Best Tent Camping near Hammondsport, NY

The Finger Lakes region surrounding Hammondsport, New York offers several tent camping options within a short drive of Keuka Lake. Holiday Hill Campground in Springwater provides tent-only sites from May through mid-October, with access to nearby Hemlock and Canadice Lakes. Gardner Hill Campground in Lowman operates year-round tent campsites with basic amenities. Pooh's Corner, located just minutes from Watkins Glen State Park, features private tent sites with fire pits and proximity to Lake Seneca. Back-Achers Campsites, situated between Geneva and Watkins Glen, offers secluded tent camping with beach access on Seneca Lake.

Most tent campgrounds in the Hammondsport area feature gravel or dirt pads with varying levels of privacy. Drive-in access is common, though some sites at Back-Achers and Pooh's Corner offer more secluded walk-in tent sites set back in wooded areas. Primitive tent camping typically includes fire rings and picnic tables, with bathroom facilities varying widely between locations. Holiday Hill provides electric hookups but no showers, while Gardner Hill offers more amenities including drinking water, showers, and toilets. Seasonal considerations are important, as most campgrounds operate from spring through fall, with Holiday Hill's season running May 1 to October 14. Pets are generally allowed at most tent campgrounds in the region.

Tent campers frequently use these sites as bases for exploring the Finger Lakes wine region and nearby state parks. According to reviews, Back-Achers Campsites provides "tent sites set back in the trees with a ton of privacy" and "clean facilities with hot water." One visitor noted that even when the park was full on weekends, "it did not feel that way" due to spacious sites and thoughtful layout. At Gardner Hill Campground, campers appreciate the "no frills but very comfy" atmosphere and scenic views. The proximity to hiking trails is a significant advantage, with Holiday Hill Campground offering access to Reynolds Gully and Johnson Hill trails. Tent-only camping areas generally provide more seclusion than mixed-use campgrounds, with quieter surroundings particularly during weekdays and shoulder seasons.

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Best Tent Sites Near Hammondsport, New York (13)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Hammondsport, NY

586 Reviews of 13 Hammondsport Campgrounds


  • Gavin T.
    Oct. 23, 2017

    Blueberry Patch Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

    Simple

    The only Finger Lakes National Forest designated campground, Blueberry Patch offers a secluded experience in the heart of this sometimes overlooked beautiful geographic region in the State of New York. This campground offers a simple experience, with fire rings and picnic tables at each site and seems to accommodate just tent and small campers. Vault toilets available. On a week day in early summer, 3 of the 9 campsites we’re occupied. Can see it filling up on weekends. Enjoy!

  • Sophie D.
    Oct. 5, 2016

    Watkins Glen State Park Campground

    Friendly, beautiful, and well organized

    I ended a two-day backpacking trek through the Finger Lakes National Forest at Watkins Glen. After grunting all the way up the long hill to the campground, I checked in with a wonderful and helpful employee. She gave me all the information about the campground and park that I could ever want, and then we laughed a little about the antics of young husky mixes (I had my dog with me on the hike). The campground is dog-friendly, provided that you have a current rabies certificate and keep him/her on leash.

    I stayed at a tent site, which has no electricity. RV sites, which cost a little more, provide electric hookups. My camp site and all the neighboring ones were clean. Water from spigots is easily accessible, as are showers and toilets.

    The campground is situated walking distance from the main attractions of the park; during the summer, a large swimming pool is a popular place to hang out with family. Hiking trails parallel the creek with beautiful falls. I was disappointed to find that dogs are not allowed on the Gorge Trail, which is closest to all of the falls.

    All in all, I loved this campground. It was a very relaxing place to spend the night.

  • Jama A.
    Jul. 15, 2025

    Canandaigua-Rochester KOA

    Camping near Canandaigua, New York

    Campers exploring the Canandaigua area discover a delightful mix of lakeside retreats, wooded state parks, and family-friendly RV resorts. Just minutes from downtown, Canandaigua City Park Campground offers easy access to local shops and the lakefront beach, making it a convenient base for those who want town amenities within walking distance. A short drive farther out leads to Keuka Lake State Park Campground and the privately owned Canandaigua-Rochester KOA, both of which feature spacious sites, clean facilities, and excellent opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and fishing on the Finger Lakes. For those seeking a quieter experience, numerous backcountry and dispersed sites are tucked into the surrounding National Forest, where campers can truly unplug—though it’s essential to bring all necessary supplies and practice Leave No Trace principles. Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill and the Stay Bristol Woodlands campground blend rustic charm with modern comforts: well-maintained restrooms, picnic shelters, and on-site hiking trails that wind through hardwood forests and offer scenic overlooks, especially stunning during fall foliage season. Travel logistics are a breeze when visitors prearrange an airport shuttle from Rochester or Syracuse airports, ensuring a smooth transition from plane to campsite. And for adventurers mapping out multiple stops across the Finger Lakes or beyond, reliable multi-city transfers provide comfortable, door-to-door rides—no rental car necessary. With its blend of waterfront sites, wooded hideaways, and nearby attractions—wineries, waterfalls, and historic villages—the Canandaigua region truly has something for every type of camper. Whether pitching a tent under the stars or rolling in with an RV, visitors will find endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.

  • Jess W.
    Aug. 19, 2018

    Letchworth State Park Campground

    Amazing state park, crappy campground

    The state park is breathtaking. The campground is horrendous. The restrooms were disgusting. The site barely fit our one tent (8man Coleman) even though it was advertised as a two tent site. The camp fire ring had no solid base- it just sat on the grass and fires would not stay lit. The quiet hours were not enforced. Yelling and loud music kept us up until ridiculous hours. I would not rate this as family friendly.

  • N
    Jun. 14, 2019

    Blueberry Patch Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

    Great site

    What does blueberry patch campground offer? Large camp sites with a picnic table large enough for 6 adults (squeezed together), metal fire pit with grill, large tent footprint and space for 2-3 vehicles to park.

    For you fellow hammock campers reading this don’t worry! Most of the sites are compatible for hammocks, some sites you may have to be more creative to make it work.

    You can stay at this site for up to 14 days at $15pn (bring cash). There are two bathrooms on the site and bear proof dumpsters as well. There are many locals selling fire wood bundles for $5 each so no problems getting a fire going. Lastly for this part BRING WATER. There are no water sources near the site. There is a gas station about 15 minutes away on route 79 so make sure to fill up on water and snacks.

    The site is great. Lots of amenities and individual sites. They aren’t too far away from each other so you don’t feel completely isolated but far enough away to allow some privacy. There are some trails nearby and are worth a hike.

    Neil

  • J
    Aug. 15, 2021

    Cayuga Lake State Park Campground

    Great stay, choose your site wisely!

    We stayed 2 nights at site 1002. I think this site is one of the best in the campground! Very secluded and private. Be weary that some of the camp sites are closer to playgrounds than they appear on the map.

    Great facilities, dumpsters, potable water! Bring lots of bugspray and fire starters as it does rain up here which affects the fire wood.

  • Tara S.
    Oct. 11, 2017

    Fillmore Glen State Park Campground

    Beautiful trails, busy campground

    We visited 6 state parks in the Finger Lakes region of New York this past summer. Fillmore Glen State Park was our favorite for hiking, but probably our least favorite for camping. The trails are uncrowded and well maintained. We hiked along the south rim trail and the gorge trail. The gorge trail is especially cool, with 9 foot bridges crisscrossing over the river. There are several gorgeous waterfalls, and the walk was shady and cool, even though it was a hot day. After hiking through the glen, we were hoping to cool off with a swim, but the swimming area was closed. Not sure why, but you can only swim when lifeguards are on duty, and there were No Swimming signs everywhere.

    The campground at Fillmore Glen was totally full when we stayed there. The sites offered little privacy and were very close together, plus you could here road noise loud and clear all through the night. The water faucet near our site was out of order, and the bathrooms were only clean in the morning. The sites were all wooded and shaded, with nice flat spots for tents, but I probably wouldn’t stay there again during the busy summer months. If you’re headed out that way, I would definitely recommend Fillmore Glen for a day trip, but I’d camp at either Robert Treman or Buttermilk Falls state park in Ithaca.

  • Kari M.
    Sep. 21, 2016

    Smith Memorial Park

    Great hiking trails, and beach nearby!

    Smith Memorial Park has a pretty great set up. You can camp and hike, while enjoying the beach and water activities. It is the best of both worlds. I camped here a few summers ago, and enjoyed my stay. I love hiking, and there were some really good trails nearby with some great views. The campground was great, each campsite has its own picnic table and fire ring. They also have restrooms and showers available for use too- I stayed a few nights so the showers worked out great. Our spot was fairly close, so it was within walking distance. What I really like about his campground is it is sort of secluded, and not very crowded. The campsite I stayed at was called "The Point" and it was quite and a great location. My sisters went one evening to a winery that was really close to our campsite called JR Dill, and we went to a great brewing company for dinner one night. The campground does provide firewood-which they offer for a pretty low cost. We did this, and enjoyed making smores over the campfire both nights we stayed. The beach is nice and is pretty close to the campground, within walking distance. Great for swimming, and I saw some people out on the lake with their boats. Enjoyed my stay, and would definitely come back again at some point!

  • Michael B.
    Sep. 3, 2020

    Stony Brook State Park Campground

    Beautiful park. Too bad we missed the pool.

    Had a great time at Stony Brook State Park this week! The campground side doesn't open until around 11 we were told, and we reached at 8am, so we started at the North (day-use) side, parked there, hiked, ate, and eventually drove back to the other side, checked in, and set up camp. 😁 It was a very nice time. Due to the COVID-19 regulations, masks need to be worn in the bathhouse (except when brushing teeth or showering). Was a good, quiet, fun time, with a few other families nearby. The only negatives: *According to their website, the natural pool would be open the day we went. It was not. ☹️ *No alcohol permitted in the whole campgrounds. Fine for us, but annoying for many. From the trash in the bathhouse, looks like some were anyways. *No "camp store" - so if you forgot an essential item, you've got to go out from the park. Positive part: town is only 8 minutes away via car. Also, we got GREAT and easy burning from the people selling wood for $5/bundle just outside the campground entrance.

    All in all, a GREAT time! We all enjoyed it!


Guide to Hammondsport

Nestled near Hammondsport, New York, tent camping offers a serene escape into nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts.

Local Activities for Tent Campers

  • Enjoy the stunning views and wine tasting at nearby wineries while staying at Back-Achers Campsites, conveniently located between Geneva and Watkins Glen.
  • Explore the scenic trails around Holiday Hill Campground, which is close to Hemlock and Canadice Lakes, perfect for hiking and outdoor adventures.
  • Experience peaceful kayaking and driftwood collecting at Lawrence Recreation Area, situated right next to Cowanesque Lake.

Tips for Tent Camping Near Hammondsport

  • For a quiet experience, consider Back-Achers Campsites, where the sites are spacious and set back from the highway.
  • If you're camping with kids, Holiday Hill Campground offers plenty of activities, but choose a site away from the main area for a more peaceful stay.
  • Bring your pets along to Gardner Hill Campground, which welcomes furry friends and provides clean facilities.

Tent Camping Prices in the Area

  • Tent camping at Back-Achers Campsites typically ranges from $30 to $50 per night, depending on the season.
  • At Holiday Hill Campground, expect to pay around $43 per night for a full hookup site.
  • For a budget-friendly option, Lawrence Recreation Area offers tent sites at a reasonable rate, making it a great choice for those looking to save.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hammondsport, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hammondsport, NY is Holiday Hill Campground with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Hammondsport, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Hammondsport, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.