The best camping in Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area, NY

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Discover the scenic trails and winter sports at Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area.  

The best camping near Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area, NY

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A-Frame In The Woods

1. A-Frame In The Woods

98%
(25)
31mi from Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area · 1 site · Lodging · Dundee, NY
Welcome to your serene primitive campsite, perfect for a 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. Bring your own bedding. -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.
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$99
 / night
The sweetest horses ever

2. Waterfall Creek

99%
(473)
43mi from Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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
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$59
 / night
Autumn is best at our place!

3. Towner's Country Paradise

100%
(280)
42mi from Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging · Addison, NY
Towner's Country Paradise started out as a wild forest and pasture for cows in the 1940's, owned by Llewellyn Towner. In the 1960s, Llewellyn's love for aviation led him to construct a small airstrip and hangar, and then his son Terry began to plant Christmas Trees (no more cows) and clear much of the land. By the early 1970's our main and largest pond was built and since that time our fully functional cabin, several more fish ponds, roads, trails, running water and generated electricity have been added. Christmas Trees are still grown and harvested by Terry's son Scott Towner. Green rolling hills, deep valleys, a waterfall, ponds stocked with fish, a fully functional cabin, herds of deer, flocks of turkey and Canada Geese, & well-maintained roads and trails here in Addison NY. It's so private that even most of the people who live in our small town don't know we're here! CHECK OUR REVIEWS!OPTION to camp/hike in the woods for a more wild experience. NEARBY: restaurants including Chinese, Subway, pizza/wings, & several excellent diners offering take out or eat-in. ALSO: Dollar General, Wal-Mart (15 min away), Dunkin Donuts (5 min away), & gas stations.Your jaw will *drop* when you see Towner's Country Paradise for the first time!
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$36
 / night
Apple Creek Farm

4. Apple Creek Farm

46mi from Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging · Painted Post, NY
These are beautiful wooded camping country sites with plant and wild life located just 10 miles from downtown Corning, New York. There is one rustic cabin available for rent, along with a teepee site, and 2 tent sites. We are between the Finger Lakes and the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, just 1 mile off highway 99/15. Sites are located less than a 400 yard hike from the parking area, each site having both a picnic table and fire ring. There is an outhouse located within 250 yards from all sites. There is river access one mile from camp. Campers that require help getting to a site, can be driven up the hill via side by side. Every site is connected to state land with over 2,700 acres worth of hiking trails. We have a number of mountain bikes, kayaks, canoes, snow shoes, tents, sleeping bags/mats, etc. available for rent on site. In addition, if guests are interested in classes on site, I am a wilderness and survival expert willing to offer assistance as a guide through the trails, on the river, with setting up camp, etc. Some of my survival classes include fire making, shelter building, edible food foraging, self defense training, and fishing and hunting.
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from 
$20
 / night
Overgrown Ridge Camp By Letchworth

5. Overgrown Ridge Camp By Letchworth

98%
(21)
26mi from Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area · 1 site · Lodging · Perry, NY
Whether you're in the area to explore the grandeur of Letchworth State Park or on your way to view Niagara Falls or just want a quiet place to get away and relax, we have prepared a small retreat for you on our 12-acre property. Overgrown Ridge Camp is a haven for songbirds, wildflowers, and busy humans who want some quiet. Nestled in the rolling farmland hills of Wyoming County. We're just a 10 minute drive to Letchworth State Park and directly on your route to Niagara Falls depending on where you are coming from. Other attractions in the area: Charcoal Corral is your one stop spot for a delicious meal, ice cream, mini-golfing, and family entertainment. They are closed from mid fall till early spring. The "Lumberyard Resturant" is a great local restaurant! Towns of Perry and Warsaw are both within 10 minutes for all your coffee and ice cream shop, restaurant, gas station, and grocery needs. You'll park in the designated parking area and then there's a short walk back to the campsite. We provide a wagon to transport your luggage.
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$53
 / night
Mission Hemlock Grove

6. Mission Hemlock Grove

92%
(243)
6.5mi from Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Conesus, NY
Welcome, Mission Conesus, originally built by Franciscan Catholics. These lands were likely chosen for many reasons. Suffice it to say there is something special here. Come discover for yourself. Lose yourself here, or maybe find yourself, among the Hemlocks. First, a bit about the terrain. There is much in the way of forest, very mature, and a broad array of plant species. Elevation differences are vast, land to the west is uphill for quite a ways, and downhill to the east, to Hemlock lake below, so the world here can feel a bit tilted. We adjoin 150 acres of nature conservancy lands that nobody seems to know about. These lands are for respectful public daytime use. We also adjoin 6600 acres of NY state forest which is public property. Exploring all that is here would take a very long time! Want to get away? Welcome to our little slice of heaven. See the provided map for site locations. Site 1 is open field and is near the pavilion, sites 2 and 3 are along the woods, and site 4 is the most private and tucked into the woods. We looking forward to hosting you, at the mission.
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$26
 / night
This photo is of our campsite, the swimming hole, the horses, and the property as a whole. It honestly speaks for itself imho.

8. Tempest Ranch camp

98%
(262)
36mi from Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area · 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
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$40
 / night
Yost Ridge in the Finger Lakes

10. Yost Ridge in the Finger Lakes

97%
(121)
36mi from Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area · 2 sites · RVs · Waterloo, NY
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.
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$18
 / night
Revive Your Spirit at Lagom Langing

11. Revive Your Spirit at Lagom Langing

100%
(9)
8.8mi from Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging · Dansville, NY
Get away from it all on 60 acres of quiet space! You have two options--bring your own tent and camping gear and rough it, or stay in our hand-built cabin with all you need for a couple of nights of pure R&R! Experience zero light pollution at this off the grid cabin or in one of our camping spots. Although the cabin is not hooked up to electric or water, it is equipped with kitchen cabinets, pots and pans and dishes and silverware, drinking and cleaning/cooking water, a pullout bed with sheets and blankets (2 people), a couch that becomes a futon, one more couch and a blowup air mattrees, a dining room table and four chairs, a porch glider, an outhouse, a camp stove, books, a few rechargeable lights (but good to bring your own), kindling and firewood, and is insulated with a stove for winter stays. A fire pit and benches await your nighttime enjoyment of the solitude and stars. We encourage you to walk and experience a true "backwoods" experience, but we will drive you down in our Utility Vehicle if needed. A ping pong table is available in the barn/workshop if people would like to play. We also have pollinator and vegetable gardens and chickens, and we produce maple syrup in the spring. If guests are interested in workshops on carpentry, food preservation, foraging, gardening, bread baking, and kombucha-brewing, they should let us know a WEEK in ADVANCE. We also offer spiritual direction and Enneagram exploration/typing conversations. This experience can be as solitary as a guest would like, or guests can also experience the gift of connecting with others in community.
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$30
 / night
Finger Lakes Hideaway

16. Finger Lakes Hideaway

100%
(2)
7.7mi from Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area · 1 site · Tent, RV · Dansville, NY
Nestled in the rolling fields of Amish country between Dansville and Conesus, NY, this 5-acre private property offers the perfect escape from city life. Whether you’re a couple seeking alone time, a family craving quiet campfire nights, or a solo traveler reconnecting with nature, this retreat blends privacy, comfort, and adventure. Bring your self-contained RV or travel trailer and enjoy open spaces, mature trees, and serene surroundings. Gather around the large fire pit for storytelling and s’mores, or cozy up under the pavilion with its charming cobblestone fireplace. Electric hookups are available for your convenience—but the true luxury here is peace and quiet. Beyond your campsite, Livingston County offers endless opportunities for exploration and recreation: • Letchworth State Park – waterfalls, hiking trails, and wildlife • Stony Brook State Park – gorge trails and picnic areas • Conesus Lake & the Finger Lakes – boating, fishing, and wineries • Seasonal festivals, farmers’ markets, and small-town charm Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway, a longer stay, or a seasonal retreat, this property provides a private home base away from crowded RV parks. Discounts are available for repeat or extended visits. Your host is flexible—send a message with any questions or special requests. 📩 Reach out to reserve your spot and experience a peaceful slice of upstate New York, where nature, recreation, and relaxation meet.
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$25
 / night
Sunset is beautiful!

17. Apple Cove Farm

96%
(62)
33mi from Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Gainesville, NY
Bought this place 13 yrs ago it was nothing but bare land. I've cleared out an area to camp, play, and enjoy the world. Find this as a good chance to share the outdoors with new ppl. Every year we host a Tree fundraiser called "May We Begin" where we replant as many trees with tree shields as we can raise funds for. Learn more about this land: The feeling of peace is about 1 mile off the road. Pulling into Apple Cove you'll see we've cleared areas for tents and small van style RVs. There is an individual fire pit for each camper, a small rock bottom creek runs through the 15 acres for a nice, relaxing view of the woods. The kids and I set up a swing set, and a spot by the creek to play and splash. Now, New York is a 420 friendly state. Enjoy yourself but please be respectful of others Minutes away from: Letchworth State Park, Silver Lake, Genesee River, Geneseo, Silver Springs MX track, Mt. Morris Dam, Walmart, Tim Hortons, Escoy Creek, Wiscoy falls, Stony Brook Creek, Silver Lake Drive Inn, With in an hour from: Buffalo, Batavia, Corning, Chautauqua, Lake, Rochester, Olean, Hamburg, Jamestown, Franklinville, Ellicottville, Niagara Falls Tonawanda, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, Case Lake, Finger lakes, Rushford lake, Watkins Glenn, Three different casinos, Bills Stadium, Sabers Rink, Bison's and Batavia baseball Statium Recycling is encouraged, camping is at your own risk and discretion for spot location. Military members showing id at check in receive $5 cash back or free small bundle of wood. Thanks for your service!
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$29
 / night
Camp Whitman on Seneca Lake

18. Camp Whitman on Seneca Lake

100%
(122)
31mi from Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area · 16 sites · Lodging · Penn Yan, NY
Camp Whitman on Seneca Lake is a residential summer camp operated by the Presbytery of Geneva in partnership with the Presbytery of Genesee Valley. The camp has been in operation since 1954. Prior to that the land was a working farm. The property hosts a summer camp each summer, but the cottages and cabins are available for group and family rentals outside of this timeframe. The property is marked by Seneca Lake on its eastern boundary, Punnett's Pond on its western boundary and streams and ravines on its north and south boundaries. The property additionally features a swimming pool, hiking trails, a small organic garden and optional activities like archery, boating and more for guests at certain points in the season.
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$50
 / night
Pooh’s Corner

20. Pooh’s Corner

100%
(707)
38mi from Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Watkins Glen, NY
WELCOME to Pooh's Corner- Thank you Hipcamp and all of the beautiful people whom we've had the pleasure of hosting in 2025. Sadly, we must relent to the colder temperatures of NY State and will be closed until mid-April when the Earth tilts back towards the Sun :) IF you'd like to guarantee a spot at Pooh's Corner, you can still book for 2026. See you all in the Spring! 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.
Pets
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from 
$23
 / night

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The best camping in Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area, NY guide

Overview

About

Embark on an adventure at Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area, where the thrill of the outdoors beckons. With over 22 miles of multi-use trails, this Finger Lakes gem is a haven for hiking, biking, and winter sports enthusiasts. As snow blankets the landscape, the park transforms into a prime destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, offering a picturesque escape amid dense woodlands and elevated terrain.

When to go

The best times to visit Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area are during the snow-rich winter months for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and the vibrant summer season for hiking and biking. The park's gates are open from May 1 to late October, weather permitting, making these periods ideal for exploration. Avoid late fall and early spring when the park's amenities may be less accessible due to seasonal closures.

Know before you go

  • Check the weather before your visit, as conditions can influence trail accessibility and safety.
  • Remember that pets are welcome in day use areas, but must be leashed and supervised.
  • For hunting enthusiasts, be aware of designated areas and seasons, and ensure you have the necessary permits.
  • Organized events require prior approval and a special use permit, so plan accordingly.
  • Facilities are limited, so come prepared with essentials as there is no electric or running water available.
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