The Finger Lakes region near Brooktondale sits in a valley between rolling hills at approximately 900 feet elevation, with dramatic seasonal temperature variations from below freezing winters to humid 80°F summers. Most campgrounds in this area operate from May through October, closing during the harsh winter months. Cell service varies throughout the region due to the hilly terrain, with better connectivity near Ithaca and spottier coverage in more remote campgrounds.
What to do
Explore gorge trails: Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground offers numerous hiking options through stunning gorge formations. "Been here in all the seasons, each is beautiful. Campgrounds are wooded. Pretty basic facilities, nice though. None of the tent sites have exceptional views but you're a short walk from the creek/gorges," shares Harry H.
Visit nearby waterfalls: The Finger Lakes region features numerous accessible waterfalls within short drives. At Taughannock Falls State Park Campground, one camper noted it has "a great little hike, very easy access to the view of the falls. The gorge hikes are also moderate and invigorating."
Swim in natural settings: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas in natural settings. Barbara S. from Taughannock Falls mentions, "The campground is very walkable to the swimming area, which goes to 12 feet deep and has a dock to jump off of."
Sample local wines: Many RV parks in this area are situated near wine trails. At Finger Lakes RV Resort, Matt S. highlights, "Easy drive to Watkins Glen, Lake Seneca, Ithaca, and the greater Finger Lakes region... Walking paths from the campground to two different wineries."
What campers like
Immaculate facilities: Clean bathrooms and showers are consistently mentioned as standout features. A camper at Finger Lakes RV Resort stated, "The bath house is immaculate and rivals those at Fort Wilderness Resort."
Family-friendly activities: Pine Valley RV Park includes various recreational options for children. "This is by far one of the best family oriented campgrounds we've ever been in... So many things for kids to do. From boating, to giant swimming inflatables, putt putt even a giant slide. All part of the price of the campground," reports Mommy D.
Spacious campsites: Some campgrounds offer more room between sites than others. Laura W. at Finger Lakes RV Resort noted, "Bathhouse was pristine and the sites were level and spacious. Still a new campground so we can't wait to return once all the landscaping has grown in."
Natural quiet: Certain campgrounds focus on peaceful settings rather than extensive amenities. Craig F. appreciated that Finger Lakes RV Resort offers "minimal amenities (no pool, playground, or golf carts), but they are bookended by two wineries with walking paths from the campground. Due to the minimal amenities, it is very quiet and relaxing especially in the evenings sitting around the campfire."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds close during winter months. Belden Hill Campgrounds operates from "April 1 to October 30," while Taughannock Falls stays open slightly longer from "April 15 to October 16."
Site selection matters: At some campgrounds, certain areas provide more privacy than others. Barbara S. observed at Taughannock Falls that "The upper part of the campground is pretty private, while the lower end near the entrance/exit is more open."
Varying amenities: Not all campgrounds offer the same facilities. Matt S. points out that Finger Lakes RV Resort "does not offer a pool, jump pad, sports facilities, amenities, or activities. They offer a clean and safe place to stay while visiting the area."
Crowding at popular spots: Some campgrounds can feel cramped during peak season. Jodi shared about Spruce Row Campground: "The campground is primarily seasonal sites and the sites are very close together. We were traveling the week of July 4th so there were limited sites available."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options for kids: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas suitable for children. Mark L. from Pine Valley RV Park & Campground mentioned, "I have been camping at Pine Valley for over 15 years and considerate a family oriented relaxing campground. They have hayrides in the summer and swimming in the lake."
Look for playground access: Some parks include playground facilities. Barbara S. noted that Taughannock Falls has "a small playground for kids."
Waterfall safety: When visiting the numerous waterfalls, keep children away from edges. At Buttermilk Falls, Kelly J. recommends, "This place has amazing hiking trails with great waterfalls. Campsite was clean and bathrooms were ok. Plenty of room on site."
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds are quieter than others. Janet B. warns about Taughannock Falls: "I stayed on a Saturday night so the crowd was definitely loud and nosy."
Tips from RVers
Hookup location matters: At some campgrounds, electrical and water connections may be positioned awkwardly. One camper at Taughannock Falls advised to "Check out which side the hookups are on. Some not situated on the right side so you'll need extra long cords."
Level sites available: Many RV campers prioritize level pads. Jennifer K. found Belden Hill Campgrounds offered "Full hook ups and wifi but wifi wasn't working too well. Good enough for web surfing on phone but no streaming on TV. Great at&t service."
Site spacing varies: Some RV parks offer more space than others. Tim W. described Belden Hill Campgrounds as having "Pull thru full hookup, level, spacious. Room for pop up canopy and games. Great views of the mts."
Wi-Fi reliability: Internet access varies significantly between campgrounds. Laura W. mentioned that at Finger Lakes RV Resort, "Wifi was strong enough to do work calls."
