Best Tent Camping near Middlesex, NY

Tent campsites in the Middlesex, New York area include a mixture of established campgrounds and rural retreats suited for primitive tent camping. Holiday Hill Campground in Springwater offers traditional tent sites with drive-in access and essential amenities, while The PineApple Farm provides a more intimate tent camping experience with only a single site available for reservation. These tent-specific options are positioned within the scenic Finger Lakes region, offering access to natural areas and outdoor recreation.

Most tent campgrounds near Middlesex feature basic amenities suited for traditional tent setups. Holiday Hill Campground provides electric hookups and picnic tables at tent sites, though campers should note the season runs only from May 1 to October 14. The PineApple Farm offers drinking water, showers, and toilets for tent campers, making it suitable for those seeking some comforts while still enjoying a tent camping experience. According to one visitor, "Lots of trails, and Hemlock and Canadice Lake so close by" provide additional recreational opportunities beyond the campsite itself. Fire rings are typically available at established tent sites, though campers should check current fire restrictions before arrival.

Walk-in tent sites at The Jonestead offer a more secluded option for those seeking primitive tent camping experiences. The campground provides drinking water, toilets, and trash collection, but lacks shower facilities or hookups of any kind. This makes it ideal for tent campers looking for a more authentic outdoor experience. Areas surrounding these tent campgrounds provide access to multiple lakes and hiking trails. A recent review noted that "Tons to do in the area but town isn't too far," making these tent sites convenient bases for exploring the region while maintaining proximity to services when needed. Seasonal tent campers should be aware that most campgrounds in the area close by late October and reopen in spring, with limited winter tent camping options available.

Best Tent Sites Near Middlesex, New York (6)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Middlesex, NY

3 Photos of 6 Middlesex Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Middlesex, NY

590 Reviews of 6 Middlesex Campgrounds


  • Gavin T.
    Oct. 23, 2017

    Blueberry Patch Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

    Simple

    The only Finger Lakes National Forest designated campground, Blueberry Patch offers a secluded experience in the heart of this sometimes overlooked beautiful geographic region in the State of New York. This campground offers a simple experience, with fire rings and picnic tables at each site and seems to accommodate just tent and small campers. Vault toilets available. On a week day in early summer, 3 of the 9 campsites we’re occupied. Can see it filling up on weekends. Enjoy!

  • Sophie D.
    Oct. 5, 2016

    Watkins Glen State Park Campground

    Friendly, beautiful, and well organized

    I ended a two-day backpacking trek through the Finger Lakes National Forest at Watkins Glen. After grunting all the way up the long hill to the campground, I checked in with a wonderful and helpful employee. She gave me all the information about the campground and park that I could ever want, and then we laughed a little about the antics of young husky mixes (I had my dog with me on the hike). The campground is dog-friendly, provided that you have a current rabies certificate and keep him/her on leash.

    I stayed at a tent site, which has no electricity. RV sites, which cost a little more, provide electric hookups. My camp site and all the neighboring ones were clean. Water from spigots is easily accessible, as are showers and toilets.

    The campground is situated walking distance from the main attractions of the park; during the summer, a large swimming pool is a popular place to hang out with family. Hiking trails parallel the creek with beautiful falls. I was disappointed to find that dogs are not allowed on the Gorge Trail, which is closest to all of the falls.

    All in all, I loved this campground. It was a very relaxing place to spend the night.

  • Jama A.
    Jul. 15, 2025

    Canandaigua-Rochester KOA

    Camping near Canandaigua, New York

    Campers exploring the Canandaigua area discover a delightful mix of lakeside retreats, wooded state parks, and family-friendly RV resorts. Just minutes from downtown, Canandaigua City Park Campground offers easy access to local shops and the lakefront beach, making it a convenient base for those who want town amenities within walking distance. A short drive farther out leads to Keuka Lake State Park Campground and the privately owned Canandaigua-Rochester KOA, both of which feature spacious sites, clean facilities, and excellent opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and fishing on the Finger Lakes. For those seeking a quieter experience, numerous backcountry and dispersed sites are tucked into the surrounding National Forest, where campers can truly unplug—though it’s essential to bring all necessary supplies and practice Leave No Trace principles. Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill and the Stay Bristol Woodlands campground blend rustic charm with modern comforts: well-maintained restrooms, picnic shelters, and on-site hiking trails that wind through hardwood forests and offer scenic overlooks, especially stunning during fall foliage season. Travel logistics are a breeze when visitors prearrange an airport shuttle from Rochester or Syracuse airports, ensuring a smooth transition from plane to campsite. And for adventurers mapping out multiple stops across the Finger Lakes or beyond, reliable multi-city transfers provide comfortable, door-to-door rides—no rental car necessary. With its blend of waterfront sites, wooded hideaways, and nearby attractions—wineries, waterfalls, and historic villages—the Canandaigua region truly has something for every type of camper. Whether pitching a tent under the stars or rolling in with an RV, visitors will find endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.

  • Jess W.
    Aug. 19, 2018

    Letchworth State Park Campground

    Amazing state park, crappy campground

    The state park is breathtaking. The campground is horrendous. The restrooms were disgusting. The site barely fit our one tent (8man Coleman) even though it was advertised as a two tent site. The camp fire ring had no solid base- it just sat on the grass and fires would not stay lit. The quiet hours were not enforced. Yelling and loud music kept us up until ridiculous hours. I would not rate this as family friendly.

  • N
    Jun. 14, 2019

    Blueberry Patch Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

    Great site

    What does blueberry patch campground offer? Large camp sites with a picnic table large enough for 6 adults (squeezed together), metal fire pit with grill, large tent footprint and space for 2-3 vehicles to park.

    For you fellow hammock campers reading this don’t worry! Most of the sites are compatible for hammocks, some sites you may have to be more creative to make it work.

    You can stay at this site for up to 14 days at $15pn (bring cash). There are two bathrooms on the site and bear proof dumpsters as well. There are many locals selling fire wood bundles for $5 each so no problems getting a fire going. Lastly for this part BRING WATER. There are no water sources near the site. There is a gas station about 15 minutes away on route 79 so make sure to fill up on water and snacks.

    The site is great. Lots of amenities and individual sites. They aren’t too far away from each other so you don’t feel completely isolated but far enough away to allow some privacy. There are some trails nearby and are worth a hike.

    Neil

  • J
    Aug. 15, 2021

    Cayuga Lake State Park Campground

    Great stay, choose your site wisely!

    We stayed 2 nights at site 1002. I think this site is one of the best in the campground! Very secluded and private. Be weary that some of the camp sites are closer to playgrounds than they appear on the map.

    Great facilities, dumpsters, potable water! Bring lots of bugspray and fire starters as it does rain up here which affects the fire wood.

  • Randall K.
    Aug. 25, 2023

    Genesee Country Campground

    Great spot - esp for tents!

    What a great place this was!

    Everyone was very nice and bathrooms were so clean! To top it off the sites for tents are amazing - so private and pretty. In fact it’s so private we were able to set up our own portable toilet and have complete privacy.

    Nice little store too! Overall this place was great and we’d stay here again in a heartbeat. Very easy place to spend the night.

    Also they have golfing here and tent areas back up to the 9th hole (but still separated so you don’t feel like you are right on top of it) so you can easily knock around there and do a little golfing too!

  • Tara S.
    Oct. 11, 2017

    Fillmore Glen State Park Campground

    Beautiful trails, busy campground

    We visited 6 state parks in the Finger Lakes region of New York this past summer. Fillmore Glen State Park was our favorite for hiking, but probably our least favorite for camping. The trails are uncrowded and well maintained. We hiked along the south rim trail and the gorge trail. The gorge trail is especially cool, with 9 foot bridges crisscrossing over the river. There are several gorgeous waterfalls, and the walk was shady and cool, even though it was a hot day. After hiking through the glen, we were hoping to cool off with a swim, but the swimming area was closed. Not sure why, but you can only swim when lifeguards are on duty, and there were No Swimming signs everywhere.

    The campground at Fillmore Glen was totally full when we stayed there. The sites offered little privacy and were very close together, plus you could here road noise loud and clear all through the night. The water faucet near our site was out of order, and the bathrooms were only clean in the morning. The sites were all wooded and shaded, with nice flat spots for tents, but I probably wouldn’t stay there again during the busy summer months. If you’re headed out that way, I would definitely recommend Fillmore Glen for a day trip, but I’d camp at either Robert Treman or Buttermilk Falls state park in Ithaca.

  • Kari M.
    Sep. 21, 2016

    Smith Memorial Park

    Great hiking trails, and beach nearby!

    Smith Memorial Park has a pretty great set up. You can camp and hike, while enjoying the beach and water activities. It is the best of both worlds. I camped here a few summers ago, and enjoyed my stay. I love hiking, and there were some really good trails nearby with some great views. The campground was great, each campsite has its own picnic table and fire ring. They also have restrooms and showers available for use too- I stayed a few nights so the showers worked out great. Our spot was fairly close, so it was within walking distance. What I really like about his campground is it is sort of secluded, and not very crowded. The campsite I stayed at was called "The Point" and it was quite and a great location. My sisters went one evening to a winery that was really close to our campsite called JR Dill, and we went to a great brewing company for dinner one night. The campground does provide firewood-which they offer for a pretty low cost. We did this, and enjoyed making smores over the campfire both nights we stayed. The beach is nice and is pretty close to the campground, within walking distance. Great for swimming, and I saw some people out on the lake with their boats. Enjoyed my stay, and would definitely come back again at some point!


Guide to Middlesex

Tent camping options near Middlesex, New York cluster around the scenic Finger Lakes region, with sites ranging from $35-55 per night during peak season. The area sits at approximately 700-900 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during day and cooling to 55-65°F at night. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October due to the region's cold winters, with few accommodations available during off-season months.

What to do

Water activities at nearby lakes: Holiday Hill Campground provides access to both Hemlock and Canadice Lakes, with boat launches approximately 5 miles from campsites. A camper noted, "Clean bathrooms and Verizon reception is consistent at 3 bars. There is a lot to do for kids & teens, but that makes it loud with kids running through your site."

Hiking nearby trails: The Jonestead offers walk-in tent sites with proximity to multiple hiking trails. The property specializes in cold weather camping opportunities with basic amenities including toilets, trash collection, and drinking water. Winter camping requires additional cold-weather gear and preparation.

Canal exploration: Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort provides direct access to the historic Erie Canal. One camper reported, "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 and the pool far enough from the campsites but close to the store."

What campers like

Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms and common areas at tent camping locations. At Dream Lake Campground, one visitor commented, "Nice friendly environment, clean facilities. Lots to do for kids and adults. Weekend activities. The snack house food is great, if you don't feel like cooking they offer a nice menu almost anyone would love."

Proximity to recreation: Dream Lake Campground provides on-site activities plus access to regional attractions. A satisfied guest shared, "I love this campground very family friendly lots of activities been going here 6 years now and never have had a bad time."

Weekend entertainment: Several campgrounds schedule regular activities throughout the peak season. At Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort, a camper mentioned, "Barb and Red are fantastic hosts. They are accommodating and entertaining. Live music on Friday Night (weather permitting) and plenty of activities for the family on the weekends."

What you should know

Seasonal operations: Most tent camping sites near Middlesex close during winter months. Holiday Hill Campground operates from May 1 to October 14, while Dream Lake Campground runs from May 1 to October 25, requiring advance planning for spring and fall visits.

Site levelness concerns: Not all tent sites in the region feature level ground. At Red's Twilight, one camper observed, "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. We changed sites three times and finally resigned ourselves to not being leveled."

Availability limitations: The PineApple Farm offers just one tent site, making advanced reservations essential. The site includes drinking water, showers, toilets and trash service, but lacks electric hookups or water connections directly at the campsite.

Tips for camping with families

Choose sites away from activity centers: For quieter family camping experiences, request sites located further from main facilities. At Holiday Hill Campground, a visitor advised, "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."

Look for on-site food options: Some campgrounds offer prepared food for families wanting occasional breaks from camp cooking. A visitor to Dream Lake noted, "The snack house food is great, if you don't feel like cooking they offer a nice menu almost anyone would love."

Consider campground speed limits: Empire Haven Nudist Park maintains strict vehicle speed regulations for child safety. The campground features both rustic cabins and tent sites with a quiet atmosphere. One camper described it as "as quiet and peaceful as anyone would like, but the community enables campers the freedom to socialize and share meals whenever you want."

Tips from RVers

Call ahead for backing information: Sites at some campgrounds require maneuvering. An RVer at Holiday Hill noted, "We had to maneuver a lot to back our 25' trailer into a tight spot, but sites are clean and spacious side to side."

Book early for full hookups: Limited full-service sites mean advance planning is crucial. At Holiday Hill Campground, "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. Online booking was seamless, however, so that was another plus."

Check site improvements: Facilities continue developing, with varying quality. A guest at Red's Twilight mentioned, "I know they are really working hard to get this place up to speed and I hope they continue to improve it."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Middlesex, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Middlesex, NY is Holiday Hill Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Middlesex, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 tent camping locations near Middlesex, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.