Camping options around Lansing, NY provide varied experiences in the Finger Lakes region's unique glacial landscape. Most campgrounds sit at elevations between 400-900 feet above sea level, with summer overnight temperatures dropping to the mid-50s even when daytime highs reach 85°F. The region's campgrounds typically open from mid-April through mid-October, with variable operation dates depending on seasonal conditions and facility type.
What to do
Waterfall swimming: At Robert H. Treman State Park, campers can enjoy a unique swimming experience beneath a waterfall. "There is a diving board into a swimming hole filled by a waterfall which draws so many but the camping is great too," notes one visitor. The swimming area features natural stonework and is fully staffed with lifeguards during peak season.
Gorge hiking: Watkins Glen State Park offers spectacular gorge trails with 19 waterfalls. A visitor explains, "There's the waterfall which is easy for even children to get to, and several beautiful hiking paths in all seasons." Most trails are open from May through October, with sections occasionally closed after heavy rainfall for safety.
Wild blueberry picking: Blueberry Patch Campground in the Finger Lakes National Forest lives up to its name. "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," reports one camper. Peak berry season typically runs from mid-July through August.
Lake activities: Near Taughannock Falls State Park, access to Cayuga Lake provides swimming, fishing and boating opportunities. "The campground is very walkable to the swimming area, which goes to 12 feet deep and has a dock to jump off of," mentions a visitor. The swimming area is typically open from late June through Labor Day weekend, weather permitting.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Buttermilk Falls State Park offers more secluded camping options. "The lack of amenities drives a lot of people away—we have never felt crowded while here," shares one regular visitor. The park's upper camping area provides more wooded sites with greater separation between neighbors.
Clean facilities: Fillmore Glen State Park maintains well-kept amenities. "Bathrooms are very clean and close to all campsites. Kids loved the park and swimming in the waterfall beach," notes a family who visited. The park features modern bathhouses with hot showers and updated facilities, which campers frequently mention as a highlight.
Spacious sites: Taughannock Falls State Park provides larger camping areas in certain loops. "I stayed at site 42, which was mostly shady. The upper part of the campground is pretty private, while the lower end near the entrance/exit is more open," explains one camper. Sites in the upper section tend to fill quickly during summer months.
Affordability: State park campgrounds in the region maintain reasonable pricing compared to private options. Weekday camping rates are typically $5-10 lower than weekend rates, with electric sites ranging from $25-35 per night. Many parks offer further discounts for stays longer than one night.
What you should know
Site reservation timing: For Robert H. Treman Park, booking well ahead is essential during peak season. "Sites at most state parks feature standard amenities including picnic tables and fire rings," notes a camper, but they fill quickly between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Reservations open 9 months in advance through the New York State Parks reservation system.
Variable terrain: Pinecreek Campground and other locations in the area have challenging access roads. "They are in dire need of grading and new gravel. Be careful!" warns a recent visitor. Heavy rainfall can further deteriorate unpaved areas, particularly in early spring and late fall.
Site selection strategy: Many campgrounds have significant differences between loops and site locations. "The new loop is a large field—we got one of the few shady sites in the new loop. Old loop has plenty of trees, but sites are much smaller," explains a visitor to Robert H. Treman. Studying campground maps before booking helps secure preferred amenities and privacy levels.
Seasonal limitations: While most parks offer swimming areas, many don't open until late June despite campgrounds opening earlier. "One thing that we were kind of disappointed in, is that the campground pool doesn't open until the end of June," notes a camper about Watkins Glen's facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Fillmore Glen State Park provides family-friendly recreation areas. "Kids loved the park and swimming in the waterfall beach," shares one family. The playground equipment is centrally located and visible from many campsites, allowing parents to supervise from a distance.
Swimming options: Robert H. Treman State Park offers natural swimming experiences that kids enjoy. "Great water for older kids that can swim. Lots of hiking trails that were along the gorge with water scenic views," reports a family visitor. The natural swimming area includes a diving board and lifeguarded swimming from late June through Labor Day.
Budget considerations: Some private campgrounds charge per person rather than per site. "The weekend got pretty pricey after adding our children to the site. They even charged us extra for our 8-month-old," cautions a family about Pinecreek Campground. State parks typically charge a flat site fee regardless of family size.
Trail difficulty ratings: For families with younger children, understanding trail ratings helps prevent frustration. "The gorge hikes are also moderate and invigorating," notes a camper at Taughannock Falls. Most state parks post difficulty ratings at trailheads, with Rim Trails typically being more strenuous than Gorge Trails.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: At Robert H. Treman Park, RV sites may require additional preparation. "Electric sites are not the best though. Rocky and unlevel. Not made for large campers," warns an RV camper. Bringing extra leveling blocks is recommended for most campgrounds in the area.
Navigating campground roads: Larger rigs face challenges at some parks. "We stayed in a 30 ft. motorhome, and the roads within the campground were kind of tight to get through with trees and curves," notes an RVer at Watkins Glen. Calling ahead for specific route information can prevent difficult turning situations.
Hookup placement: Some sites have awkwardly positioned utilities. "Check out which side the hookups are on. Some not situated on the right side so you'll need extra long cords," advises a visitor to Taughannock Falls. Bringing extension cords and longer water hoses helps adapt to variable hookup locations.
Seasonal site advantages: Many private campgrounds offer seasonal options for regular visitors. "Beautiful setting...loved the sunsets, kid friendly, pool well maintained," shares a seasonal camper at Pinecreek, where longer-term stays receive priority site selection and discounted rates for multi-week reservations.
