Best Campgrounds near Hammondsport, NY

Campgrounds in the Finger Lakes region near Hammondsport, New York range from established state parks to dispersed recreation areas, offering various camping experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Keuka Lake State Park Campground provides boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in access with both tent and RV sites, while Camp Elmbois and Hickory Hill Camping Resort feature cabin accommodations along with traditional camping options. The area includes several campgrounds clustered within a 15-mile radius of Hammondsport, making it a convenient base for exploring the region's lakes, vineyards, and natural attractions.

Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically from May through mid-October. Sugar Hill Recreation Area offers free camping with designated dispersed sites that receive positive reviews for their cleanliness and accessibility. "Very well maintained. Some sites are close and some are spread out. About half of them are in the sun and half get shade all day," noted one visitor at Sugar Hill. Cell service can be limited at many locations, particularly at Sugar Hill and Finger Lakes Campground where reviews mention "very limited to non-existent cell service." Road conditions vary, with some campgrounds featuring gravel access roads that may present challenges for larger RVs or inexperienced drivers.

Campers consistently rate waterfront access and lake views as significant highlights of the Hammondsport camping experience. Several properties such as Qka View receive five-star ratings for their proximity to Keuka Lake, with one reviewer noting it offers the "perfect location, great view of the lake and close to many breweries, wineries, distilleries, hiking trails, state parks and amazing restaurants." Family-friendly amenities appear as recurring themes in reviews of Hickory Hill Camping Resort, which features pools, playgrounds, and included activities. Travelers seeking more secluded experiences can find quieter options at Sugar Hill Recreation Area, where reviews mention moderate traffic on nearby roads but relatively peaceful surroundings. The region's campgrounds cater to various preferences, from social family camping to more private nature retreats.

Best Camping Sites Near Hammondsport, New York (142)

    1. Watkins Glen State Park Campground

    89 Reviews
    Watkins Glen, NY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 535-4511

    $24 - $58 / night

    "Watkins Glen boasts one of New York’s most beautiful state parks! I last camped here in 2012 and absolutely loved hiking along the gorges. Also- the camping was next to perfect."

    "Definitely one of the top places to camp and visit in New York, Watkins Glen State Park never disappoints. Each time I come back, I find something new to discover and have a great time doing that."

    2. Keuka Lake State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Branchport, NY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 536-3666

    $24 - $31 / night

    "Keuka Lake State Park is located in the Finger Lakes region, on the east side of the west branch of beautiful Keuka Lake. Three camping loops are located on the hill above the lake."

    "Stayed at Keuka Lake in July 2023. Nice spots, close to others but people were quiet and respectful after 10 PM. Lake was beautiful and fun for swimming with the kids."

    3. Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    11 Reviews
    Tyrone, NY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 622-8282

    "We stayed here during an anniversary trip to the Finger Lakes. Easy proximity to Seneca Lake and Watkins Glen State Park. Nice wooded area kept us far enough away from other campers. Great location!"

    "Will be returning, I found a lovely spot tucked into a back corner and has the most relaxing weekend."

    4. Watkins Glen / Corning KOA

    18 Reviews
    Montour Falls, NY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 535-7404

    "We were looking to spend a couple of nights near Watkins Glen to hit the wineries, waterfalls, and nearby museums around the finger lakes of New York and this park seemed to be in a good location for us"

    "There is amazing hiking trails along the gorge with views of waterfalls! There is a nice pool and playgrounds. It’s close to downtown Watkins glen with lots of restaurants."

    5. Hickory Hill Camping Resort

    3 Reviews
    Bath, NY
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 760-0947

    $54 - $999 / night

    "Great location with beautiful vineyards close by."

    6. Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping

    5 Reviews
    Tyrone, NY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 622-8282

    "Its location is convenient, just a 15-minute drive from Watkins Glen, making it an ideal base for exploring the area."

    "Nice hiking trails at the moment (pretty close to overgrown at this point in the season). Great free location between destinations."

    7. Qka View

    2 Reviews
    Hammondsport, NY
    6 miles
    +1 (607) 684-5119

    $100 - $150 / night

    "Perfect location great view of the lake and close to many breweries wineries distilleries hiking trails state parks and amazing restaurants"

    8. Camp Bell Campground

    5 Reviews
    Campbell, NY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 527-3301

    "Has plenty of close by attractions. Kids enjoyed the the big playground and mini arcade. Has a large pool for swimming and fun activities"

    "Lots of activities for kids and near by attractions. They are with in a 20 minute drive to wakins Glen race way and do not raise prices for camping that weekend."

    9. Camp Elmbois

    2 Reviews
    Hammondsport, NY
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 522-5200

    $30 - $50 / night

    10. Finger Lakes Campground

    2 Reviews
    Hammondsport, NY
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 326-0077

    $20 - $60 / night

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Recent Reviews near Hammondsport, NY

637 Reviews of 142 Hammondsport Campgrounds


  • Chelsea B.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Robert H. Treman State Park Campground

    Good location

    Location: This park is close to Ithaca which was the best part. Trails and Natural Features: We loved the waterfall, swimming area (seasonal so closed when we stayed), and the fall colors. Sites: They have very few electric sites so we decided to boondock. It surprised me that all the full hookup sites were reserved but very people actually showed up for their reservations while we stayed. Lame. And heads up that if you don’t stay in the big clearing for big rigs, there are tight turns between trees to get in and out of the non-electric sites. We ended up making a back-in site into a pull-through site… whoops. Starlink: I work remotely so internet is important. We weren’t camping in the clearing because those sites were booked, but even the Starlink struggled where we were and I ended up working from the library in town. So heads up if you need internet. Bathrooms: They were spacious but older. Temperature in the showers was tricky. Hot is cold and cold it hot. Cool stuff: They had compost bins and provide bags for all campers. That’s cool!

  • Bare Soul  W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    South Slope Trail Head Dispersed Camp

    Relaxing

    There is one campsite near trail. There was more traffic than I expected. Also there is no cell service. No real tires

  • Dayne B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill

    Inexpensive, Peaceful.

    I've stayed here on 3 separate occasions, twice in RV 12 and once in RV 6. 

    I used the 30 AMP hookup and had zero issues.

    Beautiful playground for my son to enjoy and meet other kiddos. Deer, chipmunks and rabbits will say hi in the early and late hours.

    Large dumpsters near entrance. 

    Dump stations are present, but I haven't used them yet. 

    Potable water is present at a small spigot. 

    The washrooms facility is very close and speaking for the men's side, it had 2 stalls, 2 urinals, 2 showers, multiple sinks, and a sturdy baby changing station.

    Hiking trails with gorgeous views of the valley within a 5 min walk of my campsite.

  • Mindie C.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Pinecreek Campground

    Overnight stay

    The campground is cute and quiet. Staff is friendly and helpful. My only complaint is the condition of the roads. They are in dire need of grading and new gravel. Be careful!

  • Casey L.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Watkins Glen State Park Campground

    Busy campground

    Sites are level, some are more spaced apart than others but none seemed crowded as they seemed to all have trees between. Main complaint was most people speed way too fast through the campground. There was poison Ivy around the edges of our site and on the path to the bathroom. Bathroom was fairly modern and clean. It was nice to be able to access the gorge right from the campground.

  • Miranda
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Woodstream Campsite

    Rip off

    Have to stay at least 2 nights. Employees say one thing. Then boss charges me even though I was told it was okay. Aren't willing to reason with. Also traffic very loud at night

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Stay Bristol Woodlands

    Well maintained and friendly Staff!

    Campground is adorable, you can see a lot of other campers, but the spots are spaced out. Showers were nice, didn’t get to try the pool out as it was a quick stopover, but this seems like a fun place to spend some time

  • Ken B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Canandaigua-Rochester KOA

    Lovely KOA

    The campground is clean and well maintained. The staff are ALL so nice. The amenities are plentiful and well cared for. The sites are level, in great shape, and has a wonderful large wooded area. Thank you!

  • Sarah M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Finger Lakes National Forest

    Quiet site near a small pond

    The road in (a loop) is steep on both sides (a truck or vehicle with clearance would be helpful but you could also park at the bottom if you needed to). The site was trashy so we picked up a lot of what we could. A bonus—the site was quiet, roomy and once at the ‘top’ is quite level. Not vehicles came in or out all night (and it was a Saturday!).


Guide to Hammondsport

Camping near Hammondsport, New York, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful parks and campgrounds. Whether you're looking for hiking trails, stunning waterfalls, or family-friendly activities, this area has something for everyone.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Watkins Glen State Park Campground. One camper noted, "The access to Watkins Glen! My site was in Loop D which has a direct hiking trail to the trail along Watkins Glen!"
  • Water Activities: Enjoy swimming and paddleboarding at Keuka Lake State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "The lake is clean and clear, great for fishing, boating, and swimming."
  • Waterfalls: Visit the breathtaking waterfalls at Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground. One review said, "The campground is amazing and GO SEE THOSE FALLS!"

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A reviewer from Letchworth State Park Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms were very clean with nice hot water in the showers."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the generous spacing between sites. A camper at Sampson State Park Campground said, "Most sites are pretty spacious."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Families love the playgrounds and activities available. A visitor at Lyman Run State Park Campground noted, "There are lots of good hiking and some great vistas."

What you should know

  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell reception in some areas. A camper at Cherry Springs State Park Campground mentioned, "TV reception there is none, cell phone not great either."
  • No Camp Store: Some campgrounds, like Stony Brook State Park Campground, lack a camp store. A visitor noted, "No camp store - so if you forgot an essential item, you've got to go out from the park."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Expect larger crowds during weekends. A reviewer at Taughannock Falls State Park Campground said, "The crowd was definitely loud and nosy."

Tips for camping with families

  • Check for Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. A camper at Sampson State Park Campground mentioned, "There are playgrounds for kids and outdoor movie nights."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring your own food or check for nearby stores. A visitor at Letchworth State Park Campground noted, "The camp store will rent you 30a extensions."
  • Choose Sites Wisely: Opt for sites that offer more privacy. A camper at Robert H. Treman State Park Campground advised, "Electric sites 1-6 are set up top of a hill... sites 7-11 if you can."

Tips from RVers

  • Bring Extension Cords: Some sites have electric posts that are far from the pads. A reviewer at Sampson State Park Campground said, "Electric service boxes are shared in-between sites."
  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Taughannock Falls State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are not very large but sufficient."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the dump stations are located. A visitor at Lyman Run State Park Campground noted, "There are 2 dump stations."

Camping near Hammondsport, New York, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful parks and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a memorable experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Hammondsport, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hammondsport, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 142 campgrounds and RV parks near Hammondsport, NY and 11 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Hammondsport, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hammondsport, NY is Watkins Glen State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 89 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hammondsport, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Hammondsport, NY.

What parks are near Hammondsport, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Hammondsport, NY that allow camping, notably Cowanesque Lake and Tioga-Hammond Lakes.