Park Station Campground offers a camping experience centered around a man-made lake in Chemung County, NY. The campground sits at 1,300 feet elevation with gravel sites that help manage moisture during the region's humid summer months when temperatures often reach the high 80s. Most sites have electrical hookups with water access points shared between neighboring spots, making this a practical base camp for exploring the wider Finger Lakes region.
What to Do
Waterfall exploration: At Watkins Glen State Park Campground, campers can hike the renowned Gorge Trail with its 19 waterfalls. "Watkins Glen was absolutely beautiful. The gorge trail is a MUST. Definitely go check this campsite out!" says Laura L. The trail features stone walkways cutting through dramatic rock formations.
Swimming options: While Park Station has its beach area, Robert H. Treman State Park Campground offers a unique natural swimming experience. "Beautiful waterfall swimming pool is very cold, but great on a hot day," notes reviewer not S. The park has a diving board into a swimming hole filled by a waterfall.
Wine and brewery visits: The surrounding Finger Lakes region has numerous wineries within a 30-minute drive. Seneca Lake Wine Trail runs through nearby Watkins Glen and makes "a fun diversion to your hiking trip," according to Erin H. Most wineries welcome pets in outdoor tasting areas.
What Campers Like
Quiet atmosphere: Park Station provides a peaceful camping setting with adequate space between sites. At Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground, campers enjoy "wooded and lovely" tent sites. Sara S. says "it was SO nice to have a small campground to stay in! This park isn't terribly busy, but busy enough that it was necessary to 'escape' at night and relax."
Regional accessibility: The area serves as a convenient hub for regional exploration. According to not S., Robert H. Treman offers a "good central location for exploring the Finger Lakes, Watkins Glen, Seneca Falls, Cornell and Ithaca." Most major attractions sit within 30-40 minutes of Erin.
Fall foliage viewing: The hardwood forests surrounding these campgrounds transform during autumn. "The state park campground is like a postcard, especially in fall," mentions Erin H. about Watkins Glen. Kent B. adds that the Finger Lakes region is "so beautiful. Be sure to time your visit with the fall foliage change."
What You Should Know
Bathroom facilities: Campground bathrooms vary significantly in quality. At Pinecreek Campground, "bathrooms were a little on the rough side," according to Jason. Other reviewers note shower facilities are generally clean but basic.
Tent site padding: Several campgrounds have gravel tent sites that may require extra padding. Cheryl W. notes Pinecreek has "a full hookup with a large grassy area for setting up our outside chairs and picnic table," but gravel sites are common in the area to reduce mud.
Seasonal restrictions: Water features have limited availability. Beach hours at Park Station run only from 12pm-6pm, restricting swimming time. "The campground pool doesn't open until the end of June," Jennifer W. mentions about Watkins Glen, which can affect early summer visitors.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Havana Glen offers "nice picnicking area with an older playground, but also baseball field and gaga ball area," according to Jessica G. Robert H. Treman features "great playgrounds for the kids," per not S.
Kid-friendly waterfalls: Several falls have easy access for children. "If you're up for the small hike up to the waterfall there is a nice little swim area to enjoy. Small and quiet but popular local swim area for hot days," says Jessica G. about Havana Glen.
Nature exploration opportunities: The region offers ample wildlife viewing for children. "I have a 7 year old son and he enjoyed every second of this, there is a lot to see and a lot of water to play in!" says Jennifer W. The nearby Farm Sanctuary provides animal encounters for families.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: At Watkins Glen/Corning KOA, RVers should note site variation. "We got lucky and got a good site with shade but most sites are tiny and wide open," cautions Secc P. Laura L. adds that at Watkins Glen State Park, "the roads within the campground were kind of tight to get through with trees and curves."
Water quality issues: Several campgrounds have water quality concerns. "Make sure you use a water filter, there was a lot of sediment in the water when we were there," warns Michael H. about Ferenbaugh Campground. Another RVer notes purchasing "a dual stage water filter and change it every two weeks."
Hookup availability: Full-hookup sites are limited at some campgrounds. Mike C. recommends Park Station for its "nice spacious lots" and mentions they "had a 50 amp and 30 amp service box in a pull through site." Many campgrounds offer sanitary dump stations but limited sewer connections at individual sites.
