Tent camping near Fishers, New York offers options within 25 miles of town, with most campgrounds operating seasonally from May through October. The area features access to the Erie Canal and Finger Lakes region, with elevations ranging from 500-1,200 feet creating varied camping terrain. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, making most sites unavailable during colder months.
What to do
Water activities on Hemlock Lake: Dream Lake Campground provides access to fishing and boating opportunities. "The snack house food is great, if you don't feel like cooking they offer a nice menu almost anyone would love," notes camper Nick O., highlighting convenient options for days spent on the water.
Erie Canal exploration: From Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort, campers can access the historic Erie Canal towpath. "Kayak launches and boat marina nearby," reports Rachel T., who adds that the campground has "plenty of activities for the family on the weekends."
Hiking nearby trails: Several tent camping locations provide access to regional trails. A camper at Holiday Hill Campground mentions "Tons to do in the area but town isn't too far," indicating a good balance of natural areas and conveniences when camping near Fishers.
What campers like
Family-friendly atmosphere: Many campgrounds prioritize children's safety and enjoyment. At Red's 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," according to Rachel T.
Weekend entertainment: Scheduled activities enhance the camping experience at several locations. "Live music on Friday Night (weather permitting) and plenty of activities for the family on the weekends," notes a camper about Red's Twilight on the Erie, showing the social atmosphere available.
Attentive management: Dream Lake Campground receives praise for its overall experience. Robyn M. states, "I love this campground very family friendly lots of activities been going here 6 years now and never have had a bad time," reflecting consistent quality management.
What you should know
Site levelness varies: Some campgrounds have terrain challenges for certain equipment. At Red's Twilight on the Erie, one camper noted, "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."
Seasonal operations: Most tent camping near Fishers operates within specific date ranges. Holiday Hill Campground runs "May 1 to October 14," while Dream Lake Campground operates "May 1 - Oct 25," requiring advance planning for spring and fall visits.
Bathroom facilities differ: The PineApple Farm provides showers and toilets despite limited other amenities. Holiday Hill Campground has "clean bathrooms" according to Terry F., though some smaller campgrounds offer more primitive facilities or none at all.
Tips for camping with families
Look for designated play areas: Select campgrounds with dedicated recreation spaces. Dream Lake Campground receives consistent family praise, with Robyn M. noting it's "very family friendly lots of activities."
Check weekend activity schedules: The PineApple Farm is among the newer camping options near Fishers. While limited reviews exist, their accommodation types include both tent camping and cabin options, potentially providing flexibility for families with varied comfort needs.
Consider site location within campgrounds: Holiday Hill Campground camper Terry F. advises, "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
Maneuverability matters: Holiday Hill Campground presents some challenges for larger rigs. Terry F. explains, "We had to maneuver a lot to back our 25' trailer into a tight spot, but sites are clean and spacious side to side."
Book full hookup sites early: Competition for premium RV sites increases during peak season. Terry F. notes at Holiday Hill Campground that "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."
Check site dimensions before booking: Some campgrounds near Fishers have space limitations. Donna C. from Red's Twilight on the Erie suggests flexibility, noting they "changed sites three times and finally resigned ourselves to not being leveled," indicating the importance of having realistic expectations about site conditions.
