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Camping on Lake Seneca

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Life slows down at Seneca Lake, the largest of the Finger Lakes. Check in to a lakeside campground or RV park, and spend your days cruising the lake, wine tasting along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, or relaxing at the lakefront picnic areas. Three state parks border the lake, providing plenty of biking and hiking trails, and Sampson State Park also has a boat launch and swimming beach. Spring through fall is the most popular camping season, but campgrounds at Seneca Lake Park stay open year-round, and Watkins Glen State Park also has cabin rentals for winter campers. 

96% (6.4K) 4,279 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Seneca Lake

Pooh’s Corner

1. Pooh’s Corner

100%
(772)
Watkins Glen, NY · 4 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.
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Waterfall Creek

2. Waterfall Creek

99%
(531)
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
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Tempest Ranch camp

3. Tempest Ranch camp

98%
(275)
Watkins Glen, NY · 10 sites
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
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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.
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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.
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Underhill Forest and Farm

6. Underhill Forest and Farm

99%
(475)
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. 
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The Green Heron

7. The Green Heron

99%
(325)
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.
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Glenwood Farms - Quiet Lakeview

8. Glenwood Farms - Quiet Lakeview

100%
(6)
Ithaca, NY · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Glenwood Farms is a historic, multi-generational family farm overlooking beautiful Cayuga Lake. It is located on the scenic west shore of Ithaca, New York. Just ten minutes from both downtown Ithaca and the Trumansburg fair grounds - home of the world famous Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance. Spanning 68 acres, the farm sits directly adjacent to the popular Black Diamond Trail. Visitors can purchase pasture-raised bison meat (steaks, sausages, and burgers), raised without hormones, antibiotics, or pesticides, as well as local Waid’s Honey directly from the farm. Our farm offers quiet, rural hillside views close to the water and major Finger Lakes attractions. We are located just five miles from downtown Ithaca, providing easy access to local wineries, breweries, distilleries, waterfalls, parks, festivals, events, and the Ithaca Farmers Market - recently voted best farmers market in the country!
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RV/Camper Sites in Watkins Glen NY

9. RV/Camper Sites in Watkins Glen NY

100%
(126)
Watkins Glen, NY · 3 sites
Secluded campsite for RV/camper located 4 miles from downtown Watkins Glen, 2 miles from racetrack and walking distance to finger lakes hiking trails. Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape. Very private location with full hook ups, 30 and 50 amp. This is privately owned property with three quiet campsites (150ft apart) with full hookups for an RV or camper up to 48 foot. There are no wash room facilities.
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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.
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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.
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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,
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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.
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Bramble Hill

14. Bramble Hill

100%
(59)
Fabius, NY · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Bramble Hill is situated in beautiful Central New York just off Route 20- Cherry Valley Turnpike and between the quaint villages of Cazenovia and Skaneateles. Beak and Skiff Apple Orchard is a 20 minute drive for after concert camping. Our close proximity to Syracuse and Ithaca is convenient for our guests. Please google map the address vs using the Hipcamp directions. We lease some of our property to local farmers but otherwise the land is in a relatively natural state. We enjoy the blue birds and other wildlife, our gardens and the views, and hope you will too! Bramble Hill is also available for family and wedding related photo shoots and you'll see some of these photos that showcase the property. Please note that photos are from over the years and changes may have occurred. Feel free to ask questions about the site. Pitch your tent on a quiet hillside overlooking the majestic green hills of CNY.  After a day on trails, paddling, swimming, antiquing or taking in the quaint nearby villages or a local concert, return to your own private sanctuary with spectacular sunsets and gentle breezes to lull you to sleep.  If you are looking for a place to unwind, unplug, relax and connect with nature, you have found the place. We love to see your photos of your campsite.  Please feel free to post!
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Red House Ranch Camp

15. Red House Ranch Camp

100%
(261)
Van Etten, NY · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We have three camp sites on a 200-acre parcel of secluded, rural farm land. We are a working pasture based farm where you can see how grass fed beef, pork, chicken, and eggs are produced. There's nothing quite like fresh eggs and bacon after waking up to the sunrise over a fog-filled valley! When you arrive we will provide a complimentary carton of pastured raised eggs and you are welcome to visit our web site (redhouseranch . net) or store to order meats for your stay and/or to take with you upon your departure. We have a wide variety of grass fed beef, pasture raised pork, snack sticks for long hikes, and dog bones and smoked treats for your furry friends. Many of our items are well suited for campfire cooking. Keep in mind that all our products are frozen so be sure to plan for time to thaw. If you're not sure what that involves - we're here to help. We are a working farm but, much of our property is not grazed or farmed. You are welcome to explore the entire area while also getting a glimpse of sustainable, pasture-based, farming methods. Learn more about us and the history of the farm at our website. As you roam the hills and forests you'll eventually bump into some of our animals. Please do not enter the animal enclosures or touch any of the electrified fence lines. If you really want to pet a piggie or hold a chicken - just reach out to Ike or Dave and we will gladly arrange this for you. Red House Ranch is also the perfect spot for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers. During your stay you may encounter eagles, blue herons, coyotes, turtles, wild turkeys, foxes, the endangered bobolink bird (its unique call sounds a bit like R2D2), deer, great horned owls, and many unique plants. It's not uncommon to hear the coyotes howling at night. In addition to hiking trails with incredible views, there are four ponds on the property easily accessible with mown paths. One is very large with a dock and suitable for swimming, paddling, fishing, or just relaxing but the water. The other three are smaller and are now primarily wildlife habitat. easily accessible with mown paths If you're feeling adventurous, there is a more strenuous hike down into the creek bed where you can find miniature versions of the gorges and waterfalls that our region is known for. We are happy to provide maps and guidance or leave you to your own devices. When skies are clear our area has very little light pollution and excellent star visibility. It's a great place to view the night sky during a meteor shower. We hope you enjoy your stay as much as we enjoy living in the beautiful Southern Tier/Finger Lakes area!
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The Apple Station Farm

16. The Apple Station Farm

100%
(1)
Cayuga, NY · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Located in the center of New York State, just a mile or so from Cayuga Lake in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region, we are a small apple and blueberry farm with an on-site farm winery. We have a farm store and host private events in our large banquet hall. Our location is wonderfully rural and offers a peaceful, secluded atmosphere. The property features an orchard, a small woodlot near a large pond, a seasonal stream, hedgerows, and a swamp. Guests may also enjoy meeting our friendly farm animals, including a pet sheep, a goat, pet pigs, and chickens. Surrounded mostly by agricultural land and wooded areas, our farm provides a quiet escape filled with natural beauty and the sounds of country life. We are not part of any official local wine trails, but several are located nearby. Our central location also makes it convenient to visit the cities of Ithaca, Syracuse, and Rochester, which are all within a similar driving distance.
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Hillside Pond with a View

17. Hillside Pond with a View

98%
(262)
Newfield, NY · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
We bought our beautiful 23 acres with our hacienda on it more than 30 years ago and we have had friends come camp here over the years. Our friends love to swim in our pond and bring their dogs over for hikes and mountain bike rides so we decided to open it up for others to enjoy. We are LGBTQ+ ally.
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The Spotted Sandpiper

18. The Spotted Sandpiper

94%
(106)
Trumansburg, NY · 3 sites
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.
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Greenbush Farm

19. Greenbush Farm

100%
(3)
Erin, NY · 1 site
Greenbush Farm Campground is located on our 189-acre farm in beautiful Erin, NY. Each site is completely secluded and surrounded by nature’s bounty, providing a truly unique and peaceful camping experience. On clear nights, the stars are incredible, and you may even catch a glimpse of the Milky Way overhead. With over 5 miles of hiking trails on the property, adventure awaits! Located just around the corner from Park Station, which boasts a hundred-acre lake with a lovely sandy beach and swimming area, Greenbush Farm is also perfectly situated just below both Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. This puts you in an ideal location to easily explore everything the Finger Lakes has to offer. With over 150 wineries, breweries, cideries, U-pick farms, farmers’ markets, and creameries, you’ll never run out of beautiful local products and experiences to enjoy. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in stunning nature, we have that in abundance as well. From the largest waterfall east of the Rockies at Taughannock Falls State Park to hiking the breathtaking trails of Watkins Glen State Park, the Finger Lakes region offers countless lakeside beaches, waterfall hikes, and swimming holes. Be sure to check out Robert H. Treman State Park for a truly unique swimming experience. Multiple offerings from our Farm Stand & Farm Bakery are available to make your camping experience one to remember. Some examples of our offerings include dried firewood, pre-built fire pits, morning coffee and/or pastries delivered to your site, campsite-delivered dinners, and s’mores kits. Perfect for a special weekend getaway. Let us know how we can make your visit one to remember!
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Hawk Meadow Farm

20. Hawk Meadow Farm

100%
(606)
Trumansburg, NY · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Seneca Lake camping guide

Where to go

Cayuga and Owasco Lakes

East of Seneca Lake, adventurous campers can choose between walk-in sites or enjoy backcountry tent sites in the Finger Lakes National Forest. Hiking trails, wineries, and waterfalls dot the shores of Cayuga Lake. Neighboring Owasco Lake is a water sports hotspot, where boating, fishing, and water skiing are the main activities.

Onondaga County

Woodland tent camping, lakeside fishing, and a renowned craft beer scene await at the eastern edge of the Finger Lakes Region. Syracuse is the county’s largest city, but there are also plenty of ways to explore the outdoors. Cruise Skaneateles Lake by boat or kayak, discover tranquil fishing spots at Lake Otisco, or enjoy seasonal camping in Green Lakes State Park.

Western Lakes

To the west of the Finger Lakes region, the “little lakes” of Conesus, Hemlock, Canadice, and Honeoye are where to escape the crowds. Hike along forest trails, enjoy kayaking or fishing on the lakes in summer, or hit the ski slopes at Bristol Mountain in winter. Camping options are limited, but you’ll find cabins and full hookup sites at Conesus Lake, and plenty of choices around nearby Canandaigua Lake.

Lake Ontario

North of Seneca Lake, the Great Lake Ontario marks the border between New York State and Ontario, Canada. Rochester is the gateway to the lake, and state parks, beaches, and wetlands fringe the south shore. Go hiking in the Chimney Bluffs State Park, spot wildlife around the Lake Shore Marshes, or choose from various camping options around Sodus Bay or Port Bay. 

Frequently Asked Questions

At Seneca Lake, you can spend your days cruising the lake, wine tasting along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, or relaxing at the lakefront picnic areas. Three state parks border the lake, providing plenty of biking and hiking trails, and Sampson State Park also has a boat launch and swimming beach. Spring through fall is the most popular camping season, but campgrounds at Seneca Lake Park stay open year-round, and Watkins Glen State Park also has cabin rentals for winter campers. You can also explore different options for camping near Seneca Lake on Hipcamp.

Seneca Lake offers lakeside campgrounds and RV parks. Three state parks border the lake, providing plenty of biking and hiking trails, and Sampson State Park also has a boat launch and swimming beach. Spring through fall is the most popular camping season, but campgrounds at Seneca Lake Park stay open year-round, and Watkins Glen State Park also has cabin rentals for winter campers. You can also explore different options for camping near Seneca Lake on Hipcamp.

Near Cayuga Lake, adventurous campers can choose between walk-in sites or enjoy backcountry tent sites in the Finger Lakes National Forest. Hiking trails, wineries, and waterfalls dot the shores of Cayuga Lake. Neighboring Owasco Lake is a water sports hotspot, where boating, fishing, and water skiing are the main activities.

North of Seneca Lake, the Great Lake Ontario marks the border between New York State and Ontario, Canada. Rochester is the gateway to the lake, and state parks, beaches, and wetlands fringe the south shore. Go hiking in the Chimney Bluffs State Park, spot wildlife around the Lake Shore Marshes, or choose from various camping options around Sodus Bay or Port Bay.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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