Aurora, New York sits on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake at an elevation of 715 feet, making it an excellent base for exploring the Finger Lakes region. The camping season typically runs from mid-April through mid-October, with average summer temperatures ranging from 55°F to 85°F. RV campgrounds near Aurora offer varied terrain from lakefront locations to farm settings and wooded environments.
What to do
Wine tasting trails: Two wineries are accessible via walking paths directly from Finger Lakes RV Resort in Hector. "Easy drive to Watkins Glen, Lake Seneca, Ithaca, and the greater Finger Lakes region," notes Matt S., who appreciated the convenient location for exploring regional vineyards.
Waterfall exploration: Several campgrounds provide access to the region's numerous waterfalls. "We stayed at Finger Lakes RV Resort in Hector, a short drive from Watkins Glen and Ithaca, in search of waterfalls and wine in the Finger Lakes region of NY state," shares a camper who used the park as a base for waterfall excursions.
Farm experiences: Woonton Family Farms offers a unique agricultural camping experience with only two RV sites. "We had a great campfire, fresh blackberries and the option of canoeing. Close to the nice village Skaneateles," reports Willemien V., who appreciated the farm setting just 7 miles from Aurora.
What campers like
Clean, modern facilities: Newer campgrounds receive high marks for their maintenance. "This is a fairly new campground, operated by a friendly husband and wife who show great pride in the condition and cleanliness of every square inch," writes Matt S. about Finger Lakes RV Resort.
Spacious sites: Many RV parks in the region offer well-spaced sites. "All of the sites are very nicely spread out with generous spacing," reports Steve A. about the layout at Finger Lakes RV Resort, noting that "packed gravel sites that are good sized" make setup easy.
Daily conveniences: "They also drive by each site every morning to collect trash and recycling," mentions Steve A., highlighting a service that many campers appreciate at several RV campgrounds near Aurora. This attention to detail extends to other amenities like WiFi service, which campers report is "strong and consistent" at several parks.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most RV parks operate on a limited schedule. Owasco Hill RV Campground runs "from May 15th to October 15th. Off season may be available on request," according to their listing information, which is typical for the region.
Variable amenities: Facilities differ significantly between campgrounds. While many offer full hookups, not all provide the same services. Port Bay Camping and RV Park notably lacks a sanitary dump station despite offering sewer hookups at individual sites.
Reservation requirements: "We arrived on Saturday and are staying for a week. This is a delightful location... We booked early, which was a good thing because they were 100% full for Indigenous People's Day," shares Steve A., highlighting the importance of advance planning, especially during holiday weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Family activities: Junius Ponds offers numerous options for children. "Nice pool and playgrounds," mentions Donna B., while another reviewer notes they "offer themed weekends and have activities for kids." The campground provides a well-maintained pool, though it costs $2 per person to use.
Kid-friendly environment: Safety is emphasized at some campgrounds. "The speed limit is 5 MPH and they mean it.... Kids on bikes and having a good time in the enormous play area and the pool far enough from the campsites but close to the store and watchful eye of the staff," reports Rachel T. about Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort.
Nature exploration: Several campgrounds feature on-site trails. "Woonton Family Farms is new to the Dyrt and offer a stunning farm with trails, water and forest to explore," notes Jake C., describing options for family nature activities without leaving the campground.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Site preparation varies between campgrounds. "Almost all of the sites are not even close to level. Not a big issue with a fifth wheel but a real hassle with a motorcoach," cautions Donna C. about Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort, suggesting travelers bring extra leveling equipment.
Connectivity considerations: Working remotely is possible at select locations. "WiFi was strong enough to do work calls," reports Laura W. about Finger Lakes RV Resort, making it suitable for digital nomads needing reliable internet access.
Weather preparation: The region experiences occasional severe weather. "We experienced a severe thunderstorm one evening which resulted in an area-wide power outage that lasted a couple days," shares Matt S., recommending RVers be prepared with backup power options during summer storm season.
