Best Campgrounds near Harford, NY

The Finger Lakes region near Harford, New York encompasses multiple state parks and established campgrounds offering diverse accommodations. Campground options within a 30-mile radius include Buttermilk Falls, Robert H. Treman, and Watkins Glen State Parks, all providing tent, RV, and cabin camping facilities. Taughannock Falls State Park Campground, located 25 miles northwest of Harford, features cabin and glamping options alongside traditional campsites. Several mixed-use campgrounds like Greenwood County Park in Binghamton and Country Hills Campground in Marathon accommodate both tent and RV campers with varying amenity levels.

The camping season in this region typically runs from mid-April through mid-October, with most state park campgrounds closing during winter months. Watkins Glen, Buttermilk Falls, and Robert H. Treman operate from May through October, while Taughannock Falls extends slightly longer from April through mid-October. Campsite reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends and holidays when facilities reach capacity. Electric hookups, water connections, and shower facilities are common at developed campgrounds throughout the area, though amenities vary by location. Several visitors noted the excellent maintenance of facilities, with one camper stating that "the bathhouses were A+, clean, well maintained, newer...just overall impressive!"

Most developed campgrounds in the area provide picnic tables, fire rings, and access to potable water. The natural surroundings feature numerous waterfalls, gorges, and lakes that create scenic backdrops for camping experiences. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "the trails are uncrowded and well maintained" at many state parks, with particular mention of the gorge trails crossing rivers on footbridges. Many campgrounds provide direct access to hiking trails, swimming areas, and fishing opportunities. Campers consistently rate the proximity to the Finger Lakes wine region as a significant advantage, allowing for day trips to wineries and cultural attractions. Sites typically range from open fields suitable for larger RVs to more wooded settings preferred by tent campers, with varying degrees of privacy and separation between campsites.

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Best Camping Sites Near Harford, New York (137)

    1. Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Ithaca, NY
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 273-5761

    $17 - $66 / night

    "Buttermilk Falls State Park is a great state park in central New York. The scenery is what makes this park stand out."

    "Short drive out of Ithaca proper near one of the Finger Lakes. Medium to easy trails (the ones near the gorges are steep but with nice rock steps)."

    2. Robert H. Treman State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Ithaca, NY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 273-3440

    $20 - $128 / night

    "Located in Tompkins County, Ithaca New York has beautiful gorges and hiking trails. Robert Treman is a treat and a gorgeous place to camp in the Ithaca, NY area."

    "The exception to this is cabin 14 which is a double cabin and is located near the playground and surrounded by standard electric camping sites."

    3. Watkins Glen State Park Campground

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

    $20 - $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."

    4. Taughannock Falls State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Jacksonville, NY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 387-6739

    $20 - $67 / night

    "Taughannock Falls State Park is one of my favorite parks in New York."

    "Went for a quick getaway to this little gem of a state park in the finger lakes region of New York. I’ll be coy, and use their slogan ‘Ithaca is Gorges’ and Gorgeous!!!"

    5. Greenwood County Park

    5 Reviews
    Berkshire, NY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 778-2193

    $30 / night

    "Typical New York weather. Overall, the park is more than I expected for a county park."

    "The lake is pretty, the beach and picnic area is well kept, the campground is like a high quality state park—bravo to the Broome County Parks Department!"

    6. Round Top Retreat

    2 Reviews
    Harford, NY
    3 miles
    Website

    $85 / night

    "we just returned to philly after a long weekend here. this was our 6th consecutive summer visiting here. very secluded. we let the kids and dogs run pretty much wherever without worry. and close to ithaca"

    7. Country Hills Campground

    1 Review
    Marathon, NY
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 849-3300

    $34 - $39 / night

    "Nice area, beautiful small lake … great place to stay"

    8. Fillmore Glen State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Moravia, NY
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 497-0130

    $17 - $67 / night

    "region of Upstate New York."

    "Awesome little park in the Finger Lakes region with nature on site and lots more to do and explore nearby (wine trails!)."

    9. Chenango Valley State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Chenango Forks, NY
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 648-5251

    $17 - $123 / night

    "This is a beautiful park, the hiking is great with varied trails, nice changes in elevation due to the glacial geology of the landscape, and scenic vistas overlooking 2 beautiful lakes."

    "The only downfall is that there really isn't much else to do around the area."

    10. Yellow Lantern Kampground

    2 Reviews
    Homer, NY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 756-2959
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Recent Reviews near Harford, NY

551 Reviews of 137 Harford Campgrounds


  • Mindie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    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!

  • Lynsey M.
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Salt Springs State Park Campground

    Adventures!

    3 couples all ventured to Salt Springs and split the largest cabin for a few days. We electricity from a few outlets in the cabin if needed. Let me tell you that we spent very little time inside. We enjoyed the trials, waterfalls, and firepit cooked meals outside! Hemlock Grove, Penny Rock, and the saltspring kept us entertained! We cooled off under a waterfall :) I'm looking forward to visiting again! Bring some hotdogs/burgers for a yummy meal after a good day in PA!

  • 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.

  • MacKenzi G.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Yellow Lantern Kampground

    Would stay again

    Me and my husband stayed here to visit a local friend and it wasn’t bad it was very private and quiet. The property was well maintained and the owners were very friendly as well. We would definitely come back here in the future.

  • 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!).

  • r
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Butternut Hill RV Campground

    Great place! Owner was great!!

    Had a great stay, loved the good WiFi, showers, laundry, and bathrooms!

  • Sienna L.
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Harpy Hollow

    Great spot in the Finger Lakes

    This was a great visit! The owners were amazing and accommodating. We had everything we needed.

  • not S.
    Jul. 17, 2025

    Robert H. Treman State Park Campground

    Finger Lakes camping

    Site 54 at Robert H Treman is very large, flat, nonelectric and well shaded with areas of sun. A long walk to the restroom. Beautiful waterfall swimming pool is very cold, but great on a hot day. The new loop is a large field--we got one of the few shady sites in the new loop. Old loop has plenty of trees, but sites are much smaller. Restrooms were ok--not terrible, but could use updates. Great playgrounds for the kids. Good central location for exploring the Finger Lakes, Watkins Glen, Seneca Falls, Cornell and Ithaca.

  • Jama A.
    Jul. 15, 2025

    Watkins Glen State Park Campground

    Watkins Glen State Park, New York

    Campers arriving at Watkins Glen State Park are immediately captivated by its dramatic gorge scenery, where 19 waterfalls cascade through narrow stone walls. Their campsites are nestled among hardwood forests, offering a perfect balance of sunlit clearings and shady retreats. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, making it easy to prepare meals after a day spent exploring the park’s famous Gorge Trail. The park’s facilities blend rustic charm with modern comforts: clean flush toilets, hot-water showers, and convenient potable water stations. Hiking enthusiasts appreciate the interconnected trail system, which includes the popular Rim Trail for elevated views of the gorge, as well as more secluded footpaths through hemlock groves. Families particularly enjoy the nearby swimming pool and easy-access picnic areas overlooking Seneca Lake. To simplify travel logistics for out-of-state visitors, many campers opt to pre-book an airport transfer so they can arrive at Ithaca or Elmira–Corning Regional Airport and head straight to the park without the hassle of car rentals. Those planning to explore multiple stops along the Finger Lakes often choose the provider’s reliable city-to-city rides for comfortable, door-to-door transportation between destinations. All in all, Watkins Glen State Park delivers an unforgettable combination of awe-inspiring gorge hikes, well-appointed campsites, and family-friendly amenities. Campers seeking both adventure and relaxation will find this New York treasure hard to surpass.


Guide to Harford

Camping near Harford, New York, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax by the campfire, there are plenty of options to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking at Watkins Glen State Park: This park is famous for its stunning gorge trails. One camper mentioned, “The access to Watkins Glen! My site was in Loop D which has a direct hiking trail to the trail along Watkins Glen!” Check out the Watkins Glen State Park Campground for a great camping experience.
  • Paddleboarding on Seneca Lake: Enjoy some time on the water! A visitor shared, “We went paddleboarding. We put in at a boat launch at the very southeastern corner of the lake.” This is a perfect way to cool off and enjoy the scenery.
  • Exploring waterfalls: The area is dotted with beautiful waterfalls. One camper recommended, “I recommend Havana Glen Park for a short hike to the waterfall.” Make sure to visit the nearby waterfalls while camping at Chenango Valley State Park Campground.

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A review noted, “Clean site, clean bathroom with hot water, access to Watkins Glen, no issues while staying there.” This is a common theme across several campgrounds, including Robert H. Treman State Park Campground.
  • Spacious sites: Campers enjoy having enough room to spread out. One camper said, “The sites aren't private, but are well kept.” This is especially true at Chenango Valley State Park Campground.
  • Family-friendly atmosphere: Many campgrounds cater to families. A visitor mentioned, “It’s a very pleasant park with a family atmosphere. We would stay again.” This makes it a great option for those camping near Harford, New York.

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A camper at Taughannock Falls State Park Campground noted, “The bathrooms were messy, with a couple of toilets not flushed/clogged.” Be prepared for basic facilities.
  • Crowded during peak season: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly. One camper advised, “It was very busy, so it wasn't the cleanest, but they tried.” If you plan to visit during the summer, consider making reservations early.
  • Wildlife encounters: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at Fillmore Glen State Park Campground mentioned, “Incredible waterfall and some nice hiking trails.” Just be cautious and respectful of nature.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose campgrounds with playgrounds: Kids love having a place to play. One camper noted, “The playgrounds are better than most we’ve seen.” Look for family-friendly spots like Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground.
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. A visitor shared, “There are lots of activities from exploring the natural wonders to wineries and museums.” This area is rich in options.
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Having food on hand can make a big difference. One camper mentioned, “There are two pizza places in Watkins Glen that will deliver directly to your site.” This is a great way to keep the family happy without too much hassle.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Watkins Glen / Corning KOA said, “Some sites are concrete, ours was gravel and not particularly level.” Always confirm site details before booking.
  • Look for electric hookups: If you need power, check if the campground offers electric sites. A visitor noted, “The park is very family friendly. It has numerous hiking and biking trails.” This is especially important for longer stays.
  • Be prepared for road noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A camper mentioned, “The only drawback to this campground is the close proximity of the noisy highway.” If you're sensitive to noise, consider this when choosing your spot.

Camping near Harford, New York, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With beautiful parks and plenty of activities, it’s a great place to unwind and enjoy nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any free camping areas in Harford, New York?

For free camping near Harford, consider Blueberry Patch Campground in Finger Lakes National Forest, offering a secluded experience with basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables. Ludlow Creek Lean-To Campsite provides a primitive hike-in option alongside the Finger Lakes Trail in nearby Chenango County, offering a true wilderness experience. Both locations provide budget-friendly options, though they have minimal facilities compared to developed campgrounds.

What are the best camping sites in Harford, New York?

Near Harford, Taughannock Falls State Park Campground offers excellent facilities, clean water, and numerous hiking trails, with the spectacular Taughannock Falls as its centerpiece. Robert H. Treman State Park Campground is another top choice in the region, featuring beautiful gorges, endless waterfalls, fishing spots, and bird watching opportunities. Both parks provide a perfect escape into nature with well-maintained facilities and stunning natural scenery.

What amenities are available at Harford, NY campgrounds?

Campgrounds near Harford offer varied amenities. Nature Lover's Paradise provides access to extensive trail networks in upstate New York. Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground offers picnic areas, hiking trails, and beautiful scenery with numerous small waterfalls. Most state parks in the region provide restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and fire rings. Private campgrounds like Yellow Lantern Kampground often feature additional amenities such as electrical hookups and are suitable for RVs. Facilities vary by location, so check specific campgrounds for details on water availability, dump stations, and reservation requirements.