Camping opportunities near Homer, New York extend beyond traditional RV parks to include family farms, seasonal campgrounds, and state parks with natural swimming areas. Located in the rolling hills of central New York, the region experiences warm summers with average highs of 80°F and cool falls with temperatures dropping to the 40s by October. Campgrounds in the area typically sit at elevations between 1,100-1,300 feet, creating distinct microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the season.
What to do
Hiking gorge trails: At Fillmore Glen State Park Campground, campers can explore multiple waterfalls along scenic trails. "From the gorgeous hike up the gorge to kayaking at sunset on Owasco Lake to enjoying some wine from the grapes grown in the region, the Finger Lakes region is hard to beat for total family entertainment," shares one visitor who extended their stay from a couple nights to over a week.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds provide fishing access, with Pine Valley RV Park offering lakeside sites where you can fish directly from your campsite. "Lakeside sites are spacious and reasonably priced. The owners are always accessible," notes a long-time visitor who has been camping there for over 15 years.
Wine tasting walks: Finger Lakes RV Resort features direct walking paths to nearby wineries. "Two wineries are even walkable! Owners are clearly dedicated to excellence," explains a camper. Another adds that the location provides "easy access to the wineries, distilleries, and breweries along the lake."
Antique hunting: Butternut Hill RV Campground hosts special antique shows and regional events throughout summer. "The campground is adjacent to the festival fields, lining a forest edge with expansive views of the surrounding valley," notes a visitor who attended the Central New York Fiber Festival.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the maintenance of bathrooms and shower facilities at rv parks near Homer, New York. At The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone, visitors appreciate that "bathrooms are very modern and well stocked" and the grounds are "very well kept up."
Resort-quality amenities: Higher-end facilities provide unexpected luxuries. "The bath house is immaculate and rivals those at Fort Wilderness Resort," reports one Finger Lakes RV Resort visitor, who also appreciated "easy maneuverability, great wifi and water pressure, along with level sites."
Convenient location: Proximity to attractions is valued by campers. "Convenient to the highway with 24 hour shuttles to the casino 5 minutes away, yet quiet and beautifully maintained," writes a visitor about Turning Stone, which offers "a pool, playground, hiking trail, fishing pond, paddleboat rentals, camp store, very clean bath houses throughout."
Fresh farm experiences: Woonton Family Farms provides a unique alternative to traditional rv parks. "We had an excellent stay at the farm of the Woonton Family Farms with our RV, it was a cozy and beautiful campsite with personal attention of the owner. We had a great campfire, fresh blackberries and the option of canoeing," recalls a Dutch family who appreciated the difference from "common/look-alike campgrounds."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds operate from May through mid-October. Owasco Hill RV Campground runs from May 15 to October 15, while Pine Valley RV Park operates from May 1 to September 30. Winter camping options are extremely limited in the area.
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak periods. "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," advises a visitor to Fillmore Glen State Park.
Noise considerations: Rail lines near some campgrounds can affect the camping experience. At The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone, "the only real negatives would be the proximity to some railroad tracks, which can be somewhat active and very audible in some spots (you'll want to stay towards the south / front of the park if this kind of thing bothers you)."
Site privacy variations: Spruce Row Campground has limited spacing between sites. "The campground is primarily seasonal sites and the sites are very close together," notes one visitor who stayed during July 4th week, adding that "Lots of golf carts after whizzing around and due to our campsite location they unfortunately were able to shine their lights on us every time they turned the corner after dark."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming activities: Multiple water features keep children entertained. Pine Valley RV Park offers unique water recreation opportunities: "So many things for kids to do. From boating, to giant swimming inflatables, putt putt even a giant slide. All part of the price of the campground," explains an enthusiastic parent.
Playground access: Riverside RV Campground and other area facilities provide play areas within view of campsites. At Fillmore Glen, "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."
Natural swimming areas: State park campgrounds often feature unique swimming options. "Kids loved the park and swimming in the waterfall beach," mentions a family camper at Fillmore Glen State Park, which offers "a gorgeous natural pool with lifeguard."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds provide nature trails with learning opportunities. The Fillmore Glen area includes "a cabin on site that is the replica of Millard Filmore's youth (13th President of the United States)," providing historical context for family visits.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: For larger rigs, campground location within the park matters. At Turning Stone, "you might be looking at a longer walk than others based on where your site is" if bathroom access is important, while railroad noise means "you'll want to stay towards the south / front of the park."
Arrival timing: Mid-week arrivals offer advantages at rv parks in Homer, New York and surrounding areas. At Fillmore Glen, "Prices are lower on weekdays and you get a reduced rate for your second night, too."
Utilities feedback: Consistent reports indicate reliable services at Finger Lakes RV Resort. "The water pressure is great," notes one RVer, while another mentioned the "large sites and spread out" layout that provides "easy maneuverability" for larger vehicles.
Supply availability: On-site conveniences vary widely between campgrounds. Riverside RV Campground offers "fresh vegetables and home baked goods available. There's always snacks," according to a visitor who found it to be a "good enough stop over" while traveling through the area.
