149 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Finger Lakes region surrounding Homer, New York provides a range of camping experiences across several state parks and private campgrounds. Fillmore Glen State Park Campground, located approximately 15 miles southwest in Moravia, offers tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with electric hookups and modern facilities. Taughannock Falls State Park Campground, situated about 25 miles west near Trumansburg, features multiple accommodation types including tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and glamping options with boat-in, drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in access. Most established campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically from May through October, with varying amenities including electric hookups, showers, and sanitary dump stations.
Camping availability throughout the region follows seasonal patterns, with most facilities closing during winter months. Yellow Lantern Kampground in Cortland operates from April through mid-November, while Robert H. Treman State Park near Ithaca maintains a longer season extending from late April to late November. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods when campgrounds frequently reach capacity. The terrain varies from open meadows to wooded settings, with many campgrounds situated near lakes or waterfalls. According to one visitor, "Fillmore Glen State Park was our favorite for hiking, but probably our least favorite for camping. The sites offered little privacy and were very close together, plus you could hear road noise loud and clear all through the night."
Campers consistently praise the region's natural features, particularly the numerous waterfalls and gorges that characterize the Finger Lakes landscape. Taughannock Falls State Park receives high ratings for its proximity to one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls on the East Coast, along with its well-maintained trails and lake access. Several visitors mentioned the convenience of having wineries, breweries, and cultural attractions within easy driving distance of most campgrounds. A review noted that "Taughannock Falls State Park is one of my favorite parks in New York. The camp grounds are excellent, there are TONS of trails nearby, the swimming area of the lake is close, and the water is very clean." Mixed-use campgrounds offering both primitive tent sites and full-hookup RV options are common throughout the area, with many providing access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and swimming areas.
"region of Upstate New York."
"Awesome little park in the Finger Lakes region with nature on site and lots more to do and explore nearby (wine trails!)."
from $17 - $67 / night
Check Availability"Taughannock Falls State Park is one of my favorite parks in New York."
"Went for a quick getaway to this little gem of a state park in the finger lakes region of New York. I’ll be coy, and use their slogan ‘Ithaca is Gorges’ and Gorgeous!!!"
from $20 - $67 / night
Check Availability"Buttermilk Falls State Park is a great state park in central New York. The scenery is what makes this park stand out."
"Short drive out of Ithaca proper near one of the Finger Lakes. Medium to easy trails (the ones near the gorges are steep but with nice rock steps)."
from $21 - $66 / night
Check Availability"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."
"A waterfall cascades through a gorge here, ending in a beautiful pool for swimming at the base of the falls, with a trout stream flowing out of it towards nearby Cayuga Lake. "
from $20 - $128 / night
Check Availability"The lake is a fascinating meromictic lake with clear calcium-rich waters that are not only pristine and beautiful to look at, but also great for swimming and snorkeling as the waters are crystal clear"
"The sites are nice, some are little close to each other but nice for group camping. A short distance (walk or by car) to the beach. The lake is a little chilly sometimes but very refreshing."
from $20 - $116 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Definitely one of the top places to camp and visit in New York, Watkins Glen State Park never disappoints. Each time I come back, I find something new to discover and have a great time doing that."
from $20 - $58 / night
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TravelerCampground is quiet, bathrooms are OK. Some sites have power, some don’t, none have water or sewer. Lots of things to do here. Been here 5 days and still haven’t done it all.
TravelerSite 80 is across from water access. But only 5 minutes to fill your tank. If you book an inside loop close to #80 you will be close to water.
TravelerThis is a small no frills campground centrally located near many Finger Lakes attractions (wineries especially). We had full hookups and everything worked as it should. The bath house is old but everything is functional. Shower was nice and hot. We were one of only 2 RVs there at the time so I would say it was very quiet except that the other party had a 4 and 5 year old who kept things lively and visited our site constantly until we asked them not to for awhile. Cute kids though. The campground is woodsy with just one unpaved road circling around the RV sites. There are tent sites also that looked very private, currently unmowed when we were there.
ScoutNice close packed little campground just thr sites by the lake can sometimes be under water.
GuideI likes this spot and i really like that you need a reservation as well just to secure your spot! The spots are big and great walks as well if you have dogs. Easy access to the pond too. 20 minutes to waterfall state park & there is a maple shop not too far as well for treats etc.
TravelerAll the roads are gravel, so it might get a little muddy after a big rain but I had no issue with a low clearance car driving around to explore the sites available. About half the sites are spread out in a large patch of spruce trees, I stayed at one of these. You can hear and sometimes see cars on the main road from your site but overall the spruce trees give you a lot more privacy. Had a neighbor blasting their speaker and didn't even hear it until I was walking by on that stretch of road. You might catch a glimpse of someone's fire at night, but it mostly felt like I had the place to myself. The other half are clustered much closer together among some deciduous trees but all the sites are pretty spacious, with a picnic table, fire pit, and easy access to the water. You might get a visit from day-use visitors looking for water access, especially if you pick a site closer to the water access paths, so if you're looking for more seclusion you may want to look elsewhere, but I didn't mind and the people who did stop near my site were respectful and didn't seem to want to disturb me once they saw the site near the water access was occupied. A free permit is needed for camping during the on-season. I stayed off-season and most of the sites were unoccupied, but I could see this being a popular spot during the warmer months. Port-a-potties are also not available off-season – be prepared to find a good cat hole spot or bring a wag bag if you're not self-contained. Seeing some litter around my site was a bit of a bummer (don't be that guy!), but overall the sites looked pretty clean and well-maintained. I did notice some broken glass at my site, so if you have pets (or shoe-averse children) be mindful of their paw pads (and feet). There's plenty of downed wood for making a fire, and I passed a couple homes selling firewood on the side of the road on the way. Service was spotty (AT&T) but if you wandered around enough you could get a couple bars to send a text, or if you really needed to, drive up the road a couple of minutes. I would easily stay here again, but if I came during the main season I'd probably want to plan a mid-week trip and get my permit and claim my site as soon as possible.
GuideBeautiful and well- maintained. Very roomy sites. Owner is friendly and responds quickly to calls.
TravelerStayed one night. Spot was great! It had rained so we weren't able to have a fire, but there was a spot where others had one previously. A little road noise from Rt 79, but honestly wasn't terrible.
GuideWe got a spot last minute on the loop nearest the lake. Did not have a lot of shade so it was hot but the park is lovely. Decent bath houses— not well cleaned especially on the weekend. Utilities can be far from the parking spot.
Located in the heart of the Finger Lakes region, Homer sits at approximately 1,100 feet above sea level in Cortland County. The area's network of glacial lakes creates moderate temperatures during camping season, with daytime highs typically ranging from 70-85°F in summer. Most campgrounds near Homer remain operational from late April through October, with limited winter accessibility at certain locations.
Waterfall swimming: At Fillmore Glen State Park Campground, campers can enjoy a unique swimming experience in a natural pool at the base of a waterfall. "Kids loved the park and swimming in the waterfall beach," notes Charyssa G., highlighting one of the park's most popular features.
Hiking trails: The gorges and waterfalls near Homer offer exceptional hiking opportunities, particularly at Watkins Glen State Park Campground. "I stay here usually once or twice a year and spend my weekends hiking the various gorge trails nearby," shares Deb S., who appreciates the park's proximity to multiple trail systems.
Lake activities: Many campgrounds provide lake access for fishing, boating, and swimming. "You can rent a kayak and enjoy the beautiful lake. There are miles of trails to explore," reports Cindy H. about Green Lakes State Park, where visitors can rent rowboats for $7/hour.
Wine tasting: The region's numerous vineyards make an excellent day trip from camping bases. Kim B. mentions that Fillmore Glen offers "nature on site and lots more to do and explore nearby (wine trails!)," making it a convenient starting point for Finger Lakes wine country exploration.
Natural swimming areas: Several parks feature swimming in natural settings rather than traditional pools. At Robert H. Treman State Park Campground, visitors particularly enjoy the unique swimming hole. "Everyone says how great the water falls are. And yes they are. Bit this is truly a great place to camp," writes Paully B., highlighting both the natural features and camping quality.
Bathroom facilities: Clean restrooms consistently receive positive mentions from campers at parks near Homer. Emma N. notes about Robert H. Treman that "The bathrooms were clean, with multiple free, hot showers. I believe there were separate dishwashing sinks inside the restrooms."
Scenic landscapes: The combination of forests, gorges, and waterfalls creates memorable camping backdrops. "Watkins Glen was absolutely beautiful. The sites are quite wooded with plenty of space in between," says Laura L., who stayed in a 30-foot motorhome and still found the natural setting impressive despite tighter roads.
Accessibility to towns: Proximity to local communities allows for convenient access to supplies and additional activities. Michelle L. notes that "Moravia is a small town full of small town charm," when describing the area around Fillmore Glen State Park.
Seasonal variations: Operating dates differ between campgrounds, with some closing earlier than others. Yellow Lantern Kampground in Cortland runs from "April 1 to November 15," providing one of the longer camping seasons in the area.
Site privacy varies: Some campgrounds offer more secluded sites than others. Kayleigh K. cautions about Fillmore Glen: "We were the only tent campers around and the RV groups were loud late and early. We struggled to sleep because of the noise. Tent campers beware."
Reservation requirements: At popular parks like Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground, planning ahead is essential. Shari G. advises, "during the main season, this place is nuts! You'll definitely need to plan ahead and make reservations if you plan to be here on the weekends during the silly season."
Weather considerations: The region experiences variable conditions that affect camping comfort. Scott M. recalls visiting Treman State Park when temperatures dropped unexpectedly: "Went in the fall, very quiet, and peaceful. Woke to snow on the tent. Had a great time listening to the birds and enjoying the trails."
Playground access: Many campgrounds feature play areas specifically designed for children. At Green Lakes State Park Campground, "Beach also has a great playground for kids that is perfect for play and swim," according to Meag F., making it ideal for families with children of different ages.
Central activity spaces: Look for campgrounds with open areas for group games and activities. At Fillmore Glen, Shari G. found that "The grassy field is great for kiddos to run-amok and there is a playground at the far end of it so parents can keep an eye on the kids while enjoying time with their friends and family."
Age-appropriate hikes: Some trails are more suitable for children than others. Jennifer W. shares about Watkins Glen: "I would describe the hikes as moderately difficult. The main one has a lot of steps but lots of walkway in between them so it's not just up up up more steps. There are a total of 19 waterfalls on your way up, all of them absolutely beautiful."
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer nature programs or historical features. Brian O. mentions that at Fillmore Glen, "There is a cabin on site that is the replica of Millard Filmore's youth (13th President of the United States)," providing an educational element to the camping experience.
Site leveling: Some campgrounds present challenges for larger vehicles. Victoria from Robert H. Treman notes, "Electric sites are not the best though. Rocky and unlevel. Not made for large campers."
Campground navigation: The roads within certain parks can be difficult to maneuver with larger RVs. Laura L. observed at Taughannock Falls State Park Campground, "We stayed in a 30 ft. motorhome, and the roads within the campground were kind of tight to get through with trees and curves."
Hookup locations: Pay attention to utility placement when selecting a site. Barbara S. advises about Taughannock Falls: "Check out which side the hookups are on. Some not situated on the right side so you'll need extra long cords."
Seasonal accessibility: RV campers should note varying seasonal availability across parks. "Not S." visited Robert H. Treman in July and found it offered "Site 54 at Robert H Treman is very large, flat, nonelectric and well shaded with areas of sun," demonstrating the availability of quality non-electric sites even during peak season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Homer, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Homer, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 149 campgrounds and RV parks near Homer, NY and 17 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Homer, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Homer, NY is Fillmore Glen State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 15 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Homer, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots near Homer, NY.
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