The best great views campgrounds near Syracuse, New York

Sitting on the thumb of the Finger Lakes, Salt City is a gateway to the awesome nature of upstate New York. Syracuse is roughly halfway between Niagara Falls and the Adirondacks for easy side trips. But this small city has its own claim on natural beauty with lakes, forests, and farms. The New York State Fair sets up its tents here, covering the 375-acre grounds with horse shows, butter sculptures, and deep-fried Oreos.

Winter brings snow--and lots of it. Locals grumble, but the deep white makes for killer cross-country skiing. Highland Forest park bills itself as the Adirondacks of Central New York with 40 miles of trails, half of them groomed. Beaver Lake Nature Center boasts a warming hut and snow-shoe rentals.

The closest public camp is Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville. Two emerald-green glacial lakes are its centerpiece, where you can rent a rowboat or swim off the sandy beach. Tent camping is set back from the lakes amid pine trees, with options for cabins and RV camping. There's also an 18-hole course by Robert Trent Jones, a legendary golf course architect.

The old Erie Canal passes right by Green Lakes. The canal turned Syracuse into a thriving city. At the Erie Canal Museum in downtown Syracuse, visitors can go deep on its history.

Today, kayakers have free rein in the canal's retired sections. Try launching in Dewitt at Cedar Bay Park, then paddle 10 miles to the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum. The route is especially scenic in autumn when the turning leaves are a blazing canopy on the shore.

The Finger Lakes are close by, and Cayuga Lake State Park makes a good home base to dip in your toes. The park campground has cabins near the shore and hilltop tent sites. Boat launches are on the beach, and the waters are quite good for catching largemouth bass. Over a dozen vineyards and wineries are a short drive away.

Most state park campgrounds will accommodate trailers, but big rigs wanting full hook-ups should check out RV parks in the area. Several offer extra amenities such as free Wi-Fi, swimming, and boat launches.

97% (1.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Syracuse

Sitting on the thumb of the Finger Lakes, Salt City is a gateway to the awesome nature of upstate New York. Syracuse is roughly halfway between Niagara Falls and the Adirondacks for easy side trips. But this small city has its own claim on natural beauty with lakes, forests, and farms. The New York State Fair sets up its tents here, covering the 375-acre grounds with horse shows, butter sculptures, and deep-fried Oreos.

Winter brings snow--and lots of it. Locals grumble, but the deep white makes for killer cross-country skiing. Highland Forest park bills itself as the Adirondacks of Central New York with 40 miles of trails, half of them groomed. Beaver Lake Nature Center boasts a warming hut and snow-shoe rentals.

The closest public camp is Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville. Two emerald-green glacial lakes are its centerpiece, where you can rent a rowboat or swim off the sandy beach. Tent camping is set back from the lakes amid pine trees, with options for cabins and RV camping. There's also an 18-hole course by Robert Trent Jones, a legendary golf course architect.

The old Erie Canal passes right by Green Lakes. The canal turned Syracuse into a thriving city. At the Erie Canal Museum in downtown Syracuse, visitors can go deep on its history.

Today, kayakers have free rein in the canal's retired sections. Try launching in Dewitt at Cedar Bay Park, then paddle 10 miles to the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum. The route is especially scenic in autumn when the turning leaves are a blazing canopy on the shore.

The Finger Lakes are close by, and Cayuga Lake State Park makes a good home base to dip in your toes. The park campground has cabins near the shore and hilltop tent sites. Boat launches are on the beach, and the waters are quite good for catching largemouth bass. Over a dozen vineyards and wineries are a short drive away.

Most state park campgrounds will accommodate trailers, but big rigs wanting full hook-ups should check out RV parks in the area. Several offer extra amenities such as free Wi-Fi, swimming, and boat launches.

97% (1.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Syracuse

1. Tilden Hill Farm

99%

(1161)

32mi from Syracuse · 25 sites · Tents, RVs

Relax at Tilden Hill Farm its a 155 acre farm raising Black Angus Cattle it has been in the Brewer family for seven generations. Founded in 1798 by Josiah Brewer, the farm has served as a grist mill, chicken farm, cheese factory. We offer several types of site selection for your comfort. Choose from our private tent camping to relaxing RV sites. Our tent sites are quiet and scenic, just a quick walk down to the pond. Some of our sites you can park next to, but a few you will have to walk ~100 yards with your belongings. There are 2 bath houses on the campground with hot showers and toilets. All sites include a fire pit and picnic table. We have 10 full hook up sites (water/electric/sewer) and 9 sites with water and electric. There is a dump station and fire wood available to all for a fee. Once settled in, take a meandering walk through our 12 miles of walking trails or find your way down to our pond. Water activities are plentiful: fishing for bass, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, we accommodate it all! We look forward to seeing you at Tilden Hill Farm where you can "Experience a Family Tradition"

2. Orchard and Gorge At South Hill

95%

(49)

49mi from Syracuse · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

The tents are located between a 10 acre organic cider apple orchard and a 155 acre nature preserve with a 140' waterfall a 15 minute walk down the well-maintained trail. The cidery is a 5 minute walk and is open Thursday through Monday with food, drinks, and a beautiful view. Orchard and Gorge Tents at South Hill Cider - Sites located at the edge of Ithaca, just 4 miles from the downtown Commons, 1.5 miles from Buttermilk Falls State Park, 3 miles from Ithaca College. The property is 5 miles from Cornell University, 7 miles from Museum of the Earth, and 5.5 miles from Sciencenter. The accommodation is non-smoking. Watkins Glen International is 29 miles, while Connecticut Hill State Game Management Area is 13 miles away. The nearest airport is Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport, 10 miles from this Site - Orchard and Gorge Tent at South Hill Cider

3. The Green Heron

99%

(285)

47mi from Syracuse · 7 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.

4. Riverfront Campsite Adventures

97%

(19)

30mi from Syracuse · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Stretching 5 acres along the river, this waterfront beauty features a fun trail path with mini waterfalls, serene pond, and plenty of space to stretch out for camping and RV parking. Visitors can fish, camp, and relax by the water and enjoy the peaceful friendly community that is Cortlandville. There's a waterfront treeline for the pups, dogs must be leashed at all times! Amenities include a cooking fire pit, outdoor portable toilet, picnic table. local recommendations and guides from the owners for around town just 2min from the site to stores as well as our guide to the Finger lakes. Please use wood chips and waste bags provided in the bathroom to line the toilet to dispose of your waste!!! 30amp 120v now available for RV's!

5. Yost Ridge in the Finger Lakes

97%

(121)

38mi from Syracuse · 2 sites · RVs

FULL HOOKUP site, 30, 50, 110 electric, WIFI, SEWER For hook-up or dump NOTE: THERE IS NO POTABLE WATER OR WATER HOOK-UP FROM 11/1/25-04/15/26. - LARGE DRIVEWAY ENTRANCE - LEVEL PARKING on pad - FIRE PIT Local firewood is for sale in the area- WE DO NOT PRIVIDE FIREWOOD This is a perfect area for fishing, kayaking, bicycling, kite flying, hiking, wine trailing or relaxing. Enjoy the well-maintained fire pit in the Adirondack chairs. Sunrise and sunset are spectacular here and stargazers will be delighted with the expansive views. Amish carriages and work horses are common sites. Park however it suits you for getting the best views. It's easy to back in or out with big rigs and trailers from the quiet road . The driveway entrance is extra large. There's plenty of space for a boat, trailer or second vehicle. YOST RIDGE is located between Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lakes ("Trout fishing capital of the World") in the Finger Lakes wine country, and is just a short distance from numerous wineries; Swedish Hill, Knapp Vineyards, Three Brothers, Thirsty Owl, Ventosa, Buttonwood Grove, and Hosmer wineries. Also located nearby are the National Women's Hall of Fame, and many state parks, including Cayuga Lake State Park, Seneca Lake State Park, Taughannock Falls State Park, Watkins Glen State Park, Buttermilk Fall State Park, within short distances of this site. Two boat launch sites a few miles away.

6. Bramble Hill

100%

(48)

14mi from Syracuse · 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!

7. Spring lake retreat on the farm

100%

(77)

33mi from Syracuse · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Learn more about this land:Enjoy yourselves on this quiet Iittle farm with beautiful views. Bring a saw and cut your own firewood. Hike the mowed trails and enjoy the wildlife! There's water available if needed and one bathroom with just a sink and toilet accessible from outside. If we are here you are more than welcome to interact with the farm animals..Bonnie Blue the horse, Gater Goat luke, and the cow's. Just minutes from Port Bay , Fairhaven State Park and Chimney Bluffs State park to the North and the Montezuma wildlife refuge to the south.

8. Laughing Goat Fiber Farm

99%

(323)

46mi from Syracuse · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

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/

9. Six circles farm

98%

(89)

49mi from Syracuse · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Six Circles farm is located in the majestic geographical center of the finger lakes, in the heart of wine country. We grow over 80 varieties of vegetables, fruit, and herbs with our main crop being the versatile, tasty, seductive, and immune boosting garlic. The Eisman Family has cultivated this land with ecological and restorative intentions since 1992. Learn more about this land: Private tent sites with lake or forest views and nature trails. On an organic vegetable family farm with tours available. Foraging encouraged.  Nearby restaurants, wineries and national forest.

10. Kasoag Lake

86%

(57)

31mi from Syracuse · 79 sites · Tents, RVs

Located on 25 acres in Northern New York. Kasoag lake is a spring fed lake and feels like the Adirondacks. Minutes away from Salmon River Falls and connected to the local Oswego Countu ATV and Kasoag Trailblazerz trails. Come relax with us and make some memories here at beautiful Kasoag Lake……..

Camper favorites near Syracuse

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Riverfront Campsite Adventures

97%

(19)

30mi from Syracuse · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Stretching 5 acres along the river, this waterfront beauty features a fun trail path with mini waterfalls, serene pond, and plenty of space to stretch out for camping and RV parking. Visitors can fish, camp, and relax by the water and enjoy the peaceful friendly community that is Cortlandville. There's a waterfront treeline for the pups, dogs must be leashed at all times! Amenities include a cooking fire pit, outdoor portable toilet, picnic table. local recommendations and guides from the owners for around town just 2min from the site to stores as well as our guide to the Finger lakes. Please use wood chips and waste bags provided in the bathroom to line the toilet to dispose of your waste!!! 30amp 120v now available for RV's!

Yost Ridge in the Finger Lakes

97%

(121)

38mi from Syracuse · 2 sites · RVs

FULL HOOKUP site, 30, 50, 110 electric, WIFI, SEWER For hook-up or dump NOTE: THERE IS NO POTABLE WATER OR WATER HOOK-UP FROM 11/1/25-04/15/26. - LARGE DRIVEWAY ENTRANCE - LEVEL PARKING on pad - FIRE PIT Local firewood is for sale in the area- WE DO NOT PRIVIDE FIREWOOD This is a perfect area for fishing, kayaking, bicycling, kite flying, hiking, wine trailing or relaxing. Enjoy the well-maintained fire pit in the Adirondack chairs. Sunrise and sunset are spectacular here and stargazers will be delighted with the expansive views. Amish carriages and work horses are common sites. Park however it suits you for getting the best views. It's easy to back in or out with big rigs and trailers from the quiet road . The driveway entrance is extra large. There's plenty of space for a boat, trailer or second vehicle. YOST RIDGE is located between Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lakes ("Trout fishing capital of the World") in the Finger Lakes wine country, and is just a short distance from numerous wineries; Swedish Hill, Knapp Vineyards, Three Brothers, Thirsty Owl, Ventosa, Buttonwood Grove, and Hosmer wineries. Also located nearby are the National Women's Hall of Fame, and many state parks, including Cayuga Lake State Park, Seneca Lake State Park, Taughannock Falls State Park, Watkins Glen State Park, Buttermilk Fall State Park, within short distances of this site. Two boat launch sites a few miles away.

Bramble Hill

100%

(48)

14mi from Syracuse · 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!

Spring lake retreat on the farm

100%

(77)

33mi from Syracuse · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Learn more about this land:Enjoy yourselves on this quiet Iittle farm with beautiful views. Bring a saw and cut your own firewood. Hike the mowed trails and enjoy the wildlife! There's water available if needed and one bathroom with just a sink and toilet accessible from outside. If we are here you are more than welcome to interact with the farm animals..Bonnie Blue the horse, Gater Goat luke, and the cow's. Just minutes from Port Bay , Fairhaven State Park and Chimney Bluffs State park to the North and the Montezuma wildlife refuge to the south.

Laughing Goat Fiber Farm

99%

(323)

46mi from Syracuse · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

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/

Six circles farm

98%

(89)

49mi from Syracuse · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Six Circles farm is located in the majestic geographical center of the finger lakes, in the heart of wine country. We grow over 80 varieties of vegetables, fruit, and herbs with our main crop being the versatile, tasty, seductive, and immune boosting garlic. The Eisman Family has cultivated this land with ecological and restorative intentions since 1992. Learn more about this land: Private tent sites with lake or forest views and nature trails. On an organic vegetable family farm with tours available. Foraging encouraged.  Nearby restaurants, wineries and national forest.

Kasoag Lake

86%

(57)

31mi from Syracuse · 79 sites · Tents, RVs

Located on 25 acres in Northern New York. Kasoag lake is a spring fed lake and feels like the Adirondacks. Minutes away from Salmon River Falls and connected to the local Oswego Countu ATV and Kasoag Trailblazerz trails. Come relax with us and make some memories here at beautiful Kasoag Lake……..

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

d

dielman

November 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Tilden Hill Farm

It's such a beautiful place. I went with my friend and he loved it. We hope to return soon with more friends.

S

Sandrine

November 2025

20 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Tilden Hill Farm

We love the place near the water and we had the chance to see the otters. Our dog also enjoyed the area so much. It is also well located near trails and craft brewery.

R

Rosalind

November 2025

19 ft campervan

1 night at Tilden Hill Farm

Ken is a great host. We loved camping at Tilden Farms so much that we returned when we realized we would be in the area. The sites are clean, easily accessible, and Ken is available to answer questions. Highly recommend camping at Tilden Farms!!

H

Harry

November 2025

19 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Yost Ridge in the Finger Lakes

Very easy to get to. Flat and the fact that it had power, water and a dump! Great views and in the middle of wineries, cheese etc..,

M

Marcus

November 2025

17 ft campervan

1 night at Tilden Hill Farm

Amazingly beautiful land and great trails. Highly recommended!

Alesha

November 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Tilden Hill Farm

This was a great camp site! I appreciated that everything was clearly marked and easy to navigate since I got into camp after dark. I felt safe. I would stay here again.

H

Hailey

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Spring lake retreat on the farm

This was our second time staying, we absolutely love staying here. We can’t wait to come back when it warms up!

Matty

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Tilden Hill Farm

Wonderful spot! Great stop for cyclists riding along the canal trail. 🚲

Kathy

October 2025

19 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Tilden Hill Farm

This was such a great find! I have put it on my list of places to return to. I did not appreciate until arriving that Tilden Farm has won many awards (including best Hip Camp in NY) and is a destination for mountain bikers. The awards are well earned. The sites are thoughtfully located and supported with everything needed. The communication was perfect.

A

Ann

October 2025

30 ft travel trailer

7 nights at Yost Ridge in the Finger Lakes

We loved this private rural space! The well water was delicious, and having cows and sheep and turkeys on our road made taking a walk so interesting! It was easy to get to Ithaca and Watkins Glen. Dawn, our host was very responsive and helpful. We even had wifi!

Y

Yaquen

October 2025

2 nights at Orchard and Gorge At South Hill

We had a great stay. The tents are right on a trail that goes along a gorge and waterfalls. It's also right near buttermilk falls state park and Robert h Treman state park.

E

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Tilden Hill Farm

It was smooth and easy! Very nicely kept and felt very safe there as a solo female traveler!

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.

Lynda

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Tilden Hill Farm

Everything was great! Lots of trails to bike and walk. Peaceful tent site. Kids had fun fishing in the pond. They are already talking about “next time we go.”

T

Tim

October 2025

30 ft Class A

With kids

3 nights at Tilden Hill Farm

Pure serenity! Loved our stay. It was awesome to be able to walk on the trails through the woods with our pups. It would be really cool to rent the lodge in the woods! Something to think about. (Then let us know first!). Thank you for sharing your land with us.

F

Freddie

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Kasoag Lake

Good and easy communication from the host. Thank you!

D

Dan

October 2025

12 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Tilden Hill Farm

Amazing place, warm showers, grass fed beef, jalapeño jelly, leaf blown mtn bike trails and a great host highly recommend. Will definitely be going back

C

Cinders

October 2025

31 ft Class C

3 nights at Tilden Hill Farm

Beautiful, relaxing, quiet... looking to return next year.

Rebekah

October 2025

18 ft campervan

1 night at Spring lake retreat on the farm

The land was lovely, the animals were sweet, Tommy was so friendly and made sure we knew he was available if we needed anything, and it was handy to have access to the indoor bathroom.

C

Chanele

October 2025

28 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Tilden Hill Farm

Great location, easy to find, and access to all necessities. Ken was communicative and even offered help when the RV needed a jump :/ was a lovely stay!