Best Campgrounds near Corning, NY

Corning, New York serves as a gateway to diverse camping experiences throughout New York's Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions. Several established campgrounds including Ferenbaugh Campground, Camp Bell Campground, and Watkins Glen/Corning KOA provide a mix of tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals within 20 miles of the city. The area features both developed facilities with full amenities and more primitive options like Sugar Hill Recreation Area, which offers dispersed camping in a more natural setting. Most campgrounds in this region are situated along scenic routes that connect to Seneca Lake and other Finger Lakes attractions.

Most developed campgrounds in the Corning area operate seasonally from May through October, with peak visitation during summer months. "We stayed in the cabins. Bathrooms were clean. Had a pool and playground. Friendly staff," noted one visitor about Camp Bell Campground. Road access to established sites is generally well-maintained and suitable for most vehicles, though some dispersed camping areas may require higher clearance. Travelers should note that water quality can vary across facilities, with some reviews mentioning sediment issues requiring filtration. Winter camping options are extremely limited, with most facilities closing after the fall foliage season. Advance reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and fall color season, particularly for sites with full hookups or premium waterfront locations.

The region's mixed-use campgrounds often provide convenient access to the area's popular attractions. Campsites near Watkins Glen State Park and the Finger Lakes wine region tend to receive higher ratings from visitors seeking both natural scenery and cultural activities. A review of Ferenbaugh Campground highlighted: "Near many attractions close to Watkins Glen. Clean and the staff was a pleasure to deal with." Family-friendly amenities like swimming pools, fishing ponds, and planned activities are common at the larger developed campgrounds, while more rustic sites appeal to those seeking quieter surroundings. Many campgrounds provide a combination of wooded sites offering shade and privacy alongside open areas that accommodate larger RVs with satellite reception needs. Water access is frequently mentioned as a desirable feature, with several campgrounds situated near lakes or containing small fishing ponds on their properties.

Best Camping Sites Near Corning, New York (156)

    1. Watkins Glen State Park Campground

    89 Reviews
    Watkins Glen, NY
    18 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."

    "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."

    2. Watkins Glen / Corning KOA

    18 Reviews
    Montour Falls, NY
    14 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"

    "Watkins Glen/ Corning KOA this is a nice KOA in the Watkins Glen area. Our site was a full hookup site. Campground offered clean sites with gravel drives and grass areas between them."

    3. Ferenbaugh Campground

    7 Reviews
    Big Flats, NY
    5 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"

    4. Camp Bell Campground

    5 Reviews
    Campbell, NY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 527-3301

    "Has plenty of close by attractions. Kids enjoyed the the big playground and mini arcade. Has a large pool for swimming and fun activities"

    "Lots of activities for kids and near by attractions. They are with in a 20 minute drive to wakins Glen race way and do not raise prices for camping that weekend."

    5. Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    11 Reviews
    Tyrone, NY
    17 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."

    6. Ives Run

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

    $24 - $100 / night

    "Large fields behind most sites for activities.

    • full hook ups available

    • numerous hiking trails, large lake for boating, fishing and swimming."

    "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)."

    7. Tompkins

    4 Reviews
    Lawrenceville, PA
    14 miles
    Website

    $24 - $46 / night

    "Just off US 15 at the New York border. All roads and parking pads are paved. The sites are closer together than most other COE parks where we’ve stayed."

    "It is run by Army Corp of Engineers because it is on a lake with a dam. Spots are level and paved. It is always clean."

    8. Sunflower Acres

    1 Review
    Addison, NY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 630-1977

    $45 - $65 / night

    9. Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping

    5 Reviews
    Tyrone, NY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 622-8282

    "Its location is convenient, just a 15-minute drive from Watkins Glen, making it an ideal base for exploring the area."

    "Nice hiking trails at the moment (pretty close to overgrown at this point in the season). Great free location between destinations."

    10. Hills Creek State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Middlebury Center, PA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 724-4246

    $20 - $75 / night

    "There are some short trails through the campground! Lake available for swimming complete with snack bar, including ice cream!!! The rangers offer educational programs that are free of charge!"

    "Beautiful and surrounded by gorgeous PA, and close to the town of wellsborough. It's a short 10-20 minute drive to the nearby towns with the amenities you may need, and with cute tourist stops!"

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Recent Reviews near Corning, NY

565 Reviews of 156 Corning Campgrounds


  • 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

  • Dayne B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill

    Inexpensive, Peaceful.

    I've stayed here on 3 separate occasions, twice in RV 12 and once in RV 6. 

    I used the 30 AMP hookup and had zero issues.

    Beautiful playground for my son to enjoy and meet other kiddos. Deer, chipmunks and rabbits will say hi in the early and late hours.

    Large dumpsters near entrance. 

    Dump stations are present, but I haven't used them yet. 

    Potable water is present at a small spigot. 

    The washrooms facility is very close and speaking for the men's side, it had 2 stalls, 2 urinals, 2 showers, multiple sinks, and a sturdy baby changing station.

    Hiking trails with gorgeous views of the valley within a 5 min walk of my campsite.

  • 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!

  • David A.
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Tiadaghton Campground — Tioga State Forest

    Tiadaghaton State Forest, PA

    Roadside site 1/4 mile from the nearest site. You can drive right to the site on Hackett Rd. Very secluded and peaceful. Picnic table and fire ring, but no water or latrine.

  • Casey L.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Watkins Glen State Park Campground

    Busy campground

    Sites are level, some are more spaced apart than others but none seemed crowded as they seemed to all have trees between. Main complaint was most people speed way too fast through the campground. There was poison Ivy around the edges of our site and on the path to the bathroom. Bathroom was fairly modern and clean. It was nice to be able to access the gorge right from the campground.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Stay Bristol Woodlands

    Well maintained and friendly Staff!

    Campground is adorable, you can see a lot of other campers, but the spots are spaced out. Showers were nice, didn’t get to try the pool out as it was a quick stopover, but this seems like a fun place to spend some time

  • Sarah M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Finger Lakes National Forest

    Quiet site near a small pond

    The road in (a loop) is steep on both sides (a truck or vehicle with clearance would be helpful but you could also park at the bottom if you needed to). The site was trashy so we picked up a lot of what we could. A bonus—the site was quiet, roomy and once at the ‘top’ is quite level. Not vehicles came in or out all night (and it was a Saturday!).

  • Sienna L.
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Harpy Hollow

    Great spot in the Finger Lakes

    This was a great visit! The owners were amazing and accommodating. We had everything we needed.


Guide to Corning

Camping near Corning, New York, offers a fantastic escape into nature with plenty of options for outdoor fun. From stunning parks to family-friendly amenities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the breathtaking 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 fishing at Keuka Lake State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "The lake is clean and clear, great for fishing, boating, and swimming."
  • Family Fun: Check out the playgrounds and recreational activities at Sampson State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "Place is great for kids. Lots to do with a couple of playgrounds, guarded swimming area, kayak rentals, movie nights, and a concession stand!"

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers at Letchworth State Park Campground. A happy camper said, "Bathrooms were very clean with nice hot water in the showers."
  • Scenic Views: Many love the beautiful landscapes, especially at Robert H. Treman State Park Campground. One visitor remarked, "The park itself is wonderful. Beautiful walking trails, waterfalls, and a natural swimming area."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the generous spacing between sites at Lyman Run State Park Campground. A reviewer mentioned, "The site and facilities were very well kept and clean."

What you should know

  • No Alcohol Allowed: Some campgrounds, like Stony Brook State Park Campground, have strict no-alcohol policies. A camper noted, "No alcohol permitted in the whole campgrounds."
  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service, especially at Worlds End State Park Campground. One visitor said, "Awesome quiet campground with no cell phone service allowing you to really be in peace with nature."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots like Sampson State Park Campground fill up quickly. A camper advised, "Book quickly because they fill up fast and then you’re waiting for cancellations."

Tips for camping with families

  • Playgrounds and Activities: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities, like Letchworth State Park Campground, which has a large playground. A parent shared, "The playground is huge and there's lots of room for riding your bike around."
  • Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds, such as Sampson State Park Campground, have on-site food options. A visitor mentioned, "There’s a concession stand to get pizza and snacks!"
  • Nature Exploration: Encourage kids to explore nature trails, like those at Watkins Glen State Park Campground. One camper noted, "We spent every day hiking and biking."

Tips from RVers

  • Electric Hookups: Check for electric hookups at campgrounds like Keuka Lake State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "The sites are all super spacious and private."
  • Bring Extension Cords: Some sites, like those at Sampson State Park Campground, have power poles that are far from the sites. A camper advised, "Bring an extension cord for some that are more than 30' from the pads."
  • Dump Stations: Be aware of the number of dump stations available. A visitor at Lyman Run State Park Campground mentioned, "There are only 2 dump stations."

Camping near Corning, New York, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful parks and plenty of activities, you’re sure to have a memorable experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Corning, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Corning, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 156 campgrounds and RV parks near Corning, NY and 11 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Corning, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Corning, NY is Watkins Glen State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 89 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Corning, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Corning, NY.

What parks are near Corning, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Corning, NY that allow camping, notably Cowanesque Lake and Tioga-Hammond Lakes.