Tent camping near Bath, New York ranges from primitive walk-in sites to established campgrounds with basic amenities. The surrounding Finger Lakes region encompasses both hardwood forests and pine groves with elevations ranging from 900 to 2,100 feet. Seasonal operations typically run from April through October with summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F during daytime and 55-60°F at night.
What to do
Hiking the Turkey trail: At Colton Point State Park Campground, visitors can access the challenging but rewarding Turkey trail. "Unlike Leonard Harrison's trail it's not so easy for EVERYONE to access, so you won't see near as many tourists. It's a rougher climb but you follow a small stream filled with waterfalls down into the canyon," notes camper Sadie S.
Pine Creek crossings: During periods of low water, campers can wade across Pine Creek from Colton Point for additional exploration. "Water was low enough the weekend we went, we crossed the river and hiked some of the rails to trail pathway," reports one visitor who enjoyed expanding their hiking options.
West Rim Trail connections: The West Rim Trail provides longer hiking routes with panoramic views. "You can connect to the West Rim Trail if you'd like. My only warning is that I managed to get turned around on the trails, nothing too serious, but I recommend a reliable map," advises Emily S., emphasizing preparation for longer treks.
What campers like
Natural water features: Many tent sites near Bath provide access to waterways. At Lawrence Recreation Area, campers appreciate lakeside positioning. "Had a great few days here camped in RV next to lake. Amazing driftwood to be had. Good kayaking. Peaceful," says Rebecca E., highlighting water-based recreational opportunities.
Privacy levels: Riverside Park Campground earns praise for its secluded atmosphere. "Private. Quiet. River," summarizes Jesse K., who found the campground exceeded expectations. Sites feature riverside locations with variable spacing between neighbors.
Scenic viewpoints: The region's reputation for scenic vistas draws many campers. "Incredible views, nicknamed the Grand Canyons of Pennsylvania," states Gary O. about the landscape surrounding Colton Point State Park Campground, referencing the highest trail elevation in Pennsylvania.
What you should know
Site selection processes: Campgrounds in the region offer varying reservation systems. At Tiadaghton Campground, campers find roadside sites with substantial spacing. "Roadside site 1/4 mile from the nearest site. You can drive right to the site on Hackett Rd. Very secluded and peaceful," explains David A., noting the primitive amenities.
Season-specific considerations: Fall brings reduced crowds but requires additional preparation. At Cold Weather Camping in the Finger Lakes, temperatures can drop significantly at night from September through October, requiring appropriate sleeping bags rated for 40°F or lower.
Bathroom facilities: Toilet facilities vary widely between locations. Some sites offer only basic provisions as David A. notes at Tiadaghton: "Picnic table and fire ring, but no water or latrine." Others like Colton Point have simple facilities within walking distance: "Bathrooms are an easy 5min walk or just pee in the woods."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Holiday Hill Campground provides numerous recreational options. "There is a lot to do for kids & teens, but that makes it loud with kids running through your site. So if that bothers you, plan ahead to get a site away from the main area," advises Terry F., highlighting the importance of strategic site selection.
Trail difficulty considerations: When hiking with children, assess trail ratings carefully. The Turkey Path at Colton Point drops 800 feet in elevation over approximately one mile, making it challenging for younger children, especially on the return climb.
Site accessibility factors: At walk-in tent sites, consider packing requirements for children. "The walk-in sites take a small hike so don't over pack!" recommends Sadie S., suggesting families consolidate gear when using sites requiring foot access from parking areas.
Tips from RVers
Space constraints: Larger RVs may face challenges at some campgrounds. "We had to maneuver a lot to back our 25' trailer into a tight spot, but sites are clean and spacious side to side," explains Terry F. at Gardner Hill Campground, where site dimensions vary considerably.
Seasonal site availability: Full-hookup sites often fill with seasonal campers. "There seemed to be a lot of regulars and seasonal sites here, which meant that short term full hook up sites were harder to get," notes one RVer, suggesting advance reservations particularly during peak summer months.
Utility connections: Electric options exist but vary by location. Holiday Hill provides electric hookups and water access for both tent and RV campers, while sites at Tiadaghton offer more comprehensive connections including "electric-hookups, fifty-amp-hookups, thirty-amp-hookups" despite their remote setting.
