The best camping near Cayuga Lake State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Cayuga Lake adventure.

83% (6 reviews)

A small park with expansive views of, and easy access to, Cayuga Lake.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Cayuga Lake State Park

Book externally

Public campgrounds in the park
Book externally

Stay at a public campground in Cayuga Lake State Park

83%

(6)

Cayuga Lake State Park Campground

279 sites · RVs, Tents In Cayuga Lake State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Cayuga Lake State Park

93%

(22)

Crazy Goats Farm Camp

3 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Hall, NY

The property is 5 miles west from downtown Geneva, and 10 miles east from Canandaigua. Sits on 6.8 acres, right on the country side, but very close to everything. We have a small hobby farm with some very cute and friendly goats, chickens, ducks and a mini pig. We also run an outdoor grill Friday & Saturday. We have some picnic tables, hammocks and a fire pit for our guests. We offer breakfast. We are proud of our cooking, hard-work and hospitality.

96%

(52)

Yost Ridge in the Finger Lakes

2 sites · RVs1 acre · Waterloo, NY

This peaceful, private RV camp site has ... - FULL HOOKUP site, with 110, 30 amp and 50 amp electrical outlets - WIFI - POTABLE WELL WATER (65psi) - SEPTIC TANK, - LARGE DRIVEWAY ENTRANCE - LEVEL PARKING 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. This is a perfect place for fishing, kayaking, bicycling, kite flying, hiking, wine trailing or relaxing at the well-maintained fire pit in the Adirondack chairs. (Local firewood is for sale in the area.) Sunrise and sunset are spectacular here and stargazers will be delighted with the expansive views. Amish carriages and work horses are common sites. 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, 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 just a few minutes of this site.

97%

(177)

Minglewood Camp

2 sites · Lodging90 acres · Trumansburg, NY

Both my husband Ben, and I are natives to the Fingerlakes region. We are nature lovers and enjoy , (Love) camping. When this property became available to us we couldn't help visualize our dream camp spot. We decided to make a go for it. The frontage of the property is a small mobile home park which truly reminded us of a quaint camp community we had just visited in Canada. After exploring the 90 acres of hardwood forest beyond the park we realized an eco friendly camp ground was exactly what the property needed. Ben sourced only local wood for the cabin and used all natural building materials. No plastic anywhere! our hope is that people who need a break from the hustle of daily life can visit Minglewwood and enjoy some serenity.Our sweet little cabin is about a quarter mile into the forest. You will have total privacy. The cabin sits beside a little creek which runs till late summer depending on rain. There is 90 acres of beautiful forest to explore. The stunning Finger lakes are only a short drive as well as the impressive Gorges that surround the area. You will find no shortage of natural beauty when you visit Minglewood camp.

99%

(319)

Waterfall Creek

6 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Millport, NY

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

98%

(68)

Cool Wooded Retreat

1 site · RV5 acres · Geneva, NY

We enjoy using private hipcamps when we travel so we decided to offer our full rv hookup for other rvers.Learn more about this land:This is a full RV hookup in a small grove of trees ,while there's not a whole lot to do on this property, its a great place to stop for the night or a place to park your RV while visiting the surrounding area. Enjoy your stay at our little wooded retreat in the country! There are great hiking/biking trails within 10 min, such as Outlet trails in Penn Yan, Grimes Glen in Naples.

81%

(21)

Shimmers camp

11 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Lyons, NY

It was built in the 1800’s and I bought it in 1996. It had no running water, electric, it just had a shell with walls. It had cloth wiring with two fuses well I made it into my cozy little farm. almost all self-contained getting windmill this summer. Learn more about this land: If you like to rough it + enjoy a primitive camping experience when you camp, this is the place! My family property is a 5 acre, small hobby farm that we love and want to share with you. If you have a solar power source for your camping activities great, you'll have plenty of sun to soak up here! Find here all your camping needs and wants--Camp fires, hiking, good times, and just hanging out! We are so excited to have you come out and stay with us! Also have outhouse, Inside flushing toilet, and have showers with hot and cold water

Booked 1 time

Finger Lakes Wine Country

2 sites · RVs, TentsLyons, NY

Private and partially wooded, Finger Lakes wine country.Learn more about this land:Privacy and roughing it in partially wooded farm land. 20 minutes from Sodus Point Beach/Lake Ontario and Seneca Lake, Finger Lakes wine country. Lyons Peppermint Days festival in July.

100%

(12)

Hidden gem lake

2 sites · RVs, Tents500 acres · Waterloo , NY

We have added a large porta potty for the 2024 season The campsite is situated privately on a working farm that has been in the family for 220 years. Me and my two young kids and grandmother live at the farm . We raise pastured angus beef, grain, hay and vegetables. Campers are welcome to walk the trails around the fields and woods and visit the animals. We can also provide campers with fresh beef and sometimes eggs.Learn more about this land: Enjoy peace, nature, and agriculture while overlooking your own private lake. 500 contiguous acres to explore on this working farm that has been in the family since 1797. We are a small family farm that has a hidden lake and 100 year old orchard at which camping provides privacy and freedom while still being a short walk or drive to amenities. Someone will always be at the main house about 3/4 of a mile away for any of your needs. Campers can park at the farm and take a small SUV to the camping area or can drive your own vehicle or camper if preferred. We are just a mile north of Seneca lake providing easy access to Geneva and the many wine trails. this is basic camping area with no hookups but an electric generator is available. There is a dock, fishing, picnic table and deck, and fire pit, you will have the entire area to yourself and can set up camp whenever you would like . For 2024 we have added a large porta potty

100%

(100)

Sunswick Farm

2 sites · Lodging, Tents120 acres · Moravia, NY

Welcome to our land. Brooks Mullahy manages Sunswick Farm’s apiary, which includes 20 bee yards and over 200 hives. A bee yard is a collection of anywhere from 4 to 21 hives in one place, and our yards are located at the farm and on private properties throughout Cayuga, Cortland, and Onondaga Counties. We are busy with our bees and at the same time want to share the wonders of our farm with folks so we are very fortunate to have our neighbors Debbie Kahl and Tracy Yardley manage the HipCamp bookings on our behalf. Debbie lives very close and will be your contact person. She will be happy to answer your questions and will meet you when you arrive and introduce you to the your camping site. Tracy will also be available to help in any way she can. It is our pleasure to host campers here. We hope you enjoy this piece of land as much as we do.

100%

(456)

Pooh’s Corner

9 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Watkins Glen, NY

WELCOME to Pooh's Corner- 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.

100%

(6)

The Refuge at Checkered Egg Acres

4 sites · Tents60 acres · Geneva, NY

Our historic cobblestone home is surrounded by a 35-acre farm, which connects to another 25 acres of lush woods. The woods have a convenient path, “paved” with recycled wood chips, and campsite (1) is located here. Our mini donkey, “Quatro” greets most guests as he announces himself and introduces his three sheep friends, all who guard an historic cemetery on site. Nearby is a small pond, with two campsites nearby (2) and (3). One corner of the property features protected (albeit rustic) wetlands, and one tent site is present there (4). We will provide a picnic table and small, covered fire pit on each site, as well as a five-gallon jug of water with a hand pump, for drinking, hand-washing, etc. Unfortunately, we do not have bathrooms on site at this time, but that will hopefully change very soon. Stay tuned! Our property is just a hobby farm, and our driveway is often featuring a project camper, or some other light construction project. Our home is a work in progress so we ask guests to understand that the property nearest our house may not be picturesque from all angles, due to frequent renovations. Rest assured, the farmland and woods will provide all the peace and invigoration you’d ever seek. All areas in the map photo marked with the peach lines are driveable by car, and can be walked, if preferred. We have two friendly Pomeranians, who will be on leash if not inside or in their fenced yard. They will likely greet you with their best and most annoying yaps, but you should not hear them aside from initially meeting them, if you do. Our neighbors are just across the street so we ask that you be respectful of their relative proximity. We live less than three miles from downtown Geneva (although you’re surely in the country here!) and less than four miles from the Finger Lakes Welcome Center, on Seneca Lake. Our region is absolutely brimming with wineries, breweries, restaurants, great shopping and more. For easy family- and pet-friendly hiking, Ontario Pathways (a 26-mile trail along an old railroad bed) is just a short drive away, open year-round, and is free to the public.

100%

(6)

A-Frame In The Woods

1 site · Lodging12 acres · Dundee, NY

Welcome to your serene primitive campsite, perfect for a family getaway and nestled right on the Finger Lakes wine trail. Enjoy the tranquility of this off-grid experience with a view of Seneca Lake from the hill. Key Features: -Primitive Camping Experience: Embrace the simplicity of off-grid living with no running water, detached outhouse for your convenience, and no electric amenities. This is a true escape into nature. -Cozy A-Frame Shelter: Find comfort in the contained A-frame shelter, featuring a queen-size loft mattress and a pullout couch. Bring your own bedding to make your stay even more comfortable. -Wood Stove and Campfire: Warm up inside by the wood stove or gather around a cozy campfire outside. It's the perfect way to create lasting memories with your loved ones. -Scenic Surroundings: Take in the beauty of the Finger Lakes wine trail and the stunning view of Seneca Lake from the hill. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the peaceful surroundings and the opportunity to reconnect with the outdoors. -4-wheel drive vehicle recommended if you want to drive straight to the A-frame. There is the option to park in the parking lot by the road and walk a couple hundred yards across the field to the A-frame. This primitive campsite invites you to step away from the hustle and bustle, allowing you to unwind, bond with family, and savor the simplicity of nature. Bring your own camping supplies, cooking materials, and a sense of adventure for an unforgettable off-grid camping experience.

The best camping near Cayuga Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

The highlight of this 188-acre park is its view of Cayuga Lake, the longest of the Finger Lakes. Drive the 87-mile scenic byway loop or boat or paddle along the 40-mile long lake. Located at the top of a gently rolling hill above the lake, the campground offers more than 250 campsites, 14 cabins, and a cottage, making it easy for campers to take advantage of the park’s many attractions, including a swim beach, boat launch, nature trails, playground, playing fields, picnic tables and pavilions. The lake is a great spot for fishing, including ice fishing in winter, when cross-country skiing is also popular.

Notable campgrounds

Best for RVs and lake access: The East Camp of the Cayuga Lake State Park Campground offers electric hookups and is the closest to the lake.
Best for families: The Carp loop in the West Camp is located closest to the playground.
Best for comfort: The cottage offers space for eight and includes a full kitchen, bathroom with hot shower, heat, and an enclosed porch.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You must have a reservation to camp. Book a site as soon as you know your dates. Reservations can be made up to nine months in advance.
If you’re planning to camp between mid May and Columbus Day, reservations can be made the same day up to 3pm.
Campsites may be reserved for one night only, while cabins and the cottage require a two-night minimum in the off-season, and a week or longer during the peak season.

When to go

The park is open year-round but the campground is only open from late April to October. Vehicle entrance fees are collected from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The beach is open from the end of June through Labor Day. Peak season generally runs from late June to the last Sunday before Labor Day, and will see the largest crowds, along with longer minimum stays for cabins and the cottage. Winter activities like ice fishing and cross-country skiing are weather dependent, so check the weather before finalizing plans.

Know before you go

Lifeguards are only on duty during peak season.
Fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 and older.
Highway noise can be an issue at the campground.
Accessible facilities include the cottage, pavilions, restrooms and showers, boat launches, and swimming beach.
Pets are not allowed in buildings, cabins, playgrounds, or guarded beaches. Pets are permitted in some camping loops. Mandatory certificate of rabies is required.
Small-game hunting is permitted from a boat in late season only, with appropriate licenses.
Do not bring firewood from more than 50 miles away from the park.