Tent camping near Basom, New York provides access to rural woodland settings within the Western New York region, where summer temperatures average 75-80°F with moderate humidity. The camping season typically extends from May through October, with several campgrounds offering varying levels of amenities within a 30-mile radius of Basom. Most tent sites in this region feature a mix of wooded and open field locations on predominantly flat terrain.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Dream Lake Campground offers a stocked fishing pond where campers can enjoy catch-and-release fishing without needing a license. According to visitor Robyn M., "I love this campground very family friendly lots of activities been going here 6 years now and never have had a bad time."
Weekend activities: Scheduled events run throughout the summer at Dream Lake Campground, particularly on weekends. Nick O. notes, "Nice friendly environment, clean facilities. Lots to do for kids and adults. Weekend activities."
Hiking trails: The Cold Weather Camping in the Finger Lakes area provides access to several hiking paths through deciduous forest areas. Trails range from 1-3 miles in length and vary from easy to moderate difficulty levels. The paths are typically unmarked, so bringing a map is recommended.
What campers like
Campground food options: The snack bar at Riverview Camp Ground & Marina offers meal options for those who prefer not to cook at their campsite. Nick O. from Dream Lake Campground mentions, "The snack house food is great, if you don't feel like cooking they offer a nice menu almost anyone would love."
Primitive camping experience: Cold Weather Camping in the Finger Lakes provides walk-in tent sites for those seeking a more secluded experience. The sites include basic amenities such as drinking water, toilets, and designated fire areas, while maintaining a natural setting away from RV camping areas.
Water access: Several campgrounds in the Basom area offer direct water access for swimming during summer months. Water quality is regularly tested, with results posted at entrance stations. Swimming areas are typically unsupervised, so appropriate caution is advised.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds near Basom operate on a seasonal schedule, typically from May through October. KOA Campground Medina Wildwood Lake offers tent sites approximately 20 miles northwest of Basom, though availability is limited during peak summer weekends.
Management issues: Some campgrounds experience inconsistent rule enforcement. One camper at Dream Lake Campground reported, "Owners yell at campers, strict about rules for everyone except their friends. Their unfairness and lack of integrity finally was intolerable."
Reservation requirements: Weekend camping from June through August typically requires reservations 2-3 weeks in advance. Most campgrounds accept phone reservations, with few offering online booking options. Holiday weekends often fill completely by early spring.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Family-oriented Riverview Camp Ground & Marina provides scheduled activities throughout summer weekends. Bringing bikes for children is recommended as most campgrounds allow cycling on internal roads with a 5 mph speed limit.
Noise considerations: Quiet hours at most campgrounds run from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Sites farther from common areas typically offer more privacy and less noise for families with young children who need earlier bedtimes.
Safety precautions: Most campgrounds require children under 12 to wear life jackets near water features. Poison ivy is common in wooded areas, so teaching children to identify and avoid it is advised. First aid stations are typically located at campground offices.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: KOA Campground Medina Wildwood Lake accommodates larger RVs with pull-through sites and 50-amp electrical connections. Most campgrounds have gravel roads that can become muddy after rain, making access challenging for larger rigs.
Water and dump facilities: Many campgrounds in the region offer partial hookups only. Full-service sites with sewer connections are limited and should be reserved well in advance. Dump stations are typically available near campground exits.
Winter storage: Some campgrounds offer off-season storage options for seasonal campers at rates ranging from $200-400 for the winter months. This service requires advance reservation and typically includes minimal security measures.
