The best campgrounds near Ithaca, New York with swimming

Welcome to Hipcamp! Looking to go camping near Ithaca, New York and enjoy some swimming? With over 1,600 options, we've got you covered. Explore our selection of campsites that offer swimming in the area. You'll find options as low as $16 per night, with an average price of $40 per night. Check out some of our top campsites with glowing reviews: Austin Dam Memorial Park (221 reviews), Tilden Hill Farm (209 reviews), and Waterfall Creek (197 reviews). And if you need amenities like potable water, toilets, and showers, we've got you covered. Popular activities in the area include boating, snow sports, and paddling. So, pack your swimsuit and get ready for an amazing camping experience near Ithaca, New York!

97% (3.9K)

Top-rated campgrounds

from

$17

/ night

Camper favorites near Ithaca

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Bosque de Maria/Maria's Forest

97%

(15)

11mi from Ithaca · 1 site · Tent · Trumansburg, NY

Bosque de Maria / Maria's Forest is named after my dearest late mother, who passed from cancer in 2020. In 2021 my partner and I were lucky enough to be able to reside on a beautiful slice of forest which we are turning into a sustainable diverse edible forest garden, which will provide food and habitat for people and wildlife for generations to come. In 2021 we have planted more than 100 trees, edible shrubs, and other perennials. Your bookings directly support this local Black and Peruvian-owned initiative and our path towards realizing our dreams.Learn more about this land:Bosque de Maria / Maria's Forest, run by Chris and KimberlyWe are located on occupied land of the Onödowa’ga:’ (Seneca) Nation, Ho-de-no-sau-nee-ga (Haudenosaunee, or Iroquois) Confederacy, in what has been referred to as Trumansburg, NY. We are a Black and Peruvian-operated site. We offer a safe, welcoming, and relaxing place for BIPOC and LGBTQIA2S+ guests. Our modest forest farm is nearly half-way between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes in the Finger Lakes area of New York. We offer a small, quiet walk-in campsite in our 2-acre private forest. Upon entering into the site you'll find yourself in a calming plot of mature pine, oak, and cherry trees where a variety of species of songbirds and a family of hawks have found a home. Parking on the property is a very short accessible walk from the tent site. There is a fire pit at the site and guests may access our personal kitchen garden for greens and veggies. A private bathroom and shower with free laundry (yes, I said free laundry!) and drinking water is available for use by guests in the main house. Wheelchair users will need a ramp in order to access the main house; we don't have one at this time, unfortunately.Our site is a great location to serve as an affordable hub for experiencing all that Cayuga and Seneca Lakes have to offer. In addition to being surrounded by wine country, we're located in what's known as the Emerald Necklace: an arc of more than 50,000 acres of conserved land abound with ways to spend time in nature. We are just a 5 minute drive or 20 minute bike ride from the small town of Trumansburg, home to the Tompkins County Fairgrounds (where Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival is held) and some of the best local waterfall swimming holes, to which we can give you detailed directions. Taughannock Falls State Park, Finger Lakes National Forest, and the Seneca Lake Wine Trail are all within a short drive or bike ride from the site. A 20 minute drive east will bring you to downtown Ithaca, where you can visit the renowned Ithaca Farmer's Market, Cornell University, Six Mile Creek, and plenty of bars and restaurants. Ithaca is also home to series of serene swimming holes at the base of waterfalls where locals and visitors relax during the summer. If you choose to go west you'll end up in Watkins Glen where you can check out the 200-foot cliffs and 19 waterfalls of the dreamlike landscape at Watkins Glen State Park, known as one of the best state parks in the U.S.We are both very experienced backpackers, cyclists, and bikepackers. Kimberly is a bike organizer and routemaker who runs Radical Adventure Riders Finger Lakes, a community for BIPOC and FTWN-B (femme, trans*, women, non-binary) bikepackers. She's happy to provide guidance on road, gravel, and mountain biking in the area and share her library of local bike routes. We have a work stand and tools available to fix any small issue you might have on your bike as well. We can also tell you about the hiking, backpacking and cross country skiing in the local area, much of which can be accessed by a 10 minute drive to Finger Lakes National Forest.We ask that those who stay on their property please respect the space and the land. We have a small, delicate ecosystem with newly-planted fruit trees and shrubs, so please minimize your impact on existing vegetation, trees, and soil. We recommend our guests make an effort learn more about the Seneca and Cayuga nations, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and the history of the land we are visitors on.Thank you for supporting us and we hope you enjoy your stay in the Finger Lakes region.

Sanctuary InTheWoods Tent/Yurt Camp

99%

(161)

11mi from Ithaca · 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.

Underhill Forest and Farm

99%

(454)

12mi from Ithaca · 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.

The Spotted Sandpiper

94%

(99)

12mi from Ithaca · 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.

Round Top Retreat

94%

(47)

13mi from Ithaca · 1 site · Lodging · Richford, NY

Close to Ithaca, NY, Cayuga Lake, and Cornell University. Once a snowshoe lodge, then a Boy Scout camp, this rustic cabin retreat property is surrounded by the Robinson Hollow State Forest. The 100 year old cabin sits only a few hundred yards from the Sierra Club section of the Finger Lakes Trail. The area is a peaceful spot for hiking, camping and snowshoeing or cross country skiing (October 1 bow season deer hunting begins, and mid-November to December is NYS gun deer season-which may not be as serene as you'd like). Perfect get-away for humans and their four-legged friends, it's a dog's dream vacation spot. Enjoy a week or weekend, or your vacation in a place where the "noise" is the melodious sounds of nature. It is remote enough to completely break from urban life, yet close enough to Ithaca, NY to enjoy its beauty and attractions. Amenities: outhouse, hand water pump, two-seater outhouse, propane grill, some pots and pans, grill utensils, wood stoves, private, gated entrance, pond, trails. Sleeping loft, no bed (you provide mattress/sleeping bag, etc.). There may be candles, toilet paper, bug spray (if left by previous guests). We are an LGBTQ-woman owned property, and welcome all campers regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, political views, religion, or culture of origin. Learn more about this land: A wonderful rustic, private, off-grid get-away, perfect for couples, families, and pups who enjoy camping (log cabin with wood furniture available, you may pitch your tent anywhere on the property - leave no trace). You may see some wildlife throughout the property (including a milk snake that lives in the cabin wall, but is harmless). It is a quiet, rural, farming area. Once at the cabin there are only two to three houses within a half mile (through the woods), so you will have a private space all your own. Winter camping is special - cozy wood heated cabin, hundreds of acres for snow shoeing, cross country skiing, or snowmobiling. Plan ahead, we do not plow the driveway in winter; plan to shovel an off-road parking space, and transport your gear up to the cabin (1100'). Wood is provided. Onsite: water pump, 2-seat outhouse, wood stove, campfire ring, wood, & propane grill. Exclusive access for nature hikes, streams, forest, pond, swimming, bird watching, star gazing, etc. A wheelchair that can navigate grass and some ruts can enter the cabin, but not the outhouse, and the sleeping loft is up stairs (there is room for a cot or mattress on the first floor); the porch is accessible through the cabin. When you book, you are confirming your understanding of the following: there is no electricity, running water, or std. bed/mattresses. You bring own air mattress, bedding, and gear you will need. All-wheel drive vehicle is recommended. We welcome special events, family reunions, or weddings, if your plans do not require utilities (you may bring a generator or other battery operated items, as needed). Note for winter guests: We do not plow the driveway in winter, you need to be ready to shovel an off-road parking spot, and transport gear to cabin (e.g. by sled, snowshoes) Here's a brief list of the basics to bring: Light source: Lantern propane or battery. Air mattress or cot and whatever bedding you need. Paper products (cups, plates, utensils, toilet paper, etc.) Matches/fire starter (there is wood on-site, and a propane grill for cooking that has a self-starter). Bug spray. Cooler and ice. Lawn chairs. There are a few tables, several chairs and benches. There are 2 picnic tables (one outside and one inside). The benches can be moved outside if you'd like, just move them back inside before you leave. The propane grill should only be used outside. There is a hand axe in the cabin to shave kindling, and the wood is already split to be the length for the wood stove, as needed. Gas: 5 miles away. If you plan to grocery shop when you get to the area, the closest store is at East Hill Plaza in Ithaca, about 9 miles past where the cabin is (I can give you all that info if you like). There is lots to explore/see/do in the Ithaca area if you decide to come down off the hill one of the days. I'll have some brochures and things in the cabin, and can answer questions (aka where is the best ice cream, dinner, etc.).

Minglewood Camp

98%

(238)

13mi from Ithaca · 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.

Hawk Meadow Farm

100%

(589)

13mi from Ithaca · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Trumansburg, NY

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.

Hill side field, with some woods

100%

(10)

14mi from Ithaca · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Richford, NY

Learn more about this land:We love to play music and create art with everyone, part of our property butts up against protected state forest. 16 miles from Ithaca, the finger lakes are also close by.

20mi from Ithaca · 31 sites · Tents, RVs · in Watkins Glen State Park

Onondaga Village Campground

20mi from Ithaca · 49 sites · Tents, RVs · in Watkins Glen State Park

100%

(1)

Tuscarora Village Campground

20mi from Ithaca · 56 sites · Tents, RVs · in Watkins Glen State Park

83%

(6)

Seneca Village Campground

20mi from Ithaca · 47 sites · Tents, RVs · in Watkins Glen State Park

100%

(4)

Sampson State Park Campground

28mi from Ithaca · 307 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sampson State Park

Stories from the community

Small gravel area with 3’ spool table overlooking creek

S

Stephanie

November 2025

19 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Zbarn Home At Last (RV w/30 amp)

We appreciated the convenient place with electric, to stop over in the off season. Thank you!

L

Lisa

October 2025

23 ft travel trailer

With pets

14 nights at Summer Dream

We absolutely loved staying here! We are full-time trailer-towers and have a sweet older pup. Although we booked stays at Treman as with previous years, this time required four moves in two weeks, so I looked for alternatives. Summer Dream popped up only 15 minutes from my Dad's house near the Commons. PERFECT! Tina is a lovely host - from the first conversation to our goodbyes, she made sure we were comfortable and then some. The area where our trailer sat was level, drop and go. You do need to be right next to her trailer though, as the hookups are in an enclosed box behind her trailer. The land was treed and mowed, with a cute picnic table, a fire pit, and wood available. The best part was the quiet, as cars were not frequent and nobody walks by. We were able to walk a few miles daily with no issues which was wonderful for the dog. I'm already looking forward to next year, so better beat me to it! :)

L

Lorena

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hawk Meadow Farm

We had such a great stay! The hosts were incredibly kind and welcoming, and their sweet pup made the visit even better. The campsite itself was wonderful: spacious, private, and stocked with plenty of firewood, which made our evening around the fire super easy and relaxing. We also got to enjoy some beautiful fall foliage during our stay, which made the experience even more special. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a peaceful and well-kept spot to unwind!

Ray

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Round Top Retreat

I spent the weekend at Round Top Retreat alone to unplug, relax, and recharge and it was exactly what I needed. The wood burning stoves did an excellent job at heating the cabin. It got below 40° at night but it was probably 60° inside with the fire going. The stove is also great for cooking. It was a little rainy during my trip so I did all my cooking indoors. The driveway continues uphill past the cabin and turns into a hiking trail. I think it's supposed to connect to the Robinsons Hollow State Forest Trail but I couldn't find it (the official trial head is just down the road). It was still an invigorating 2 mile walk. I spotted lots of birds and a couple deer.

D

Danial

October 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at DoggieCamp

Beautiful stay. It was really nice having our dog off leash the whole time. Views were incredible.

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.

Q

Quinn

October 2025

10 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Laughing Goat Fiber Farm

My boyfriend and I loved tent camping on this land! Lisa was very try accommodating and accepted our request in short notice. Site #2 was beautiful both during the day and at night. It was well maintained and the portable bathroom was clean. Would definitely recommend and looking forward to staying again in the future.

P

Paul

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hill side field, with some woods

Jennifer was a perfect host and I highly recommend this site for everyone.

C

Claire

October 2025

17 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hill side field, with some woods

We parked our campervan in Jennifer’s driveway for the night. It was easy to get to and level. In the morning I walked the mown trail on the property with our dog- beautiful and peaceful!

J

Joanne

October 2025

Tent

7 nights at Bosque de Maria/Maria's Forest

We had a lovely stay. Our hosts were very considerate and kind, and the camping area felt very private and quiet, which was just what we were looking for. There was abundant dead wood around that we were welcome to burn, which was fantastic as our trip was in mid-October and quite chilly. The shower was great for warming up as well. Chris also had some excellent recommendations for local hikes and restaurants. All in all, we had a wonderful trip and would highly recommend our hosts.

M

Matt

October 2025

20 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Zbarn Home At Last (RV w/30 amp)

Ivan had a great little spot for an RV/travel trailer. It’s relatively flat, enough space to comfortably set up and he offers water and electric access. It’s a super short drive to Ithaca. Plus, he’s a really great guy and I enjoyed chatting with him.

J

Jacob

October 2025

16 ft campervan

With kids

1 night at Hawk Meadow Farm

Steve's property was beautiful! We were graciously greeted by Lucy and Steve's wife(I'm so sorry to be blanking on her name, she was very welcoming as well!). Our stay was shorter than we would've liked, but following a nice dirt path to get to our site, we came to a nice cleared out space, with plenty of firewood with some covered just in case of rain. I had my wife and 2 year old with me, and it was so nice to sit by the fire, with absolutely ZERO light pollution to see the stars, and nothing but the sounds of owls and other wildlife in the area. We're already looking forward to booking another trip sometime next year!

Janell

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Laughing Goat Fiber Farm

Beautiful property and perfect location if you're looking to get away but still have access to all of the areas local shops and attractions. Lisa was great with communication and made sure we had everything we needed as far as the campsite goes. The platform was a huge plus with it being a bit rainy during our stay!! 10/10 experience!! My daughters and I enjoyed our little get away!

Caroline

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to DoggieCamp

We appreciated having a quiet place to stay, and the dog loved having space to run. Our site was a little snug for two tents plus the car, but with the trails it felt like there was room to explore. The other sites looked more spacious as well. Beautiful views of the leaves changing color from our hillside!

Maura

October 2025

15 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to DoggieCamp

We loved our time amid the beautiful fall foliage. The site was super dog- and kid-friendly. We had a blast!

We just added another meadow site! It is also located on a small rise in the property and is surrounded by hedgerows and meadows.

D

David

October 2025

21 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Green Heron

Beautiful mowed meadow. Peaceful. Private. But if you have a dog in October, there are hundreds of tiny ticks. Luckily our dog is white so I could see them moving. Otherwise it was great.

Beautiful sunny campsite surrounded by wildflower meadow

J

Jane

October 2025

19 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to The Green Heron

A very pastoral setting. Quiet. Lower meadow was very private. Our friends stayed in the upper meadow. Toilet facility was extremely clean.

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!

Magical repurposed glass in the bathouse

A

Adrienne

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hawk Meadow Farm

We loved camping at the Pine Tree site! It was beautiful, quiet and secluded while still being conveniently located between Watkins Glen and Ithaca. Steve and his wife Anne were lovely hosts and always available to answer questions. Their shop was full of all sorts of treasures from handmade soaps and beautiful cards to tinctures made from mushrooms grown on the farm. The bath house has a composting toilet, cold water sink and shower that is solar heated in the summer. It's beautifully built earthen constuction decorated with gorgeous repurposed glass. Thank you for the much needed get away, we hope to be back soon!