Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Marcellus, NY is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Marcellus is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near Marcellus, reviewed by campers like you.
Green Lakes State Park's outstanding features are its two glacial lakes surrounded by upland forest. Both Round and Green Lakes are meromictic lakes, which means that there is no fall and spring mixing of surface and bottom waters. Such lakes have a high potential for evidence of ancient plant and animal life. Another special feature of the park is an 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, where visitors can snowshoe in winter, and there are 10 miles of trails that cross-country skiers can use. Geography: Green Lakes State Park is located just east of the city of Syracuse, in upstate New York. Recreation: Considered a flagship facility, visitors can enjoy biking, boating, fishing, golf, hiking, picnicking, camping, and wintertime cross-country skiing. Facilities: The park's facilities include a beach, rowboat rentals, cabins and campsites, food concessions, a golf course, trails, picnic tables and pavilions, a playground, showers, and dumping stations.
$18 - $36 / night
$18 - $25 / night
$25 - $99 / night
Woonton Family Farms is a biodynamic farm in beautiful Skaneateles, NY that was established in 2022. We've been the fortunate host to families and individuals in search of a parking site for their self-sufficient RVs since 2023. We are also excited to announce that our first glamping site will be available in Spring 2025!
Our farm sits on 39 incredibly diverse acres of organic gardens, flower meadows, two varieties of woodlands, as well as a 5-acre wetland with a truly magical mix of wildlife. The farm uses permaculture technics in an effort to create a natural environment encouraging a co-existence amongst all living things to culminate in a harmonious and purely natural setting for growing 100% organic vegetables, fruit, berries, and flowers. Although we haven't yet earned our Certified Organic designation yet, all of our yields begin with 100% organic seeds on a no-till environment. Only the freshest and healthiest farm-to-table foods are grown here.
In 2023 we will begin eco-tours of the farm, the trail system throughout the entire property, and kayaking on the spectacular wetlands. If going into town is more your style, the historic Village of Skaneateles is just a 6 minute drive away.
Come park your RV in our new lot completed in Summer 2024 and have the entire site to yourself or set up a tent in the woods! You'll be our only guests when you stay at our farm.
$45 - $75 / night
Nestled among the blue waters of Lake Ontario in northern New York, Lake Bluff Campground is a family-oriented Wayne County campground just one mile from Chimney Bluffs State Park. Bring the whole family and truly get away from the push and pull of your everyday life! Whether you stay for a weekend, month, or longer, our Lake Ontario RV resort is the ideal place for your next family vacation, romantic weekend getaway, or family reunion.
$48 - $999 / night
Green Lakes State Park's outstanding features are its two glacial lakes surrounded by upland forest. Both Round and Green Lakes are meromictic lakes, which means that there is no fall and spring mixing of surface and bottom waters. Such lakes have a high potential for evidence of ancient plant and animal life. Another special feature of the park is an 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, where visitors can snowshoe in winter, and there are 10 miles of trails that cross-country skiers can use. Geography: Green Lakes State Park is located just east of the city of Syracuse, in upstate New York. Recreation: Considered a flagship facility, visitors can enjoy biking, boating, fishing, golf, hiking, picnicking, camping, and wintertime cross-country skiing. Facilities: The park's facilities include a beach, rowboat rentals, cabins and campsites, food concessions, a golf course, trails, picnic tables and pavilions, a playground, showers, and dumping stations.
$18 - $36 / night
$18 - $25 / night
Guide
Pulled back and punted bc of Storm Debbie. Lucked out with a find in the Finger Lakes. Nice campground. Has everything you need. Small sites but fine for our hybrid. Ours was shady. Check out which side the hookups are on. Some not situated on the right side so you’ll need extra long cords. Just beautiful area. Hiked here. Drove to Watkins Glen-hiked-absolutely breathtaking. That campground is much larger. Went to Buttermilk Falls too.
Guide
We needed a campground not too far off our route from Niagara Falls to NH and this was great. Very windy when we arrived. Our campsite 8 did not have a fire ring but others did. Right on water…can’t drive on path in front of the water sites so you are essentially on the water. Nice clean facilities.
Scout
After 6 years of 2 weeks visits
Pros: New owners have made improvements to be up to code and qualifications for KOA standards.
Cons: Still has environment of nosy, trashy seasonal campers who are always being rude or commenting on your gear/unit.
If you are looking for a quick flip bit same ole suspects, this is the place for you.
Traveler
The tent site and the 70 acres of hiking trails sound like the perfect getaway for anyone looking to reconnect with nature. I love the idea of having access to such a large network of trails, especially with the Finger Lakes area offering so much natural beauty. By the way, if you’re ever in need of some inspiration or ideas for nature-related essays, check out Nature Essay Examples and Topic Ideas on https://www.topessaywriting.org/samples/nature —there’s a lot of helpful content there! Overall, this seems like the ideal spot for anyone wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Scout
Tent camping here felt like we were camping in a neighborhood backyard. We could hear so many different families talking and really doing everything you do while camping but the area felt so open and unobstructed voices carried and in the evening when everyone was building campfires the smoke could be overwhelming at times.
Scout
Nice and calm place in that little State Forest. Internet and fire pits are available. All sites seem fairly similar, except two are tent-only (no car acces to the site).
Guide
5/5 Stars!
I recently stayed at Sned Acres Campground, and it was an incredible experience! The campground is beautifully maintained with stunning views of Cayuga Lake. The staff was friendly, welcoming, and went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed. The facilities were spotless, and the campsites were spacious and well-kept. Whether you’re RVing or tent camping, there’s plenty of space and privacy.
The location is perfect for exploring the Finger Lakes region, with wineries, hiking, and local attractions just a short drive away. The peaceful atmosphere and serene surroundings made for a relaxing getaway. I can’t recommend Sned Acres enough – we’ll definitely be back!
Guide
Right at the intersection of Potomac Road and Chicken Coop road in the Finger Lakes National Forest. If heading North on Potomac Road, turn left at the intersection and you’ll find a parking lot. Into the woods around the Lake you’ll find free dispersed camping.
My mom and I stayed just in the parking lot and had no issues and weren’t bothered. NO AMENITIES
Scout
A great park on Sandy Pond and Lake Ontario. Mostly Permanent sites with 6 transient sites overlooking the marina. The park has a nice pool, pavilion, store and kids playground with a basketball court. Great area for fishing, bass, trout, salmon and walleye. Very clean and well maintained park.
Ranger
Camped here for a one night stay. Campground was easy to locate and the road was in good shape.
We stayed in the space across from the port-a-pottie. The other camping spaces we close enough to see their campfire at night but far enough away that it's still quiet.
Campsites are level and long enough for a very small trailer. The trees are so thick we could not feed our solar panel.
Site has no water, no garbage service and no phone signal.
RangerWe came into the camping area on a Sunday and found site 7 available. While this is next to the road, it is also within 40 yards of the only potta potty in the park.
About 100 yards away was the public fishing dock and another camp site. There were two young men fishing there at about 7 PM.
There is no water or garbage services at this site. Most camping spots are ideal for tents or very small campers or trailers.
The camp sites I saw all seemed to be large and level spots all located beneath the tree canopy. Sites seemed disbursed enough to provide a modest level of privacy.
Would rate 5 stars if it had water and a garbage dumpster.
GuideI was initially worried about the other people camping here because I was almost immediately visited by them but the poor kids just needed to charge their phone so I obliged. Aside from that this was a short drive in and I was able to score a spot right on the pond next to a dock. People have driven in to fish and kayak so I don’t feel isolated and afraid, and I am just a few steps away from sitting on the dock and admiring the scenery.
There is a port-a-potty near the entrance but otherwise a “leave no trace” situation which is fine considering the ample forest coverage in case there is someone who drives in.
Each spot seems to have plenty of shade and access to downed firewood, and it looks like there are fire pits at each site. Lots of good tinder left over from previous guests which has been helpful.
Beautiful views, quiet, no insect issues so far, and if I had a rod and reel I wouldn’t need to worry for food at all. T-Mobile service has been exceptional as well. I am planning on staying here for a week or more and I see no reason to find another location as there is no fee or permit needed and you can stay up to 14 days I believe.
ScoutI love it here
Guide
Amazing RV park!I can't stop talking about the Finger Lakes RV park and the great experience we had there. FLRV opened in the last couple years and is a great addition to the camping options around the Finger Lakes. 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.
This is a family owned campground and the owners were very friendly and took pride in their business. Fresh baked chocolate chip cookies are included at check-in. The campground sites are very large and spread out. Being a newer campground, the trees are small, but that did not take away from the experience. Easy maneuverability, great wifi and water pressure, along with level sites make it a great place to stay. The bath house is immaculate and rivals those at Fort Wilderness Resort.
Amenities are minimal(no pool, playground, or golf carts), but they are bookended by two wineries with walking paths from the campground. Due to the minimal amenities, it is very quiet and relaxing especially in the evenings sitting around the campfire.
I look forward to returning to the Finger Lakes RV park as this is easily one of our top campgrounds when needing to relax.
Guide
Tiny quiet campground right on duck lake. Water front sites available. Very friendly owner!
LegendWe stayed at Finger Lakes RV Resort in Hector, a short drive from Watkins Glen and Ithaca, in search of waterfalls and wine in the Finger Lakes region of NY state.
This is a fairly new campground, operated by a friendly husband and wife who show great pride in the condition and cleanliness of every square inch.
THINGS I ESPECIALLY LIKED:
Easy drive to Watkins Glen, Lake Seneca, Ithaca, and the greater Finger Lakes region.
Everything is in great condition and clean.
Daily trash and recycling pick-up from each site.
Walking paths from the campground to two different wineries.
Really nice pavilion for group gatherings and watching the sunset.
We experienced a severe thunderstorm one evening which resulted in an area-wide power outage that lasted a couple days. Of course, the campground had no responsibility or control over this situation, but they refunded everybody a night’s stay as a courtesy. Thanks, Rachael and Doug!
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
This campground does not offer a pool, jump pad, sports facilities, amenities, or activities. They offer a clean and safe place to stay while visiting the area. For me, this is a positive, not a complaint.
There’s no shade from trees or otherwise. If you’re visiting during the summer, be sure your air conditioning and awnings are working.
They sell firewood and propane.
WOULD WE COME BACK?
Ranger
Yes, it’s true! You’ve hit the campground bathroom lottery here!
Let’s start off with the pros: bathrooms are great! Super modern and clean and hot, free showers! Very handicap accessible as well.
The whole campground is very well kept. Completely litter free and all the buildings and signs are modern and cool looking. Five stars all the way for the people running this place. They are doing an awesome job keeping it very fresh.
Maintenance/facilities: 5 stars
Camping sites:
I’ll start with the positive. It was a simple and easy, level site. And we had electric. So it was good.
The cons: There is zero privacy here. Virtually no trees or shrubs between sites and sites are close to each other. In the rolling meadow sites opt for the electric as the tent only sites are basically a sardine can of campers. I mean in one spot the tents were so close to each other I thought it was a group campsite but it was not. Like a group hostel room but with tents instead of bunks.
We were only here for 1 night passing through and it was great for that but I would not feel comfortable hanging outside at my site in quarters so close. Maybe I’m just weird because many people did. I can’t imagine spending any longer than 1-2 nights here. I would stay again but would check out other camp spots first. In our area 118 and 120 seemed to the best that backed up onto trees as opposed to just other sites.
Camping sites: 2 stars
Amenities: there’s a lot to do here. However I feel I must say you cannot reach the lakes from the rolling meadow campground without a car, bike or very long walk. You can see a bit of round lake through the trees but it really isn’t accessible. Expectations are the doom of any trip so just keep that in mind. You’re not going to bed with any sort of lake views or sounds near you. Also you can only swim at the beach which is pretty small and guarded by some pretty enthusiastic lifeguards taking the job pretty seriously. I guess you will appreciate it if you have little kids to me it was a turn off as I don’t prefer to feel like a fish in a bowl when I swim. But again this is just personal preference! Also there were a lot of rules at this tiny beach - more than I have seen at pretty much any other beach anywhere in the world. Mostly I assume the rules are there to protect the water which I can appreciate but don’t expect a relaxing lake vibe here. Lots of picnic tables and a perfect place to have a picnic and chill for a bit. Very clean beach bath area and I really appreciated the charging station with 4 covered outlets available and a charging counter. I didn’t use it but was impressed someone thought to add that in to the building plans.
With all the rules in place there is just one missing: No political propaganda of any type should be allowed at the campsites. We were almost blinded by idiocy each time we walked to the bathroom as we had to go past a full size Trump flag someone was flying in front of their site. Can’t even imagine the rage I would’ve felt if I had to camp next to that. Fortunately I found a cut through in the woods which I used to get around it on the way to the bathroom. Camping is where you go to get away from all of it! This is state owned land and they should not be allowing that sort of inflammatory full sized political flag in any area as it only raises the blood pressure instead of dropping it. You can’t bring your own SUP or kayak, face mask or list of any other things to the lake (rules) but you can have your heart attack inducing propaganda all over your site and in everyone else’s face - makes no sense.
Would I stay here again: Yes. But only for 1 night passing through. I felt too crowded to be there for any length of time. It was hard for me to relax outside.
Value was a 5 star because I had full electric for $30/night and there was plenty to do. I should note for kids this place is a goldmine! Great playgrounds everywhere and you can rent kayaks. And it’s great for bikes. And it was all very handicap accessible which I thought was very impressive. You can tell a lot of thought went into the facility side of park. If they cut out 1/4 of the camp sites it would be spacious and amazing. And the trumpeter is just a case of bad timing for me, not a permanent thing (although I do think they should ban that decoration of insanity at state run parks).
Traveler
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.
Traveler
Thanks for this wonderful article. It was very enlightening and useful. Solar
Traveler
Great insights! Thanks for providing such detailed and helpful information. Solar
LegendSome of the other state forests in the area are really nice, so I had high hopes for Long Pond but was disappointed. Long Pond is located in a state forest west of Smithfield Flats and Greene NY, and many locals come to Long Pond for fishing. The pond is quite large compared to other area pinds, and three are three accesses for fishing: a regular boat launch with parking lot and dock, a carry-in kayak access near campsite 6, and a handicapped accessible fishing puer near campsite 1. All seem to be very popular, and the lake is very scrnic and very productive for fisherman. The camping situation is a little strange though. Campsite 1 is adjacent to the handicapped fishing pier, and is supposedly an accessible campsite. Though an all terrain wheelchair could navigate from car to campsite, a regular one could not due to gravel. In addition, there is no outhouse by the site, only one quite a ways down the lake. Also, the parking area at this campsite seems to be a major party spot as beer cans were thrown all over and even in the water. It was sad to see this. The other campsites nearby are not located in a distinct campground, but are strung out along the shoreline clise to the highways, each with its own driveway right off the highway, which creates a lake of privacy as passersby can quite easily pop right in off the highway. This doesnt seem real secure, and some if the campsites closest to the road had evidence of driveby garbage dumpers who popped in and dumped household garbage right in a couple of the campsites. In addition, the relatively new outhouse installed near the middle of the camping area has been vandalized and damaged already. Its a shame to see this, as otherwise the campsites are large and shaded and well spaced from each other and close to the pond. But I wouldnt want to camp here given the garbage and security and vandalism issues. Also, other than fishing there isnt much too do as there arent designated hiking trails here, though you could drive a few miles away to access some truck trails that are in another part of the state forest. Get a map of the forest from the website ahead of time though, as the info kiosk has been damaged and all info and signs and maps are missing!
Legend
The coordinates lead you to a small parking area at the end of Grover Brown Rd, which is accessed by going north from Rt 23. The road itself is in pretty rough shape, and is marked with a sign that says it is a low maintanence road. But if you follow the road north to the end, you will come to a dead end and a parking circle that gives you the option of hiking north past a gate into the state forest on a hunting trail, or west onto the Finger Lakes Trail where dispersed camping is allowed within the state forest. However, the whole road in is a tough ride, it is posted extensively en route that you are passing private property with no trespassing allowed until you see the DEC sign announcing the border of the state forest. The parking area is overgrown, the neighbors aling the road en route seem frustrated with hikers coming into the forest via this route, and the Trailhead here for the Finger Lakes Trail is blocked by downed trees that seem to have been there for a while. While you might try to hike the trail for day use, I wonder if this may not be a great place to leave your car during a foray into the woods for dispersed camping. Although the Pharsalia Forest is beautiful throughout, and dispersed camping is allowed throughout, there are better places to access it. There are also designated primitive campsites in several locations in other areas of this state forest which are worthy of your camping adventures! You
Legend
I saw this on a map of unreviewed campsites and decided to check it out en route to another spot. As it turns out, this listing is in error and should not have been listed on the Dyrt. This is a private residence on private land, is not available for camping or lodging of any kind. Although close to state forest land,it is not within the state forest and is privately owned. The perimeter is well marked with no trespassing signs in case there is any doubt. If you continue further north on this back road, you will come to the state lands, and the border is well marked with state forest signs. Continue to the the parking area at the end of the road and you will be able to park and then access the trailhead for the Finger Lakes Trail which will take you into the state forest where dispersed camping is allowed. Again, do not stop at the “Sunny Pind “ site as listed here, but continue north to the Pharsalia Woods Dispersed camping trailhead
LegendThis is a primitive state forest campground on the south shore of Stoney Pond. There are 15 drive-in campsites widely spaced and set into the woods, and two developed walk-in sites on the west shore. Site number 1 is quite flat and open and could accomodate a trailer or camper van but isnt very scenic. The other sites are great for tenting but the drive-ins are variable. There are several new clean outhouses with doors meant to be wide enough for wheelchairs, but the gravel roads of the campground are not very wheelchair friendly. There is one site set aside for picnicking and day use only, on a very pretty spit on the south shore. There is a small boat launch meant for canoes and kayaks and small non mototized fishing boats, alongside a gravel peninsula for shore fishing. The pond is pretty with mature shade trees, and the campground also has a trailhead to access a large network of hiking trails. If you want to backpack in, dispersed camping is allowed throughout the forest
ScoutAs for RV camping, this place is outdated. Sites are on top of one another, but some have good shade. Ours, site 6 didn't. Really can't walk to beach area or store. Cheap enough at $25. T-storms knocked out power overnight.
Legend
This is a small state forest campground in the Morgan Hill forest from which you can directly access the Onondaga Trail branch of the National North Country scenic trail. Although the campsites here are primitive and free, they are official developed campsites and not really “dispersed” campsites. There are several basic tent spots, which are just cleared grassy areas adjacent to the trailhead parking circle; BUT in addition, there are two lovely developed campsites with parking spot right next to a cement pad with picnic tables and fire pits. These are very nice roomy wooded campsites, and the developed sites are supposedly ADA accessible —but while I agree that the picnic tables and cement pad around the fireplace can certainly accomodate wheelchairs, and the tenting area is roomy, note that there are NO OTHER ADA amenities at these sites, eg no water source and NO toilet or outhouse right at the campground. While you can drive right up to your campsite location, which is accessible, you would actually have to hike quite a long ways west on the OnondagaTrail to access a pit toilet, or to have stream access for obtaining water to boil, so you DO need to come prepared to use the bushes by your campsite and leave no trace, plus bring your own water. (See attached map where I circled the campground area in orange) That being said, this location is peaceful and quiet with mature trees and plenty of distance between neighboring campers, and would be an ideal setting for a group campout. Hiking the trail west on a day trip will bring you to the beautiful Tinker Falls, which may not be flowing during dry seasons but is still a gorge worth exploring! You can best access this campground from the south side of the forest; the entrance is from state route 13 on Morgan Hill Rd south, adjacent to a very nice farm stand that is a good stop for supplies, and there is a DEC forest sign to mark the turn off from Rt 13. After that, you are on your own and should bring a map to navigate as the hiking trails are marked with signs where they cross the roads, but the road to turn off from Morgan Hill Rd to the campground is not marked. You can set your driving directions on Google Maps beforehad, to this endpoint: https://www.google.com/maps/dir//42.767846,-75.997552/@42.7799792,-76.08097,12z?entry=ttu
You might also want to download the free Avenza map of the forest which will allow you to navigate real time even if you don't have cell service, that link is here: https://store.avenza.com/products/morgan-hill-state-forest-nysdec-map?queryID=eb824498ff4125babc1c06655b111da4&objectID=42626406056092
general info for this state forest is here:
Legend
This location has a set of 2 large trailhead parking lots for hikers and backpackers accessing the vast trail network of the Morgan Hill State Forest. (See area circled in image on map) You do not camp here at these parking lots, but from here can backpack in to the woods on the Onondaga Trail or connecting trails, and from there you can do LNT dispersed camping as long as you follow the state forest camping rules(see this link for more details: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/camping/state-land-rules) such as not setting up camp within 150 of a stream or other body or water, and not near an official campground (There are 2 official drive-in primitive camp grounds in the vicinty, for which you need permits from the local ranger; otherwise, elsewhere in the forest you can backpack the various trails and camp at your own site if you leave no trace). You need to bring your own water, there is none provided here, and be prepared to pack out your own garbage. Be sure to download a copy of the forest map with the trails network marked, as the various trails are blazed and have occasional signs, but they crisscross in a confusing network and you can get easily turned around without a map. The woods are beautiful and the trails are well developed, but also be prepared for ticks and the need for repellent as they are thick in spring and early summer. Note: the trails going west from here enter the Labrador Hollow Unique area, which is part of the state forest but is a special preserve where camping is NOT allowed, so be aware of your lication
Camping near Marcellus, New York, offers a fantastic escape into nature with a variety of campgrounds that cater to different preferences. Whether you're looking for scenic views, hiking trails, or family-friendly activities, there's something for everyone in this beautiful region.
Camping near Marcellus, New York, has a lot to offer, from beautiful parks to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in an RV or tent, you'll find a spot that suits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Marcellus, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Marcellus, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 142 campgrounds and RV parks near Marcellus, NY and 12 free dispersed camping spots.
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?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Marcellus, NY.
What parks are near Marcellus, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Marcellus, NY that allow camping, notably Cowanesque Lake and Tioga-Hammond Lakes.
