Ithaca camping offers unique access to the glacially-carved landscapes of the Finger Lakes region, which formed roughly 10,000 years ago. The area sits at elevations ranging from 380 to 1,300 feet above sea level, creating varied camping experiences from lakeside to hilltop settings. Summer temperatures typically range from 55°F to 80°F with higher humidity levels near the lakes, making early fall an optimal camping season.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 0.5-1.5 miles round trip. Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground offers exceptional gorge access with relatively easy trails. "The hiking trails are nice! Not too challenging, but very scenic. Walking along the water from the upper and lower entrances is great! If you walk Gorge trail and Rim trail you connect to make a nice loop and see just about everything the park has to offer," notes Sara S.
Lake swimming: designated areas. Taughannock Falls State Park Campground provides lake access with swimming facilities. "The campground is very walkable to the swimming area, which goes to 12 feet deep and has a dock to jump off of. The hiking to the waterfall is very manageable," shares Barbara S. This makes for a convenient cooling option after hiking the trails.
Winery visits: walkable from camp. Finger Lakes RV Resort offers direct access to local wineries. "They are bookended by two wineries with walking paths from the campground," reports Craig F., while another camper adds, "Walking paths from the campground to two different wineries. Really nice pavilion for group gatherings and watching the sunset."
What campers like
Clean facilities: recently built bathhouses. "The bath house is immaculate and rivals those at Fort Wilderness Resort," according to Steve A. at Finger Lakes RV Resort. Many campers specifically note the unusually high standards of cleanliness at this newer facility compared to typical state park facilities.
Daily services: trash collection. Several campgrounds provide convenience services uncommon in the region. "They also drive by each site every morning to collect trash and recycling," notes Steve A., who appreciated this unusual amenity during their stay in the Finger Lakes area.
Farm camping experiences: smaller alternatives. Woonton Family Farms offers an alternative to traditional campgrounds. "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," reports Willemien V.
What you should know
Limited shade at newer facilities. The newer RV parks tend to have younger trees. "Being a newer campground, the trees are small, but that did not take away from the experience," notes Craig F. about Finger Lakes RV Resort, while Matt S. advises: "There's no shade from trees or otherwise. If you're visiting during the summer, be sure your air conditioning and awnings are working."
Site privacy varies widely. At Spruce Row Campground, "The campground is primarily seasonal sites and the sites are very close together," according to Jodi, who found it crowded during peak season. State parks generally offer more separation between sites than private campgrounds in the area.
Bathroom quality differs between facilities. Some campers note significant differences in bathroom quality. At Buttermilk Falls, Amy A. found that "The bathroom was not very upkept/updated and kinda dirty," while at Taughannock Falls, Janet B. observed "The bathrooms were messy, with a couple of toilets not flushed/clogged."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: inflatable features. Pine Valley RV Park offers family-friendly water amenities. "This is by far one of the best family oriented campgrounds we've ever been in... 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," shares Mommy D.
Quiet vs. busy sites: choose location carefully. Campground sections vary in activity level. At Buttermilk Falls, "The upper part of the campground is pretty private, while the lower end near the entrance/exit is more open," notes Barbara S., which can help families select sites based on preferred environment.
Seasonal considerations: lake activities. Smith Memorial Park combines land and water activities. "You can camp and hike, while enjoying the beach and water activities. It is the best of both worlds," reports Kari M., adding "The beach is nice and is pretty close to the campground, within walking distance."
Tips from RVers
WiFi quality: work-friendly options. Several rv campgrounds near Ithaca, New York provide reliable connectivity. "Easy maneuverability, great wifi and water pressure, along with level sites make it a great place to stay," according to Craig F., while Laura W. adds "Wifi was strong enough to do work calls" at Finger Lakes RV Resort.
Site spacing: premium at newer parks. Newer RV parks tend to offer more room. "The campground sites are very large and spread out," notes Steve A., contrasting with older, more established parks in the area where sites tend to be closer together.
Seasonal site availability: critical for planning. Most camping facilities close by mid-October. Aspen Family Campground operates from May 12 to September 30, while Pine Valley RV Park runs May 1 to September 30. Taughannock Falls has a slightly longer season from April 15 to October 16, providing more options for early spring and late fall RV camping near Ithaca, New York.
