Aurora is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Discover great camping spots near Aurora, reviewed by campers like you.
Watkins Glen State Park is the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks, with a reputation for leaving visitors spellbound. Within two miles, the glen's stream descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs, generating 19 waterfalls along its course. The gorge path winds over and under waterfalls and through the spray of Cavern Cascade. Rim trails overlook the gorge. Camping near Watkins Glen allows you to enjoy the Olympic-size pool, scheduled summer tours through the gorge, tent and trailer campsites, picnic facilities and excellent fishing in nearby Seneca Lake or Catherine Creek, which is renowned for its annual spring run of rainbow trout.
$18 - $25 / night
$25 - $99 / night
Green Lakes State Park's outstanding features are its two glacial lakes surrounded by upland forest. Both Round and Green Lakes are meromictic lakes, which means that there is no fall and spring mixing of surface and bottom waters. Such lakes have a high potential for evidence of ancient plant and animal life. Another special feature of the park is an 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, where visitors can snowshoe in winter, and there are 10 miles of trails that cross-country skiers can use.
Geography: Green Lakes State Park is located just east of the city of Syracuse, in upstate New York.
Recreation: Considered a flagship facility, visitors can enjoy biking, boating, fishing, golf, hiking, picnicking, camping, and wintertime cross-country skiing.
Facilities: The park's facilities include a beach, rowboat rentals, cabins and campsites, food concessions, a golf course, trails, picnic tables and pavilions, a playground, showers, and dumping stations.
$18 - $36 / night
Finger Lakes Family Camping At Junius Ponds If you're looking for a peaceful campground setting with a family-friendly atmosphere, and tons of activities, then Junius Ponds Cabins & Campground is the perfect spot for you! Join us by pitching a tent, renting a cabin, or by parking your RV. We've got sites you will fall in love with after just one stay that will make you want to start a family tradition. Whether you are just passing through or planning a vacation with us you will not be disappointed with your stay. We simply offer the best camping experience you can have within the Finger Lakes location, complete with camping amenities and a broad selection of camping activities. There is something to do for everyone, check out our activities for our different weekend events.
$36 - $999 / night
Pulled back and punted bc of Storm Debbie. Lucked out with a find in the Finger Lakes. Nice campground. Has everything you need. Small sites but fine for our hybrid. Ours was shady. Check out which side the hookups are on. Some not situated on the right side so you’ll need extra long cords. Just beautiful area. Hiked here. Drove to Watkins Glen-hiked-absolutely breathtaking. That campground is much larger. Went to Buttermilk Falls too.
I love that despite there being so many sites, you don’t feel on top of each other in Seneca Village. It’s a state campground so don’t expect it to be anything close to dispersed camping. Trees separated me from my neighbors on either side, woods behind my tent, lots of quiet, no one blasted music or anything like that. I woke up to seeing trees above me and hearing birds. The bathroom was clean, with multiple ways to enter it without going near someone else’s site. The campground felt safe, and you are able to buy firewood (I didn’t due to quite a bit of rain). To get to the gorge trail, you have to walk over to the next site (Oswego I think) but it’s not too far. I would most likely stay at that loop next time though because it seemed to have even more space on each site. I didn’t see any bears and asked a few workers but only one had seen a bear the entire time they’ve been there. Definitely recommend this location. Lots of beautiful trails, red cat wine slushies were delicious, grounds were fun to explore and people were either friendly or kept to themselves which was great. Super dog friendly and I met many of them! Just a note, dogs are NOT allowed on the gorge trail.
After 6 years of 2 weeks visits
Pros: New owners have made improvements to be up to code and qualifications for KOA standards.
Cons: Still has environment of nosy, trashy seasonal campers who are always being rude or commenting on your gear/unit.
If you are looking for a quick flip bit same ole suspects, this is the place for you.
Tent camping here felt like we were camping in a neighborhood backyard. We could hear so many different families talking and really doing everything you do while camping but the area felt so open and unobstructed voices carried and in the evening when everyone was building campfires the smoke could be overwhelming at times.
Nice campground, sites are borderline close, and some are laid out funky. Bath houses get the job done, but nothing exciting.
5/5 Stars!
I recently stayed at Sned Acres Campground, and it was an incredible experience! The campground is beautifully maintained with stunning views of Cayuga Lake. The staff was friendly, welcoming, and went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed. The facilities were spotless, and the campsites were spacious and well-kept. Whether you’re RVing or tent camping, there’s plenty of space and privacy.
The location is perfect for exploring the Finger Lakes region, with wineries, hiking, and local attractions just a short drive away. The peaceful atmosphere and serene surroundings made for a relaxing getaway. I can’t recommend Sned Acres enough – we’ll definitely be back!
Yes, it’s true! You’ve hit the campground bathroom lottery here!
Let’s start off with the pros: bathrooms are great! Super modern and clean and hot, free showers! Very handicap accessible as well.
The whole campground is very well kept. Completely litter free and all the buildings and signs are modern and cool looking. Five stars all the way for the people running this place. They are doing an awesome job keeping it very fresh.
Maintenance/facilities: 5 stars
Camping sites:
I’ll start with the positive. It was a simple and easy, level site. And we had electric. So it was good.
The cons: There is zero privacy here. Virtually no trees or shrubs between sites and sites are close to each other. In the rolling meadow sites opt for the electric as the tent only sites are basically a sardine can of campers. I mean in one spot the tents were so close to each other I thought it was a group campsite but it was not. Like a group hostel room but with tents instead of bunks.
We were only here for 1 night passing through and it was great for that but I would not feel comfortable hanging outside at my site in quarters so close. Maybe I’m just weird because many people did. I can’t imagine spending any longer than 1-2 nights here. I would stay again but would check out other camp spots first. In our area 118 and 120 seemed to the best that backed up onto trees as opposed to just other sites.
Camping sites: 2 stars
Amenities: there’s a lot to do here. However I feel I must say you cannot reach the lakes from the rolling meadow campground without a car, bike or very long walk. You can see a bit of round lake through the trees but it really isn’t accessible. Expectations are the doom of any trip so just keep that in mind. You’re not going to bed with any sort of lake views or sounds near you. Also you can only swim at the beach which is pretty small and guarded by some pretty enthusiastic lifeguards taking the job pretty seriously. I guess you will appreciate it if you have little kids to me it was a turn off as I don’t prefer to feel like a fish in a bowl when I swim. But again this is just personal preference! Also there were a lot of rules at this tiny beach - more than I have seen at pretty much any other beach anywhere in the world. Mostly I assume the rules are there to protect the water which I can appreciate but don’t expect a relaxing lake vibe here. Lots of picnic tables and a perfect place to have a picnic and chill for a bit. Very clean beach bath area and I really appreciated the charging station with 4 covered outlets available and a charging counter. I didn’t use it but was impressed someone thought to add that in to the building plans.
With all the rules in place there is just one missing: No political propaganda of any type should be allowed at the campsites. We were almost blinded by idiocy each time we walked to the bathroom as we had to go past a full size Trump flag someone was flying in front of their site. Can’t even imagine the rage I would’ve felt if I had to camp next to that. Fortunately I found a cut through in the woods which I used to get around it on the way to the bathroom. Camping is where you go to get away from all of it! This is state owned land and they should not be allowing that sort of inflammatory full sized political flag in any area as it only raises the blood pressure instead of dropping it. You can’t bring your own SUP or kayak, face mask or list of any other things to the lake (rules) but you can have your heart attack inducing propaganda all over your site and in everyone else’s face - makes no sense.
Would I stay here again: Yes. But only for 1 night passing through. I felt too crowded to be there for any length of time. It was hard for me to relax outside.
Value was a 5 star because I had full electric for $30/night and there was plenty to do. I should note for kids this place is a goldmine! Great playgrounds everywhere and you can rent kayaks. And it’s great for bikes. And it was all very handicap accessible which I thought was very impressive. You can tell a lot of thought went into the facility side of park. If they cut out 1/4 of the camp sites it would be spacious and amazing. And the trumpeter is just a case of bad timing for me, not a permanent thing (although I do think they should ban that decoration of insanity at state run parks).
Site is sloped, shaded and right next to the bathrooms and water spigot. ATT coverage is decent. Other side of the bathrooms is access to the gorge trails. Pets are not allowed on the gorge trail itself but the rim and other trails are fine.
Thanks for this wonderful article. It was very enlightening and useful. Solar
Great insights! Thanks for providing such detailed and helpful information. Solar
As for RV camping, this place is outdated. Sites are on top of one another, but some have good shade. Ours, site 6 didn't. Really can't walk to beach area or store. Cheap enough at $25. T-storms knocked out power overnight.
An ideal place to try difficult challenges geometry dash meltdown that I have never tried before.
@penalty shooters 2 said loved where we were this time. page 121. On these hot days, with a slope and a nice breeze.
We stayed here for Memorial Day Weekend and really enjoyed Sned Acres. The Grounds are well taken care of (although some areas around the playgrounds and pool could have been weed whacked better) there is a lot of grass and wide open areas for playing games, walking your dogs and you can let your dogs drag their leashes so they have free roam and feel like they are running free. The large pond is nice, there were a lot of campers fishing. The general store is well stocked and the family running the campground and store are very friendly. There is a nice pool for the kids. The only thing that would make Sned better is a little more spacing between the sites, they are close (we were in F130) to where if you open your window shades in your camper your neighbors are 5-10 feet away from you. Would definitely stay again if in the area.
This was our families first SoLo trip with our camper. It had alot of things to do indoor/ outdoor pool, pirate ship, slide, big pillow, waterside, golf and rock wall. The campground and showers were clean. There were some things that didn't work like the army truck ride, zipline, and playground. The biggest downfall was being near the dump station and something going on with this makeshift site next to us where around our area smelled of sewer fumes all the time we went out for dinner one night because my 3 yr old was gaging. However the area was absolutely gorgeous we hiked so many waterfalls, went and rented a boat for the day to check out the lake, and drive to the next lake to check out the park.
A great place to visit, I really like this place. I often lie here admiring the scenery and playing suika game. I like everything that is peaceful and slow
Owners on site, very friendly, and accommodating. Water and 30a, dump station. Some larger sites to accommodate up to 40’ rigs. Reasonable width sites.
KOA Canandaigua/Rochester NY:
(Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(70 yr olds in 17’ trailer). I rate based on desire for at least a moderate wilderness type experience w at least some camp site privacy.
Overall Rating: for a KOA :4 - see map for nicest sites.
Price 2023: $61 for a 30 amp site
Usage during visit: Light - off season
Site Privacy: Our site : None
Site Spacing: Close
Site surface: Gravel and grass
Reservations: They take reservations- Recommend the KOA app
Campground Noise: Quiet during our stay.
Road Noise: There will some noise at sites near Town Line Rd. Traffic is minimal
Through Traffic in campground: None
Electric Hookup: Yes
Sewer Hookup: Some sites.
Dump Station: Yes
Potable Water Available: At the site.
Bathroom/ Showers: Individual shower/toilet rooms. VERY clean.
Pull Throughs: Yes
Cell Service (AT&T): 2 bars.
Setting: Parklike - typical KOA
Weather: Highs are pin the low 50s during our stay
Bugs: None this time of year.
Host: Yes. Johnny on the spot.
Rig size: Large rigs
Sites: See the map in photos . Best sites are circled with green marker. Request a perimeter site or lake side if you want one is my suggestion. Otherwise you get what they give you.
The park itself is located in a great region, close to many other top attractions of the Finger Lakes region. There are few nice hiking trails right from the park, which our whole family enjoyed.
We camped as a small group in two sites across from each other. Where we were, the sites were close to the road, and the road noise was distracting. The sites were also very close to each other and rather shallow, thereby limiting privacy. Upper sites, closer to the falls looked a lot nicer, deeper, and quieter, but we had no choice since it was booked with short notice. Not much to say about park facilities. Basic restroom and shower facilities, but the ability to do dishes in the designated sink in the bathroom was a plus. Bathroom facilities were old and not well maintained. We barely saw any real cleaning either. So, that was a bummer.
All in all, if you are eager to get out and camp, and have no better choice, I would say you will be OK. Otherwise, there are nicer options around.
Very convenient to Watkins Glenn State Park and the Speedway. Restrooms are modern clean and adequate. WiFi was good on a fall weekend with park pretty full. Some sites are concrete, ours was gravel and not particularly level. Good cable TV.
——REASONS I STAYED HERE——
The see Watkins Glen, of course! And go paddleboarding nearby.
—————BASIC FAQ—————
[Tent camping with a Subie]
Dump station? - Yes
Water fill or hookup? - Water fill at dump station but no water hookups. Water spigots are scattered throughout each loop.
Electricity? - Yes, some loops have it but not mine
Clean site? - Yes
Clean bathroom? - Yes
Flush toilet? - Yes
Showers? - Yes
Laundry? - No
Dish washing sink? - Yes, in the bathroom
—————PROS—————
→ The access to Watkins Glen! My site was in Loop D (Onondaga Village) which has a direct hiking trail to the trail along Watkins Glen! I highly recommend going early to beat the crowds. It’s peaceful and easier to enjoy and take photos.
→ Proximity to Seneca Lake! We went paddleboarding. We put in at a boat launch at the very southeastern corner of the lake near Seneca Lake Kayak. You can paddle down to Hector Falls and see it from the water.
→ You can drive to the many waterfalls nearby. I recommend Havana Glen Park for a short hike to the waterfall. Also, drive to Chequaga Falls.
—————TIP—————
→ There’s a power outlet in the bathroom. It was very common for people to charge phones while showering. Or leaving a battery in there to charge.
—————OVERALL—————
5-stars - Speaking for Loop D, of course. Clean site, clean bathroom with hot water, access to Watkins Glen, no issues while staying there.
—————INTERNET—————
Verizon via iPhone 12: 20 mbps down and 0.03 mbps up with 74 ms ping.
We stayed at site 184 which was great. The trail to get down to the Gorge Trail was just a few sites away. Bath house was clean but out dated. No camp store, but fire wood & ice were available at check in station. Pick a site on the outside of a loop and you’ll be good.
This campground was so great to stay at! The hosts were lovely and very sweet, and created a wonderful place to stay off-grid. Our tent site was spacious and secluded nestled in a ton of trees. I was able to hang my hammock up and set up my 6 person tent no problem! We rarely heard anyone, and felt like we had the place to ourselves. Their outhouse has a camper toilet- it was super nice, not at all what I was expecting! They installed a gorgeous shower facility, which was so well appointed. They even had hotel shampoo/conditioner/soap sets in baggies for you! I went out and bought a towel just to shower (I usually never shower when camping). They have chickens which were so cute to look at, and a couple of sweet dogs. The place is very dark at night- a treat when there's a lot of light pollution. The only thing is, know that you will be woken up by a rooster! We have a 5 year old that wakes up at the same time, so it was no big deal for us! I can't say enough good things about these hosts and their spot- it was relaxing, low key, and we felt incredibly safe, and welcome.
Cayuga Lake State Park has a massive campground but most of the sites don't have water or electricity and are squeezed together in tiny loops. If you stay, I'd recommend the 800 or 1000 loops--the sites were much bigger in those areas. But we stayed in the 100 loop (appropriately named "Minnow) and ended up leaving early because our neighbors were just too close for comfort.
The lakefront area of the park was very nice and we enjoyed walking on the drive down in front of the lake. Plus, Seneca Falls is an adorable town and it was great to visit the Women's Rights National Historic Park and the homes of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Harriett Tubman, while we were in the area!
To be fair to this park, we came directly from Watkins Glen State Park (which we loved) and our neighbors were rambunctious. We may have had a better opinion, had the circumstances been different. And in any event, we did really enjoy the area but decided to leave after 2 nights (rather than the 5 we had booked).
Oh and if you have a boat--the dock area of the park seemed really nice. We'd have loved to get out on the lake!
We spent three nights in Watkins Glen SP and will definitely be back. The sites aren't private, but are well kept, as are the bathrooms/showers. We enjoyed our hikes and if it had been a bit warmer, we would have checked out the pool.
The tent sites on the west camp were roomy and reasonably private, but there weren't many water locations and no electric on that side of the park. The facilities were about as nice as you can expect at a state run campground. We're already planning to go back next year for more nights.
Well taken care of place. Friendly staff. Plenty of space between sites. Nice pool and games to play.
Camping near Aurora, NY, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful parks and campgrounds. Whether you're looking for hiking trails, fishing spots, or just a peaceful place to unwind, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Aurora, NY, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With plenty of activities and beautiful parks, you're sure to have a memorable experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Aurora, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Aurora, NY is Watkins Glen State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 86 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 31 glamping camping locations near Aurora, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
