Glamping sites near Henrietta, New York offer upscale outdoor accommodations within an hour's drive of the city. Located in the Finger Lakes region of Western New York, these sites span elevations from 450 to 900 feet above sea level, creating diverse camping microclimates. Most glamping facilities open from early May through mid-October, with peak foliage season typically occurring during the last two weeks of September through mid-October.
What to do
Hiking through gorges: Stony Brook State Park Campground features dramatic gorge trails with multiple waterfalls accessible via maintained pathways. "The gorge trail is very busy but you still can enjoy the beautiful waterfalls along with the gorge formation. We also did the east trail that goes up to the top of the gorge and is also a little further into the woods. It was much quieter up there and the views looking down from there were breathtaking," notes Verity S.
Military history exploration: Sampson State Park Campground preserves a former WWII Naval training base along Seneca Lake. "Right on the water front of Seneca Lake. It was a Naval training base during WWll. It has a Naval museum with many authentic items from that era," explains Brian O. The park maintains interpretive displays throughout the grounds.
Swimming in natural settings: Natural swimming areas range from constructed pools to lake access points. "My favorite part about this park has to be their natural pool. It's beautiful and so refreshing," writes Olivia R. about Stony Brook. Many sites offer multiple swimming options from designated beach areas to more secluded spots along creeks.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Webster Park offers well-separated campsites with natural screening. "We did a last minute reservation and ended up loving the place. There was good separation between the campsites and the bathrooms and showers were clean. Wasn't too far from a park along Ontario," shares Joseph W.
Convenience to attractions: Many glamping options provide strategic access to regional highlights. "It is within an hour drive of many different areas for recreation and is close to Lake Ontario and the Genesee River," explains Dorothy P. about Webster Park, making it an ideal base for regional exploration.
Accessible recreation: Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill offers immediate access to trails and activities. "Great secluded tent camping, cabins are new and ample beds and space. Numerous pavilions that are wonderful for parties or weddings. Stunning overlook that is breathtaking. Hiking, bike trails, fishing pond, playground, open fields for sports," describes Sarah C.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Peak season at popular locations fills quickly. "This is a JEWEL. Book early. Bring your hiking shoes & camera," advises Rebecca E. about Letchworth State Park Campground. For weekend dates in July and August, reservations often need to be made 4-6 months in advance.
Seasonal variations: Late spring can bring significant rainfall affecting trail conditions. "Most of the camp areas washed out from rain with water running through them," reports Kasey C. about Stony Brook during a particularly wet period. Fall typically brings drier conditions and spectacular foliage displays.
Proximity to transportation: Many campsites have road or rail noise. "There is a train track near the park which occasionally is quite noisy," notes Nancy W. about Southwoods RV Resort. Sites deeper within park boundaries typically offer more buffer from transportation sounds.
Utility considerations: Water access varies significantly between parks. "There is only source for water fill up. This could end up being a very very long wait if you arrive at the same time as other campers," cautions Amanda K. about Sampson State Park. Carrying extra water containers proves helpful at many locations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Canandaigua-Rochester KOA offers extensive children's amenities. "This KOA has all that you need for a relaxing family trip. It is close to the finger lakes, is clean, has kid activities and a pond where the fish are easy to catch with hotdogs!" shares Amy T. Most family-oriented sites place playgrounds within walking distance of campsites.
Activity scheduling: Weekend organized events typically require pre-registration. "During our stay they had a closing weekend pizza and wings party with live music for a small fee," mentions Nancy W. about Southwoods RV Resort. Many parks distribute weekly activity schedules upon check-in.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple locations offer family-friendly fishing access. "Our 3 and 5 year olds really enjoyed the jump pad and woods obstacles. Canandaigua is a really cool little town too and has a beautiful lakefront park with beach and playground, only ten minutes from this campground," reports Greg S.
Tips from RVers
Site placement: Southwoods RV Resort offers strategically designed RV sites. "We chose a back-in 50-amp full hook-up site at $42/night. All the utilities were placed appropriately so we didn't need any extensions. The water pressure and electric were good," describes Nancy W. The campground maintains dedicated seasonal and transient sections.
Leveling requirements: Terrain variations affect site preparation. "Make sure to bring plenty of leveling blocks as some sites are far from level," advises Jonathan G. about Ontario County Park. Most locations provide gravel pads, but natural settling creates uneven surfaces.
Road navigation: Campground access roads vary significantly in width and condition. "The roads are narrow and hilly, but we pull a 36' 5th wheel (mid-profile) and we had no issues with branches," shares Kristine B. about Junius Ponds. Interior roads typically accommodate large rigs but may require careful navigation.
