Camping in Watkins Glen State Park

93% (32 reviews)

Top camping in Watkins Glen State Park

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
93% (32 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Watkins Glen State Park adventure.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Watkins Glen State Park

99%
(418)

Waterfall Creek

8 sites · Lodging, 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
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$59
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100%
(621)

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.
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$22.50
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98%
(243)

Tempest Ranch camp

12 sites · Lodging40 acres · 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
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100%
(254)

Towner's Country Paradise

4 sites · Lodging, Tents500 acres · 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
100%
(430)

Underhill Forest and Farm

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents36 acres · Dryden, NY
Underhill Inn is a small homestead located in the Finger Lakes region tucked in the rolling hills near Dryden Lake. We have a small garden, a flock of sheep and chickens, hives of honeybees and countless wild foraging on our 36 acres of pasture and hiking trails.   Take a walk down to Brockendock pond and cruise across the water in a canoe or paddleboat to find peepers, heron, toads and turtles. Drop a line in the water to catch trout, bass and sunnies. The chicken coop is always bustling and there are plenty of eggs to harvest each day. A morning hike on the trails usually kicks up the deer and wild turkeys and at night the barn owl will sing for you if you listen close. Adults and children are welcome to pet and feed the animals on the farm. There are farm tours available where you can learn more about our mushroom garden, composting techniques, blueberries, felting, and more. 
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$37.80
 / night
99%
(155)

Ithaca Artsy Bunkie

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Ithaca, NY
Stay in our cozy cabin located on a quiet dead end street with tons of bird life and acres of nature to enjoy. Walking trails are right out the back gate! There's also a frog pond and campfire areas to enjoy. Marshmallows and roasting sticks available. Were 2 miles to the center of Ithaca where their is plenty to do including using the new bike share program and waterfront trails. Come hungry, Ithaca has more restaurants per capita than either NYC or LA.!! WE ARE BOTH PRO CANADA AND LGBTQ supportive :) Were also just 12 min across town to Cornell University and Ithaca College and 5-20 minutes from numerous amazing waterfalls. The available half bathroom is in the main house, just seconds from the cabin and is open to use 24 hrs. there is Not a shower in it, but you can wash up with hot water and soap, hand towels available as needed. if your staying multiple nights and would like to use the shower just let us know and well work out a time. The bunkhouse has 2 twin mattresses in the loft, and several blankets & pillows, but you need to BRING YOUR OWN SHEETS and pillow CASES as you wish. There is good A/C! Firewood is $5 per fire, starters materials included, marshmallows are in the end table drawer! You can select the campfire wood option here or pay in cash in the cabin. Bring your own fire wood and pay nothing. If you need any help starting a fire, we can do that. We have a sweet fluffy orange cat who roams the property. His name is kitty kitty :) He's fearful of dogs, and is wary of visitors since they might be harboring one! If you have a pup with you, please keep them leashed at least around the main house and cabin. We are also have a very sweet dog, Beya-- ( Bay-yuh). She is the nicest person you'd hope to meet. She may bark a little the first time you come in to use the bathroom but she's just letting us know you have arrived- and will be very happy to have you greet her. She doesn't jump up, growl, or have any negative behavior with people . ** We have also have for sale our 100 Things To Do In Ithaca Before You Die-- book, let us know and we can have one ready.
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$59
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99%
(79)

Camp Earth Connection

26 sites · Lodging, Tents62 acres · Freeville, NY
Camp Earth Connection is located in the town of Dryden, NY just 12 miles from Ithaca, NY. Camp Earth Connection offers a relaxing stay with a variety of camping options including Log Cabins, Rustic Cabins and Tent-Sites. Camp Earth Connection is an alcohol and drug free facility, offering guests the opportunity to connect with nature and each other in a serene and beautiful natural setting. The Hammond Hill trail system, which offers hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing connects to the 950 mileFinger Lakes Trail system. Wildlife is abundant in the area. It is common to hear the Coyotes and Owls throughout the day. In addition,Mink, Fishers, Bald Eagles, Turkey Buzzards, Porcupines, Raccoons, Skunks, Wild Turkeys, Ravens, Grouse, Red and Grey Fox and an occasional Black Bear are some of the inhabitants of the local forest. Guests can choose to have some peaceful alone time or be more engaged in our small community during scheduled community campfires, campfire pancake breakfasts or workshops. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Camp Earth Connection offers a Community Saturday Morning Campfire Pancake Breakfast. Camp Earth Connection values Diversity, Acceptance and Community. It is more than just a campground, it is an experience that can be life-changing. Guests enjoy making meaningful connections with hosts, guests, family and friends. In addition they experience the beauty and healing that is provided by this sacred natural environment. Camp Earth Connection is open to everyone and provides an accepting and safe space for folks who can't always count on that, including the the LGBTQ +, BIPOC and Recovery communities as well as other culturally diverse individuals, families and groups.
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$40.50
 / night
100%
(12)

Tryals Park Camp & Obstacle Course

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Locke, NY
About the Property: Our unique property boasts quiet camping on a beautifully manicured MotoTrials Riding and Obstacle Play Course. 2025 marks our first year offering camping to the public, and we look forward to HipCampers joining us in our unique venue. All 4 camping sites are nestled into the Obstacle course. Trials riders and non-Trials Riders alike will find much to enjoy here. Campers unfamiliar with Trial are welcome to take advantage of a Lesson on one of our Rental Bikes, while the Obstacle Course is also super-fun on foot (for walks or runs), mountain bike, trials bicycle, or for playing with your RC rock climber! We have night lighting to turn on at your request, even if just to sit in the evening and enjoy the lights reflecting off the pond-We surely do! We are located on NY 38 but our traffic is low (Log and Milk Trucks, Farm Tractors and Commuters). It is very peaceful here. Your camping can be as private, quiet and leisurely as you wish. The views and big sky are gorgeous in our corner of farm country. Our small pond provides entertainment w/ turtle sunbathing raft and lots of nature's visitors. (Canoe available) Pets are always welcome off-leash if you are comfortable. About the Trials Riding: We host 6 Mototrial events each season (see below) and if spectating appeals, you can plan your trip to coincide. You're in for a treat if you've never seen these nimble motorcycles do their 'thing'... up, over, and around the obstacles. Events are busy and exciting, but no worries (!) trials bikes are not loud and riders are friendly and considerate. If spectating is not your thing- no worries either. Non-event days are very laid back. On any given day if Trials riders come here (just to practice or instruction with Mike) it's not loud or invasive, nor interferes with any camper training or playing on the course. When riders are here (barring events), it is typically only 2-4 riders at a time. Multiple activities co-exist quite nicely here as there is plenty of room for all. There are many days no one is on the course at all (!) and you may have it all to yourself or possibly with another camper. Hope to see you in our slice of heaven! (Trial Event Days 2025: June 15, July 27, August 17, September 14, October 12, November 9)
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$21
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98%
(29)

Orchard and Gorge At South Hill

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Ithaca, NY
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
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$30
 / night

Other options near Watkins Glen State Park

Camping in Watkins Glen State Park guide

Overview

About

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.

Notable campgrounds

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. 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.
  2. If traveling between mid May and October, reservations can be made the same day until 3pm.
  3. 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
93%
32 ratings · 8 reviews
  1. Watkins Glen State Park