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The best waterside camping in Finger Lakes

·

Camping waterside in the Finger Lakes means waking up to mist rising off glassy lakes and drifting off to the sound of frogs and waterbirds. With over 2,000 waterside campsites scattered across the region, you’ll find options lining lake banks, tucked beside waterfalls, or perched above quiet streams. Prices average around $50 a night, but you can snag a spot for as little as $20 if you move fast. Top picks like Pooh’s Corner (333 reviews), Waterfall Creek (321 reviews), and ZiegenVine Homestead (313 reviews) combine prime access to the water with room for pets, campfires, and hot showers. Expect a mix of swimming, hiking, and snow sports, depending on the season. If you want to spend your day on the water and your night under the stars, this is where you set up camp.

98% (4.5K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Finger Lakes

  • Mushrooms in the woods
  • Mission Hemlock Grove
  • Mushrooms in the woods

1. Mission Hemlock Grove

92%
(243)
4 sites · Tents, RVs · Conesus, NY
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
from 
$26
 / night
  • Sanctuary InTheWoods Tent/Yurt Camp
  • And there is a water tight lean too on the other side of the fire, very private and cozy.
  • Sanctuary InTheWoods Tent/Yurt Camp

2. Sanctuary InTheWoods Tent/Yurt Camp

99%
(161)
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$44
 / night
  • The Spotted Sandpiper
  • The Spotted Sandpiper
  • The Spotted Sandpiper

3. The Spotted Sandpiper

94%
(99)
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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$94
 / night
  • Taughannock Falls
  • Autumn at Taughannock
  • Taughannock Falls

4. Taughannock Falls State Park

100%
(9)
84 sites · Trumansburg, New York
Camp in the shadows of one of New York’s best waterfalls.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

Camping waterside in the Finger Lakes means waking up to mist rising off glassy lakes and drifting off to the sound of frogs and waterbirds. With over 2,000 waterside campsites scattered across the region, you’ll find options lining lake banks, tucked beside waterfalls, or perched above quiet streams. Prices average around $50 a night, but you can snag a spot for as little as $20 if you move fast. Top picks like Pooh’s Corner (333 reviews), Waterfall Creek (321 reviews), and ZiegenVine Homestead (313 reviews) combine prime access to the water with room for pets, campfires, and hot showers. Expect a mix of swimming, hiking, and snow sports, depending on the season. If you want to spend your day on the water and your night under the stars, this is where you set up camp.

98% (4.5K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Finger Lakes

  • Mushrooms in the woods
  • Mission Hemlock Grove
  • Mushrooms in the woods

1. Mission Hemlock Grove

92%
(243)
4 sites · Tents, RVs · Conesus, NY
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
from 
$26
 / night
  • Sanctuary InTheWoods Tent/Yurt Camp
  • And there is a water tight lean too on the other side of the fire, very private and cozy.
  • Sanctuary InTheWoods Tent/Yurt Camp

2. Sanctuary InTheWoods Tent/Yurt Camp

99%
(161)
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$44
 / night
  • The Spotted Sandpiper
  • The Spotted Sandpiper
  • The Spotted Sandpiper

3. The Spotted Sandpiper

94%
(99)
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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$94
 / night
  • Taughannock Falls
  • Autumn at Taughannock
  • Taughannock Falls

4. Taughannock Falls State Park

100%
(9)
84 sites · Trumansburg, New York
Camp in the shadows of one of New York’s best waterfalls.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

Public campgrounds in and near Finger Lakes

Taughannock Heart
100%
(9)

Taughannock Falls State Park Campground

84 sites · Tents, RVs · in Taughannock Falls State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

The Spotted Sandpiper
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!!
See more
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.
See more
Mission Hemlock Grove
J
Janelle
October 2025
12 ft campervan
Weekend Trip to Mission Hemlock Grove
What a very peaceful place! Will definitely be returning! Korey was very quick to respond to messages and answer questions! A beautiful hidden gem!
See more
Mission Hemlock Grove
A
Alessandro
October 2025
Tent
With kids
Weekend Trip to Mission Hemlock Grove
Easy to find. Beautiful views. My kids and I loved hiking to the lake to skip rocks. I'll definitely be back.
See more
Mission Hemlock Grove
J
Jonathan
September 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Mission Hemlock Grove
Great, relaxing time as always. I'm here again this weekend as I write this!
See more
Mission Hemlock Grove
G
Geoff
September 2025
40 ft travel trailer
7 nights at Mission Hemlock Grove
I wound up staying at Mission Hemlock Grove for 2 weeks in early September while my truck was getting transmission work. I had to make several day trips to Rochester and always felt safe leaving my belongings behind at site 1. There are some interesting trails and sights on the property including abandoned Christian grottos. I met some other very nice campers during my stay but always felt like I had plenty of privacy. Korey was very responsive from my experience. I’d recommend this property to someone who is boondock ready
See more
Mission Hemlock Grove
Avatar
Stephen
September 2025
16 ft car
1 night at Mission Hemlock Grove
Camp site 4 was just big enough to get a Frontier into. The sites are spaced enough that you don't see each other but could hear louder talk. Every site has a campfire ring. Porta potty was in the central field area and was getting pretty full but was stocked with TP and sanitizer. Really nice trails right on site, with a trail down to the lake. We didn't look for the bathroom or water supply so can't comment on that.
See more
The Spotted Sandpiper
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.
See more
Mission Hemlock Grove
D
David
August 2025
Tent
1 night at Mission Hemlock Grove
Just what I needed!- secluded and in the forest. No bugs and in the clearing a dome of stars at night.
See more
The Spotted Sandpiper
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.
See more
The Spotted Sandpiper
Avatar
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.
See more
Mission Hemlock Grove
Avatar
cliff
August 2025
21 ft pop-up camper
With pets
Weekend Trip to Mission Hemlock Grove
It was great camping there i fully enjoyed myself . It was easy to get to hike trails
See more
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.
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 :)
See more
The Spotted Sandpiper
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.
See more
Sanctuary InTheWoods Tent/Yurt Camp
Avatar
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!
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The Spotted Sandpiper
K
Kirsten
July 2025
With kids
Weekend Trip to The Spotted Sandpiper
The A Frames are cute, everyone on the team is really responsive. The vibes are great.
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The Spotted Sandpiper
H
Hulda
July 2025
With pets
2 nights at The Spotted Sandpiper
I love everything about this place! This was my third visit, and it has truly become my home away from home. I’ve been there in the fall, spring, and summer, and I'm always amazed at how quiet it is despite the expansive property. Jordan, the owner, goes above and beyond to help us with any last-minute issues or requests. Sam is also quick to assist with anything we need. I love all things rustic, so this place is perfect for me! I'm looking forward to coming back in the fall and winter this year. My family absolutely adores this hidden gem!
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Mission Hemlock Grove
J
Joe
July 2025
15 ft campervan
Weekend Trip to Mission Hemlock Grove
Nice, very private, direct access to trail to lake. Clean porta potty on site.
See more
Mission Hemlock Grove
M
Megan
July 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Mission Hemlock Grove
Awesome spot for no-frills camping. Locating the sites was a bit of a challenge due to a lack of signage, but Korey was quick to come help us figure it out. We wound up setting up at Site 3, as some other campers had claimed our spot before we arrived. The grass in the field was long, but flattened out after a few hours of foot traffic, and provided some ground padding for the tents and bare feet. Surprisingly, we did not see a single tick! Fireflies were out in droves come nightfall, though. Very magical. The lake is absolutely stunning, and the trail down was easily navigable, albeit a steep drop. We were reprimanded by patrolling officers, as we were not made aware that swimming in the lake is strictly prohibited. Otherwise, the water was crystal clear and the lack of houses around the lake made it feel that much more untouched. The Mission property was stunning and exploring was a highlight. The grottos provide a good refuse from the heat if you can find ‘em, and definitely added a layer of mysticism and whimsy to the trip. Would absolutely return to spend some time at the Mission!
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Mission Hemlock Grove
S
Sean
July 2025
Tent
2 nights at Mission Hemlock Grove
Korey's campsite was absolutely beautiful and full of interesting bits of history. A friendly feline tour guide also accompanied us on our hike!
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Nearby public parks

Browse national and state parks near Finger Lakes

Taughannock Heart
100%
(9)
Taughannock Falls State Park
Trumansburg, New York
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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Popular Finger Lakes trips

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Cabins
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Lakeside camping
Glamping
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River, stream, or creek cabins

Top parks in and near Finger Lakes

Watkins Glen State Park
Cayuga Lake State Park
Fillmore Glen State Park
Keuka Lake State Park
Harriett Tubman National Historical Park
Lodi Point State Park
Women's Rights National Historical Park
Bonavista State Park

Top regions near Finger Lakes

New York City
Hudson Valley
Lehigh Valley
North Jersey
Washington, DC
Cape Cod
Long Island
Northeastern Pennsylvania

Top cities in and near Finger Lakes

Ithaca
Skaneateles
Lodi
Naples
Honeoye Falls
Conesus Lake

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