The Lyons area offers several tent camping options within central New York's Finger Lakes region, characterized by rolling hills and waterways including the Erie Canal. Camping elevations range between 400-500 feet above sea level with moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season.
What to do
Water activities on Cross Lake: Cross Lake Park Campgrounds provides direct lake access for kayaking and swimming with clean water conditions. As one visitor notes, "Fun place. Access to water and swimming. Nice playgrounds."
Trail exploration near Springwater: Holiday Hill Campground features extensive hiking opportunities with proximity to natural attractions. A camper explains, "Lots of trails, and Hemlock and Canadice Lake so close by. Mostly known for Reynolds GUlly, and Johnson Hill trails!"
Erie Canal recreation: Located along the historic waterway, Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort offers canal-side activities and entertainment options. "Kayak launches and boat marina nearby," reports one visitor, highlighting water recreation access.
What campers like
Family-friendly environment: Strict safety measures create a secure camping experience. "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," one camper shares about Twilight on the Erie.
Community atmosphere: Empire Haven Nudist Park provides a unique social camping environment beyond its naturist focus. According to a visitor, "The campground is as quiet and peaceful as anyone would like, but the community enables campers the freedom to socialize and share meals."
Well-maintained facilities: Holiday Hill Campground receives praise for its upkeep. One camper states, "The campground has clean bathrooms and Verizon reception is consistent at 3 bars," noting important connectivity information for those needing to stay in touch.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds present terrain difficulties for larger rigs. At Twilight on the Erie, one visitor cautions, "Almost all of the sites are not even close to level. Not a big issue with a fifth wheel but a real hassle with a motorcoach."
Variable site privacy: Campground layouts affect the camping experience. A Holiday Hill camper advises, "There is a lot to do for kids & teens, but that makes it loud with kids running through your site. So if that bothers you, plan ahead to get a site away from the main area."
Walk-in requirements: The Jonestead offers more primitive tent camping experiences with walk-in access, which means gear must be carried to sites. The campground provides designated fire areas and trash disposal but lacks shower facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: Regular programmed activities keep children engaged at some locations. "Wonderful owners, tons of activities for kids and adults. The sites are spacious and very well kept," reports a Holiday Hill Campground visitor.
Swimming access: Dedicated swimming areas provide safe recreation for children. Cross Lake Park includes "Nice playgrounds. We kayaked in the lake it was a lot of fun," according to a family who visited.
Weekend planning: Holiday Hill Campground offers more weekend activities but with higher occupancy. "We had to maneuver a lot to back our 25' trailer into a tight spot, but sites are clean and spacious side to side," notes a weekend visitor.
Tips from RVers
Seasonal site availability: The PineApple Farm offers tent sites with drinking water and showers, earning a perfect 5-star rating from visitors, though specific details about the experience remain limited as it's a newer listing.
Hookup accessibility: For those seeking the best tent camping near Lyons, New York with some amenities, Twilight on the Erie provides full hookup options. "Barb and Red are fantastic hosts. They are accommodating and entertaining. Live music on Friday Night (weather permitting)," shares a satisfied RVer.
Site maneuverability: When selecting the best camping spots near Lyons, consider vehicle access needs. "There seemed to be a lot of regulars and seasonal sites here, which meant that short term full hook up sites were harder to get," notes a Holiday Hill visitor regarding reservation planning.
