Best Tent Camping near Dansville, NY

The Finger Lakes region surrounding Dansville, New York offers several tent camping opportunities within 30 miles of town. Holiday Hill Campground in nearby Springwater provides tent sites from May through mid-October with electric hookups and picnic tables available. The Pineapple Farm northeast of Dansville features more primitive tent camping options with toilets and showers but no electrical access. Both locations serve as strategic bases for exploring the surrounding forests and waterways.

Tent sites in the Dansville area typically feature flat terrain with varying levels of shade and privacy between sites. Many campgrounds maintain well-defined fire rings and enforce seasonal fire restrictions based on local conditions. Holiday Hill Campground provides drinking water and sanitation facilities, while more rustic options like Firefly Acres require tent campers to pack in their own water supplies. The most developed tent sites offer electric hookups, while walk-in sites provide more seclusion but fewer amenities. Seasonal operation generally runs from May through October, though some locations close earlier due to weather conditions.

Tent campers often choose Holiday Hill for its proximity to trails and water recreation. One visitor noted that the campground has "clean bathrooms and lots to do for kids," though sites near the main area can be noisy with children. The forested locations provide natural shade during summer months, with tent pads generally clear of obstructions. Early autumn offers particularly pleasant camping with fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures. For those seeking greater solitude, walk-in tent sites at locations like Firefly Acres provide a more rustic experience away from RV generators and site-to-site proximity. Most tent areas require moderate hiking to reach water sources or scenic viewpoints, with trails connecting to broader regional trail systems.

Best Tent Sites Near Dansville, New York (10)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Dansville, NY

2 Photos of 10 Dansville Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Dansville, NY

582 Reviews of 10 Dansville Campgrounds


  • Gavin T.
    Oct. 23, 2017

    Blueberry Patch Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

    Simple

    The only Finger Lakes National Forest designated campground, Blueberry Patch offers a secluded experience in the heart of this sometimes overlooked beautiful geographic region in the State of New York. This campground offers a simple experience, with fire rings and picnic tables at each site and seems to accommodate just tent and small campers. Vault toilets available. On a week day in early summer, 3 of the 9 campsites we’re occupied. Can see it filling up on weekends. Enjoy!

  • Sophie D.
    Oct. 5, 2016

    Watkins Glen State Park Campground

    Friendly, beautiful, and well organized

    I ended a two-day backpacking trek through the Finger Lakes National Forest at Watkins Glen. After grunting all the way up the long hill to the campground, I checked in with a wonderful and helpful employee. She gave me all the information about the campground and park that I could ever want, and then we laughed a little about the antics of young husky mixes (I had my dog with me on the hike). The campground is dog-friendly, provided that you have a current rabies certificate and keep him/her on leash.

    I stayed at a tent site, which has no electricity. RV sites, which cost a little more, provide electric hookups. My camp site and all the neighboring ones were clean. Water from spigots is easily accessible, as are showers and toilets.

    The campground is situated walking distance from the main attractions of the park; during the summer, a large swimming pool is a popular place to hang out with family. Hiking trails parallel the creek with beautiful falls. I was disappointed to find that dogs are not allowed on the Gorge Trail, which is closest to all of the falls.

    All in all, I loved this campground. It was a very relaxing place to spend the night.

  • Jama A.
    Jul. 15, 2025

    Canandaigua-Rochester KOA

    Camping near Canandaigua, New York

    Campers exploring the Canandaigua area discover a delightful mix of lakeside retreats, wooded state parks, and family-friendly RV resorts. Just minutes from downtown, Canandaigua City Park Campground offers easy access to local shops and the lakefront beach, making it a convenient base for those who want town amenities within walking distance. A short drive farther out leads to Keuka Lake State Park Campground and the privately owned Canandaigua-Rochester KOA, both of which feature spacious sites, clean facilities, and excellent opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and fishing on the Finger Lakes. For those seeking a quieter experience, numerous backcountry and dispersed sites are tucked into the surrounding National Forest, where campers can truly unplug—though it’s essential to bring all necessary supplies and practice Leave No Trace principles. Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill and the Stay Bristol Woodlands campground blend rustic charm with modern comforts: well-maintained restrooms, picnic shelters, and on-site hiking trails that wind through hardwood forests and offer scenic overlooks, especially stunning during fall foliage season. Travel logistics are a breeze when visitors prearrange an airport shuttle from Rochester or Syracuse airports, ensuring a smooth transition from plane to campsite. And for adventurers mapping out multiple stops across the Finger Lakes or beyond, reliable multi-city transfers provide comfortable, door-to-door rides—no rental car necessary. With its blend of waterfront sites, wooded hideaways, and nearby attractions—wineries, waterfalls, and historic villages—the Canandaigua region truly has something for every type of camper. Whether pitching a tent under the stars or rolling in with an RV, visitors will find endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.

  • Jess W.
    Aug. 19, 2018

    Letchworth State Park Campground

    Amazing state park, crappy campground

    The state park is breathtaking. The campground is horrendous. The restrooms were disgusting. The site barely fit our one tent (8man Coleman) even though it was advertised as a two tent site. The camp fire ring had no solid base- it just sat on the grass and fires would not stay lit. The quiet hours were not enforced. Yelling and loud music kept us up until ridiculous hours. I would not rate this as family friendly.

  • N
    Jun. 14, 2019

    Blueberry Patch Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

    Great site

    What does blueberry patch campground offer? Large camp sites with a picnic table large enough for 6 adults (squeezed together), metal fire pit with grill, large tent footprint and space for 2-3 vehicles to park.

    For you fellow hammock campers reading this don’t worry! Most of the sites are compatible for hammocks, some sites you may have to be more creative to make it work.

    You can stay at this site for up to 14 days at $15pn (bring cash). There are two bathrooms on the site and bear proof dumpsters as well. There are many locals selling fire wood bundles for $5 each so no problems getting a fire going. Lastly for this part BRING WATER. There are no water sources near the site. There is a gas station about 15 minutes away on route 79 so make sure to fill up on water and snacks.

    The site is great. Lots of amenities and individual sites. They aren’t too far away from each other so you don’t feel completely isolated but far enough away to allow some privacy. There are some trails nearby and are worth a hike.

    Neil

  • Randall K.
    Aug. 25, 2023

    Genesee Country Campground

    Great spot - esp for tents!

    What a great place this was!

    Everyone was very nice and bathrooms were so clean! To top it off the sites for tents are amazing - so private and pretty. In fact it’s so private we were able to set up our own portable toilet and have complete privacy.

    Nice little store too! Overall this place was great and we’d stay here again in a heartbeat. Very easy place to spend the night.

    Also they have golfing here and tent areas back up to the 9th hole (but still separated so you don’t feel like you are right on top of it) so you can easily knock around there and do a little golfing too!

  • Michael B.
    Sep. 3, 2020

    Stony Brook State Park Campground

    Beautiful park. Too bad we missed the pool.

    Had a great time at Stony Brook State Park this week! The campground side doesn't open until around 11 we were told, and we reached at 8am, so we started at the North (day-use) side, parked there, hiked, ate, and eventually drove back to the other side, checked in, and set up camp. 😁 It was a very nice time. Due to the COVID-19 regulations, masks need to be worn in the bathhouse (except when brushing teeth or showering). Was a good, quiet, fun time, with a few other families nearby. The only negatives: *According to their website, the natural pool would be open the day we went. It was not. ☹️ *No alcohol permitted in the whole campgrounds. Fine for us, but annoying for many. From the trash in the bathhouse, looks like some were anyways. *No "camp store" - so if you forgot an essential item, you've got to go out from the park. Positive part: town is only 8 minutes away via car. Also, we got GREAT and easy burning from the people selling wood for $5/bundle just outside the campground entrance.

    All in all, a GREAT time! We all enjoyed it!

  • Dan N.
    Jul. 18, 2016

    Kanakadea Park - Almond Lake

    Lake right off rt 86

    This is a park with a lake. In the green rolling hills of the Finger Lakes. Grassy open fields are nice but not private. Used the basic tent setup. Clean, grounds kept up nice, simple, no water. Lots of state lands and water nearby. Deer by the tent in the morning. Great stopover or base camp, not much to do right on site.

  • Kari M.
    Sep. 21, 2016

    Smith Memorial Park

    Great hiking trails, and beach nearby!

    Smith Memorial Park has a pretty great set up. You can camp and hike, while enjoying the beach and water activities. It is the best of both worlds. I camped here a few summers ago, and enjoyed my stay. I love hiking, and there were some really good trails nearby with some great views. The campground was great, each campsite has its own picnic table and fire ring. They also have restrooms and showers available for use too- I stayed a few nights so the showers worked out great. Our spot was fairly close, so it was within walking distance. What I really like about his campground is it is sort of secluded, and not very crowded. The campsite I stayed at was called "The Point" and it was quite and a great location. My sisters went one evening to a winery that was really close to our campsite called JR Dill, and we went to a great brewing company for dinner one night. The campground does provide firewood-which they offer for a pretty low cost. We did this, and enjoyed making smores over the campfire both nights we stayed. The beach is nice and is pretty close to the campground, within walking distance. Great for swimming, and I saw some people out on the lake with their boats. Enjoyed my stay, and would definitely come back again at some point!


Guide to Dansville

Tent camping areas near Dansville, New York often remain accessible into early November, providing opportunities for late-season camping before winter conditions set in. Elevation in this region ranges from 600 to 1,200 feet above sea level, creating varied camping experiences between valley locations and higher ridges. The surrounding Finger Lakes terrain features mixed hardwood forests with maple, oak and birch trees providing seasonal color changes particularly notable during September and October camping trips.

What to do

Fishing access points: Lawrence Recreation Area offers proximity to Cowanesque Lake where campers report "good kayaking" opportunities with "amazing driftwood to be had" according to visitor Rebecca E. The calm waters are ideal for both beginning and experienced anglers.

Mountain biking trails: Firefly Acres provides tent sites with "tons of activities nearby including trails for hiking & mountain biking" as noted by reviewer Jake C. Most trails maintain moderate difficulty ratings suitable for intermediate riders with elevation gains of 300-500 feet.

Family swimming areas: Dream Lake Campground maintains dedicated swimming sections with weekend organized activities. One camper reports it's "very family friendly lots of activities" and mentions they've "been going here 6 years now and never have had a bad time." Swimming areas typically operate between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

What campers like

Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-maintained bathroom facilities. At Dream Lake Campground, visitor Nick O. appreciated the "clean facilities" and noted there's "lots to do for kids and adults." Standard amenities include flush toilets and regularly maintained shower houses.

Affordable rates: Late season camping offers particular value according to Terry F. at Holiday Hill Campground, who noted, "$43 per night for end of the season weekend isn't bad." Most tent sites across the region range from $25-45 depending on hookups and amenities.

Canal access: Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort provides access to the historic Erie Canal system. Reviewer Amy T. described it as "canal side camping" with a "nice pool" and "friendly staff." The canal provides additional water recreation opportunities with rental equipment available at nearby marinas.

What you should know

Site selection matters: At Holiday Hill Campground, visitors recommend planning site location carefully. One camper advises, "if [noise] bothers you, plan ahead to get a site away from the main area" as there can be "kids running through your site" in centrally located areas.

Weather considerations: The Dansville region experiences significant temperature drops from late September through October. Nighttime temperatures frequently drop into the 30s-40s°F by mid-October. Facilities begin winterizing water systems in late October.

Private ownership variations: Management styles and rule enforcement vary significantly between campgrounds. Riverside Park Campground offers a "totally laid back" atmosphere according to Jesse K., while other privately-owned campgrounds maintain stricter policies regarding noise and visitor regulations.

Tips for camping with families

Speed restrictions benefit children: At Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort, Rachel T. appreciates that "the speed limit is 5 MPH and they mean it.... Kids on bikes and having a good time in the enormous play area." Most family-oriented campgrounds maintain similar safety measures.

Weekend activities: Organized events provide additional entertainment options. At Dream Lake Campground, Nick O. noted they offer "weekend activities" while another visitor mentioned their "snack house food is great, if you don't feel like cooking they offer a nice menu almost anyone would love."

Swimming options: Many campgrounds offer swimming facilities, though availability depends on season and weather. Dream Lake features a designated swimming area open through early September, weather permitting. Several natural swimming areas in surrounding state forests require short hikes from established camping areas.

Tips from RVers

Leveling challenges: RV campers at Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort should prepare for uneven terrain. Reviewer Donna C. warned "Almost all of the sites are not even close to level" noting it's "Not a big issue with a fifth wheel but a real hassle with a motorcoach."

Seasonal site availability: Holiday Hill Campground visitor Terry F. observed, "There seemed to be a lot of regulars and seasonal sites here, which meant that short term full hook up sites were harder to get." Reservations for peak summer weekends should be made 3-4 months in advance.

Site maneuverability: Backing larger trailers requires careful navigation at some locations. One camper at Holiday Hill Campground reported, "We had to maneuver a lot to back our 25' trailer into a tight spot, but sites are clean and spacious side to side."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Dansville, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Dansville, NY is Holiday Hill Campground with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Dansville, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Dansville, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.