The best family-friendly glamping in 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.

99% (1.6K)

Top-rated campgrounds

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.

99% (1.6K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Towner's Country Paradise

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(280)

4 sites · Tents, Lodging · Addison, NY

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!

2. Waterfall Creek

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8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Millport, NY

This is a beautiful piece of property located in the heart of the Finger Lakes and Wine Country of NY. It features a stunning spring fed waterfall and nice forest land. Very close to town but also very secluded and private. Great place to unwind and relax from our everyday lives. It is situated however in a gully next to a creek and waterfall so it is susceptible to heavy rains. It is recommended to at least have an AWD vehicle if rainy. I can usually help campers with getting to the site in my side X side if you need to park up at the pasture. Please order enough wood initially as I have found I spend a lot of time delivering extra wood to campers. It seems as if you will typically go through 2 bundles per night on average. Also I supply a contractor size garbage bag to you if you choose garbage removal. It is also a good idea to text me when you have a solid ETA so I can be here to take you to the site. I want to mention that the two sites closest to the waterfall are a slight hike in and can only accommodate up to 4 person tents so if a bigger group or vehicle camping you will be placed at another site. Hope to see you soon. Ken

3. Tempest Ranch camp

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12 sites · Lodging · Watkins Glen, NY

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

4. ZiegenVine Homestead

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7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Savona, NY

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. 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!

5. Underhill Forest and Farm

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6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Dryden, NY

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

6. Minglewood Camp

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2 sites · Lodging · Trumansburg, NY

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 to charges a battery for the water heater and a light while utilizing rain water for the shower and sink. The bathroom functions with a composting toilet. 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.

Stories from the community

K

Kris

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Waterfall Creek

We had the entire campground to ourselves last weekend, and everything was absolutely perfect. Ken and Luke (our friendly dog) were incredibly helpful and welcoming. We truly had a wonderful time there. Thanks again

Our camp kitchen is equipped with basic dishes and cookware.

I

Idan

October 2025

With kids

2 nights at Minglewood Camp

It was a really great experience and we had great time, despite the rainy weather. the cabin is beautiful and the surrounding is amazing.

N

Natalia

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Waterfall Creek

We loved staying at Ken’s Cabin! He was an amazing host, the Cabin was very comfortable, and the surroundings were beautiful! My husband and I are planning to go back!

Brooke

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Minglewood Camp

This is our 3rd stay at Minglewood and it never disappoints. The cabin is always clean, cozy and warm with the wood stove. Ithaca, Watkins Glen and Taughannock State Park are all a short drive away. We will definitely be back!

A

Andy

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Tempest Ranch camp

Awesome area. Huge choice of camping locations and beautiful scenery all around.

M

Mallory

October 2025

1 night at Tempest Ranch camp

I loved tent camping here, they had adorable farm animals and were extremely friendly.

R

Ruiyi

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Waterfall Creek

The cabin was a lovely retreat and had all the essentials and more needed for the two of us and our pup. Highly recommend the walk to the park waterfall. Also nice added touches to have a good space heater and corn hole set up available. Very easy to access Watkins Glen and nearby parks.

Eoghan

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Minglewood Camp

Amazing place. Cozy cabin with just enough comforts for the family. Will definitely return

A

Alexis

September 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Underhill Forest and Farm

Amazing location, comfortable bed in the tent, would come again!

S

Shaw

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Minglewood Camp

We had a great time everything was laid out perfectly. Also was given great instructions on everything that we needed and what to do. Will love to come back sometime soon.

Cassie

September 2025

With kids

2 nights at Minglewood Camp

What a great cabin! The inside had a wonderful hygge feel, and the wood stove is legit. Loved that the kitchen was outdoors, too. The best aspects were being able to let our dogs roam and explore as it was so peaceful and remote, yet a quick drive to our favorite FLX spots. Couldn't recommend Minglewood more highly!

S

Sally

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Waterfall Creek

The cabin we stayed in is situated in a walnut grove beside a bubbly stream. On the last day, we checked out the waterfall at the end of the drive. Wow! Next time maybe I will forgo the cabin so I can sleep beside the tranquil sounds of the waterfall.

L

Lin

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Tempest Ranch camp

For 10 dollars, I bought a lot of firewood. The landlord was very kind and helped light a campfire. The night was very quiet and I could hear the calls of small animals. It is very suitable for observing the stars. The night sky on a clear day is so beautiful. When it comes to choosing a campsite later, this one is still the best option. It's very close to the Finger Lakes.

M

Matthew

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Tempest Ranch camp

My son and I stayed at “my happy place” site this past weekend. I booked strictly based on reviews. Reviewers and Tempest ranch did not disappoint. Property was clean and organized, we could not explore it all in a weekend. Host Dwayne was an easy going guy that wants you to enjoy his land. There’s enough trails nearby to hike for days with great views all around. Would stay again.

charles

September 2025

With pets

4 nights at Tempest Ranch camp

This campsite was exactly what we were hoping for—secluded, beautifully maintained, and packed with thoughtful amenities. The hosts were incredible: genuinely kind, down-to-earth, and full of helpful local tips. From the moment we arrived, they showered us with recommendations that truly elevated our Labor Day weekend. We couldn’t be more grateful for their hospitality and the unforgettable experience they helped create.

C

Cathy

September 2025

With pets

2 nights at Minglewood Camp

We really enjoyed the cabin and the wood stove on the chilly nights. It was nice to not have travel with cookware. The woods and creek were peaceful.

A

Ángela

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Tempest Ranch camp

Beautiful location and great host. The set up was nice with a picnic table and a fire pit! Very nice to watch a starry night.

e

emma

September 2025

1 night at Tempest Ranch camp

The property was beautiful, the swimming hole looked super fun, the woods were really well taken care of, we enjoyed walking around the corrals and watching the animals from afar. Night sky was an absolute 10/10, the stars were so clear and beautiful.

w

wangfang

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Tempest Ranch camp

Dwayne was super friendly and kind. The campsite has a nice location with great views. Would love to come back again!

New for 2024! The cabin in the woods has been resided, insulated, new roof, twin bunk beds, new door and new windows!

L

Leah

August 2025

Weekend Trip to ZiegenVine Homestead

We have been to this awesome little cabin numerous times. The property is beautiful and the owners are wonderful people! Can’t wait to go back again. We highly recommend staying here to relax, unwind, and connect with nature. Love this place!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best family-friendly glamping in Finger Lakes 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.