Camping in the Finger Lakes

·

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% (5.9K) 3,966 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Finger Lakes

Pooh’s Corner

1. Pooh’s Corner

100%
(712)
Watkins Glen, NY · 3 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Towner's Country Paradise

2. Towner's Country Paradise

100%
(280)
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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Waterfall Creek

3. Waterfall Creek

99%
(475)
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
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Shady Shores Campground

6. Shady Shores Campground

Sterling, NY · 4 sites · RVs, Lodging
Shady Shores RV Resort & Campground is located in the Sterling/Fair Haven area of New York, on the south shore of Lake Ontario, between Syracuse and Rochester. We boast idyllic, waterfront views and sites along the shores of Lake Ontario and Blind Sodus Bay. Shady Shores has all the amenities to ensure your summers with us will be fun and comfortable. There is no shortage of things to do either, both at the park and the surrounding community. Check out the Events and Things to Do pages of our website to plan your next visit. For over 50 years Shady Shores RV Resort has been creating unforgettable memories for generations of families and friends. Call or stop by today to reserve a site with us. Your summers will never be the same.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Laughing Goat Fiber Farm

7. Laughing Goat Fiber Farm

99%
(323)
Ithaca, NY · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Laughing Goat Fiber Farm is a working farm, raising exotic fiber animals such as Angora and Cashmere goats, alpacas. The fiber is processed on farm and regionally and everything made from it is hand dyed. Many items are one of a kind and hand made. A small retail shop in our renovated Carriage House showcases the knitting looms that we make items on, as well as knitting machines from 100 years ago. The property has beautiful views overlooking the Cayuga Lake Valley and Ithaca. Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent on the back 40 acres of a working goat farm.  Site #1 has a tent platform, table and firepit. The 12 x 16 tent platform backs up to the mature hedgerow of maples and oaks for afternoon shade, and the campsite overlooks Ithaca's Inlet Valley.  The platform is just a 4 minute walk to the main house, and you'll have complete privacy. Site #2 has a table and firepit, but no platform.  Site #3 has a table and firepit but no platform.  It is a level spot on the pasture where you can pitch a tent or park a vehicle.   Farm tours:  Sign up at http://tinyurl.com/goattours. Also: https://uncoveringnewyork.com/things-to-do-in-ithaca-ny/
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Harpy Hollow

8. Harpy Hollow

99%
(152)
Odessa, NY · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
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 mixed use 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 shower, flushing toilet and sink with running water a reasonable walking distance from each site. A portable camp toilet is at your site due to the elevation. Every site has a fire ring and seating. Bundles of firewood are available for purchase and can be onsite prior to arrival if we know ahead of time. Owned by military veterans who love the outdoors and live on site in off grid cabins. If you are looking for a place to unplug, this is the place for you!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Underhill Forest and Farm

9. Underhill Forest and Farm

99%
(455)
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. 
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
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,
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
The Green Heron

14. The Green Heron

99%
(286)
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Mission Hemlock Grove

15. Mission Hemlock Grove

92%
(246)
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Smith Memorial Park Campground

16. Smith Memorial Park Campground

80%
(25)
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Minglewood Camp

17. Minglewood Camp

98%
(238)
Trumansburg, NY · 1 site
Minglewood Camp is a place we built so people could escape from the hustle of our busy lives and find some peace in nature. The cabin was built with respect for the environment. We constructed it with locally harvested and milled lumber and approached the build with minimal impact on the surrounding forest. The cabin is off grid and uses a small solar panel which charges a battery for the water heater and a light. We utilize rain water for the shower and sink which collects in a large tank. The bathroom functions with simple composting toilet. (Woodchips in a bucket) The property is situated beside a creek and 90 acres of hardwood forest which campers are welcome to explore. the cabin is hidden about 3/4 of a mile off the road behind a small mobile home park and is completely secluded and campers will have total privacy.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Stoney Goat Homestead

18. Stoney Goat Homestead

100%
(62)
Savona, NY · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
****please read the description**** Tent sites are on the other side of the valley, u can't drive to them. Our homestead in cooperation with hipcamp would like to offer our handicapped accessible site, parking and rustic wagon for any family that has a handicapped child that would like to have the full experience our homestead has to offer with interaction with our animals, camping and campfires, the campsite is large enough for a handicapped accessible van as well as a pull behind popup trailer or a 26' low profile r.v. the rustic wagon will accommodate smaller children or those that could crawl onto a queen size bed. We have lots of very lovable goats that love interacting with people, 7 babies......plus pigs and chickens, and our homestead is deep in the woods.....full reimbursement i.e. free of charge. Our pleasure companion goats for walking along the fingerlakes trail too! In April we will have goat babies and offer cuddle sessions lol trail hikes with our goats. Info at our homestead process kitchen, to be built in the summer of 2025. Our property is very wooded,, secluded area on two and a half acres., it is on a hill, parking is about a football field distance from the campsite, rugged walking, very doable, bring appropriate footwear. We are nestled on a private road on top of a hill backed up to 2100 acres of New York Gaundry Hill State Forest. There's waterways with active Beaver ponds between our properties. We do have bear and a mountain lion up here. We are 420 friendly! Sites are on top of the hill in a very secluded spot with a small campfire. Visit us on YouTube @ stoney goat homestead For a nice experience for adventurous families, you are welcome to accompany us on our herding of our goats/milking, collect eggs for your own breakfast. We offer a unique place to unwind. Conveniently located near Watkins Glenn, Corning, Bath, and Penn Yan. Perfect get away and an inexpensive alternative to the hotels when you go to the races, lakes, wine tours, museums or many other great attractions around our area. Must go to our local restaurants too. You can't be disappointed with what we have to offer you here, something for everyone. Even small pond for fishing for the kids! Hope to see you soon. The clan at the stoney goat homestead.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Tryals Park Camp & Obstacle Course

19. Tryals Park Camp & Obstacle Course

100%
(30)
Locke, NY · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
About the Property: Our unique property boasts quiet camping on a beautifully manicured MotoTrials Riding and Obstacle Play Course. 2025 marked our first year offering camping to the public, and we look forward to HipCampers joining us in our unique venue. All 4 camping sites are nestled into the Obstacle course. Trials riders and non-Trials Riders alike will find much to enjoy here. Campers unfamiliar with Trial are welcome to take advantage of a Lesson on one of our Rental Bikes, while the Obstacle Course is also super-fun on foot (for walks or runs), mountain bike, trials bicycle, or for playing with your RC toy! We have night lighting to turn on at your request, even if just to sit in the evening and enjoy the lights reflecting off the pond-We surely do! We are located on NY 38 but our traffic is not obnoxious (Log and Milk Trucks, Farm Tractors and Commuters). It is very peaceful here. Your camping can be as private, quiet and leisurely as you wish. The views and big sky are gorgeous in our corner of farm country. Our small pond (tho not suitable for fishing or swimming) provides entertainment w/ turtle sunbathing raft and lots of nature's visitors. Pets always welcome off-leash with your guidance. About the Trials Riding: Sundays are a practice day or Event day. We host 4 Mototrial Events each season (see below) and if spectating appeals, you can plan your trip to coincide. You're in for a treat if you've never seen these nimble motorcycles do their 'thing'... up, over, and around the obstacles. Events are busy and exciting, but no worries (!) trials bikes are not loud. Riders are friendly and considerate. If spectating not your thing- no worries. Non-event/non-practice days are quite laidback. If Trials riders come here for additional practice (or instruction) it's not loud or invasive, nor interferes with any camper training or play on the course. When riders are here (barring Events or Sunday Practice ), it's typically only 2-4 at once. Multiple activities co-exist nicely, as there is plenty of room for all. There are many days no one is on the course at all (!) and you may have it all to yourself or possibly with another camper. Hope to see you in our slice of heaven! (2026 Sunday Trial Event Days: May 24, June 21, October 11, November 8)
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Camp Whitman on Seneca Lake

20. Camp Whitman on Seneca Lake

100%
(122)
Penn Yan, NY · 16 sites
Situated in the heart of the Finger Lakes, Camp Whitman on Seneca Lake has been in operation since 1954 as a small non-profit summer camp and retreat facility. We enjoy welcoming people from around the world to our little camp community! Our site includes nearly 120 scenic acres with a seasonal brook, hiking trails, fishing pond, an organic vegetable garden, a labyrinth, and excellent birding opportunities - all overlooking Seneca Lake. We are located half way between historic Geneva, NY and Watkins Glen, NY with the iconic state park and international speedway. Our site offers a wide range of accommodations including 4 quaint cottages that accommodate 4-6 guests. All with kitchenettes, full private bath, fire ring, picnic table and BBQ grill. Additionally, we offer a bunkhouse for your large family or youth group, and smaller summer camp cabins that sleep 4 each. A central shower house is a short walk away, with each cabin site having its own porta-potty and handwashing station. If tent camping is your style, we have several sites off the beaten path that we can recommend for your more secluded camping experience. COMING SOON! We will have 6 RV sites with full hook-ups for those who would like to bring their own rig! Again, our property features a swimming pool, hiking trails, a small organic garden and activities such as archery, boating and more for guests. Many of these activities require staff to facilitate, so please make your actvity requests well in advance! In addition to offering HipCamp stays, Camp Whitman on Seneca Lake offeres overnight & day camp for children of all ages. We also offer overnight camps for adults with developmental disabilities. Please visit our website at campwhitman.org for more information on these programs and more! Thank you for visiting our page. Please reach out if you have any questions or special requests for your stay! We hope to see you soon!!
Pets
Toilets
Showers

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