Hemlock, New York sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation in the western portion of the Finger Lakes region. The area receives around 35 inches of annual precipitation, creating a lush environment for camping from May through mid-October when most campgrounds operate. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, explaining why few camping options remain open during colder months.
What to Do
Water activities on Mud Creek: Creek n Wood campground provides direct access to Mud Creek, where campers can enjoy water activities. According to Sheri S., "This is a private campground located in Bloomfield, NY right on the Mud Creek. Located close to shopping, wineries, hiking, and concert events."
Hiking at Stony Brook: Stony Brook State Park Campground offers multiple trails with varying difficulty levels. As Brittany B. notes, "stony brook is one of my all time favs. a clean and welcoming park with gorgeous views and trails for all adventurers."
Balloon festivals: Memorial Day visitors to Letchworth State Park Campground can attend a special event. Rebecca E. recommends, "Try to get to the balloon fest on Memorial Day - and book a flight if you can."
Trail running: The hills around Keuka Lake provide challenging terrain for runners. Karen G. mentions that "Keuka is a great place to do trail runs or takes boat out for the day. The hills provide a nice challenge."
What Campers Like
Natural swimming areas: Several parks feature swimming options beyond traditional pools. Kayti D. describes Stony Brook's unique feature: "This park is beautiful and has a unique swimming area- a 'pool' carved from the mountain!"
Cemetery exploration: Keuka Lake State Park Campground contains historical sites worth visiting. Helen H. notes, "Along one trail you will find the Beddoe-Rose family cemetery containing the graves of fourteen members of two of the area's earliest setters and best known families. This cemetery is listed on the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places."
Free recreational equipment: Some campgrounds provide games and equipment. Sheri S. reports that Creek n Wood offers "A pavilion on site offers a sink and refrigerator to use (must label with name), FREE games (pool table, foosball, cards, Cornhole, etc)."
Bird watching opportunities: The wooded areas attract diverse bird species. Jenise P. observed at Canandaigua-Rochester KOA: "I'm a birder and my tent site here is next to a little grove of trees where I counted 12 species of birds this morning."
What You Should Know
Terrain considerations: Many campgrounds in the area feature significant elevation changes. Greg S. advises about Canandaigua-Rochester KOA: "We lucked out with a nice private site in the back. The sites here for the most part are lacking in privacy."
Site selection tips: At Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill, Sarah C. recommends specific sites: "Great secluded tent camping (recommend numbers 7 and 8), cabins are new and ample beds and space. Camper camping is close to everything, but less privacy."
Firewood delivery: Some campgrounds offer convenient services. At Creek n Wood, Sheri S. mentions "$20 gets you a bucket full of campfire wood delivered directly to your campsite!"
Wildlife awareness: Local fauna may visit camping areas. Kasey C. warns about Stony Brook: "Rats and mice all over. As we were walking back from a trail rats were jumping in to the underside of the car. The mice were all around the campsites."
Tips for Camping with Families
Kid-friendly amenities: Stay Bristol Woodlands offers features for families. Justine I. notes: "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."
Activity options: Multiple campgrounds provide recreational opportunities for children. Lisa M. says Letchworth offers a "Quiet relaxing atmosphere, lots of hiking trails and family friendly with parks and a pool for the kids to play."
Fishing for beginners: Some locations offer easy fishing experiences for children. Amy T. shares that at Canandaigua-Rochester KOA there's "a pond where the fish are easy to catch with hotdogs!"
Playgrounds and facilities: Dog friendly campgrounds near Hemlock typically include play areas. Sarah C. mentions Ontario County Park has "numerous pavilions that are wonderful for parties or weddings. Stunning overlook that is breathtaking (also great for weddings). Hiking, bike trails, fishing pond, playground, open fields for sports, much more!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling needs: Prepare for uneven terrain at some locations. Jonathan G. advises about Ontario County Park: "Only downside is that the RV sites don't have much shade but the tent sites do. Also make sure to bring plenty of leveling blocks as some sites are far from level."
Accessibility features: Several pet-friendly campgrounds near Hemlock accommodate larger vehicles. Dayne B. describes his experience at Ontario County Park: "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."
Dump station options: Facilities for RVs vary by campground. Sheri S. notes that Creek n Wood has "a dump station to use on your way out. If you stay for an extended period, they offer free emptying at your site."
Rental alternatives: For those without RVs, cabins provide comfortable options. Sarah C. observes at Ontario County Park: "cabins are new and ample beds and space."