The best waterside campgrounds near Ithaca, New York

This college town in the Finger Lakes region offers gorgeous scenery and some of the liveliest culture in upstate New York. Located on Cayuga Lake, Ithaca's natural beauty is built into the town. Hills rise above the historic downtown, and the Cascadilla Gorge winds through with century-old stone stairs leading down.

Campers don't have to go far to pitch a tent. Right in Ithaca, Buttermilk Falls State Park has stunning views and well-maintained tent sites and cabins. The park's namesake waterfall greets visitors at the entrance, and hiking trails loop the gorge.

For lakeside camping, head to Taughannock Falls State Park in Trumansburg. Located on Cayuga Lake, the campsites and cabins overlook the water. A sandy beach and boat launch provides easy access to the lake. Hiking trails lead the way to Taughannock Falls, a waterfall that drops 215 feet into the gorge below.

To swim under a waterfall, make a beeline for Robert H. Treman State Park. The town's most-loved swimming hole is here at the lower falls, with stone steps leading down to the water. Campsites and cabins are close by, offering an especially scenic camping experience.

Summer is undoubtedly the favorite time for camping. Festival season kicks off in May with the Ithaca Festival and parade. Also, Ithaca College and Cornell both host free concerts throughout the summer. The town's colleges are a significant boost to the local music and arts scene, not to mention great bars and restaurants.

98% (4.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds

This college town in the Finger Lakes region offers gorgeous scenery and some of the liveliest culture in upstate New York. Located on Cayuga Lake, Ithaca's natural beauty is built into the town. Hills rise above the historic downtown, and the Cascadilla Gorge winds through with century-old stone stairs leading down.

Campers don't have to go far to pitch a tent. Right in Ithaca, Buttermilk Falls State Park has stunning views and well-maintained tent sites and cabins. The park's namesake waterfall greets visitors at the entrance, and hiking trails loop the gorge.

For lakeside camping, head to Taughannock Falls State Park in Trumansburg. Located on Cayuga Lake, the campsites and cabins overlook the water. A sandy beach and boat launch provides easy access to the lake. Hiking trails lead the way to Taughannock Falls, a waterfall that drops 215 feet into the gorge below.

To swim under a waterfall, make a beeline for Robert H. Treman State Park. The town's most-loved swimming hole is here at the lower falls, with stone steps leading down to the water. Campsites and cabins are close by, offering an especially scenic camping experience.

Summer is undoubtedly the favorite time for camping. Festival season kicks off in May with the Ithaca Festival and parade. Also, Ithaca College and Cornell both host free concerts throughout the summer. The town's colleges are a significant boost to the local music and arts scene, not to mention great bars and restaurants.

98% (4.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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

4. Cowanesque Lake

120 sites · Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania

Just south of the New York-Pennsylvania state line, Cowanesque Lake is a beautiful natural getaway for those suffering from a bad case of East Coast tension. Managed by the US Army Corps, the area is well-maintained, family-friendly and perfect for relaxing in whatever way you see fit. If hiking doesn’t suit you, there’s some serious water recreation to be had. This includes fishing or swimming, but as experienced loafers well know, just sitting and looking at the water counts, too. After all, someone’s gotta do it! The atmosphere of rural Pennsylvania offers up a special something-or-other in its lush, expansive greenery, and Cowanesque Lake is the perfect place to take it all in.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Ithaca

100%

(9)

Taughannock Falls State Park Campground

8.6mi from Ithaca · 84 sites · Tents, RVs · in Taughannock Falls State Park

Tompkins Campground

48mi from Ithaca · 119 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cowanesque Lake

South Shore Recreation Area and Campground

49mi from Ithaca · 1 site · in Cowanesque Lake

Stories from the community

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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!!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 :)

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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.

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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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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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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Hulda

June 2025

2 nights at The Spotted Sandpiper

It’s absolute perfection! Going back next month again for the third time. I’m obsessed!

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Erisa

June 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Sanctuary InTheWoods Tent/Yurt Camp

I loved the land and camp site stay at Pamelas! It was super open and far enough away from the cabins to feel secluded while still being close enough to not worry about anything! Pam and Bob welcomed us after we arrived they were so friendly and welcoming and were available for anything we needed I highly recommend!

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Yasamin

May 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Spotted Sandpiper

We loved our glamping site! Very convenient and clean. We had everything we needed including water and firewood.

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Kimberly

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sanctuary InTheWoods Tent/Yurt Camp

We really enjoyed our time stay at the sanctuary in the woods! The cabin was perfect well kept. We were looking for something peaceful and quiet and that's exactly what we got. Even though it was raining I have no complaints can't wait to come back!