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 Homer, NY
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The Finger Lakes region surrounding Homer, New York provides a range of camping experiences across several state parks and private campgrounds. Fillmore Glen State Park Campground, located approximately 15 miles southwest in Moravia, offers tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with electric hookups and modern facilities. Taughannock Falls State Park Campground, situated about 25 miles west near Trumansburg, features multiple accommodation types including tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and glamping options with boat-in, drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in access. Most established campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically from May through October, with varying amenities including electric hookups, showers, and sanitary dump stations.
Camping availability throughout the region follows seasonal patterns, with most facilities closing during winter months. Yellow Lantern Kampground in Cortland operates from April through mid-November, while Robert H. Treman State Park near Ithaca maintains a longer season extending from late April to late November. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods when campgrounds frequently reach capacity. The terrain varies from open meadows to wooded settings, with many campgrounds situated near lakes or waterfalls. According to one visitor, "Fillmore Glen State Park was our favorite for hiking, but probably our least favorite for camping. The sites offered little privacy and were very close together, plus you could hear road noise loud and clear all through the night."
Campers consistently praise the region's natural features, particularly the numerous waterfalls and gorges that characterize the Finger Lakes landscape. Taughannock Falls State Park receives high ratings for its proximity to one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls on the East Coast, along with its well-maintained trails and lake access. Several visitors mentioned the convenience of having wineries, breweries, and cultural attractions within easy driving distance of most campgrounds. A review noted that "Taughannock Falls State Park is one of my favorite parks in New York. The camp grounds are excellent, there are TONS of trails nearby, the swimming area of the lake is close, and the water is very clean." Mixed-use campgrounds offering both primitive tent sites and full-hookup RV options are common throughout the area, with many providing access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and swimming areas.
Best Campgrounds near Homer (149)
1. 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 Availability2. Yellow Lantern Kampground
3. 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 Availability4. Lighthouse Landing Campground
5. 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 Availability6. 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 Availability7. Spruce Pond Camping Area - Morgan Hill State Forest
"throughout the state forest, this is a group of ten established and well maintained primitive campsites right on Spruce Pond with fishing available and an amazing network of hiking and cross country ski trails"
"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."
8. Empire Haven Nudist Park
9. Cortlands Country Music Park and Campground
10. Green Lakes State Park Campground
"The lake is a fascinating meromictic lake with clear calcium-rich waters that are not only pristine and beautiful to look at, but also great for swimming and snorkeling as the waters are crystal clear"
"The sites are nice, some are little close to each other but nice for group camping. A short distance (walk or by car) to the beach. The lake is a little chilly sometimes but very refreshing."
from $24 - $116 / night
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Drive Time
- 24 min from Syracuse, NY
- 34 min from Ithaca, NY
- 35 min from Binghamton, NY
- 1 hr 9 min from Elmira, NY
Recent Camping Photos near Homer, NY
186 Photos of 149 Homer Campgrounds
Kelly J.
Yellow Lantern Kampground
Michelle L.
Fillmore Glen State Park Campground
Janet R.
Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground
Neil L.
Spruce Pond Camping Area - Morgan Hill State Forest
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Christmas Tree Farm Hideaway
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Rhodes End Retreat - Coleman Outfitted Site
Eshay R.
Camp Earth Connection
Steve W.
Taughannock Falls State Park Campground
renee M.
Shady Pines Camp at CBG Farm - CLOSED
Jason S.
Firelight Camps
Katelyn H.
Long Pond Campground
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Wildflower
Recent Reviews near Homer, NY
582 Reviews of 149 Homer Campgrounds
Pam R.
GuideOneida Shores County Park
Beautiful and peaceful
We had a great stay at Oneida Shores Campground. Over the weekend it was nearly full, but it never felt crowded. The other campers were friendly and there were no issues. At 10 pm, it got very quiet, no issues. The newly paved sites are level. The grounds are well kept. I wouldn't say the sites were too close together. We had plenty of room. The tent area is shaded by trees, the rv section is not. We encountered several park employees, all were very friendly and helpful. Never saw any geese. The only negative is that the showers and restrooms need a deep clean and upgrade, but they were serviceable.
Elizabeth D.
ScoutThe Villages RV Park at Turning Stone
Excellent park
Space was adequate with both shade and some sun, trash service and shuttle service was a plus . Pool and walking paths were well kept. Dog waste stations were available but the park didn't have a dog park. Bummer for fino.
- 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).
April S.ScoutPleasant Lake Campground
The worst campground I've ever experienced.
The problems started before we even arrived. When I called to make a reservation, the owner was rude and impatient, repeatedly complaining that he couldn't hear me, despite me having full service. I discovered cell service at the campground was spotty, which made his attitude even more frustrating in hindsight. I told him it would be us and our dog, his immediate response was,"IT'S NOT A PIT BULL, IS IT?" in a hostile tone. I said no, she's an American Staffordshire, and my husband's service dog. He rudely replied that it was"THE SAME THING" and that they have breed restrictions. When I asked whether he was denying us, he avoided answering and demanded"legal paperwork" for her. I told him that no such paperwork exists, but she is trained to perform a task. He completed the reservation, took my payment, gave us a site number, and hung up. Since the office was closed and we had already been assigned a site number and paid, we assumed we could go directly to our site and finish any details in the morning. While setting up, the owner drove over and confronted us for not reporting to the office first. He then demanded proof of rabies vaccination, which is reasonable. We apologized that we had forgotten the paperwork and said we'd email it to him first thing in the morning. We were extremely annoyed that we saw multiple pit bulls as soon as we pulled in the campground. The next morning, we emailed the records to the campground around 10:10 AM, exactly as promised, as soon as our vet's office had opened. About 11:00, the owner left a voicemail demanding that we leave the property immediately because he had not received the paperwork. I called back and asked him to check his email again, he accused me of sending it to the wrong address. I told him that if he still couldn't find it after checking again, I would come to the office once I was dressed. 30 minutes later, he left another voicemail saying he had escalated it to the sheriff's office because we had not complied. Meanwhile, my husband was already walking to the office to handle things and the owner informed him that we were no longer welcome and that he had called the sheriff's office. Again, my husband told them to check their spam folder, and the email had been there all along. We communicated throughout the entire process and did exactly what we said we would do. The owner's son was far more reasonable and they did apologize, but it didn't make the situation right. The sites were tight, muddy, unlevel, and had awkwardly placed hookups. We were packed so close together that the row behind us overlapped the rear of our camper by a few feet. We had to share water with the neighboring site through a splitter at the spigot. We didn't use the restrooms or amenities because after our interactions with management, we felt completely unwelcome. We only stayed because we were in town for our grandson's first birthday and couldn't find another campground on such short notice.
- 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.
Guide to Homer
Located in the heart of the Finger Lakes region, Homer sits at approximately 1,100 feet above sea level in Cortland County. The area's network of glacial lakes creates moderate temperatures during camping season, with daytime highs typically ranging from 70-85°F in summer. Most campgrounds near Homer remain operational from late April through October, with limited winter accessibility at certain locations.
What to do
Waterfall swimming: At Fillmore Glen State Park Campground, campers can enjoy a unique swimming experience in a natural pool at the base of a waterfall. "Kids loved the park and swimming in the waterfall beach," notes Charyssa G., highlighting one of the park's most popular features.
Hiking trails: The gorges and waterfalls near Homer offer exceptional hiking opportunities, particularly at Watkins Glen State Park Campground. "I stay here usually once or twice a year and spend my weekends hiking the various gorge trails nearby," shares Deb S., who appreciates the park's proximity to multiple trail systems.
Lake activities: Many campgrounds provide lake access for fishing, boating, and swimming. "You can rent a kayak and enjoy the beautiful lake. There are miles of trails to explore," reports Cindy H. about Green Lakes State Park, where visitors can rent rowboats for $7/hour.
Wine tasting: The region's numerous vineyards make an excellent day trip from camping bases. Kim B. mentions that Fillmore Glen offers "nature on site and lots more to do and explore nearby (wine trails!)," making it a convenient starting point for Finger Lakes wine country exploration.
What campers like
Natural swimming areas: Several parks feature swimming in natural settings rather than traditional pools. At Robert H. Treman State Park Campground, visitors particularly enjoy the unique swimming hole. "Everyone says how great the water falls are. And yes they are. Bit this is truly a great place to camp," writes Paully B., highlighting both the natural features and camping quality.
Bathroom facilities: Clean restrooms consistently receive positive mentions from campers at parks near Homer. Emma N. notes about Robert H. Treman that "The bathrooms were clean, with multiple free, hot showers. I believe there were separate dishwashing sinks inside the restrooms."
Scenic landscapes: The combination of forests, gorges, and waterfalls creates memorable camping backdrops. "Watkins Glen was absolutely beautiful. The sites are quite wooded with plenty of space in between," says Laura L., who stayed in a 30-foot motorhome and still found the natural setting impressive despite tighter roads.
Accessibility to towns: Proximity to local communities allows for convenient access to supplies and additional activities. Michelle L. notes that "Moravia is a small town full of small town charm," when describing the area around Fillmore Glen State Park.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Operating dates differ between campgrounds, with some closing earlier than others. Yellow Lantern Kampground in Cortland runs from "April 1 to November 15," providing one of the longer camping seasons in the area.
Site privacy varies: Some campgrounds offer more secluded sites than others. Kayleigh K. cautions about Fillmore Glen: "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."
Reservation requirements: At popular parks like Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground, planning ahead is essential. Shari G. advises, "during the main season, this place is nuts! You'll definitely need to plan ahead and make reservations if you plan to be here on the weekends during the silly season."
Weather considerations: The region experiences variable conditions that affect camping comfort. Scott M. recalls visiting Treman State Park when temperatures dropped unexpectedly: "Went in the fall, very quiet, and peaceful. Woke to snow on the tent. Had a great time listening to the birds and enjoying the trails."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Many campgrounds feature play areas specifically designed for children. At Green Lakes State Park Campground, "Beach also has a great playground for kids that is perfect for play and swim," according to Meag F., making it ideal for families with children of different ages.
Central activity spaces: Look for campgrounds with open areas for group games and activities. At Fillmore Glen, Shari G. found that "The grassy field is great for kiddos to run-amok and there is a playground at the far end of it so parents can keep an eye on the kids while enjoying time with their friends and family."
Age-appropriate hikes: Some trails are more suitable for children than others. Jennifer W. shares about Watkins Glen: "I would describe the hikes as moderately difficult. The main one has a lot of steps but lots of walkway in between them so it's not just up up up more steps. There are a total of 19 waterfalls on your way up, all of them absolutely beautiful."
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer nature programs or historical features. Brian O. mentions that at Fillmore Glen, "There is a cabin on site that is the replica of Millard Filmore's youth (13th President of the United States)," providing an educational element to the camping experience.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Some campgrounds present challenges for larger vehicles. Victoria from Robert H. Treman notes, "Electric sites are not the best though. Rocky and unlevel. Not made for large campers."
Campground navigation: The roads within certain parks can be difficult to maneuver with larger RVs. Laura L. observed at Taughannock Falls State Park Campground, "We stayed in a 30 ft. motorhome, and the roads within the campground were kind of tight to get through with trees and curves."
Hookup locations: Pay attention to utility placement when selecting a site. Barbara S. advises about Taughannock Falls: "Check out which side the hookups are on. Some not situated on the right side so you'll need extra long cords."
Seasonal accessibility: RV campers should note varying seasonal availability across parks. "Not S." visited Robert H. Treman in July and found it offered "Site 54 at Robert H Treman is very large, flat, nonelectric and well shaded with areas of sun," demonstrating the availability of quality non-electric sites even during peak season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Homer, NY?
What camping is available near Homer, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Homer, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 149 campgrounds and RV parks near Homer, NY and 17 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Homer, NY?
Which is the most popular campground near Homer, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Homer, NY is Fillmore Glen State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 15 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Homer, NY?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Homer, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots near Homer, NY.
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