Camping sites near Honeoye, New York range from lakeside locations to wooded hillside retreats throughout the Finger Lakes region. The area sits at elevations between 800-2,000 feet, creating varied terrain with notable temperature drops during evening hours even in summer months. Most campgrounds in this region experience a 30-40°F temperature difference between day and night during peak camping season.
What to do
Hiking through gorges: At Letchworth State Park Campground, trails connect directly from campsites to the spectacular gorge system. "The campgrounds are in two main areas of the park and further broken down into many different loops. The loops near the Lower Falls are our favorites, but any choice is a good one. All are close to the gorge/river and wooded, and connect to trails directly from your campsite," shares Harry H.
Balloon festivals: Memorial Day weekend offers special events at Letchworth. "Try to get to the balloon fest on Memorial Day - and book a flight if you can," recommends Rebecca E. Reservations for this weekend fill months in advance.
Bird watching: The wooded areas around camping facilities provide excellent bird spotting opportunities. At Canandaigua-Rochester KOA, one camper reported, "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."
Natural swimming areas: The unique carved pool at Stony Brook State Park Campground offers a refreshing alternative to lake swimming. "My favorite part about this park has to be their natural pool. It's beautiful and so refreshing," writes Olivia R.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Keuka Lake State Park Campground receives praise for its site layout and natural screening. "Large, woody sites. Stay on the outside perimeter of the loops or you might have foot traffic thru your site to shower/toilet houses & water taps," advises Rebecca E. The campground features "spacious, private campsites, well maintained," according to Lynda M.
Quality of facilities: Bathroom cleanliness varies significantly between day-use and campground areas. "As is frequently true at state parks, the day use restrooms can get a little messy so don't be put off--the campground ones are always very clean," notes Dan N. about Stony Brook State Park.
Historical features: Some camping areas contain unexpected historical elements. At Keuka Lake State Park, "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," explains Helen H.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning and evening hours provide the best wildlife spotting opportunities. "Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the region, with multiple reviews noting deer and small mammal sightings," particularly at Ontario County Park.
What you should know
Terrain challenges: Conesus Lake Campground presents navigation difficulties due to its topography. "Campground is on a very steep hill so it is difficult to walk around," reports Sydney W. Many visitors opt for motorized assistance: "The hill is a killer! But that problem was solved by renting a golf cart!" shares Marissa R.
Temperature fluctuations: The elevation changes in the region create significant temperature drops after sunset. Packing layers is essential even during summer months when daytime temperatures reach 80°F but can drop below 50°F overnight.
Reservation windows: Most parks open their reservation systems 9 months in advance for the peak season. Letchworth State Park's premier sites book within hours of becoming available, particularly for holiday weekends and fall foliage season.
Trail access varies: At Keuka Lake State Park, "The hike to the beach wasn't too bad through the woods, with ones being a grassy walking path and the other being a dirt trail through the woods," explains Joseph B., though he notes "The beach is typically crowded."
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Many campgrounds offer play structures for children, but their quality varies considerably. At Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill, "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!!!" shares Sarah C.
Cabin alternatives: When tent camping isn't practical with small children, cabin options provide comfort while maintaining the outdoor experience. "My boyfriends family rented out all the cabins for a weekend and it was great! We used the open area to set up volley ball and it was nice having the mini fridge," reports Leah W. about Ontario County Park.
Natural play opportunities: Some sites offer unique natural features kids enjoy. "We picked blueberries off a bush near our campsite to have with our breakfast every morning," shares Dorothy P. about her stay at Stony Brook. Another camper mentions, "There is natural clay which my children used to make clay pots which air dried on the grass by our playground."
Kid-friendly fishing: Canandaigua-Rochester KOA features "a pond where the fish are easy to catch with hotdogs!" according to Amy T., making it perfect for young anglers.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling preparation: Jonathan G. warns about Ontario County Park: "make sure to bring plenty of leveling blocks as some sites are far from level." This is particularly important for larger RVs with refrigeration systems.
Hookup locations: Water and electric connections are inconsistently positioned at many Honeoye area campgrounds. At Canandaigua-Rochester KOA, one camper noted "our water hook up was in the middle of someone's site," requiring extra hose length and coordination with neighbors.
Seasonal site considerations: For longer stays, Creek n Wood offers additional services. "If you stay for an extended period, they offer free emptying at your site," notes Sheri S., adding that "$20 gets you a bucket full of campfire wood delivered directly to your campsite!"
Full hookup availability: While most campgrounds offer electric and water, sewer hookups are limited. At Stay Bristol Woodlands, one camper appreciated that their "Site was level and well equipped (waste water disposal attach site!)" which is uncommon in the region.
