Best Tent Camping near Ithaca, NY

Nice modern-esque camp site with great views of the lake. They have cabins but we tent camped. Tent sites are open. On site they have swimming, boat launch, and (I think) a playground. Lots of other places to hike in the area too, plus attractions like wine trails, breweries, quaint amusement parks.

One of my favorite parks in the area, this one is on the largest of the Finger Lakes, Cayuga. Visit in the fall for unrivaled scenery (better than New England in my opinion!). Great area for biking, kayaking, swimming, hiking, fishing, plus winery tours. Close to Ithaca, a wonderful "hippie" college town.

Nice State Park campground, clean & good facilities. Mostly tent/camper camping, also cabins (I've only tent camped). Nice large sites and while not super private it is serene (as long as you're not too close to the playground or highway). Shady, usually a bit of a breeze. Accessible sites are really very accessible.

We have stayed in the 300 Loop and 400 loop on different occasions. These are non-electric tent camping loops, bathrooms are a short walk from spots, if you have kids there is a playground by the more open spots in the inner part of each loop or you can stay in the more secluded outer ring of the loops. We loved these spots and for anyone camping in the Finger Lakes region I would definitely recommend Cayuga Lake State Park. They have cabin and RV spots as well but we prefer tent camping.

Tent camping is $15/ night. You can get in to the park for free between 7 and 10pm though.

I chose this campground because the photos of the pool/splash pad looked fun. It turns out the tent site we had was the most wooded and cozy site we have camped in all year. So much room for tents/hammocks. Trees galore. The tent sites were right behind the athletic field where they did activities the weekend we were there (bounce house). The restrooms were fantastic too, the buildings held two complete rooms with a toilet sink and shower in each. It’s the only shower camping this year my 4yr old wasn’t afraid of because we had the whole room to ourselves.

We went up for a weekend trip. Tent camping. Site was sufficiently private and tucked away, but water/bathrooms/showers were close enough. Very clean facilities! Really enjoyed the kayaking and beach area. The trails were not all that great and provided only minor enjoyment.

Friendly staff, good patrols at night to keep people from being too noisy, tent sites are nice and shaded. Some of the shower houses are better than others. Wonderful hiking at the gorge and it was beautiful.

Picturesque Finger Lakes state park with a day’s worth of hiking trails on site. The campground is wooded and lovely but the tent sites don’t have views of the falls or anything, couldn’t hear water at night. Deer outside the tent, wildflowers through summer, great leaves in fall.

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). If you can only go to one park in the Finger Lakes I’d pick this one. Wading in some spots in summer. Tenting sites are shady and semi-private but I don’t think any of them have direct views of the gorges. Nice wildlife too.

Tent camping here felt like we were camping in a neighborhood backyard. We could hear so many different families talking and really doing everything you do while camping but the area felt so open and unobstructed voices carried and in the evening when everyone was building campfires the smoke could be overwhelming at times.

I stay here usually once or twice a year and spend my weekends hiking the various gorge trails nearby. Tent camping is nice here. The sites are good sized, they offer cabins as well. The bathhouses are clean and well lit at night. This is definitely a large family area. Expect to hear your neighbors once and a while.

Seneca Lake and Taughannock Gorge Trail with waterfall is beautiful. However, swimming in lake is mediocre, and lots of steps on the hike. Only 2 showers in each bathhouse and low-end. Toilets are old and a bit dirty. Tent sites are

spacious and somewhat private. Electric sites are small and close to neighbor.

The tent sites on the west camp were roomy and reasonably private, but there weren't many water locations and no electric on that side of the park. The facilities were about as nice as you can expect at a state run campground. We're already planning to go back next year for more nights.

Ashley here with The Dyrt. Let's give a warm welcome to your hosts Sheryl & Matt! This is the perfect place to car or tent camp. Enjoy a private fire-pit and dive into Lake Seneca! Only a 4 min drive from Watkins Glenn. This place has it all. Lots of sites to choose from, some even have hammocks! Dog friendly. Check them out and leave them some love!

Been here in all the seasons, each is beautiful. Campgrounds are wooded. Pretty basic facilities, nice though. None of the tent sites have exceptional views but you’re a short walk from the creek/gorges. Reserve ahead of time in summer. Lots of woods, wildlife here and in the many other state parks close by to keep all ages occupied.

Great campground for kids, events, and hiking. Plenty of room on each site for whatever you need. Multiple playgrounds which are clean & well maintained. Only downside is that the RV sites don’t have much shade but the tent sites do. Also make sure to bring plenty of leveling blocks as some sites are far from level.

Great secluded tent camping (recomend numbers 7 and 8), cabins are new and ample beds and space. Camper camping is close to everything, but less privacy. 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!!! Great for photo shoots, weekend stress getaways etc. I live close by and visit a few times a month.

Camping at Chenango Valley State Park is always a great time. The park is very family friendly. It has numerous hiking and biking trails, two lakes (Lily and Kettle) and a 18-hole golf course for guests to enjoy. The grounds and bathrooms are very well maintained and the sites are level for those RV or tent camping. We enjoy the sites because they’re spacious and woodsy. They make you feel secluded, but are also a short drive from a brewery and the city of binghamton.

I absolutely love this place! The camp site is nothing to write home about but it's just what we wanted/needed - good price, clean facilities, electric (even when tent camping) and, most important - LOCATION!
We spent a couple of days making our way around the lakes, wining and dining, then came back to our cozy campsite to enjoy a drink by the fire. We had plenty of space and no one bothered us.
We also spend a full day hiking in the park - beautiful! Waterfall after waterfall - amazing stuff! If you have not been here make it a priority!

I have camped CVSP several times in all sorts of capabilities, tent camping, pop-up and hard sided campers. Whether you are looking for a campsite in a forest setting or one with a large open field you can find it. There's is a perfect lake for kayaking for beginner or seasoned, as well as great hiking and mountain biking trails. Keep your eye peeled for the resident bald eagle and think about brining your clubs for a round of golf. The bathhouses are maybe the only negative to our whole experience but with the upgrade coming right now to the swimming area which oncludes better water circulation and a splashpad we will alwaus enjoy our trip here.

Tent camping in the beautiful winding camp ground many shady trees brings you back to nature. We brought our bikes and explored the many hiking and riding trails on the premises. We loved the swimming beach soaking up the sun and cool refreshing water. As fisherman we loved that the rangers told us that the lake was regularly stocked with trout and other game fish. For the boaters there is an ample ramp to launch as well as boat rentals on the marina. Conveniences are provided with many bathrooms and shower facilities throughout the camp ground. For those not to into tenting there are cabins available to keep you safe. We camped in July, but were told that the park is opened for winter activities such as xcountry skiing and snow mobiling. A fun trip for the whole family