Shay S.
Traveler
TravelerSpruce Row Campsite
Great Family campground
They are super family friendly, its very quiet and peaceful. The pool is beautiful and a cool and unique shape. They have activities on the weekends and its very safe for kids.
Camping near Marcellus, NY
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
State parks and forests surrounding Marcellus, New York provide diverse camping experiences within the scenic Finger Lakes region. Green Lakes State Park Campground, located 15 miles northeast in Fayetteville, offers tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping options from May through October. Fillmore Glen State Park Campground in Moravia features similar accommodations with well-maintained hiking trails and waterfalls. Closer to Marcellus, Spruce Pond Camping Area in Morgan Hill State Forest provides more primitive camping with fewer amenities but greater seclusion. The area's camping landscape extends to lakeside options at Cayuga Lake State Park and Cross Lake Park Campgrounds, both within a 30-minute drive and offering water recreation opportunities alongside camping facilities.
Reservations are essential during the peak summer season, particularly for weekend stays at state parks. According to one camper who visited Fillmore Glen, "During the main season, this place is nuts! You'll definitely need to plan ahead and make reservations if you plan to be here on the weekends." Most developed campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through mid-October, with some sites opening as early as April. Cell service varies considerably, with stronger coverage near larger towns and spotty reception in more remote forest areas. Weather conditions typically feature warm, sometimes humid summers and cool evenings, especially near water bodies. Many campgrounds offer reduced rates for weekday stays and multi-night bookings.
Waterfront camping locations receive consistently high ratings from visitors exploring the Finger Lakes area. One reviewer noted that Green Lakes State Park "preserves a place of unique biological diversity and geologic interest" with "crystal clear and very deep" waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Hiking trails connecting to waterfalls and gorges represent major attractions, with Taughannock Falls described by campers as "one of the tallest single drop waterfalls on the east coast." Privacy levels vary significantly between campgrounds, with some state park sites described as having "little privacy" and being "very close together," while others offer more spacious settings. Weekday camping typically provides a quieter experience with fewer crowds compared to busy summer weekends when advance booking becomes essential.
Best Campgrounds near Marcellus (154)
1. Green Lakes State Park Campground
"The lake is a fascinating meromictic lake with clear calcium-rich waters that are not only pristine and beautiful to look at, but also great for swimming and snorkeling as the waters are crystal clear"
"The sites are nice, some are little close to each other but nice for group camping. A short distance (walk or by car) to the beach. The lake is a little chilly sometimes but very refreshing."
from $24 - $116 / night
Check Availability2. Woonton Family Farms
"Close to the nice village Skaneateles. It was a welcome difference from the common/look-alike campgrounds everywhere else. We will definitely come back! The Breuk family from the Netherlands"
"Woonton Family Farms is new to the Dyrt and offer a stunning farm with trails, water and forest to explore. Check them out and make sure to leave a review of your stay here on the Dyrt!"
from $45 - $55 / night
Check Availability3. Fillmore Glen State Park Campground
"region of Upstate New York."
"Awesome little park in the Finger Lakes region with nature on site and lots more to do and explore nearby (wine trails!)."
from $21 - $67 / night
Check Availability4. Oneida Shores County Park
"Great access to beach. Friendly campers and quiet. Easy to find. Not a lot of shade. Showers not conveniently located."
"And Nice bathhouse over near beach with pass entry for campers only for showers. Close to beach. Only issue. Camp host actually came and took our wood for our campfire!"
5. Cayuga Lake State Park Campground
"I was too busy playing in the lake, hiking, and riding my bike on some paths. I also saw a few people fishing in the lake, but not really sure what kind of fish you can catch."
"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!)."
from $21 - $107 / night
Check Availability6. Cross Lake Park Campgrounds
"Access to water and swimming. Nice playgrounds. We kayaked in the lake it was a lot of fun."
7. Cross Lake Campground and RV Park
"Nice close packed little campground just thr sites by the lake can sometimes be under water."
8. Spruce Pond Camping Area - Morgan Hill State Forest
"throughout the state forest, this is a group of ten established and well maintained primitive campsites right on Spruce Pond with fishing available and an amazing network of hiking and cross country ski trails"
"Campsite 5 was very overgrown, but site 6 had a nice flat area of pine needles with a path to the road once you see it. However, I couldn't locate the fire ring for site 6."
9. Riverforest Park Campground and Marina
10. Pleasant Lake Campground
"A beautiful private lake for fishing, swimming and other water sports. Beautiful woodsy location. Special events that the family will enjoy."
"I found this location to have very clean sites with plenty of amenities. Had no issues with the Wi-Fi watching Bills games and play a few video games."
Drive Time
- 18 min from Syracuse, NY
- 1 hr from Ithaca, NY
- 1 hr 2 min from Utica, NY
- 1 hr 9 min from Binghamton, NY
Recent Camping Photos near Marcellus, NY
129 Photos of 154 Marcellus Campgrounds
renee M.
Shady Pines Camp at CBG Farm - CLOSED
Ryan G.
Pleasant Lake Campground
Michelle L.
Fillmore Glen State Park Campground
Tate T.
Green Lakes State Park Campground
Nicole V.
Oneida Shores County Park
Neil L.
Spruce Pond Camping Area - Morgan Hill State Forest
Sydney W.
Duck Lake Cabins and Campground
Sara B.
Cayuga Lake State Park Campground
Janet R.
Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground
Ann H.
Glamping at Meadeville Farm
Kelly J.
Yellow Lantern Kampground
Katie K.
Sned Acres Campground
Recent Reviews near Marcellus, NY
470 Reviews of 154 Marcellus Campgrounds
Pam R.
GuideOneida Shores County Park
Beautiful and peaceful
We had a great stay at Oneida Shores Campground. Over the weekend it was nearly full, but it never felt crowded. The other campers were friendly and there were no issues. At 10 pm, it got very quiet, no issues. The newly paved sites are level. The grounds are well kept. I wouldn't say the sites were too close together. We had plenty of room. The tent area is shaded by trees, the rv section is not. We encountered several park employees, all were very friendly and helpful. Never saw any geese. The only negative is that the showers and restrooms need a deep clean and upgrade, but they were serviceable.
- ddan H.Guide
Sunset Harbor RV and Cabins
Not a resort but a great low cost campground with fantastic views.
We found this little gem when planning our trip. It is owned & operated by a Patrick who works very hard to keep it in great condition. There are at least twenty RV sites with thirty amp & some with fifty amp power all with full hookups. He also has several vacation rental cabins on the site, some of which he has built. All this is located right on the shores of lake Ontario about six miles from Oswego NY. Great lake views. An inground in pool, restrooms and showers all kept clean & in great condition. On-site firewood at a good price. Very short walk to a restaurant offering seafood sandwiches/ platters as well as burgers etc with lots of lakeside seating. Also a fantastic Ice-cream shop with dozens of flavors within 2 minutes walk. Well worth staying. We will return.
Elizabeth D.
ScoutShady Shores Campground
The views are spectacular
Its a small park with lots of campers that park year round. Super friendly golf cart riding community always ready to help out. Wifi isnt the best, but it was quiet and peaceful.
- Elizabeth D.Scout
The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone
Excellent park
Space was adequate with both shade and some sun, trash service and shuttle service was a plus . Pool and walking paths were well kept. Dog waste stations were available but the park didn't have a dog park. Bummer for fino.
Lisa S.ScoutSpruce Pond Camping Area - Morgan Hill State Forest
Peaceful forest site
Stayed at this very serene camping spot with abundant fireflies and no biting insects on June 26, 2026 for a quick overnight on a roadtrip. Arriving after dark, it was very difficult to find the sites. Campsite 5 was very overgrown, but site 6 had a nice flat area of pine needles with a path to the road once you see it. However, I couldn't locate the fire ring for site 6. I loved the sounds of the frogs at night and the birds at dawn, but if you're a very light sleeper, you might want ear plugs. Short hike up to the hang glider launch site was worthwhile. Nice, clean, accessible port-a-potty in the parking lot. Had spotty but mostly okay cell service (AT&T).
- AAimee L.Traveler
Selkirk Shores State Park Campground
Beautiful View
We thought the campground was beautiful, tight to your neighbors on majority of sites, and lack of trash cans for pet waste especially since the campground is so big. It has ball field, 2 playgrounds, rec room, camp store, lake Ontario to swim, trails for multi use, and pavillions. Down fall for us was small site , lack of trash cans to toss pet waste, not being told about fill station because there is no water faucets like most state parks along campground. We were there for first time so not familiar with park. Office did not offer us a map to get to our site or clue us in on filling our tank prior to parking camper. Main gate personnel not on same information. bathrooms could be cleaned more often. bathhouse building is all gender with bathrooms on one side of building and showers on other. Bathroom and showers are private space rooms. Beach is very rocky with little sand area. Life guards only guard one side of beach making everyone crowded to one side
April S.ScoutPleasant Lake Campground
The worst campground I've ever experienced.
The problems started before we even arrived. When I called to make a reservation, the owner was rude and impatient, repeatedly complaining that he couldn't hear me, despite me having full service. I discovered cell service at the campground was spotty, which made his attitude even more frustrating in hindsight. I told him it would be us and our dog, his immediate response was,"IT'S NOT A PIT BULL, IS IT?" in a hostile tone. I said no, she's an American Staffordshire, and my husband's service dog. He rudely replied that it was"THE SAME THING" and that they have breed restrictions. When I asked whether he was denying us, he avoided answering and demanded"legal paperwork" for her. I told him that no such paperwork exists, but she is trained to perform a task. He completed the reservation, took my payment, gave us a site number, and hung up. Since the office was closed and we had already been assigned a site number and paid, we assumed we could go directly to our site and finish any details in the morning. While setting up, the owner drove over and confronted us for not reporting to the office first. He then demanded proof of rabies vaccination, which is reasonable. We apologized that we had forgotten the paperwork and said we'd email it to him first thing in the morning. We were extremely annoyed that we saw multiple pit bulls as soon as we pulled in the campground. The next morning, we emailed the records to the campground around 10:10 AM, exactly as promised, as soon as our vet's office had opened. About 11:00, the owner left a voicemail demanding that we leave the property immediately because he had not received the paperwork. I called back and asked him to check his email again, he accused me of sending it to the wrong address. I told him that if he still couldn't find it after checking again, I would come to the office once I was dressed. 30 minutes later, he left another voicemail saying he had escalated it to the sheriff's office because we had not complied. Meanwhile, my husband was already walking to the office to handle things and the owner informed him that we were no longer welcome and that he had called the sheriff's office. Again, my husband told them to check their spam folder, and the email had been there all along. We communicated throughout the entire process and did exactly what we said we would do. The owner's son was far more reasonable and they did apologize, but it didn't make the situation right. The sites were tight, muddy, unlevel, and had awkwardly placed hookups. We were packed so close together that the row behind us overlapped the rear of our camper by a few feet. We had to share water with the neighboring site through a splitter at the spigot. We didn't use the restrooms or amenities because after our interactions with management, we felt completely unwelcome. We only stayed because we were in town for our grandson's first birthday and couldn't find another campground on such short notice.
Peggy C.TravelerFinger Lakes Cabins and Campgrounds
Basic Camping Experience
This is a small no frills campground centrally located near many Finger Lakes attractions (wineries especially). We had full hookups and everything worked as it should. The bath house is old but everything is functional. Shower was nice and hot. We were one of only 2 RVs there at the time so I would say it was very quiet except that the other party had a 4 and 5 year old who kept things lively and visited our site constantly until we asked them not to for awhile. Cute kids though. The campground is woodsy with just one unpaved road circling around the RV sites. There are tent sites also that looked very private, currently unmowed when we were there.
Guide to Marcellus
Camping spots near Marcellus, New York often see temperature fluctuations between day and night, particularly at higher elevations in the state forests. The region sits within the northern portion of the Allegheny Plateau with elevations ranging from 500 to 2,000 feet. Most primitive sites in state forests require campers to pack out all trash as no collection services are provided.
What to do
Hiking trails exploration: At Fillmore Glen State Park Campground, visitors can access numerous trail options leading to scenic spots. "Beautiful little park. Wonderful trails, swimming pool, and activities for kids," notes camper Gabrielle C. The park features several interconnected paths that follow the gorge.
Fishing opportunities: The ponds and lakes surrounding camping areas provide good fishing spots. At Spruce Pond Camping Area, "Lots of fisherman frequent the pond" according to Neil L. The primitive sites here give anglers direct access to the water without needing to travel far from camp.
Water recreation: Swimming and boating options abound at several locations. At Oneida Shores County Park, one camper mentioned, "Beach area is nice and guarded. Life guards around. Nice playground and bathrooms available." Many locations rent kayaks and canoes for hourly rates between $7-15.
What campers like
Private sites: Some campgrounds offer more secluded options away from crowds. At Cayuga Lake State Park Campground, one visitor noted, "We stayed in the 800 loop along the tree line. Sites were very spacious!" Finding privacy depends largely on site selection and timing.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers rank high in camper preferences. According to a Fillmore Glen visitor, "Bathrooms are very clean and close to all campsites. Kids loved the park and swimming in the waterfall beach." Modern bathroom facilities with hot water are available at most developed sites.
Lake views: The scenic water views provide a major draw for campers. Kenneth S. described Green Lakes State Park Campground: "This park is beautiful and very clean. The water is Crystal clear and very blue, you will think you are in the Caribbean Islands." Many sites offer direct lake access or short walks to shorelines.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. At Green Lakes State Park, a camper advised, "There are many sites with electric available at every site. There are some sites with full hook-up available and also specific areas that allow pets." Booking 3-6 months ahead is recommended for summer weekends.
Limited primitive options: For those seeking more rustic experiences, options exist but with fewer amenities. At Spruce Pond, "This was a nice spot, but the animals at the pond are very active and made a lot of noise in the night. Port-a-potty was available," reports Rose S. Bring extra water as potable sources may be limited.
Site proximity issues: Some campgrounds feature closely spaced sites. One Cayuga Lake visitor mentioned that some sites have "little privacy" while another found certain areas more secluded: "We stayed at site 1002. I think this site is one of the best in the campground! Very secluded and private."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Many parks feature play areas for children. At Pleasant Lake Campground, a visitor shared, "This is a fantastic place for kids and adults. A beautiful private lake for fishing, swimming and other water sports. Special events that the family will enjoy." Most playgrounds are centrally located near bathrooms.
Swimming options: Designated swimming areas with supervision provide safer options for families. Sara H. noted about Oneida Shores, "The beach was nice and clean. Life guards around. Nice playground and bathrooms available." Swimming areas typically operate from late May through early September, weather permitting.
Multi-generational activities: Sites offering varied activities keep all ages engaged. One Green Lakes visitor commented, "This place is great for all ages," while another mentioned, "If you want something for everyone, this is the place. There are 2 Great Lakes to hike around with awesome views."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary widely between parks. A Green Lakes camper pointed out, "This is a very nice campground. There are many sites with electric available at every site. There are some sites with full hook-up available." Amperage ranges from 30-50 amp service depending on the site.
Site leveling challenges: Some areas require extra work to level larger rigs. At Hejamada Camping Resort, a visitor noted, "They have a lot of space and different types of sites," but site conditions can vary significantly based on recent rainfall and maintenance.
Dump station access: Most developed campgrounds provide dump stations, though not always at individual sites. Cayuga Lake State Park includes sanitary dump facilities, and according to one RVer, the grounds are "nice modern-esque camp site with great views of the lake." Year-round access to dump stations is limited to April through October at most locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Marcellus, NY?
What camping is available near Marcellus, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Marcellus, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 154 campgrounds and RV parks near Marcellus, NY and 15 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Marcellus, NY?
Which is the most popular campground near Marcellus, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Marcellus, NY is Green Lakes State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 42 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Marcellus, NY?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Marcellus, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 free dispersed camping spots near Marcellus, NY.
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