Camping near Brooktondale offers both established and rustic options within the forested hillsides of central New York, where elevations range from 800-1,200 feet. The area's glacially-carved landscape creates natural swimming holes and waterfalls that draw campers during the summer months when temperatures typically reach 75-85°F. Sites in national forest areas provide more seclusion than the popular state parks, with many campgrounds requiring advance planning during peak season.
What to do
Swimming at natural pools: Robert H. Treman State Park features a natural swimming area beneath waterfalls with diving board access. "You can swim in the waterfall area here. Need I say more? Actually, it can be VERY busy in the summer time in the swimming area, making it difficult to find your own 'space,'" notes a visitor to Robert H. Treman State Park.
Explore multiple hiking trails: The gorge trails range from beginner to moderate difficulty with various terrain options. "The hiking trails are nice! Not too challenging, but very scenic. Walking along the water from the upper and lower entrances is great! If you walk Gorge trail and Rim trail you connect to make a nice loop and see just about everything the park has to offer," according to a camper at Buttermilk Falls State Park.
Stargazing from open fields: Several campgrounds feature open areas ideal for night sky viewing. At Blueberry Patch, "there are in fact blueberries! And a great field to see the stars from." The site is particularly valued because it's "located right in the middle of the national forest and finger lakes area."
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Most established campgrounds receive positive feedback for their upkeep. "Bathrooms are very clean and close to all campsites. Kids loved the park and swimming in the waterfall beach," reports a visitor to Fillmore Glen State Park.
Privacy levels vary significantly: Sites range from exposed to secluded depending on location. "The campground is wooded and lovely but the tent sites don't have views of the falls or anything, couldn't hear water at night. Deer outside the tent, wildflowers through summer, great leaves in fall," notes a camper at Buttermilk Falls.
Spacious campsite options: Several campgrounds offer larger sites for groups. At Taughannock Falls State Park, "Site 42 is very large, flat, nonelectric and well shaded with areas of sun. A long walk to the restroom. Beautiful waterfall swimming pool is very cold, but great on a hot day."
What you should know
Reservation requirements vary by season: Summer weekends fill quickly at most campgrounds. "Reserve ahead of time in summer," advises a Buttermilk Falls visitor. For Blueberry Patch, a camper notes, "You can stay at this site for up to 14 days at $15 per night (bring cash). There are two bathrooms on the site and bear proof dumpsters as well."
Water access considerations: Not all sites have convenient water sources. "BRING WATER. There are no water sources near the site. There is a gas station about 15 minutes away on route 79 so make sure to fill up on water and snacks," warns a visitor to Blueberry Patch Campground.
Noise levels fluctuate by location: Some campgrounds experience more noise than others. "The hill you climb to the camp sites is riddled with pot holes. The bathroom was not very upkept/updated and kinda dirty. The road noise at night (from rt13 below) and the sound of the bathroom door slamming did not help with getting a good night sleep," reports a Buttermilk Falls camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Park Station Campground, "This campground has a nice small beach area with sand for the kids. Water is very shallow however, so not the best place for swimming for older kids and there is no pool, but there are life guards and plenty of depth for young kids. There is also a newer and good sized playground in the day visit area."
Swimming options vary by age: Different parks cater to different swimming abilities. "The campground is amazing and GO SEE THOSE FALLS!" emphasizes a Buttermilk Falls visitor, while another notes that Robert H. Treman is "great for older kids that can swim."
Additional attractions nearby: Consider day trips to supplement camping. "There are Stables nearby where you can book a trail ride, we did not do this only because you have to be 8 years old to ride but look forward to doing it in the future!" shares a Watkins Glen visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site conditions for larger vehicles: Some campgrounds better accommodate RVs than others. "Beautiful park. Electric sites are not the best though. Rocky and unlevel. Not made for large campers," notes a camper at Robert H. Treman State Park.
Hookup placement matters: Setup logistics can be challenging at certain sites. At Watkins Glen State Park, "We stayed in a 30 ft. motorhome, and the roads within the campground were kind of tight to get through with trees and curves."
Gravel pads can be beneficial: Some sites offer better surface conditions. At Park Station, "Gravel sites help keep the camper clean and keeps the mud down. Convenient location to explore the Finger Lakes. 30-40 minutes from Watkins Glen, Ithaca and Corning."
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