Camping options near Corning, New York extend beyond traditional RV parks, with sites scattered throughout the southern Finger Lakes region at elevations ranging from 900 to 1,200 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons, with summer camping season typically running from May through October when temperatures average 75-85°F during daytime hours. Winter camping isn't common in this region due to significant snowfall amounts that can exceed 60 inches annually.
What to do
Wine tasting tours: 20+ wineries within 30 minutes. Finger Lakes RV Resort in Hector provides convenient access to local vineyards. "Two wineries are even walkable!" writes Kathleen R., highlighting the resort's strategic location. Many campers appreciate the proximity to wine country, with Steve A. noting, "There are numerous award-winning wineries surrounding us and up and down the lake."
Waterfall hiking: Multiple gorge trails within 15 miles. The region features impressive geological formations with accessible hiking paths. "We've been hiking the last few days- Watkins Glen State Park- Gorge Trail(go early or it gets REALLY crowded), Taughannock State Park- Gorge & North Ridge Trail over on Cayuga Lake," shares a visitor staying at Finger Lakes RV Resort.
Fishing: Year-round opportunities. Several campgrounds offer on-site fishing ponds. At Camp Bell Campground, families can enjoy catch-and-release fishing without leaving the property. At Ferenbaugh Campground, a reviewer mentions a "fenced in pond for catch and release fishing" among the amenities available to guests.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Modern bathhouses. Campers consistently praise the cleanliness standards at area campgrounds. At Ferenbaugh Campground, one camper shares that "they have a well stocked store with grocery necessities, camping necessities, snacks and Hersey ice cream." Another visitor to Camp Bell notes, "The owners are very nice and helpful. It is mostly occupied by regulars but the rental sites are close to the very clean bathrooms and showers."
Family-friendly amenities: Pools and playgrounds. Many rv parks near Corning offer recreational facilities. "The pool is clean and looks great," writes Scott H. about Camp Bell Campground. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park PA Wilds, a visitor shares that "Two jumping pillows were awesome. Pool was cold but fun."
Spacious sites: Room to spread out. Several RV parks feature well-designed camping spaces. "Our site was spacious and the dog park gave our pups plenty of time off leash," notes a visitor to Finger Lakes RV Resort. Another camper adds, "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."
What you should know
Water quality varies by campground. At Ferenbaugh, a camper warns, "Make sure you use a water filter, there was a lot of sediment in the water when we were there. See pictures of 4 days on a new cartridge." Another long-term visitor notes, "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."
Weekend crowds affect experience. Some campgrounds become significantly busier on weekends, particularly those with family attractions. At Watkins Glen / Corning KOA, one camper observed, "It does get very crowded on the weekends so make sure your kiddos know car safety."
Seasonal operation limits. Most RV parks in Corning area close between late October and early May. Pine Valley RV Park operates from "May 1 to September 30" while Ferenbaugh Campground runs from "May 1 - Oct 30," making advance planning essential for shoulder season visits.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Schedule around peak times. Families staying at Corning RV parks recommend early morning starts for popular attractions. "Watkins Glen State Park- Gorge Trail(go early or it gets REALLY crowded)," advises one experienced camper who stayed at Finger Lakes RV Resort.
Campsite selection: Consider playground proximity. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park PA Wilds, a regular visitor recommends, "We always get a site on the outside of the main circle by the tower slide. There's lots of shade and optimum view of both playgrounds to keep an eye on the kiddos."
Budget for extras: Activities may have additional fees. While Hickory Hill Camping Resort includes many amenities in the site fee, other campgrounds charge separately for activities. "There is a lot to do at Hickory Hill and everything is included in your site fee," notes Amy T., making it a good value for families.
Tips from RVers
Entry road challenges: Prepare for steep access. Some campgrounds have difficult approach roads. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park PA Wilds, a camper warns, "The entry road to the campground itself is a very steep, narrow road with a small curve at the top. It's well-maintained but keep an eye out for campers coming down. There's space for getting by but it's tight."
Site measurements: Verify before booking. Don't rely solely on website information for site dimensions. A visitor to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park PA Wilds shares, "The site we booked online had bad measurements, so when we got there we found our trailer wouldn't fit. The camp map is close but not very accurate, so calling them to book if you have any questions is the way to go."
WiFi strength varies dramatically between rv parks. Some newer facilities offer better connectivity. At Finger Lakes RV Resort, a reviewer mentions "great wifi and water pressure, along with level sites make it a great place to stay." Another camper confirms, "Wifi was strong enough to do work calls," making this location suitable for working campers.
