Camping areas near Bath, New York sit within the rolling hills of the Southern Finger Lakes region at elevations averaging 1,000-1,400 feet. The local camping season typically runs from April through October, with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during peak months. Fall camping experiences temperature drops to 40-60°F by October when many campgrounds prepare for seasonal closure.
What to do
Wine tasting excursions: Two wineries are accessible via walking paths directly from Finger Lakes RV Resort, making it ideal for campers wanting to explore local vintages without driving. "Located about 1/3 of the way up the eastern side of Seneca Lake, the location provides easy access to the wineries, distilleries, and breweries along the lake," notes reviewer Craig F.
Waterfall hikes: The region offers numerous opportunities to explore cascades within a short drive. "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," writes Matt S., who recommends visiting multiple falls in one trip.
Family recreation: Camp Bell Campground provides extensive on-site activities for families. "Lots of great activities here! This camp keeps the kids and dogs busy!! The pool is clean and looks great," reports Scott H. Other visitors note the "big playground and mini arcade" that entertain children during downtime.
Boating opportunities: Seneca Lake offers water recreation minutes from camping areas. A Nicole S. from Watkins Glen / Corning KOA shares, "The area was absolutely gorgeous... went and rented a boat for the day to check out the lake, and drive to the next lake to check out the park."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness consistently earns positive mentions. "The bath house is immaculate and rivals those at Fort Wilderness Resort," writes Craig F. about Finger Lakes RV Resort, while Marc J. notes that Camp Bell Campground offers "rental sites close to the very clean bathrooms and showers."
Spacious campsites: Site dimensions vary significantly between locations, with newer campgrounds offering more room. "The campground sites are very large and spread out. Being a newer campground, the trees are small, but that did not take away from the experience," one reviewer writes about Finger Lakes RV Resort. Another notes, "Our site was spacious and the dog park gave our pups plenty of time off leash."
Seasonal activities: Fall brings additional attractions beyond summer amenities. "Camp Bell Campground is within a 20 minute drive to Watkins Glen race way and does not raise prices for camping that weekend," shares Robyn M., making it economical during peak events. Many campgrounds host farmers markets during the season, with Linda H. noting, "There was a Farmers Market on a Saturday; I think it's held monthly during the season."
Convenient locations: Maple Lane RV Park provides strategic positioning for regional exploration. "We stayed here on 9/19 after spending the day hiking at Letchworth. Campground there was booked, and we preferred not to drive home... Very convenient to I-86 and also town of Cuba," reports Jan F.
What you should know
Limited shade at newer sites: Tree coverage varies significantly between established and newer campgrounds. A visitor to Finger Lakes RV Resort cautions, "There's no shade from trees or otherwise. If you're visiting during the summer, be sure your air conditioning and awnings are working."
Varying cell service: Connectivity depends heavily on location throughout the region. "Very limited to non existent cell service," warns Paul B. about Finger Lakes Campground, rating it 4 stars despite this limitation.
Access road challenges: Some campgrounds feature difficult approach roads. "Gravel inclined access road that may not be for new RV owners," reports Marty A. about Lakeview Campsites, suggesting caution for those with limited towing experience.
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the area close by late October. Maple Lane RV Park operates "April 1 to October 31," while facilities like Spruce Row Campground run from "May 1 - Oct 12," making advance planning essential for shoulder-season visits.
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused selection: Choose campgrounds with built-in entertainment options. "This campground keeps growing. I've camped here for 20+ years and they have always been great. Lots of activities for kids and families on site and near by," Amy T. says about Watkins Glen/Corning KOA.
Swimming options: Watkins Glen / Corning KOA offers "indoor/outdoor pool, pirate ship, slide, big pillow, waterside, golf and rock wall," according to Nicole S., providing alternatives during variable weather.
Pet policies: Campground rules regarding pets vary considerably. "This camp is full of nice people. Lots of dogs are here, and they bark all day and start again at 6:30 am," notes Scott H. about Camp Bell Campground, suggesting light sleepers consider site location.
Campground quietness: Noise levels differ between locations. A visitor to Spruce Row Campground shared, "The campground is primarily seasonal sites and the sites are very close together... Lots of golf carts after whizzing around and due to our campsite location they unfortunately were able to shine their lights on us every time they turned the corner after dark."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Hickory Hill Camping Resort offers 222 sites with full hookups, including both 30 and 50-amp electrical options. Anne O. confirms it's "a clean, well kept campground with a friendly helpful staff" that serves both overnight and extended-stay RVers.
Leveling requirements: Site topography varies significantly between campgrounds. When staying at Summer Haven, Larry notes: "Getting into the site was a challenge, but doable with a 16 foot Basecamp. Had we been staying for more than one night, or arrived earlier we would have loved to utilize their fire ring!"
Off-season amenities: Early and late season campers should verify available services. "This early in the season water was not available, but electricity was. The owners description noted a 50 amp hookup which was available, but 30 amp was not," reports Larry about a late April stay, highlighting the importance of confirming hookups during shoulder seasons.
Utility reliability: WiFi and water pressure quality differ between locations. Laura W. found that Finger Lakes RV Resort "WiFi was strong enough to do work calls," while Steve A. noted "The WiFi is strong and consistent... The water pressure is great," making it suitable for remote workers.
