 sites
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.
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Glenwood Farms - Quiet Lakeview

20. Glenwood Farms - Quiet Lakeview

100%
(6)
Ithaca, NY · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Glenwood Farms is a historic, multi-generational family farm overlooking beautiful Cayuga Lake. It is located on the scenic west shore of Ithaca, New York. Just ten minutes from both downtown Ithaca and the Trumansburg fair grounds - home of the world famous Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance. Spanning 68 acres, the farm sits directly adjacent to the popular Black Diamond Trail. Visitors can purchase pasture-raised bison meat (steaks, sausages, and burgers), raised without hormones, antibiotics, or pesticides, as well as local Waid’s Honey directly from the farm. Our farm offers quiet, rural hillside views close to the water and major Finger Lakes attractions. We are located just five miles from downtown Ithaca, providing easy access to local wineries, breweries, distilleries, waterfalls, parks, festivals, events, and the Ithaca Farmers Market - recently voted best farmers market in the country!
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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Finger Lakes camping guide

Where to go

Seneca Lake

The largest of the Finger Lakes has forest hiking trails, patchwork vineyards, and farm-to-table dining experiences right at its fingertips. Once you've gone wine hopping along the largest of the Finger Lakes wine trails, marveled at the waterfalls in Watkins Glen State Park, and enjoyed boating around Sampson State Park, check into a state park campground or book an RV park around Seneca Falls or Geneva.

Cayuga Lake

An 87-mile scenic byway loops around Cayuga Lake, affording panoramic views over the lake and the surrounding wine country. At the southern tip, Ithaca is the gateway to Buttermilk Falls State Park and Taughannock Falls State Park, while the nearby Finger Lakes National Forest is the ideal spot for a backcountry camping experience—dispersed camping is permitted throughout. 

Western Lakes

West of Seneca Lake, there are plenty of ways to get on the water at Keuka, Canandaigua, and Honeoye lakes. Camp amid the vineyards at Keuka Lake State Park, check into an RV resort at Naples or Hammondsport, or escape the crowds at the Honeoye Lake boat launch. Further west, Letchworth State Park is home to the "Grand Canyon of the East," where its waterfalls and forests are most magnificent during fall foliage season.

Eastern Lakes

Syracuse is the entry point to Finger Lakes' eastern corner, where you'll find Owasco, Skaneateles, and Otisco lakes. Swimming and water skiing are popular pastimes at Owasco Lake, and there's a great campground and swimming pool at Fillmore Glen State Park. If you’re seeking peace and quiet, neighboring Skaneateles is a tranquil spot for boating. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can camp along the Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) in designated areas and some public lands. The FLT is a 950-mile long trail system that runs through New York state, passing through state forests, wildlife management areas, and private lands. Camping is allowed in designated campgrounds, lean-tos, and some primitive camping areas. It is important to note that camping on private land is not allowed without the landowner's permission.

Some popular campgrounds along the FLT include Sugar Hill State Forest, Danby State Forest, and Buttermilk Falls State Park. Dispersed camping is allowed in many state forests along the FLT, but it is essential to follow Leave No Trace principles and camp at least 150 feet away from any trail, road, or water source. For more information on camping options and restrictions along the Finger Lakes Trail, visit the Finger Lakes Trail Conference website.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Top national parks and forests in and near Finger Lakes