Best Campgrounds near Hornell, NY

Camping near Hornell, New York, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. From stunning gorges to serene lakes, there’s something for everyone in this picturesque region.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the breathtaking trails at Watkins Glen State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, “The access to Watkins Glen! My site was in Loop D which has a direct hiking trail to the trail along Watkins Glen!”
• Paddleboarding: Enjoy some fun on the water at nearby Seneca Lake. A visitor shared, “We went paddleboarding. We put in at a boat launch at the very southeastern corner of the lake near Seneca Lake Kayak.”
• Waterfalls: Don’t miss the stunning waterfalls in the area. One reviewer said, “The waterfalls were amazing. The rec center had tons of activities and sports for the kids to do.”

What campers like:

• Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Letchworth State Park Campground noted, “Bathrooms were very clean with nice hot water in the showers.”
• Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer generous space between sites. A camper at Lyman Run State Park Campground mentioned, “The site and facilities were very well kept and clean. The sites are well spaced so you don’t feel like it’s crowded.”
• Family-friendly activities: Campgrounds like Sampson State Park Campground have playgrounds and swimming areas. One reviewer said, “Place is great for kids. Lots to do with a couple of playgrounds, guarded swimming area, kayak rentals.”

What you should know:

• Limited cell service: Some campgrounds have spotty reception. A visitor at Cherry Springs State Park Campground mentioned, “Stars were incredible and we were there when it was cloudy!!”
• No camp store: Many campgrounds don’t have a store on-site, so plan ahead. A camper at Stony Brook State Park Campground noted, “No camp store - so if you forgot an essential item, you've got to go out from the park.”
• Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds are open from spring to fall. For example, Keuka Lake State Park Campground operates from May 6 to October 16.

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A camper at Darien Lakes State Park Campground said, “The park was nearly empty, perhaps 6 or 8 other campers widely spread out.”
• Plan for activities: Bring bikes and outdoor games for family fun. One reviewer at Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground mentioned, “The campground is amazing and GO SEE THOSE FALLS!”
• Check for playgrounds: Many campgrounds have playgrounds for kids. A visitor at Letchworth State Park Campground noted, “The playground is huge and there's lots of room for riding your bike around.”

Tips from RVers:

• Bring extension cords: Some sites have electric posts far from the pads. A camper at Sampson State Park Campground advised, “Electric service boxes are shared in-between sites. This could pose an issue if your power cord is not long enough.”
• Check site conditions: Look for level sites to avoid hassle. A visitor at Darien Lakes State Park Campground mentioned, “Our site was spacious, clean, and pretty darn level.”
• Plan for water fill-ups: Some campgrounds have limited water fill stations. A camper at Lyman Run State Park Campground noted, “There is only one source for water fill up. This could end up being a very long wait if you arrive at the same time as other campers.”

Camping around Hornell, New York, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you’re hiking, swimming, or just relaxing by the campfire, you’ll find plenty to love in this beautiful area.