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Best Campgrounds near Elmira, NY

547 Reviews

Camping options surrounding Elmira, New York range from established state parks to family-owned campgrounds with diverse accommodations. Newtown Battlefield State Park Campground, located in Elmira proper, offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals with a season running from May to October. Other notable options include Park Station Campground in nearby Erin, Ferenbaugh Campground in Corning, and the Watkins Glen area campgrounds. Most facilities support tent and RV camping, while several also provide cabin rentals, yurts, and glamping accommodations for those seeking more comfort. Sugar Hill Fire Tower, approximately 20 miles northwest of Elmira, represents one of the few dispersed camping areas in the region.

The camping season in the Finger Lakes region generally runs from May through October, with most campgrounds closing during winter months. Facilities like Watkins Glen State Park operate from mid-May to early October, while others like Gardner Hill Campground remain open year-round. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly for weekend stays during peak summer months. Gravel campsites are common in the area, which can present challenges for tent campers. Access to most campgrounds involves paved roads with good RV accessibility, though some sites have restrictions on RV size. A camper noted, "Campsites are mostly all on gravel so make sure you bring air mattresses or lots of padding if you will be in a tent."

Campers consistently praise the natural beauty and recreational opportunities in the region's campgrounds. Several visitors highlight the proximity to regional attractions like Watkins Glen State Park, Seneca Lake, and the Corning Glass Museum as major advantages when staying at area campgrounds. Park Station receives positive reviews for its swimming beach and family-friendly atmosphere, while Newtown Battlefield earns appreciation for its historical significance and hiking trails. Site privacy varies significantly between campgrounds, with some offering spacious, well-separated sites and others placing campers in closer proximity. One review mentioned, "Sites are VERY close to neighbors. Rules are excessive and unneeded," while another camper shared a contrasting experience: "They are all big, private and beautiful."

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Best Camping Sites Near Elmira, New York (150)

    1. Watkins Glen State Park Campground

    90 Reviews
    Watkins Glen, NY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 535-4511

    $20 - $58 / night

    "Watkins Glen boasts one of New York’s most beautiful state parks! I last camped here in 2012 and absolutely loved hiking along the gorges. Also- the camping was next to perfect."

    "Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, making it easy to prepare meals after a day spent exploring the park’s famous Gorge Trail."

    2. Watkins Glen / Corning KOA

    18 Reviews
    Montour Falls, NY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 535-7404

    "We were looking to spend a couple of nights near Watkins Glen to hit the wineries, waterfalls, and nearby museums around the finger lakes of New York and this park seemed to be in a good location for us"

    "There is amazing hiking trails along the gorge with views of waterfalls! There is a nice pool and playgrounds. It’s close to downtown Watkins glen with lots of restaurants."

    3. Park Station Campground

    8 Reviews
    Erin, NY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 739-9164

    "Sandy beach, man-made lake with enough space to swim, and boating to explore. Nice trail around the lake to walk or bike with a little difficulty."

    "Convenient location to explore the Finger Lakes. 30-40 minutes from Watkins Glen, Ithaca and Corning."

    4. Ferenbaugh Campground

    7 Reviews
    Big Flats, NY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 962-6193

    "Near the entrance is the Pull Through Area. Behind a row of trees there are several sites with full hookups including cable TV and Wi-Fi. The sites are open, reasonably level, and a good size."

    "Near many attractions close to Watkins Glen. Clean and the staff was a pleasure to deal with"

    5. Newtown Battlefield State Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Elmira, NY
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 732-6067

    $17 - $81 / night

    "Pretty self serve, rangers drive through often but never seems to be anyone at the check-in. You can reserve a site or a cabin, or you can show up after three and see what is open."

    6. Gardner Hill Campground

    1 Review
    Elmira, NY
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 732-9827

    "I happened upon this campground by following the blue tent sign on the highway. No frills but very comfy and nice views. Don’t forget to look for the Peace sign."

    7. Robert H. Treman State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Ithaca, NY
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 273-3440

    $20 - $128 / night

    "Located in Tompkins County, Ithaca New York has beautiful gorges and hiking trails. Robert Treman is a treat and a gorgeous place to camp in the Ithaca, NY area."

    "The exception to this is cabin 14 which is a double cabin and is located near the playground and surrounded by standard electric camping sites."

    8. Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    13 Reviews
    Tyrone, NY
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 622-8282

    "We stayed here during an anniversary trip to the Finger Lakes. Easy proximity to Seneca Lake and Watkins Glen State Park. Nice wooded area kept us far enough away from other campers. Great location!"

    "Will be returning, I found a lovely spot tucked into a back corner and has the most relaxing weekend."

    9. Ives Run

    15 Reviews
    Middlebury Center, PA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 835-5281

    $24 - $100 / night

    "It was a great spot and happily, I was totally alone as no one had booked any of the sites near me( the closest people were about 400m away)."

    "Lake Hammond is beautiful with great access."

    10. Havana Glen

    4 Reviews
    Montour Falls, NY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 535-9476

    "Short trail with lots of steps to a lovely waterfall in a typical Finger Lakes kind of gorge. Camp sites wooded and short walk from good views."

    "Great place for young families sure to the playground, short hike to the falls, bathrooms, pavilions, and very close to Seneca Lake and the Finger Lakes Trail and the Catherine Valley Trail."

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Recent Camping Photos near Elmira, NY

210 Photos of 150 Elmira Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Elmira, NY

547 Reviews of 150 Elmira Campgrounds

  • julian S.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Tiadaghton Campground — Tioga State Forest

    Very crowded with bikers

    Nice campsite and cool view but be prepared to have a lot of bikers walking around the campground or stopping for lunch at near by sites. Also would recommend 4 wheel drive vehicles to drive to site, steep dirt roads to access it. It has a nice water front view but if seclusion is something you would like this spot may not be for you.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Would Stay again

    We stayed here for 2 nights car camping. quiet and clean. spots had fire rings and picnic tables. Bathrooms were clean and had potable water. There were lots of horses. There are hiking trails right out of the site! would absolutely stay here again!

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Free camping with amenities!

    26 camp sites with bathrooms! That flush! Very quiet and the sites aren’t on top of each other. People bring their horses. You can drive to to your site and tent camp or camper camp. I would come back!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Watkins Glen State Park Campground

    Nice campground in a gorgeous state park.

    Nice pretty campground, only electric hookup for the RV sites, tho. The showers were cool, no hot water. Close to some gorgeous hiking tho! And town is about a mile away with shops, restaurants and on the edge of one of the Finger Lakes to make it beautiful!

  • Chelsea B.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Robert H. Treman State Park Campground

    Good location

    Location: This park is close to Ithaca which was the best part. Trails and Natural Features: We loved the waterfall, swimming area (seasonal so closed when we stayed), and the fall colors. Sites: They have very few electric sites so we decided to boondock. It surprised me that all the full hookup sites were reserved but very people actually showed up for their reservations while we stayed. Lame. And heads up that if you don’t stay in the big clearing for big rigs, there are tight turns between trees to get in and out of the non-electric sites. We ended up making a back-in site into a pull-through site… whoops. Starlink: I work remotely so internet is important. We weren’t camping in the clearing because those sites were booked, but even the Starlink struggled where we were and I ended up working from the library in town. So heads up if you need internet. Bathrooms: They were spacious but older. Temperature in the showers was tricky. Hot is cold and cold it hot. Cool stuff: They had compost bins and provide bags for all campers. That’s cool!

  • c
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Salt Springs State Park Campground

    Worked for me

    I stayed in late September in one of the drive in spots. There were no other campers bc of the season- and it’s mid week. I love this park and it’s close to my house so I just wanted to crash there and wake up early to hike. It was quiet all night. The bathrooms are very far from tne sites and it was visible where some people had relieved themselves in the bushes. There is no potable water anywhere so bring some. I enjoyed it but during the on season or busy times tnere is zero privacy between sites other than sites 13 and 14. Def wouldn’t stay here during summer for that reason.

  • Bare Soul W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    South Slope Trail Head Dispersed Camp

    Relaxing

    There is one campsite near trail. There was more traffic than I expected. Also there is no cell service. No real tires

  • B
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Leonard Harrison State Park Campground

    Small campground with clean bathrooms

    We stayed here Wednesday through Saturday of Labor Day weekend.  On Wednesday and Thursday nights there were about 5 sites that were taken. By Friday they were all full

    The campground is a simple loop of 28 sites.  19 are non -electric and 9 are electric. Sites are spacious and easy to back in to. I believe there are two pull throughs. Water spigots are continently located around the campground.  

    The PA Grand Canyon Visitor center and the Turkey Path (main path down into the canyon) are a short 5 minute walk across the parking lot from the campground.  For biking there is the  Pine Creek Rail Trail, that runs the length of the canyon at the bottom. To access from the campground you can drive there in 16 minutes Darling Run trail access area.

  • Mindie C.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Pinecreek Campground

    Overnight stay

    The campground is cute and quiet. Staff is friendly and helpful. My only complaint is the condition of the roads. They are in dire need of grading and new gravel. Be careful!

Guide to Elmira

Camping near Elmira, New York, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic views to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this area.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails at Watkins Glen State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, “The access to Watkins Glen! My site was in Loop D which has a direct hiking trail to the trail along Watkins Glen!”
  • Water Activities: Enjoy swimming and kayaking at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground. A visitor shared, “There is a nice beach for swimming, the lake felt clean and wasn't too cold in July.”
  • Fishing: Cast a line at Keuka Lake State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, “Lake is clean and clear, great for fishing, boating, and swimming.”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers at Lyman Run State Park Campground. A visitor remarked, “The site and facilities were very well kept and clean.”
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites at Sampson State Park Campground. One camper said, “Sites are generous in size but the power poles are between sites and are often more than 20’ away.”
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Families love the playgrounds and swimming areas at Chenango Valley State Park Campground. A reviewer mentioned, “A very pleasant park with a family atmosphere.”

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, like Worlds End State Park Campground, have little to no cell service. One camper noted, “Absolutely no cell service, however, and we had to go all the way down the mountain to get texts or make calls.”
  • Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds, such as Cherry Springs State Park Campground, are only open from April to November. A visitor shared, “Great place for stargazing and astronomy!”
  • No Alcohol Policies: Campgrounds like Stony Brook State Park Campground do not allow alcohol. One camper mentioned, “No alcohol permitted in the whole campgrounds.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities like swimming and playgrounds. Sampson State Park Campground has “lots to do with a couple of playgrounds, guarded swimming area, kayak rentals.”
  • Choose the Right Campsite: Opt for sites that offer some privacy. A camper at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground said, “Pick a site on the outside of a loop and you’ll be good.”
  • Pack Essentials: Bring along items like sunscreen and bug spray. One visitor at Robert H. Treman State Park Campground noted, “The park itself is wonderful. Beautiful walking trails, waterfalls and a natural swimming area.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to confirm if your site has electric and water hookups. A camper at Lyman Run State Park Campground mentioned, “The bathrooms were newer with a nice, new system for ‘composting’ I guess.”
  • Bring Extension Cords: Some sites may have power poles far from your RV. A visitor at Sampson State Park Campground advised, “Electric service boxes are shared in-between sites. This could pose an issue if your power cord is not long enough.”
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Take advantage of local attractions like wineries near Keuka Lake State Park Campground. One camper said, “Not far from Penn Yan, nice city, wineries are all over.”

Camping around Elmira, NY, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories with family and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Elmira, NY?

The Elmira area offers several excellent camping options within a short drive. Robert H. Treman State Park Campground in Ithaca features stunning gorges, numerous waterfalls, and well-maintained hiking trails. Sites include bathrooms, showers, and picnic facilities. Closer to Elmira, Newtown Battlefield State Park Campground provides drive-in access with reservable sites and big-rig friendly facilities. Both offer a perfect mix of natural beauty and convenient amenities for weekend getaways or longer stays in the Finger Lakes region.

What tent camping sites are available near Elmira?

Tent campers near Elmira have several appealing options. Watkins Glen State Park Campground offers tent sites nestled in hardwood forests with a perfect balance of sun and shade. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table, with the bonus of 19 spectacular waterfalls along the gorge trails. For a more secluded tent camping experience, Blueberry Patch Campground in the Finger Lakes National Forest provides a simpler, more rustic experience with basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables in a peaceful forest setting.

Are there any kid-friendly camping options in the Elmira area?

Families with children will find Taughannock Falls State Park Campground particularly appealing, featuring clean swimming areas in the lake, numerous hiking trails suitable for various ages, and the impressive Taughannock Falls accessible via a short, flat trail that's manageable for young hikers. Another excellent option for families is Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground, which offers memorable scenery and outdoor activities that children love. Both parks provide the essential amenities families need while camping, including clean facilities and open spaces for kids to explore and play.

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