The Finger Lakes region of New York features rolling hills and glacially formed lakes that provide natural boundaries for camping areas near Lyons. Situated between Lake Ontario and the Finger Lakes, this area experiences warm summers with occasional thunderstorms and cold winters that limit camping seasons. Most campgrounds in this region operate on county roads requiring careful navigation, particularly for larger recreational vehicles.
What to do
Hiking at nearby attractions: Chimney Bluffs State Park is just a short drive from Lake Bluff RV Park, offering unique erosion formations. "Lots of activities for kids, and just around the corner from chimney bluff state park which are a must see!" notes camper Keri.
Kayaking opportunities: The Erie Canal provides water recreation options for campers. At Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort, "Kayak launches and boat marina nearby. The speed limit is 5 MPH and they mean it.... Kids on bikes and having a good time in the enormous play area," reports Rachel T.
Wine tasting excursions: The region offers numerous winery options, particularly along Seneca Lake. "Located about 1/3 of the way up the eastern side of Seneca Lake, the location provides easy access to the wineries, distilleries, and breweries along the lake," writes Craig F. about Finger Lakes RV Resort.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain excellent bathhouses and common areas. At Junius Ponds, one reviewer notes, "The campground is well maintained and has clean restrooms. There are many options for different sites. They offer themed weekends and have activities for kids."
Spacious campsites: Sites at several parks offer ample room for equipment and outdoor activities. "We had a huge site near a little stream, overall the campground isn't very big with lots of seasonsals," writes a camper about Lake Bluff RV Park.
Swimming options: Pools provide summer recreation at select campgrounds. At Junius Ponds, Jim C. mentions, "This campground offers a well maintained-non heated pool although costs $2 per person to use even for campers."
Family activities: Organized events create entertainment options for all ages. "They offer themed weekends and have activities for kids," reports Amy T. about Junius Ponds.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: With few exceptions, most campgrounds in the region close during winter months. South Shore RV Park is noted for year-round camping with one camper highlighting the "Quite campground, well maintained, clean bathhouse."
Site leveling challenges: Uneven terrain affects many campgrounds. At Hejamada Camping Resort, reviews indicate some difficulty with site conditions and maintenance.
Road access: Narrow roads can complicate RV access at certain campgrounds. Ryan D. observes at Junius Ponds, "The roads are narrow and hilly, but we pull a 36' 5th wheel (mid-profile) and we had no issues with branches."
Seasonal camper presence: Several parks maintain long-term seasonal residents. "This was one of our favorite campgrounds of our cross country journey so far. There were a lot of seasonal campers here and they were all friendly," notes Tina about Junius Ponds.
Tips for camping with families
Safety features: Some campgrounds enforce strict speed limits to protect children. At Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort, Rachel T. appreciates that "The speed limit is 5 MPH and they mean it.... Kids on bikes and having a good time in the enormous play area and the pool far enough from the campsites but close to the store."
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer play areas for children. "My teenagers even enjoyed the playground! Very nice yard games area with many options, grounds well maintained," shares Kristine B. about Junius Ponds.
Weekend activities: Scheduled events provide structured entertainment. "They offer themed weekends and have activities for kids," mentions Amy T. when describing Hejamada Camping Resort.
Swimming facilities: Pools offer supervised recreation areas for families. Jim C. mentions at Junius Ponds, "This campground offers a well maintained-non heated pool although costs $2 per person to use even for campers."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Choosing locations away from common areas can reduce noise. At Junius Ponds, Kristine B. shares, "We stopped here for the night and it was very pretty, quiet, and clean. The roads are narrow and hilly, but we pull a 36' 5th wheel (mid-profile) and we had no issues with branches. They had a oversized, long pull through available (site 88) that made entering and exiting the site nice and easy."
Internet connectivity: WiFi availability varies significantly between parks. Jim C. notes about Junius Ponds, "Campground offered two free hours of WiFi which is weak but is currently being updated."
Utility reliability: Water pressure and electrical service quality vary by location. At Woonton Family Farms, one reviewer appreciates the "cozy and beautiful campsite with personal attention of the owner."
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. Tina mentions about Junius Ponds, "There was a little road noise cause it's not far from the highway, but it didn't bother us."
