Shay S.
Traveler
TravelerSpruce Row Campsite
Great Family campground
They are super family friendly, its very quiet and peaceful. The pool is beautiful and a cool and unique shape. They have activities on the weekends and its very safe for kids.
Camping near Harford, NY
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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.
Best Campgrounds near Harford (142)
1. Robert H. Treman State Park Campground
"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."
"A waterfall cascades through a gorge here, ending in a beautiful pool for swimming at the base of the falls, with a trout stream flowing out of it towards nearby Cayuga Lake. "
from $24 - $128 / night
Check Availability2. Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground
"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)."
from $21 - $66 / night
Check Availability3. Watkins Glen State Park Campground
"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."
from $24 - $58 / night
Check Availability4. Taughannock Falls State Park Campground
"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!!!"
from $24 - $67 / night
Check Availability5. Greenwood County Park
"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!"
from $30 / night
Check Availability6. Round Top Retreat
"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"
from $85 / night
Check Availability7. Andersen Hill State Forest
8. Fillmore Glen State Park Campground
"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!)."
from $21 - $67 / night
Check Availability9. Chenango Valley State Park Campground
"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."
from $21 - $123 / night
Check Availability10. Pinecreek Campground
"Pinecreek is a beautiful park in a great area 10 minutes from downtown Ithica New York and Lake Cayuga. The area has everything you could possibly want or need."
"This is a campground set in a nice forest location, but close by to Treman State Park and Ithaca, so a good base for day trips."
Drive Time
- 23 min from Ithaca, NY
- 36 min from Binghamton, NY
- 48 min from Syracuse, NY
- 58 min from Elmira, NY
Recent Camping Photos near Harford, NY
183 Photos of 142 Harford Campgrounds
Eshay R.
Camp Earth Connection
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Rhodes End Retreat - Coleman Outfitted Site
Janet R.
Greenwood County Park
Kelly J.
Yellow Lantern Kampground
Jason S.
Firelight Camps
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Orchard and Gorge Tent at South Hill Cider - Site #2
Chelsea B.
Robert H. Treman State Park Campground
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Wildflower
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Adirondack - Coleman Outfitted Site
Janet R.
Pinecreek Campground
Kevin C.
Long Pond Campground
Steve W.
Taughannock Falls State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Harford, NY
567 Reviews of 142 Harford Campgrounds
- HHeather B.Traveler
Tall Pines Campground & Canoeing
Sweetest Campground Around
This was the sweetest campground around!! They deliver fire wood right to your site along with anything else you need. Free delivery of amazing pizza on Friday nights(delivered by a 1969 pink beetle!!). There is a giant river, a dog park and the camp ground is close to town, but far enough away so that you still feel like your camping! Amazing bathroom/shower facilities and a clean swimming pool:)
- TTinski H.Traveler
Skyline Drive State Forest
Nice free spot in the woods
Only one spot as far as we could tell. We arrived 5.30PM and no one was there. There was quite a deep dip in the beginning of the side road, so higher clearance needed to get there. Nice spot between the trees, lots of shade, clean. Felt safe. There was a firepit. Bring bug repellent!
Lisa S.
ScoutSpruce Pond Camping Area - Morgan Hill State Forest
Peaceful forest site
Stayed at this very serene camping spot with abundant fireflies and no biting insects on June 26, 2026 for a quick overnight on a roadtrip. Arriving after dark, it was very difficult to find the sites. Campsite 5 was very overgrown, but site 6 had a nice flat area of pine needles with a path to the road once you see it. However, I couldn't locate the fire ring for site 6. I loved the sounds of the frogs at night and the birds at dawn, but if you're a very light sleeper, you might want ear plugs. Short hike up to the hang glider launch site was worthwhile. Nice, clean, accessible port-a-potty in the parking lot. Had spotty but mostly okay cell service (AT&T).
- TTed D.Traveler
Watkins Glen State Park Campground
Watkins Glen worth the trip
Campground is quiet, bathrooms are OK. Some sites have power, some don’t, none have water or sewer. Lots of things to do here. Been here 5 days and still haven’t done it all.
- TTed D.Traveler
Watkins Glen State Park Campground
Not bad
Site 80 is across from water access. But only 5 minutes to fill your tank. If you book an inside loop close to #80 you will be close to water.
Peggy C.TravelerFinger Lakes Cabins and Campgrounds
Basic Camping Experience
This is a small no frills campground centrally located near many Finger Lakes attractions (wineries especially). We had full hookups and everything worked as it should. The bath house is old but everything is functional. Shower was nice and hot. We were one of only 2 RVs there at the time so I would say it was very quiet except that the other party had a 4 and 5 year old who kept things lively and visited our site constantly until we asked them not to for awhile. Cute kids though. The campground is woodsy with just one unpaved road circling around the RV sites. There are tent sites also that looked very private, currently unmowed when we were there.
Ilce H.
GuideStoney Pond State Forest Camping Area
Free spot!
I likes this spot and i really like that you need a reservation as well just to secure your spot! The spots are big and great walks as well if you have dogs. Easy access to the pond too. 20 minutes to waterfall state park & there is a maple shop not too far as well for treats etc.
Emily M.TravelerLong Pond Campground
Great dispersed camp sites
All the roads are gravel, so it might get a little muddy after a big rain but I had no issue with a low clearance car driving around to explore the sites available. About half the sites are spread out in a large patch of spruce trees, I stayed at one of these. You can hear and sometimes see cars on the main road from your site but overall the spruce trees give you a lot more privacy. Had a neighbor blasting their speaker and didn't even hear it until I was walking by on that stretch of road. You might catch a glimpse of someone's fire at night, but it mostly felt like I had the place to myself. The other half are clustered much closer together among some deciduous trees but all the sites are pretty spacious, with a picnic table, fire pit, and easy access to the water. You might get a visit from day-use visitors looking for water access, especially if you pick a site closer to the water access paths, so if you're looking for more seclusion you may want to look elsewhere, but I didn't mind and the people who did stop near my site were respectful and didn't seem to want to disturb me once they saw the site near the water access was occupied. A free permit is needed for camping during the on-season. I stayed off-season and most of the sites were unoccupied, but I could see this being a popular spot during the warmer months. Port-a-potties are also not available off-season – be prepared to find a good cat hole spot or bring a wag bag if you're not self-contained. Seeing some litter around my site was a bit of a bummer (don't be that guy!), but overall the sites looked pretty clean and well-maintained. I did notice some broken glass at my site, so if you have pets (or shoe-averse children) be mindful of their paw pads (and feet). There's plenty of downed wood for making a fire, and I passed a couple homes selling firewood on the side of the road on the way. Service was spotty (AT&T) but if you wandered around enough you could get a couple bars to send a text, or if you really needed to, drive up the road a couple of minutes. I would easily stay here again, but if I came during the main season I'd probably want to plan a mid-week trip and get my permit and claim my site as soon as possible.
Guide to Harford
The Finger Lakes region surrounding Harford, New York sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation with a humid continental climate featuring cold winters and moderate summers. Campgrounds in this area typically close between mid-October and early November, reopening in April or May depending on weather conditions. The terrain ranges from river gorges to forested hills with multiple small lakes offering both land and water recreation.
What to do
Swimming at natural waterfall pools: Robert H. Treman State Park Campground offers a unique swimming experience at the base of a waterfall. "This was a total surprise when we stayed at this site... Great water for older kids that can swim. Lots of hiking trails that were along the gorge with water scenic views," notes Kelly J.
Hiking extensive gorge trails: Watkins Glen State Park Campground features dramatic stone gorges with multiple water crossings. "The gorge trail is a MUST. Definitely go check this campsite out!" says Laura L. The park contains 19 waterfalls along its signature trail system.
Kayaking on multiple lakes: Boating opportunities exist at several campsites near Harford, New York. At Greenwood County Park, "There are boats available for rent, a waterfront swimming area, great fishing, and lots of trails to hike!" according to Kayti D.
What campers like
Spacious, wooded sites: Chenango Valley State Park Campground provides natural settings with privacy. "Campsites are in the woods with picnic tables and fire ring, plenty of shade and a good amount of space between camps. They have so many birds, squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits and insects that it was a veritable wonderland," reports Mary P.
Family-oriented facilities: Most parks feature playgrounds and beach areas with safety features. At Chenango Valley, "The beach area is well staffed and clean. Changing areas are available as well as a splash pad for the little kids. There are miles of trails to hike and roads to bike," writes Fred C.
Clean, accessible bathhouses: Robert H. Treman earns praise for its facilities. "The bathrooms were clean, with multiple free, hot showers. I believe there were separate dishwashing sinks inside the restrooms," mentions Emma N.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Fall can be an optimal time for visiting camping areas around Harford. At Fillmore Glen State Park Campground, "Been camping at this campground for years... the hiking trails and the falls that you see are absolutely breathtaking," notes Michelle L.
Site selection considerations: Tent campers should note that some campgrounds have specific sections better suited for non-RV camping. At Chenango Valley, "Parking pads in the non-electric section are dirt/grass. Some of the pads are short; this section is geared toward tent campers," explains Mary S.
Noise levels: Sound carries in some camping areas, particularly between RVs and tent sites. At Fillmore Glen, "Camp facilities were clean and well maintained. However, we were the only tent campers around and the RV groups were loud late and early. We struggled to sleep because of the noise. Tent campers beware," cautions Kayleigh K.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground offers varied water experiences. "It is very cool to listen to the water at night as well. The waterfalls are wonderful- pretty busy so I would recommend going early or later near dusk if you want a more solitary experience," suggests Sara S.
Multi-day excursions: Taughannock Falls State Park Campground provides access to regional attractions. "This park isn't terribly busy, but busy enough that it was necessary to 'escape' at night and relax. We were happy with the sites- nothing too special. The real highlight is the park itself!" shares Sara S.
Playground accessibility: Many camping areas include dedicated children's areas. At Chenango Valley, "Playground and shallow swimming area for children with life guards and a sandy beach and new bath house. They have fishing and boat rentals," says Mary P.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some electric sites require additional preparation. At Robert H. Treman, "Electric sites are not the best though. Rocky and unlevel. Not made for large campers," advises Victoria.
Electric hookup access: At Taughannock Falls State Park Campground, electric connections can be challenging. "Check out which side the hookups are on. Some not situated on the right side so you'll need extra long cords," warns Beth.
Navigation within parks: Larger vehicles need to plan routes carefully. At Watkins Glen, "We stayed in a 30 ft. motorhome, and the roads within the campground were kind of tight to get through with trees and curves," explains Laura L.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any free camping areas in Harford, New York?
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?
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?
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.
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