Best Campgrounds near Ithaca, NY

Several good camping options surround Ithaca, with sites ranging from basic to full-service. Sned Acres Campground draws many families who want activities along with their camping. About 20 miles from town, Watkins Glen State Park Campground puts campers near the park's waterfalls and hiking trails. Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground sits just 2 miles from Ithaca and has great hiking right from your campsite. Most campgrounds have good road access year-round, though winter snow can sometimes cause problems. Spring and fall camping around Ithaca means comfortable temperatures and beautiful tree colors. Summer gets crowded, so book early if you're planning a warm-weather trip. Robert H. Treman State Park Campground and most other area campgrounds take online reservations, which helps with planning. During busy times, sites fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Standard facilities like bathrooms, picnic tables, and play areas exist at most Ithaca-area campgrounds. Some campsites require carrying your gear a short distance from parking, which is worth knowing when you pack. Always check if a campground is open before your trip, as some close seasonally. Ithaca's camping areas work well for both quiet nature trips and more active outdoor vacations.

Best Camping Sites Near Ithaca, New York (122)

    1. Watkins Glen State Park Campground

    86 Reviews
    Watkins Glen, NY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 535-4511

    $20 - $58 / night

    "Watkins Glen boasts one of New York’s most beautiful state parks! I last camped here in 2012 and absolutely loved hiking along the gorges. Also- the camping was next to perfect."

    "Definitely one of the top places to camp and visit in New York, Watkins Glen State Park never disappoints. Each time I come back, I find something new to discover and have a great time doing that."

    2. Robert H. Treman State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Ithaca, NY
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 273-3440

    $20 - $128 / night

    "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."

    "Good campsite and amenities, great jumping off point for visiting the waterfalls and gorges around Ithaca."

    3. Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Ithaca, NY
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 273-5761

    $17 - $66 / night

    "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)."

    4. Taughannock Falls State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Jacksonville, NY
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 387-6739

    $20 - $67 / night

    "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!!!"

    "Taughannock Falls State Park is one of my favorite parks in New York."

    5. Pinecreek Campground

    7 Reviews
    Ithaca, NY
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 273-1974

    "Pinecreek is a beautiful park in a great area 10 minutes from downtown Ithica New York and Lake Cayuga. The area has everything you could possibly want or need."

    "Beautiful lake, woodland and natural surrounding. Friendly campground visitors and staff. Open to seasonal and day campers alike. Playground needs improving."

    6. Blueberry Patch Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

    11 Reviews
    Hector, NY
    16 miles

    $15 / night

    "The only Finger Lakes National Forest designated campground, Blueberry Patch offers a secluded experience in the heart of this sometimes overlooked beautiful geographic region in the State of New York."

    "There are a few small trails leading right from the sites, one of which goes to the blueberry patch, which is in fact covered in wild blueberry bushes and allows for some stellar stargazing at night."

    7. Fillmore Glen State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Moravia, NY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 497-0130

    $17 - $67 / night

    "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!)."

    8. Firelight Camps

    1 Review
    Ithaca, NY
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 229-1644

    "Even with the restrictions we had a great visit and felt safely distanced from other campers and staff. Great hiking trails because it is attached to Buttermilk Falls State Park."

    9. Spruce Row Campground

    2 Reviews
    Jacksonville, NY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 387-9225

    10. Spruce Row Campsite

    1 Review
    Jacksonville, NY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 387-9225
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Showing results 1-10 of 122 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Ithaca, NY

506 Reviews of 122 Ithaca Campgrounds



Guide to Ithaca

Camping near Ithaca, NY, offers a mix of stunning natural beauty and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something to offer.

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!"
  • Water Activities: Enjoy paddleboarding or swimming at Green Lakes State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "We went paddleboarding... You can paddle down to Hector Falls and see it from the water."
  • Sightseeing: Check out the nearby waterfalls and wineries. One reviewer at Keuka Lake State Park Campground said, "The lake is clean and clear, great for fishing, boating, and swimming."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Chenango Valley State Park Campground noted, "The grounds and bathrooms are very well maintained."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites that provide a sense of privacy. One camper at Sampson State Park Campground mentioned, "Most sites are pretty spacious."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Watkins Glen / Corning KOA have plenty of activities for kids. A family shared, "The campground and showers were clean... there were some things that didn't work... but the area was absolutely gorgeous."

What you should know

  • Limited Privacy: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Taughannock Falls State Park Campground said, "The sites were also very close to each other and rather shallow, thereby limiting privacy."
  • Basic Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A visitor at Robert H. Treman State Park Campground mentioned, "The dumping station is lacking but overall nice park."
  • Road Noise: Some sites are near roads, which can be noisy. A camper at Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground noted, "The campground is amazing... but the road noise was distracting."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. One family at Sampson State Park Campground highlighted, "Lots to do with a couple of playgrounds, guarded swimming area, kayak rentals."
  • Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds have limited food options. A visitor at Green Lakes State Park Campground mentioned, "There’s a lot to do here... but you cannot reach the lakes from the rolling meadow campground without a car."
  • Bring Entertainment: If your kids need downtime, pack games or books. A camper at Watkins Glen State Park Campground suggested, "It’s peaceful and easier to enjoy and take photos."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Accessibility: Some sites may not be suitable for larger RVs. A visitor at Keuka Lake State Park Campground noted, "The only downside I could mention is if you are looking for Full hook up you are out of luck."
  • Bring Extension Cords: Power poles can be far from sites. A camper at Sampson State Park Campground advised, "The power poles are between sites and are often more than 20’ away."
  • Plan for Dump Station Waits: Some campgrounds have limited dump stations. A visitor at Chenango Valley State Park Campground mentioned, "The dump station is big and easy access."

Camping in Ithaca, NY, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while making lasting memories. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Ithaca, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Ithaca, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 122 campgrounds and RV parks near Ithaca, NY and 12 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Ithaca, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ithaca, NY is Watkins Glen State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 86 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ithaca, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Ithaca, NY.

What parks are near Ithaca, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Ithaca, NY that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.