The Dresden area offers camping options at elevations between 450-900 feet above sea level throughout the central Finger Lakes region. Most campgrounds experience temperature ranges from 45°F in spring to 85°F in summer, with overnight lows occasionally dropping to 50°F even in July. Camping season typically runs from mid-April through October, with several sites extending availability into November during mild years.
What to do
Hiking near waterfall systems: At Watkins Glen State Park Campground, the main gorge trail features 19 waterfalls through narrow stone walls. "The gorge trail is a MUST. Definitely go check this campsite out!" notes Laura L. For less crowded options, "There are many trails we haven't walked them all yet. Bring your camera for sure lots to see!" advises Sara H.
Military history exploration: Sampson State Park offers educational opportunities within its preserved military installations. "It was a Naval training base during WWll... It has a Naval museum with many authentic items from that era," explains Brian O. The park provides "audio tours" through the former base and visitors can enjoy "some cool adventure drives around the old base," according to Matt Z.
Wine and brewery visits: Many campgrounds provide convenient access to local wineries. At Sned Acres Campground, visitors appreciate "being in the middle of wine country with many destinations very close. Two wineries are even walkable!" The campground serves as "a great place to call home base while exploring the finger lakes," according to Kate A.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Keuka Lake State Park Campground earns praise for its well-designed campsites. "Our site was huge, nice beach, swimming area, pavilions," reports Jason. Other campers appreciate that "mature trees surround campsites and separate the loops from each other," and note the "large, woody sites" that provide seclusion.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for their amenities. "The bathroom/shower facility in our loop was modern and kept very clean," reports Helen H. at Keuka Lake. Another camper notes that "bathrooms were very clean with dish washing stations in them," providing practical conveniences after meals.
Water recreation options: Cayuga Lake State Park Campground features multiple water activities. "Kayaking in Cayuga Lake was not lacking some beautiful views," writes Laura Nicole A. The park includes "swimming, fishing, kayak or canoe launch pad," and Amanda K. adds that these features make it a "nice campground on the lake" for water enthusiasts.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Choose sites wisely based on specific needs. "Stay on the outside perimeter of the loops or you might have foot traffic thru your site to shower/toilet houses & water taps," advises Rebecca E. At Cayuga Lake, "some of the camp sites are closer to playgrounds than they appear on the map," warns Jeremy T.
Facilities vary by loop: Not all bathroom and shower facilities offer the same experience across campgrounds. At Taughannock Falls State Park Campground, "Some of the shower houses are better than others," observes Lori F., indicating the importance of checking specific loop amenities when reserving.
Weekend crowding: Popular sites fill quickly during peak times. "We arrived late on a Thursday night but were able to find one spot," reports Maggie A. regarding Blueberry Patch Campground, adding: "My only recommendation is that you arrive earlier and set up if you're camping during the busy season. Otherwise it fills up fast."
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. Sampson State Park features "nice playgrounds" according to Amanda K., while at Blueberry Patch Campground, families appreciate that "each site has its own privacy and is decent sized. I brought my dog and was able to put her on a lead and not worry about her getting tangled up every 2 seconds."
Swimming options: Beach areas provide safe swimming for children. "The swimming area goes to 12 feet deep and has a dock to jump off of," at Taughannock Falls, according to Barbara S., while Cayuga Lake offers "a beautiful location" for swimming with "a large playground" nearby.
Educational opportunities: Families can incorporate learning into camping trips. At Sampson State Park, "There is a museum, boat launch, pavilions, and ice cream shop on the camp ground," notes Kate W. Jennifer W. adds, "There is a Farm Sanctuary that my son very much enjoyed" near Watkins Glen, providing animal-focused education.
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: At Finger Lakes RV Resort, RVers appreciate the practical amenities. "Easy maneuverability, great wifi and water pressure, along with level sites make it a great place to stay," notes Joseph B. The resort offers "electric service boxes" though campers should note that at some parks, these "are shared in-between sites. This could pose an issue if your power cord is not long enough."
Road access limitations: Some campgrounds present challenges for larger vehicles. Laura L. notes that at Watkins Glen, "the roads within the campground were kind of tight to get through with trees and curves" for their 30-foot motorhome. RVers should consider size limitations when selecting sites.
Water and dump station logistics: Plan ahead for filling tanks and disposal needs. At Sampson State Park, "There is only one source for water fill up. This could end up being a very very long wait if you arrive at the same time as other campers," and there are "only 2 dump stations," according to Amanda K.
