Cabin camping near Almond, New York offers access to the western Finger Lakes region at elevations between 1,200 and 2,100 feet. The area experiences distinct seasonal variations with warm summers reaching 80°F and winters dropping to below freezing. Fall camping provides optimal conditions when hardwood forests display vibrant colors and daytime temperatures moderate to 50-70°F with cooler evenings.
What to do
Gorge hiking year-round: At Stony Brook State Park Campground, trails accommodate various experience levels with waterfalls as the main attraction. A visitor notes, "The hike through the gorge to see all the waterfalls is stunning and can't be passed up. The actual campsite set up is always what gets me, because I prefer to be secluded and remote."
Swimming in natural settings: The swimming areas provide a refreshing alternative to traditional pools. "This park is beautiful and has a unique swimming area- a 'pool' carved from the mountain! There are lots of paths and picnic areas, as well as beautiful hiking trails and creeks to cool off in," explains a Stony Brook camper.
Paddle sports on Almond Lake: Kanakadea Park offers non-motorized boating opportunities on the tranquil waters. "We stopped for 2 nights and felt so comfortable we added another 2 nights. Nice lake for kayaking and fishing. The finger lakes trail runs through the campground," reports one visitor.
Mountain biking accessible trails: Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill connects directly to a trail network suitable for various skill levels. One reviewer mentioned, "Lots of trails at the park for hikers, mountain bikers and trail runners. Follow the Finger Lakes Trail all the way into town."
What campers like
Private campsite layouts: The Ridge Campsite receives praise for spacious arrangements. "Sites are very big and clean has plenty to do with multiple fishing ponds, swimming pool and playgrounds. They have a nice little store for necessities and a snack shop," explains a satisfied camper.
Clean facilities: Consistent maintenance stands out at Watkins Glen State Park Campground. "Friendly staff, good patrols at night to keep people from being too noisy, tent sites are nice and shaded. Some of the shower houses are better than others," notes one reviewer.
Variety of accommodation options: Yurt camping near Almond, New York has expanded with Jellystone Park of Western New York adding premium options. A camper explains, "They added a new section of premium sites (pull-thru and back-in), they added a beach to their pond and allow swimming."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Camping near Almond provides frequent wildlife encounters. A visitor to Ontario County Park stated, "Deer, chipmunks and rabbits will say hi in the early and late hours," highlighting the natural setting that attracts various species.
What you should know
Seasonal variations affect site conditions: Weather impacts campsite quality differently across seasons. At Stony Brook, one camper reported, "Most of the camp areas washed out from rain with water running through them," suggesting late summer or early fall may provide more stable ground conditions.
Reservation requirements vary: Peak season demands early booking, particularly for yurt rentals near Almond, New York. "Book early. Bring your hiking shoes & camera," advises a Letchworth State Park Campground visitor.
Campground noise levels differ: Some locations maintain quiet hours more effectively than others. A Watkins Glen visitor noted, "Friendly staff, good patrols at night to keep people from being too noisy," indicating better enforcement compared to other locations.
Water access limitations: Not all campgrounds offer equal water access. A Kanakadea Park - Almond Lake reviewer mentioned, "Electric only, so be prepared to transport water from available spigots," highlighting the need to plan accordingly.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Camp Bell Campground provides entertainment beyond natural features. A visitor shares, "Kids enjoyed the the big playground and mini arcade. Has a large pool for swimming and fun activities."
Educational opportunities: Natural clay deposits offer unique activities. A Stony Brook camper recounted, "There is natural clay which my children used to make clay pots which air dried on the grass by our playground. We picked blueberries off a bush near our campsite to have with our breakfast every morning."
Swimming alternatives: When weather doesn't cooperate, having backup plans helps. "They have a swimming pool and playground. Only downside is that the RV sites don't have much shade but the tent sites do," notes an Ontario County Park visitor.
Safety considerations: Trail difficulty varies significantly between parks. A Watkins Glen reviewer advised, "I would describe the hikes as moderately difficult. The main one has a lot of steps but lots of walkway in between them so it's not just up up up more steps."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at some locations. An Ontario County Park camper warned, "Also make sure to bring plenty of leveling blocks as some sites are far from level."
Campground navigation: Watkins Glen State Park Campground requires careful maneuvering for larger rigs. "The sites are quite wooded with plenty of space in between. We stayed in a 30 ft. motorhome, and the roads within the campground were kind of tight to get through with trees and curves," explains one RVer.
Hookup availability: Electric-only sites predominate at certain locations. A Kanakadea Park reviewer notes, "Electric only, so be prepared to transport water from available spigots. Lots of things to do from paddling and fishing to hiking trails or learning about the dam."
Seasonal access limitations: Winter camping options near Almond are limited. The majority of campgrounds, including those with yurt accommodations near Almond, New York, operate from May through mid-October, with specific opening and closing dates varying by location.
