Tent campsites near Farmington, New York range from lakeside locations to canal-adjacent grounds. The region sits within the Finger Lakes area with elevations between 600-800 feet, creating moderate temperature variations between day and night even in summer months. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October with closures during winter due to the region's average annual snowfall exceeding 60 inches.
What to do
Water activities on Cross Lake: Cross Lake Park Campgrounds provides direct water access for kayaking and swimming. "Fun place. Access to water and swimming. Nice playgrounds. We kayaked in the lake it was a lot of fun," notes Sara H., who visited the site.
Canal path exploration: At Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort, campers can access the historic Erie Canal towpath. According to Rachel T., "Kayak launches and boat marina nearby. The speed limit is 5 MPH and they mean it.... Kids on bikes and having a good time in the enormous play area."
Hiking nearby trails: The Springwater area offers extensive trail networks. A camper at Holiday Hill Campground mentions, "Mostly known for Reynolds Gully, and Johnson Hill trails! Tons to do in the area but town isn't too far."
What campers like
Family-friendly environments: Dream Lake Campground receives praise for its welcoming atmosphere. Robyn M. shares, "I love this campground very family friendly lots of activities been going here 6 years now and never have had a bad time."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. Nick O. from Dream Lake Campground reports, "Nice friendly environment, clean facilities. Lots to do for kids and adults. Weekend activities. The snack house food is great, if you don't feel like cooking they offer a nice menu almost anyone would love."
Historical significance: The canal-side camping options connect visitors with the region's past. Amy T. comments about Twilight on the Erie, "The story of how this newer campground came to be is wonderful. It is new and growing. The pool is nice and staff friendly. Clean bathrooms with activity and entertainment on site and near by."
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional setup effort. At Twilight on the Erie, Donna C. advises, "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. We changed sites three times and finally resigned ourselves to not being leveled."
Seasonal considerations: Most tent sites near Farmington operate on limited schedules. Holiday Hill operates from "May 1 to October 14" while Dream Lake's season runs "May 1 - Oct 25."
Reservation requirements: The PineApple Farm offers very limited capacity with just one site available, making advance booking essential. The Dyrt staff notes it as a "new property" worth checking out.
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: Look for campgrounds with structured activities. At Dream Lake, Nick O. highlights, "Weekend activities. The snack house food is great, if you don't feel like cooking they offer a nice menu almost anyone would love."
Child-friendly policies: Some campgrounds specifically enforce rules to protect younger guests. Rachel T. explains about Twilight on the Erie, "The speed limit is 5 MPH and they mean it.... Kids on bikes and having a good time in the enormous play area and the pool far enough from the campsites but close to the store and watchful eye of the staff."
Plan for noise levels: Consider site location within campgrounds. Terry F. advises about Holiday Hill, "There is a lot to do for kids & teens, but that makes it loud with kids running through your site. So if that bothers you, plan ahead to get a site away from the main area."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Full-service sites can be limited during peak seasons. Terry F. notes at Holiday Hill, "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. Online booking was seamless, however, so that was another plus."
Maneuverability considerations: Some sites require careful navigation. Terry F. shares their experience: "We had to maneuver a lot to back our 25' trailer into a tight spot, but sites are clean and spacious side to side."
Cost considerations: Off-peak camping offers better value. As Terry F. points out, "$43 per night for end of the season weekend isn't bad."
