Located in western New York's Southern Tier region, Hornell sits at an elevation of approximately 1,160 feet within the northern reaches of the Allegheny Plateau. The surrounding landscape features rolling hills, mixed forests, and several waterways including the Canacadea Creek. Camping options near Hornell range from rustic tent sites to equipped cabins with most campgrounds operating from May through mid-October due to the region's cold winters and moderate summers.
What to do
Hike the gorge trails: Watkins Glen State Park Campground features dramatic stone walls with multiple waterfalls accessible via interconnected trail systems. "The gorge trail is a MUST. Definitely go check this campsite out!" notes Laura L. Many trails include stone steps, with the Rim Trail offering elevated views of the gorge formation.
Explore natural swimming areas: Stony Brook State Park Campground offers a unique swimming experience in a natural pool carved from mountain stone. According to Kayti D., "This park is beautiful and has a unique swimming area- a 'pool' carved from the mountain!" The park also features creeks suitable for cooling off during summer months.
Fishing opportunities: Kanakadea Park provides a lake environment ideal for anglers, particularly those with non-motorized boats. "Nice lake for kayaking and fishing. The finger lakes trail runs through the campground," reports Stuart. Electric motors are permitted, but gas-powered engines are prohibited on the water.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Letchworth State Park Campground offers wooded sites that provide a sense of seclusion despite the park's popularity. "The campgrounds are basic and very nice given the relatively high popularity. The campsites are in two main areas of the park and further broken down into many different loops," writes Harry H. The loops near Lower Falls are especially favored among repeat visitors.
Family-friendly facilities: Camp Bell Campground provides amenities specifically designed for families. "Has a pool and playground. Friendly staff," mentions Sara H. Another camper, Nick O., adds, "Kids enjoyed the big playground and mini arcade. Has a large pool for swimming and fun activities."
Diverse camping options: Tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals provide options for different preferences and weather conditions. "We stayed in a cute cabin with plenty of space. The bathrooms were clean. Had a pool and playground," notes a visitor to Camp Bell Campground. Many parks maintain clean shower facilities and regularly serviced restrooms.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate from May through October, with specific opening dates varying by location. Letchworth State Park Campground operates from "May 6 to October 16," while Watkins Glen State Park Campground runs from "May 13 to October 10," making advance planning essential for spring and fall trips.
Wildlife considerations: Some campsites report wildlife encounters that might affect camping comfort. At Stony Brook, one camper noted, "Most of the camp areas washed out from rain with water running through them. Rats and mice all over." However, this appears to be an isolated experience, as other reviews mention positive wildlife encounters.
Reservation requirements: Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill and most established campgrounds in the region require advance reservations, especially during peak summer months. "Great secluded tent camping (recommend numbers 7 and 8), cabins are new and ample beds and space," advises Sarah C., highlighting that specific site selection matters for privacy.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature playground equipment suitable for different age groups. Ontario County Park offers "multiple playgrounds which are clean & well maintained," according to Jonathan G. This provides activity options during downtime between other adventures.
Educational opportunities: Natural features near campsites offer learning experiences for children. Dorothy P. from Stony Brook State Park notes, "There is natural clay which my children used to make clay pots which air dried on the grass by our playground. We picked blueberries off a bush near our campsite to have with our breakfast every morning."
Swimming options: Tamarack Campground and several other sites provide water activities suitable for children of various ages. A seasonal camper mentions, "Lots of activities almost every weekend." Swimming areas range from natural pool formations to constructed facilities with varying depths.
Tips from RVers
Campsite selection considerations: Many campgrounds feature varying degrees of levelness requiring equipment adjustments. At Ontario County Park, Jonathan G. advises, "Make sure to bring plenty of leveling blocks as some sites are far from level. Also the RV sites don't have much shade but the tent sites do."
Hookup availability: Electric hookups are common at established campgrounds, though water and sewer connections vary by location. Camp Elmbois offers "water and 30a, dump station. Some larger sites to accommodate up to 40' rigs," according to Paul B. Most campgrounds specify maximum RV lengths for each site.
Road access limitations: Some campgrounds have narrow access roads or tight turns challenging for larger rigs. At Watkins Glen, Laura L. notes, "We stayed in a 30 ft. motorhome, and the roads within the campground were kind of tight to get through with trees and curves." Advance research on approach routes is recommended for larger vehicles.
