Tent camping options near Greece, New York range from canal-side locations to secluded forest settings within 40 miles of town. The region falls within USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, with a camping season typically running from April through October when temperatures average 45-80°F. Several campgrounds provide varying levels of privacy, with sites nearest to Greece offering more amenities while those in outlying areas provide greater seclusion.
What to do
Kayaking at Erie Canal: Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort provides direct canal access for paddlers. "Kayak launches and boat marina nearby," notes reviewer Rachel T., who appreciates the resort's location for water-based activities.
Hiking forest trails: Nearby state forests offer extensive trail networks for day hiking. A visitor at Holiday Hill Campground mentioned "Mostly known for Reynolds Gully, and Johnson Hill trails! Tons to do in the area but town isn't too far."
Swimming opportunities: Several campgrounds maintain swimming facilities for summer visitors. Dream Lake Campground offers swimming along with "Weekend activities. The snack house food is great, if you don't feel like cooking they offer a nice menu almost anyone would love," according to Nick O.
What campers like
Friendly atmosphere: Many campgrounds prioritize community feeling. At Dream Lake Campground, Robyn M. reports it's "very family friendly lots of activities been going here 6 years now and never have had a bad time."
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and shower buildings. "The campground has clean bathrooms and Verizon reception is consistent at 3 bars," notes Terry F. about Holiday Hill Campground, adding valuable information about connectivity.
Entertainment options: Organized activities keep campers engaged. Rachel T. mentioned that Red's Twilight on the Erie offers "Live music on Friday Night (weather permitting) and plenty of activities for the family on the weekends."
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions: Most campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort runs from April 15 to October 31, typical for the region where winter conditions make camping impractical.
Campsite leveling: Site topography varies significantly. One camper noted at Red's Twilight, "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."
Reservation requirements: Booking ahead is essential, particularly for summer weekends. The PineApple Farm has just one tent site available, making advance planning critical during peak season.
Tips for camping with families
Speed restrictions: Some campgrounds enforce strict speed limits for child safety. At Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort, "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," reports Rachel T.
Site selection strategy: Choose locations based on noise tolerance. 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."
Food options: Consider campgrounds with prepared food for family convenience. Dream Lake Campground offers a snack bar that campers appreciate when "you don't feel like cooking they offer a nice menu almost anyone would love."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Bring adequate leveling equipment. Donna C. reported at Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort, "We changed sites three times and finally resigned ourselves to not being leveled," noting differences between fifth wheels and motorcoaches.
Site access: Large rigs may encounter tight turns or narrow roads. At Holiday Hill, one camper noted, "We had to maneuver a lot to back our 25' trailer into a tight spot, but sites are clean and spacious side to side."
Hookup availability: Full-service sites can be limited at peak times. A camper observed that 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."
