RV camping near Dansville, New York offers options within 15-25 miles of town at elevations ranging from 600-1,200 feet. The region's Allegheny Plateau geography creates varied camping terrain with moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Campgrounds typically receive 35-40 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush surroundings during the May-October camping season.
What to do
Hiking at Letchworth: Experience the "Grand Canyon of the East" at Letchworth State Park Campground, located about 15 miles west of Dansville. "Wandering around the gorge is so beautiful and relaxing the views and sights inside the park are amazing, it's almost like another world at times," notes one camper. The park features multiple hiking trails accessible directly from campsites.
Winery visits: Finger Lakes RV Resort provides convenient access to local wineries. "Two wineries are even walkable! Owners are clearly dedicated to excellence," shares one visitor. The resort is strategically positioned for wine country exploration with walking paths directly connecting to neighboring wineries.
Recreational activities: Seasonal campers enjoy family-friendly amenities at nearby parks. "Family friendly park, lots of activities, park hosts/owners are hands on and awesome," reports a visitor to Southwoods RV Resort. Many campgrounds feature recreational halls, sports areas, and scheduled weekend activities during summer months.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate ample room between sites at Stay Bristol Woodlands. "Campground is adorable, you can see a lot of other campers, but the spots are spaced out," notes a recent visitor. Sites include standard amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, with level pads for easier setup.
Clean facilities: Bathhouse cleanliness ranks high on campers' priority lists. "The bath house is immaculate and rivals those at Fort Wilderness Resort," reports one guest at Finger Lakes RV Resort. Several campgrounds feature updated bathroom facilities with private shower stalls rather than communal shower areas.
Personalized service: Campground owners often provide personal touches that enhance stays. "We were greeted with delicious cookies, our site(#9) backs up to a wooded area with a lot of space," shared one Finger Lakes RV camper. Many smaller operations have owner-operators who live on-site and provide daily trash pickup and site maintenance.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Summer weekends fill quickly, especially at popular parks. "This is a popular park so make reservations," advises a camper at Letchworth State Park Campground. Most campgrounds open reservations 6-9 months in advance, with holiday weekends booking particularly fast.
Site leveling considerations: Not all campgrounds offer perfectly level sites. At Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort, "Almost all of the sites are not even close to level. Not a big issue with a fifth wheel but a real hassle with a motorcoach," reports one camper. Bringing extra leveling blocks may be necessary at some locations.
Seasonal operations: Most RV parks in the region operate seasonally. "We stayed here on 9/19 after spending the day hiking at Letchworth. Campground there was booked, and we preferred not to drive home," notes a visitor to Maple Lane RV Park. Plan ahead as most facilities close between late October and early May.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Southwoods RV Resort provides multiple play areas for children. "Bathrooms were very clean. Quiet campground. Lots of plays areas for kids," notes a recent visitor. Some campgrounds have dedicated children's recreation areas separate from main camping loops.
Swimming options: Pools provide relief during hot summer days. "We stayed at this Jewel of a campground for years. The new owners have brought this place to a new level. Great amenities, real Wi-Fi and a great pool," reports a Stay Bristol Woodlands camper. Pool operating hours typically run from 10am-7pm during summer months.
Kid-friendly activities: Many parks schedule weekend events for families. "Weekend sites would be pretty tight together if they were fully booked. Golf carts not available," mentions one Southwoods visitor. Check activity calendars when booking, as scheduled events primarily happen on summer weekends.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RVers recommend specific campground sections for more privacy. "We chose a back-in 50-amp full hook-up site (M28) at $42/night. All the utilities were placed appropriately so we didn't need any extensions," notes one experienced RVer at Southwoods. End sites and perimeter locations typically offer more space and fewer neighbors.
Utility placement: Electric and water hookup locations vary by campground. "We're using 30amps, but they also have 20 and 50amp service to each site. The water pressure is great," reports a visitor to Finger Lakes RV Resort. Check whether you'll need extension cords or extra-length water hoses when booking.
Noise considerations: Train tracks and roads can affect some camping areas. "There is a train track near the park which occasionally is quite noisy," notes a camper at Southwoods RV Resort. Sites further from main roads or railroad tracks provide quieter experiences, especially for light sleepers.
