Camping near Lisle, New York offers diverse experiences from rustic tent sites to premium glamping accommodations throughout the Finger Lakes region. Located in central New York at approximately 1,300 feet elevation, the area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F and winters dropping below freezing. Waterfront sites at Cayuga Lake remain popular during peak season from May through October.
What to do
Swimming in natural settings: At Chenango Valley State Park Campground, campers enjoy a sandy beach with lifeguards and a newly renovated swimming area. "They have a playground and shallow swimming area for children with life guards and a sandy beach and new bath house," notes Mary P.
Hiking the gorge trails: The famous Gorge Trail at Robert H. Treman State Park Campground offers moderate difficulty paths with numerous waterfalls. "Don't let the beginning steps fool you, the rim trail can be very strenuous," warns Matt G. The trail features numerous stone steps interspersed with walkways.
Kayaking on glacial lakes: The calm waters at Chenango Valley State Park provide ideal conditions for beginners and experienced paddlers. "There's a perfect lake for kayaking for beginner or seasoned, as well as great hiking and mountain biking trails," writes Paully B., who also recommends watching for the resident bald eagle.
Waterfall swimming: Several parks offer the rare experience of swimming at the base of waterfalls. "You can swim in the waterfall area here. Need I say more?" explains a Robert H. Treman visitor, though they caution that "it can be VERY busy in the summer time in the swimming area."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers at Bowman Lake State Park Campground appreciate the secluded setting. "This campsite was beautiful. It was very secluded and in the woods, right next to the lake as well. I enjoyed how spread out this campground is compared to most," writes Katarina M.
Clean facilities: Many campers highlight the well-maintained amenities. "The bathhouses are clean and tidy. We will definitely stay again," notes Eammon C. about his experience at Chenango Valley State Park, while another camper mentions "The bathrooms were ok—not terrible, but could use updates."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The natural areas around glamping sites near Lisle provide excellent wildlife watching. "We had four [deer] that were feeding behind our site in the morning," shares Mary S. from Chenango Valley, who also advises, "Beware of raccoons. They are brazen thieves here...just don't leave your food out."
Variety of accommodation options: From basic tent sites to full-service glamping, the region offers multiple comfort levels. At Hickories Park Campground, "This place is an excellent place to take your family it's got hookups and plenty of space for your RV and it also has showers," reports Jill R.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the Lisle area operate from May through October. "The swimming area was closed for the season by the time we arrived," notes one late-season visitor to Robert H. Treman, who adds, "I would definitely return."
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly, especially at Watkins Glen State Park Campground. "The campground is popular on weekends (and almost daily in summer) but even with a bit of a crowd absolutely worth it when you're in the Finger Lakes," advises Harry H.
Weather preparedness: The region experiences variable conditions, especially in spring and fall. One Bowman Lake camper recalls, "Went in the fall, very quiet, and peaceful. Woke to snow on the tent. Had a great time listening to the birds and enjoying the trails."
Site variations within parks: Not all sites offer the same level of privacy or amenities. "Sites in the electric loops (30 amps and 50 amps) have a good amount of gravel," notes one Chenango Valley visitor, who adds that "We usually prefer sites on the outer part of a loop...The sites have more trees."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and kid-friendly activities: Taughannock Falls State Park Campground offers family-oriented facilities. "There is a small playground for kids. The bathrooms are fairly clean and well maintained," reports Barbara S., who adds that "The campground is very walkable to the swimming area, which goes to 12 feet deep and has a dock to jump off of."
Bike-friendly areas: Several campgrounds feature safe riding areas for children. "Bring your bikes, the swimming is great and the entire swimming/boating area just underwent a major renovation," recommends Courtney Z. about Chenango Valley State Park.
Educational opportunities: Many parks include interpretive displays about local geology and ecology. At Hickories Park, "The park itself is pretty small but it's in a really cute area with a lot of outdoor recreational activities," says Amber A.
Water safety: Parks with swimming areas generally provide lifeguards during summer months. "You can rent kayaks and paddle boards and the park is well maintained and monitored by park police, very safe!" assures Courtney Z.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: For larger rigs, check site dimensions carefully. At Watkins Glen, "We stayed in a 30 ft. motorhome, and the roads within the campground were kind of tight to get through with trees and curves," warns Laura L.
Hookup variations: Electric service differs between parks and sites. "Parking pads in the electric loops (30 amps and 50 amps) have a good amount of gravel," notes one Chenango Valley visitor, who contrasts this with non-electric areas where "Parking pads in the non-electric section are dirt/grass."
Dump station access: Most state parks offer dump stations even when sites lack sewer connections. "Water spigots on the loops and more water at the dump station," notes one camper about facilities at Chenango Valley State Park.
Leveling challenges: Some parks have notably uneven sites. At Robert H. Treman, one visitor notes that sites are "Rocky and unlevel. Not made for large campers."
