Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- You must have a reservation to camp. Plan to reserve a site as soon as you know your dates during the peak season or over weekends.
- If traveling between mid May and October, reservations can be made the same day until 3pm.
- Reservations for 2 or more nights can be made nine months in advance. One night stays can be booked seven days in advance.
When to Go
Mid June to August are the busiest times at the park, especially on weekends. Time your visit for early in the day before the parking lots fill up or go during the week. Entrance fees are collected from mid May to mid October. Spring is the best time to see the waterfalls at peak flow. The campground is open from late May to early October, while the pool is open from the end of June to Labor Day. The Gorge Trail is only open from early spring to late fall, with the shuttle running over the same period. Early to mid-October is the best time to see the fall colors. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities in winter.
Know Before You Go
- During peak season, Gorge Trail is one-way. Wear sturdy shoes as there are more than 800 steps, and spray from the waterfalls can make rocky pathways wet.
- Swimming is not permitted in the gorge and only in the swimming pool.
- Accessible facilities include the gift shop, restrooms, swimming area, and most pavilions.
- Pets are not allowed in buildings, playgrounds, the pool area, or on the Gorge Trail, though they are permitted on the Indian Trail and South Rim Trail and in some camping loops. A certificate of rabies vaccination is required.
- Do not bring firewood from more than 50 miles away from the park
Watkins Glen State Park
Iconic Finger Lakes park with 19 waterfalls and dramatic gorges.
Located in the Fingers Lake region, this scenic park packs a lot of natural beauty in a small area, including 19 waterfalls, towering cliffs, and gorges. Several hiking trails take you alongside, over, under, and through gorges and behind several waterfalls. Facilities include an Olympic-size swimming pool, picnic tables and pavilions, playgrounds, sports fields, gift shops, food concessions, and a shuttle. Anglers can cast their line in nearby Seneca Lake or Catherine Creek, known for an annual spring run of rainbow trout. More than 300 campsites, suitable for RVs, trailers, and tents and 10 camping cabins, offer plenty of options for staying overnight.
Located in the Fingers Lake region, this scenic park packs a lot of natural beauty in a small area, including 19 waterfalls, towering cliffs, and gorges. Several hiking trails take you alongside, over, under, and through gorges and behind several waterfalls. Facilities include an Olympic-size swimming pool, picnic tables and pavilions, playgrounds, sports fields, gift shops, food concessions, and a shuttle. Anglers can cast their line in nearby Seneca Lake or Catherine Creek, known for an annual spring run of rainbow trout. More than 300 campsites, suitable for RVs, trailers, and tents and 10 camping cabins, offer plenty of options for staying overnight.
Activities in the park
7 campgrounds in Watkins Glen State Park
Come excited, leave spellbound. Visit Mohawk Village Campground in Watkins Glen State Park to see indescribable natural wonders like cascading waterfalls and dense greenery. With RV and tent accessible sites, there’s room for everyone to choose their own adventure. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on hiking around the Gorge Trail! You won’t forget Read more...
Mysteries of nature await you at Oneida Village Campground in Watkins Glen State Park. Under the shade of greenery, you’ll discover all the park has to offer. View the waterfalls, hike the trails, or take a swim, the choice is yours! With tent and RV accessible sites, its easy for everyone to jump in for a weekend of enchantment. Read more...
Does cascading waterfalls, greenery for miles, and full-amenity camping sounds too good to be true? Guess what, it isn’t! At Tuscarora Campground in Watkins Glen State Park, you’ll have access to all of this and more. Hike one day, swim the next, all while enjoying the peace and quiet in your tent or RV. Tuscarora Campsite makes it easy, so go hav Read more...
Experience age-old wonders of the Earth. . . in New York State! At Cayuga Village Campground in Watkins Glen State Park, you will have access to the astonishing beauty of the cascading Gorge waterfalls, with the ease of full amenities at your fingertips. You’re in luck if primitive camping isn’t your thing. At Cayuga Village, there’s access to wat Read more...
Combine a stay in quaint rustic lodgings with an already-amazing visit to Watkins Glen State Park to make a memorable family or romantic trip. Watkins Glen Cabins accommodate up to six people within close proximity of the park’s sparkling waterfalls, notable rainbow trout fishing and trails over stunning Cavern Cascade. Make a special occasion tru Read more...
Oh My Gorge! At Onondaga Campground in Watkins Glen State Park, you will be delighted to find easy access to the Gorge Trail. Its simple, pitch your tent or pull up your RV and voila! Get to exploring the dense vegetation and lush waterfalls. With the best amenities like restrooms, showers, water spigots, and trash disposals, planning your weekend Read more...
Wander through the dense, green, tree-covered pathways after you pitch your tent at Seneca Village Campground in Watkins Glen State Park. To put it mildly, the beauty of the waterfalls and gorges you’ll witness will leave you completely speechless. If these panoramas won’t do it for you, frankly, you might need to get your eyes checked (wink). Read more...
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
Notable Campgrounds
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
Mid June to August are the busiest times at the park, especially on weekends. Time your visit for early in the day before the parking lots fill up or go during the week. Entrance fees are collected from mid May to mid October. Spring is the best time to see the waterfalls at peak flow. The campground is open from late May to early October, while the pool is open from the end of June to Labor Day. The Gorge Trail is only open from early spring to late fall, with the shuttle running over the same period. Early to mid-October is the best time to see the fall colors. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities in winter.
Know Before You Go
Public campgrounds (book externally) —