Campgrounds around Caroline, New York offer diverse camping experiences amid the rolling hills of the Finger Lakes region. The area sits at elevations between 800-1,200 feet above sea level, creating varied terrain with both wooded seclusion and lakeside options. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F with cooler evenings, while spring and fall camping brings colorful landscapes but requires extra layers.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground offers multiple trails with gorgeous geological formations. One camper noted, "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."
Lake swimming: Taughannock Falls State Park Campground provides lake access with designated swimming areas. A visitor shared, "The campground is very walkable to the swimming area, which goes to 12 feet deep and has a dock to jump off of. The hiking to the waterfall is very manageable."
Farm exploration: Woonton Family Farms offers a unique camping experience with agricultural activities. As one camper described, "We had an excellent stay at the farm of the Woonton Family Farms with our RV, it was a cozy and beautiful campsite with personal attention of the owner. We had a great campfire, fresh blackberries and the option of canoeing."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Finger Lakes RV Resort receives consistent praise for maintenance. A camper shared, "The bath house is immaculate and rivals those at Fort Wilderness Resort. Amenities are minimal (no pool, playground, or golf carts), but they are bookended by two wineries with walking paths from the campground."
Spacious sites: Many rv sites near Caroline, New York offer ample room. One visitor to Finger Lakes RV Resort noted, "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. Easy maneuverability, great wifi and water pressure, along with level sites make it a great place to stay."
Family activities: Pine Valley RV Park & Campground focuses on entertainment for children. A camper raved, "This is by far one of the best family oriented campgrounds we've ever been in. The staff, the grounds, the amenities made me wish we were closer. So many things for kids to do. From boating, to giant swimming inflatables, putt putt even a giant slide."
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the Caroline area operate from May through October. Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground runs "May 20 to October 10," while Taughannock Falls operates slightly longer from "April 15 to October 16."
Site variations: Campgrounds offer different levels of privacy. At Buttermilk Falls, one camper explained, "The upper part of the campground is pretty private, while the lower end near the entrance/exit is more open. There is a small playground for kids."
Weather considerations: The Finger Lakes region experiences variable weather. At Belden Hill Campgrounds, a camper noted, "Unfortunately we were there after a lot of rain from the hurricane, site was wet but useable, not their fault. Wood/ice honor system. Would visit again."
Tips for camping with families
Choose parks with amenities: Pine Valley RV Park offers numerous family activities. A visitor shared, "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. Lakeside sites are spacious and reasonably priced."
Consider bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality varies between campgrounds. At Taughannock Falls, one camper reported, "The bathrooms were messy, with a couple of toilets not flushed/clogged. Thank God shower stall in a decent condition and it was free! Nice hot waters as well."
Plan for noise levels: Spruce Row Campground can get busy during peak times. A camper observed, "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. We were on an end spot at an intersection inside the campground."
Tips from RVers
Check WiFi strength: Internet access varies widely at RV sites near Caroline, New York. At Finger Lakes RV Resort, a visitor confirmed, "Wifi was strong enough to do work calls."
Consider site layout: Some campgrounds have unique setup requirements. At Taughannock Falls, an RVer advised, "Check out which side the hookups are on. Some not situated on the right side so you'll need extra long cords."
Note access limitations: Some parks have tight entrances. At Riverside RV Campground, a camper mentioned, "This place is right on the river and the freeway! So it's kind of loud the people are super friendly and had fresh vegetables and home baked goods available. There's always snacks. All the sites are full hook up I'm pretty sure."
