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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.

95% (6.2K) 3,979 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Finger Lakes

Pooh’s Corner

1. Pooh’s Corner

100%
(759)
Watkins Glen, NY · 5 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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Waterfall Creek

2. Waterfall Creek

99%
(519)
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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Tempest Ranch camp

3. Tempest Ranch camp

98%
(271)
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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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%
(312)
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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Towner's Country Paradise

7. Towner's Country Paradise

100%
(302)
Addison, NY · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Towner's Country Paradise started out as a wild forest and pasture for cows in the 1940's, owned by Llewellyn Towner. In the 1960s, Llewellyn's love for aviation led him to construct a small airstrip and hangar, and then his son Terry began to plant Christmas Trees (no more cows) and clear much of the land. By the early 1970's our main and largest pond was built and since that time our fully functional cabin, several more fish ponds, roads, trails, running water and generated electricity have been added. Christmas Trees are still grown and harvested by Terry's son Scott Towner. Green rolling hills, deep valleys, a waterfall, ponds stocked with fish, a fully functional cabin, herds of deer, flocks of turkey and Canada Geese, & well-maintained roads and trails here in Addison NY. It's so private that even most of the people who live in our small town don't know we're here! CHECK OUR REVIEWS!OPTION to camp/hike in the woods for a more wild experience. NEARBY: restaurants including Chinese, Subway, pizza/wings, & several excellent diners offering take out or eat-in. ALSO: Dollar General, Wal-Mart (15 min away), Dunkin Donuts (5 min away), & gas stations.Your jaw will *drop* when you see Towner's Country Paradise for the first time!
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Red House Ranch Camp

8. Red House Ranch Camp

100%
(256)
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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Smith Memorial Park Campground

9. Smith Memorial Park Campground

83%
(29)
Hector, NY · 14 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
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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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ZiegenVine Homestead

14. ZiegenVine Homestead

100%
(429)
Savona, NY · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Our property is a 103 acre farm located in Savona, NY - offering Goat Yoga on the Homestead May - September. Be sure to check our website for scheduled dates or schedule a private session. (Private sessions must be scheduled 30 days in advance and a non-refundable retainer is required) At ZiegenVine Homestead, we promise to provide a simple, cheerful, beautiful property where you can experience life outdoors and nature in its true glory. We invite you to walks the trails around the property, schedule a farm tour that includes an up close visit our goat herd, as well as meet the rest of our farm animals. We look forward to welcoming you to ZiegenVine Homestead! **We are not a wedding venue and do not have the facilities to host weddings***
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Underhill Forest and Farm

15. Underhill Forest and Farm

99%
(469)
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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Hillside Pond with a View

16. Hillside Pond with a View

98%
(254)
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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Hawk Meadow Farm

17. Hawk Meadow Farm

100%
(600)
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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Orchard and Gorge At South Hill

18. Orchard and Gorge At South Hill

96%
(62)
Ithaca, NY · 2 sites
The tents are located between a 10 acre organic cider apple orchard and a 155 acre nature preserve with a 140' waterfall a 15 minute walk down the well-maintained trail. The cidery is a 5 minute walk and is open Thursday through Monday with food, drinks, and a beautiful view. Orchard and Gorge Tents at South Hill Cider - Sites located at the edge of Ithaca, just 4 miles from the downtown Commons, 1.5 miles from Buttermilk Falls State Park, 3 miles from Ithaca College. The property is 5 miles from Cornell University, 7 miles from Museum of the Earth, and 5.5 miles from Sciencenter. The accommodation is non-smoking. Watkins Glen International is 29 miles, while Connecticut Hill State Game Management Area is 13 miles away. The nearest airport is Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport, 10 miles from this Site - Orchard and Gorge Tent at South Hill Cider
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Chestnut Grove

19. Chestnut Grove

98%
(65)
Hemlock, NY · 1 site · Tent, RV
Large secluded campsite bordering the Hemlock-Canadice State Forest above beautiful Hemlock Lake in the Western Finger Lakes Region of NYS. Hemlock Lake is a pristine and undeveloped body of water, about a half hour south of Rochester NY. Explore the 6,684 acre State Forest and surrounding natural areas and parks. Hemlock Lake is managed by the NYS DEC and City of Rochester Water Dept. and allows small boats, kayaks, canoes, ect. (no swimming). There are many great hiking trails, back roads for biking and walking, farms, breweries, wineries, restaurants, shops, antique stores ect, within minutes of the property.
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Spring lake retreat on the farm

20. Spring lake retreat on the farm

99%
(90)
Wolcott, NY · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:Enjoy yourselves on this quiet Iittle farm with beautiful views. Bring a saw and cut your own firewood. Hike the mowed trails and enjoy the wildlife! There's water available if needed and one bathroom with just a sink and toilet accessible from outside. If we are here you are more than welcome to interact with the farm animals..Bonnie Blue the horse, Gater Goat luke, and the cow's. Just minutes from Port Bay , Fairhaven State Park and Chimney Bluffs State park to the North and the Montezuma wildlife refuge to the south.
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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