The best ranch campgrounds in Seneca Lake

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.

97% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Seneca Lake

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.

97% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Seneca Lake

1. Tempest Ranch camp

98%

(262)

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

2. Underhill Forest and Farm

99%

(454)

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. 

3. ZiegenVine Homestead

100%

(419)

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!

4. Willow Hill RV Site

89%

(14)

3 sites · Tents, RVs · Skaneateles, NY

Park your camper or pop a tent in a private area and enjoy the peace and calm. Nestled between Skaneateles and Otisco Lake, both only minutes away. This site is on a separate driveway from the main home on the property. The village of Skaneateles is only ten minutes away. Complimentary WI-FI included.

5. Bare Lake House

89%

(33)

2 sites · Lodging · Corning, NY

Family owned 35 acre property, with a 3 acre lake where we like to play and explore nature nude. We are clothing optional. Meaning you need not partake in the most comfortable and most natural way to enjoy nature. But you may see others on property that are nude. Learn more about this land:The Nut House is a newly built cabin. It is 10 x 16 with a small front porch with chairs . This unit is set in the acorn and hickory nut trees. This unit has electric with ceiling fan and heat. It has a Queen size bed with all linens, blankets and pillows. It is approximately 40 yards to club house with rest rooms and shower. There is a vending machine for snacks and sodas/water. You may pay an extra $7.00 to join for breakfast at Blake's B n B. Payment will be received at breakfast. Oct 1st until Apr 1st the club house is winterized and will not have water. Additional facilities and shower can be used at the B n B, approx 100 yards from the cabin. The cabin is located within Bare Lake Nudist Club, a Clothing Optional Club. This is a 18 years of age plus listing. No children allowed for this location Thank you. All areas of the property are clothing optional. There is a 3 acre lake for swimming, boating, and fishing. We also have marked trails to hike. Life jackets are REQUIRED with use of any and all boats! NO EXCEPTIONS. We HIGHLY recommend the use of bug spray while hiking! Come join us at our beautiful piece of nature! See you soon!

6. Whitetail Ridge Farm

99%

(114)

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

Whitetail Ridge Farm is a 100-acre farm in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region with ponds, hiking trails, catch & release fishing, crop field and abundance of wildlife. Our farm is a wedding/event venue. We have Poppy's Cabin on Pond it is a rustic Cabin with fire pit, picnic table, & many trails. Perfect for a weekend getaway. There are two ponds on the property for swimming. We also have tent camping and RV/Camper Sites. Apple picking & leaf-peeping available in the fall.

7. Bramble Hill

100%

(48)

3 sites · Tents, RVs · Fabius, NY

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!

8. Laughing Goat Fiber Farm

99%

(323)

3 sites · Tents, RVs · Ithaca, NY

Laughing Goat Fiber Farm is a working farm, raising exotic fiber animals such as Angora and Cashmere goats, alpacas. The fiber is processed on farm and regionally and everything made from it is hand dyed. Many items are one of a kind and hand made. A small retail shop in our renovated Carriage House showcases the knitting looms that we make items on, as well as knitting machines from 100 years ago. The property has beautiful views overlooking the Cayuga Lake Valley and Ithaca. Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent on the back 40 acres of a working goat farm.  Site #1 has a tent platform, table and firepit. The 12 x 16 tent platform backs up to the mature hedgerow of maples and oaks for afternoon shade, and the campsite overlooks Ithaca's Inlet Valley.  The platform is just a 4 minute walk to the main house, and you'll have complete privacy. Site #2 has a table and firepit, but no platform.  Site #3 has a table and firepit but no platform.  It is a level spot on the pasture where you can pitch a tent or park a vehicle.   Farm tours:  Sign up at http://tinyurl.com/goattours. Also: https://uncoveringnewyork.com/things-to-do-in-ithaca-ny/

Camper favorites in and near Seneca Lake

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Willow Hill RV Site

89%

(14)

3 sites · Tents, RVs · Skaneateles, NY

Park your camper or pop a tent in a private area and enjoy the peace and calm. Nestled between Skaneateles and Otisco Lake, both only minutes away. This site is on a separate driveway from the main home on the property. The village of Skaneateles is only ten minutes away. Complimentary WI-FI included.

Bare Lake House

89%

(33)

2 sites · Lodging · Corning, NY

Family owned 35 acre property, with a 3 acre lake where we like to play and explore nature nude. We are clothing optional. Meaning you need not partake in the most comfortable and most natural way to enjoy nature. But you may see others on property that are nude. Learn more about this land:The Nut House is a newly built cabin. It is 10 x 16 with a small front porch with chairs . This unit is set in the acorn and hickory nut trees. This unit has electric with ceiling fan and heat. It has a Queen size bed with all linens, blankets and pillows. It is approximately 40 yards to club house with rest rooms and shower. There is a vending machine for snacks and sodas/water. You may pay an extra $7.00 to join for breakfast at Blake's B n B. Payment will be received at breakfast. Oct 1st until Apr 1st the club house is winterized and will not have water. Additional facilities and shower can be used at the B n B, approx 100 yards from the cabin. The cabin is located within Bare Lake Nudist Club, a Clothing Optional Club. This is a 18 years of age plus listing. No children allowed for this location Thank you. All areas of the property are clothing optional. There is a 3 acre lake for swimming, boating, and fishing. We also have marked trails to hike. Life jackets are REQUIRED with use of any and all boats! NO EXCEPTIONS. We HIGHLY recommend the use of bug spray while hiking! Come join us at our beautiful piece of nature! See you soon!

Whitetail Ridge Farm

99%

(114)

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

Whitetail Ridge Farm is a 100-acre farm in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region with ponds, hiking trails, catch & release fishing, crop field and abundance of wildlife. Our farm is a wedding/event venue. We have Poppy's Cabin on Pond it is a rustic Cabin with fire pit, picnic table, & many trails. Perfect for a weekend getaway. There are two ponds on the property for swimming. We also have tent camping and RV/Camper Sites. Apple picking & leaf-peeping available in the fall.

Bramble Hill

100%

(48)

3 sites · Tents, RVs · Fabius, NY

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!

Laughing Goat Fiber Farm

99%

(323)

3 sites · Tents, RVs · Ithaca, NY

Laughing Goat Fiber Farm is a working farm, raising exotic fiber animals such as Angora and Cashmere goats, alpacas. The fiber is processed on farm and regionally and everything made from it is hand dyed. Many items are one of a kind and hand made. A small retail shop in our renovated Carriage House showcases the knitting looms that we make items on, as well as knitting machines from 100 years ago. The property has beautiful views overlooking the Cayuga Lake Valley and Ithaca. Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent on the back 40 acres of a working goat farm.  Site #1 has a tent platform, table and firepit. The 12 x 16 tent platform backs up to the mature hedgerow of maples and oaks for afternoon shade, and the campsite overlooks Ithaca's Inlet Valley.  The platform is just a 4 minute walk to the main house, and you'll have complete privacy. Site #2 has a table and firepit, but no platform.  Site #3 has a table and firepit but no platform.  It is a level spot on the pasture where you can pitch a tent or park a vehicle.   Farm tours:  Sign up at http://tinyurl.com/goattours. Also: https://uncoveringnewyork.com/things-to-do-in-ithaca-ny/

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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.

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!

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.

A

Alice

October 2025

20 ft campervan

1 night at Bramble Hill

Loved staying at this spot - all alone with the beautiful corn field and the Harvest Moon! What a treat.

S

Sharon

October 2025

With pets

2 nights at Whitetail Ridge Farm

This is truly an amazing space. Offers multiple places to stay depending on your likes and dislikes. It’s relatively remote, however very peaceful surroundings. Made use of the water activities as well as visited many nearby towns. What a gracious hostess.

A

Alexis

September 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Underhill Forest and Farm

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

M

Michelle

September 2025

17 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Laughing Goat Fiber Farm

We had an amazing time! Beautiful farm and very close to downtown Ithaca. It was amazing waking up to the goats in the morning. Lisa was easy to communicate with and provided firewood and water. Would stay again!

A

Alexis

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Underhill Forest and Farm

Beautiful and well maintained site! Has an open field which is perfect for star gazing. Will definitely return

Kim

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Bare Lake House

This was a last minute stop on our trip. Aric was very accommodating! I would love to come back in the summer, it seems like a really good time. The cabin was clean and cozy. There was a like a clubhouse with a kitchen, warm shower and toilets. It wasn’t a far walk.. The other campers were very courteous. We happen to come on the last weekend and they were having a potluck. I love being nude in nature. This was perfect!

Home of Goat Yoga on the Homestead - visit our website to register for a class or ask about the session availability when you check in! (Goat Yoga is seasonal- May-Sept)

K

Karl

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to ZiegenVine Homestead

Amazing campground! 10/10. The sites have amazing views and there is so much to explore on the property. They have super friendly farm animals and plenty of trails for a nice hike. Would definitely recommend and will be trying one of their cabins in the future!

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.

M

Mahmoud

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to ZiegenVine Homestead

Super welcoming. Very nice people. Loved the site, everything was perfect. This is my second time there and it gets better every time. Would definitely be coming 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.

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.

M

Maya

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Laughing Goat Fiber Farm

Had a great stay at the farm beautiful site and the water spigot and bathroom was close by!

A

Abhiniti Stella

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

1 night at Underhill Forest and Farm

We had such a wonderful experience at this pondside campsite! The whole area is absolutely beautiful and peaceful, with stunning views that made the trip so relaxing and refreshing. The site itself was well-kept, spacious, and perfectly located right by the water, which added so much to the atmosphere. It truly felt like a hidden gem. We loved every moment here and can’t wait to come back again. Highly recommend this spot to anyone looking for a perfect nature getaway!

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!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best ranch camping in Seneca Lake 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.