97% (4.9K) • 656 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Watkins Glen
The Spotted Sandpiper
1. The Spotted Sandpiper
94%
(99)
17mi from Watkins Glen · 5 sites · Lodging
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.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$94
/ night
Come find your smile @ Sandbar Farm
2. Come find your smile @ Sandbar Farm
99%
(39)
41mi from Watkins Glen · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Sandbar Farm was purchased as our home and as a place for both sharing our love and knowledge of horses with others and providing a place for animals to re-group and sometimes recover in order to find their perfect human. We have accomplished this goal for many and some, like Nameless the Mustang, have found a permanent safe place here. Over the years, we have found that our human friends and relatives also find the farm to be fun, and a popular place to relax and re-group from everyday life. We hope that you will feel the same way after a visit.
Learn more about this land:
Beautiful camping spots among the pine trees. Wake up to deer and horses crossing the fields behind you, birds chirping and the fresh air smell of the great outdoors. We have our own fields and wood for hiking, quiet dirt roads for walking or biking with horses often available for trail rides at an extra fee. We are also: 5 minutes from Stony Brook Park with its natural stone spring fed swimming pool and miles of hiking trails along the streams; 35 minutes from Letchworth Park, the Grand Canyon of the East with its amazing waterfalls. Whether it's a big event or the Arkport Summerfest, there's always something fun to do, besides just relaxing. We also offer limited stabling for outside horses so you can enjoy the trails at more than 5 different parks. Phillips Creek/Turnpike Forest/Palmers Pond, Coyle Hill, Sugar Hill, Wag trail, Mendon Ponds and several others. Have a different hobby? Just ask and we'll let you know what's available.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$25
/ night
What Ever Floats Your Boat
3. What Ever Floats Your Boat
98%
(27)
21mi from Watkins Glen · 1 site · Lodging
Rustic Cabin sleeps 5-6, one large futon and 4 bunks; you need your own sleeping bags, Plus plenty of space for tents & hammocks. 6 Acres nestled up to miles of NY State Forest w/ waterfall Plus use of the houseboat’s dock and fire pit. And if you like fossils, there are plenty in the stream. Miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and some Mountain biking.
Camp is just a 1.5 mile hike to the famous Myers’ Gardens (check out the last 13 photos above of this little paradise or see Myers’ Gardens on Facebook.
Pump action shower, outhouse, picnic table and fire pit. Bring your own cooler and ice. Though there's a small pool of water behind the cabin that cold that items can be placed in.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$73
/ night
McCormick Acres
4. McCormick Acres
44mi from Watkins Glen · 1 site · Tent, RV
McCormick Acres is a 27-acre hobby farm in the Pennsylvania Wilds! We are located right off the Cowanesque River, offering a cool dip during the summer, fishing during the season (license required), and amazing wildlife views. Our great open pasture is perfect for stargazing! We are just 30 minutes from Cherry Springs, PA, one of the few “dark zones” on the East Coast.
Plan a trip away from the farm to visit the North Rim of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon in Wellsboro (30 minutes), Corning Glass in Corning, NY (45 minutes), or explore a variety of local state parks and hiking trails.
Campfires
Picnic table
from
$16
/ night
Zbarn Home At Last (RV w/30 amp)
5. Zbarn Home At Last (RV w/30 amp)
100%
(19)
15mi from Watkins Glen · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Lovely creek wraps around boundary of property with medium growth trees. This RV site can fit up to a 28’ vehicle (longer up to 32' can work, but corner backing in is a little tight; contact to discuss before booking). Site is next to stream, bounded on opposite side by local road (so there is local traffic through the trees). There's a 30 amp electric hookup on site, but no sewer hookup. Water can be filled on property if needed. Location is just five minutes to Lower Treman Park or Buttermilk Park, with amazing hiking trails, seasonal stream fishing and swimming. Ten minute drive to Ithaca proper.
No water after November 1st (hose can freeze)
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Water hookup
from
$23
/ night
97% (4.9K) • 656 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Watkins Glen
The Spotted Sandpiper
1. The Spotted Sandpiper
94%
(99)
17mi from Watkins Glen · 5 sites · Lodging
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.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$94
/ night
Come find your smile @ Sandbar Farm
2. Come find your smile @ Sandbar Farm
99%
(39)
41mi from Watkins Glen · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Sandbar Farm was purchased as our home and as a place for both sharing our love and knowledge of horses with others and providing a place for animals to re-group and sometimes recover in order to find their perfect human. We have accomplished this goal for many and some, like Nameless the Mustang, have found a permanent safe place here. Over the years, we have found that our human friends and relatives also find the farm to be fun, and a popular place to relax and re-group from everyday life. We hope that you will feel the same way after a visit.
Learn more about this land:
Beautiful camping spots among the pine trees. Wake up to deer and horses crossing the fields behind you, birds chirping and the fresh air smell of the great outdoors. We have our own fields and wood for hiking, quiet dirt roads for walking or biking with horses often available for trail rides at an extra fee. We are also: 5 minutes from Stony Brook Park with its natural stone spring fed swimming pool and miles of hiking trails along the streams; 35 minutes from Letchworth Park, the Grand Canyon of the East with its amazing waterfalls. Whether it's a big event or the Arkport Summerfest, there's always something fun to do, besides just relaxing. We also offer limited stabling for outside horses so you can enjoy the trails at more than 5 different parks. Phillips Creek/Turnpike Forest/Palmers Pond, Coyle Hill, Sugar Hill, Wag trail, Mendon Ponds and several others. Have a different hobby? Just ask and we'll let you know what's available.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$25
/ night
What Ever Floats Your Boat
3. What Ever Floats Your Boat
98%
(27)
21mi from Watkins Glen · 1 site · Lodging
Rustic Cabin sleeps 5-6, one large futon and 4 bunks; you need your own sleeping bags, Plus plenty of space for tents & hammocks. 6 Acres nestled up to miles of NY State Forest w/ waterfall Plus use of the houseboat’s dock and fire pit. And if you like fossils, there are plenty in the stream. Miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and some Mountain biking.
Camp is just a 1.5 mile hike to the famous Myers’ Gardens (check out the last 13 photos above of this little paradise or see Myers’ Gardens on Facebook.
Pump action shower, outhouse, picnic table and fire pit. Bring your own cooler and ice. Though there's a small pool of water behind the cabin that cold that items can be placed in.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$73
/ night
McCormick Acres
4. McCormick Acres
44mi from Watkins Glen · 1 site · Tent, RV
McCormick Acres is a 27-acre hobby farm in the Pennsylvania Wilds! We are located right off the Cowanesque River, offering a cool dip during the summer, fishing during the season (license required), and amazing wildlife views. Our great open pasture is perfect for stargazing! We are just 30 minutes from Cherry Springs, PA, one of the few “dark zones” on the East Coast.
Plan a trip away from the farm to visit the North Rim of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon in Wellsboro (30 minutes), Corning Glass in Corning, NY (45 minutes), or explore a variety of local state parks and hiking trails.
Campfires
Picnic table
from
$16
/ night
Zbarn Home At Last (RV w/30 amp)
5. Zbarn Home At Last (RV w/30 amp)
100%
(19)
15mi from Watkins Glen · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Lovely creek wraps around boundary of property with medium growth trees. This RV site can fit up to a 28’ vehicle (longer up to 32' can work, but corner backing in is a little tight; contact to discuss before booking). Site is next to stream, bounded on opposite side by local road (so there is local traffic through the trees). There's a 30 amp electric hookup on site, but no sewer hookup. Water can be filled on property if needed. Location is just five minutes to Lower Treman Park or Buttermilk Park, with amazing hiking trails, seasonal stream fishing and swimming. Ten minute drive to Ithaca proper.
No water after November 1st (hose can freeze)
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Water hookup
from
$23
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
S
Stephanie
November 2025
19 ft campervan
With pets
We appreciated the convenient place with electric, to stop over in the off season. Thank you!
See more
P
Paul
October 2025
Tent
This is a beautiful and peaceful location. I recommend it!
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J
John
October 2025
20 ft travel trailer
With pets
Z is a knowledgeable and helpful host with a good location close to Ithaca and local state parks.
See moreM
Matt
October 2025
20 ft travel trailer
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.
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G
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!!
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A
Abbey
October 2025
25 ft campervan
My boyfriend and I recently converted a shuttle bus into our home on wheels. This was our maiden voyage and it could not have gone any better. Z’s land was the perfect first step for our trip. Easy to find, peaceful, and close by the state parks which was a plus. We stayed here for 2 nights as we explored the area. Wifi was great. Very convenient to have electrical and water hook up. Level spot too. Z was super responsive and an excellent host. We greatly enjoyed our stay. Thank you Z!
See moreM
Mars
September 2025
20 ft Class B
With kids
Excellent location less than 10 minutes from Ithaca. Quiet spot tucked off from the road. Ivan responded quickly and was helpful.
See moreE
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.
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Joseph
August 2025
16 ft car
Rob was amazing host and it's always good to talk about Long Island and the good old days. Rob makes sure his guests his wood and their having good time by the fire. We will back , again.
See moreJoseph
August 2025
16 ft car
I am a repeat guest. Rob goes out of his way to make sure his guests are taken care of. He relit our fire and made sure we had enough wood.
We finally were able to use some of the horse treats and feed the horses, today.
See morea
alicia
August 2025
With kids
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.
See moreJoseph
August 2025
16 ft car
Ron goes out of way his way to make his guests feel welcomed, along with his wife. He brought us fire wood and some gas to help the fire take off.
The place is peaceful and well taken care of. I would highly recommend staying at this country farm
See moreJ
James
August 2025
21 ft campervan
With pets
We stayed at Zbarn for three nights while we explored the wineries and nearby parks. It was perfect for a self-contained camper van, as it had electric and great internet. A 25 foot 30A cord with adapters for a surge suppressor will reach if you park close enough, but he also provides a 15A extension cord. There is a mowed strip of utility right-of way in back for walking the dog off-leash.
If you want to dump your holding tank and get a hot shower (or a hike and a swim), a day pass at Watkins Glen SP is $10.
Insider tip if you are there to re-stock wine: go to Northside Wine in Ithaca for advice on wineries to try. They know their stuff and confirmed some of our favorites and ‘meh’ places to skip. There are 150 wineries in the region, and they know them well.
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Carie
August 2025
With pets
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.
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R
Rebecca
August 2025
Tent
With kids
We love the forest spot at Jacqueline's. She and Rob are always relaxed, fun, and friendly, and we love the opportunity to commune a little with the horses and donkeys. :) The woods feel secluded and are beautiful. In 4 visits at slightly varying times I'd say the most mosquitoes were in the our June visit, whereas our Labor day visit was basically none, since things dry up through the season. We are so grateful to come to this place and will return at any opportunity!!!
See moreS
S
August 2025
15 ft pop-up camper
Best place to stay for fun, games, horseback riding and friendliness of the host! Loved our stay there!
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H
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.
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Richard
July 2025
36 ft fifth wheel
Ivan was super friendly and accomodating. He was fast in responding to our messages and questions, and he even created a new boondocking site on HipCamp just for us! He met us when we arrived and helped us set up camp. He gave us a list of good restaurants and hikes in the Ithaca area and then left us alone for the rest of our stay. His property is clean and well-maintained and had lots of open space for our solar panels. Nice and quiet too; a few mooing cows next door added to the charm. Highly recommend!
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K
Kirsten
July 2025
With kids
The A Frames are cute, everyone on the team is really responsive. The vibes are great.
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H
Hulda
July 2025
With pets
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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