Camping sites near Elmira, New York offer varied terrain across the Finger Lakes region's forested hills at elevations between 850-1,200 feet. The camping season typically stretches from April through October with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day and cooling to 55-65°F at night. Most campgrounds near Elmira sit within 30 miles of the city, making them accessible for weekend getaways.
What to do
Hike to waterfalls: Follow the trail at Havana Glen to Eagle Cliff Falls. "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," notes Dan N. The waterfall also offers swimming opportunities during summer.
Explore the gorge trails: The famous Watkins Glen gorge features 19 waterfalls. A camper at Watkins Glen State Park Campground reports, "The gorge trail is a MUST. Definitely go check this campsite out!" Another adds, "I stay here usually once or twice a year and spend my weekends hiking the various gorge trails nearby."
Visit historical sites: Camp at Newtown Battlefield and learn about Revolutionary War history. The park features interpretive signs along trails that explain the 1779 Battle of Newtown. "History, lite hiking, great camp sites," shares one visitor.
Swimming and recreation: Most campgrounds offer swimming options. At Park Station, a camper notes, "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."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms across multiple campgrounds. At Park Station Campground, a visitor noted, "Very clean campsites, bathhouses in some loops nicer than others. Friendly staff, good patrols at night to keep people from being too noisy."
Lake access: Many enjoy the proximity to lakes for fishing and boating. At Sugar Hill Fire Tower, a camper appreciated the "site by the pond was really cute with a privy but a walk in." Another mentioned the "excellent proximity to Seneca Lake and Watkins Glen State Park."
Shade coverage: Tree cover is important to many campers. A visitor at Ferenbaugh Campground appreciated having "Lots of Trees and Shade OR Plenty of Grass and Sun; whichever is your preference, they have you covered!"
Peaceful settings: Several campgrounds offer quieter experiences. One camper at Sugar Hill reported, "We pulled in just before dark to find 8 other campers already settled in. The sites were spacious. It was a cool and windy night, which made it perfect for sleeping."
What you should know
Water quality issues: Some campgrounds have water challenges. At Ferenbaugh, a camper warned, "The only bad comment I would make is there water is very smelly and brown. I actually bought a dual stage water filter and change it every two weeks."
Tent camping surfaces: Many campsites have gravel pads which can be challenging for tent campers. A visitor at Park Station advised, "Campsites are mostly all on gravel so make sure you bring air mattresses or lots of padding if you will be in a tent."
Site privacy varies: Some campgrounds offer more separation between sites than others. At Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite, campers noted, "The sites were spacious" and "camp sites are disbursed so you don't feel crowded or squeezed for space."
Reservations recommended: Most campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. During peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day), reservations are essential at most established campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with activities: Look for places with playgrounds, swimming areas, and open spaces. A visitor to Havana Glen mentioned it has "nice picnicing area with an older playground, but also baseball field and gaga ball area" making it "great place for young families."
Consider accessibility: For families with young children, look for shorter trails. At Watkins Glen/Corning KOA, a camper mentioned, "This campground keeps growing. I've camped here for 20+ years and they have always been great. Lots of activities for kids and families on site and near by."
Check swimming options: Not all swimming areas are suitable for all ages. One camper at Park Station observed that their swimming area has "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."
Look for family-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer more kid-oriented features. At Watkins Glen/Corning KOA, a visitor noted, "Lots of amenities... Climbing wall, pool, putt putt, giant bouncy thing. Basketball hoop, playground."
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions: Some campgrounds have tight access roads. At Watkins Glen State Park, an RVer mentioned, "We stayed in a 30 ft. motorhome, and the roads within the campground were kind of tight to get through with trees and curves."
Consider hookup locations: At Ives Run, an experienced camper warned, "some site you will need 2 hoses for your water because the hook ups are far from the sites and some of them will have the hook up facing the front of your camper."
Surface conditions matter: Many RV sites in the region are on gravel or paved pads. An Ives Run visitor noted, "large sites on macadam pads. Large fields behind most sites for activities" and "full hook ups available."
Check campground loops: Some campgrounds have specific loops better suited for RVs. An Ives Run camper explained, "All options available FHU, WE, primitive" allowing RVers to choose the best setup for their needs.
