Cabin camping near Geneseo, New York provides access to the region's diverse topography where elevation ranges from 500 to 2,000 feet across the nearby Finger Lakes region. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through March, while summer highs average in the mid-80s with periodic thunderstorms. Most cabin facilities maintain seasonal operations, typically closing from late October through early May due to harsh winter conditions.
What to do
Hiking through gorges: Stony Brook State Park Campground offers impressive gorge trails with multiple waterfalls accessible directly from the campground. "The gorge trail is very busy but you still can enjoy the beautiful waterfalls along with the gorge formation. We also did the east trail that goes up to the top of the gorge and is also a little further into the woods. It was much quieter up there and the views looking down from there were breathtaking," notes one visitor.
Swimming in natural pools: Stony Brook State Park Campground features a unique swimming area carved from the mountain. "My favorite part about this park has to be their natural pool. It's beautiful and so refreshing," shares a camper. The swimming area typically opens in late June and closes in early September, depending on seasonal staffing and water conditions.
Fishing opportunities: The Ridge Campsite provides multiple stocked fishing ponds with no license required for on-site fishing. "The Ridge campground is a nice place. They have plenty to do with multiple fishing ponds, swimming pool and playgrounds," mentions a recent visitor. Most ponds are stocked with bass and panfish, with fishing permitted from sunrise to sunset.
What campers like
Spacious cabin sites: Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill receives praise for its newer cabins. "Cabins are new and ample beds and space. Camper camping is close to everything, but less privacy," explains a frequent visitor. Each cabin typically accommodates 4-6 people with rates starting at $50-65 per night during peak season.
Clean facilities: Canandaigua-Rochester KOA maintains well-kept restrooms and showers. "The campground is clean and well maintained. The staff are ALL so nice. The amenities are plentiful and well cared for," reports a camper. Bathroom facilities include hot showers available 24 hours with access codes provided at check-in.
Varied terrain options: Conesus Lake Campground offers both lakeside and hillside cabin locations. "The bottom portion of the campground has mostly seasonal campers and cabins. You do have to go up a pretty steep hill to get to the 'transient' camping section," explains a visitor. The steep terrain creates distinct camping environments with different views and proximity to amenities.
What you should know
Seasonal operating schedules: Most cabins near Geneseo operate from May through mid-October. "Stony Brook State Park Campground has a season from April 29 to October 10," states one review. Reservations for summer weekends typically require booking 6-9 months in advance, especially for holiday weekends.
Pet policies vary: Jellystone Park of Western New York welcomes pets but has designated areas. "There is a dog park as well!" notes a visitor. Most campgrounds limit pets to specific cabin loops or units, often with a two-pet maximum and additional cleaning fees ranging from $10-25 per stay.
Terrain considerations: Navigating the landscape at some campgrounds requires planning. "Conesus Lake Campground is on a very steep hill so it is difficult to walk around," cautions a camper. Many visitors recommend renting golf carts at facilities where available, which typically cost $40-60 per day with advance reservation required.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Letchworth State Park Campground provides multiple recreation areas for children. "Quiet relaxing atmosphere, lots of hiking trails and family friendly with parks and a pool for the kids to play," notes a family visitor. The main playground is centrally located near the camp store, with smaller play areas distributed throughout different camping loops.
Kid-friendly activities: Canandaigua-Rochester KOA offers extensive recreation options. "Great place for kids, so many activities! Our kids rented cabins and some used tents and others came for the day. The campground has so much to do between swimming, golf, bike and paddle boat rentals. There's Ziplines with treetop walk and a bounce," shares a family camper. Most scheduled activities run weekends in May-June and daily during July-August.
Educational opportunities: The Ridge Campsite includes nature programs suitable for various ages. "The owner and family were amazing. The kids had so much fun on the playgrounds and with all of the other kids," reports a visitor. Programs typically run on weekend mornings during peak season at no additional cost.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling needs: Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill requires preparation for uneven sites. "Make sure to bring plenty of leveling blocks as some sites are far from level," advises an RVer. The most level sites are typically in the central camping loops, with sites 10-25 noted as requiring less adjustment.
Access considerations: Stay Bristol Woodlands accommodates larger rigs with well-designed sites. "Site was level and well equipped (waste water disposal attached site!)" notes a visitor. The main access road is paved with 14-foot clearance, accommodating rigs up to 40 feet, though advance measurement confirmation is recommended.
Hookup variations: Some campgrounds feature unusual utility placement. "Our water hook up was in the middle of someone's site," reports a camper at Canandaigua-Rochester KOA. Many experienced RVers recommend bringing extension hoses (25-50 feet) and splitters to accommodate these layout challenges.
