Camping options near Montour Falls, New York include both seasonal and year-round facilities across varied terrain. The region sits within the Finger Lakes area at elevations ranging from 450 to 900 feet, creating diverse microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the year. Fall temperatures typically drop to the 30s overnight while summer daytime temperatures often reach the mid-80s with moderate humidity levels.
What to do
Wine tasting tours: Two wineries are accessible via walking paths directly from Finger Lakes RV Resort, making it convenient for campers who don't want to drive. According to one camper, "Easy drive to Watkins Glen, Lake Seneca, Ithaca, and the greater Finger Lakes region" with "walking paths from the campground to two different wineries."
Waterfall hiking: Multiple waterfalls are within short driving distance from area campgrounds. At Watkins Glen / Corning KOA, families appreciate that "There is amazing hiking trails along the gorge with views of waterfalls! There is a nice pool and playgrounds. It's close to downtown Watkins Glen with lots of restaurants."
Fishing and boating: Several campgrounds offer water access, with Pine Valley RV Park & Campground providing lake activities. A visitor notes the park has "hayrides in the summer and swimming in the lake. Lakeside sites are spacious and reasonably priced."
Farm experiences: For a different camping experience, smaller working farms offer camping spots. One camper described their stay: "We had an excellent stay at the farm with our RV, it was a cozy and beautiful campsite with personal attention of the owner. We had a great campfire, fresh blackberries and the option of canoeing."
What campers like
Small, family-owned operations: Campers frequently mention the personal attention at smaller RV parks near Montour Falls, New York. According to one reviewer, "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."
Clean facilities: Immaculate bathhouses stand out in reviews, especially at Ferenbaugh Campground where they offer numerous amenities. As one camper detailed, "They have a well stocked store with grocery necessities, camping necessities, snacks and Hersey ice cream. They have a beautiful in-ground pool, fenced in pond for catch and release fishing and live music one weekend a month."
Recreational options: Many campgrounds offer on-site activities beyond hiking. A reviewer at Hickory Hill Camping Resort shared, "There is a lot to do at Hickory Hill and everything is included in your site fee. The staff is helpful. They have multiple pools, a sprayground, mini golf, crafts, clean bathrooms and dog stations throughout the grounds."
Wi-Fi quality: Several RV parks provide reliable internet connections that accommodate remote work. One camper noted, "Wifi was strong enough to do work calls" while others mentioned consistent connections even during busy periods.
What you should know
Water quality varies: Some campgrounds have sediment issues in their water systems. A camper at Ferenbaugh Campground advised, "Make sure you use a water filter, there was a lot of sediment in the water when we were there. See pictures of 4 days on a new cartridge."
Terrain challenges: The hilly topography affects campground access in the region. At Lakeview Campsites, a visitor noted, "Incredible experience, very clean, quiet secure campground. Gravel inclined access road that may not be for new RV owners."
Campground crowding: Density varies significantly between parks. One camper reported, "We were on an end spot at an intersection inside the campground. Lots of golf carts after whizzing around and due to our campsite location they unfortunately were able to shine their lights on us every time they turned the corner after dark while we were around our camp fire."
Swimming options: Lakes and pools are available but with different features. A visitor noted one campground offers "giant swimming inflatables" while another mentioned a "beautiful in-ground pool" that provided relief during hot summer days.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Structured activities vary widely between campgrounds. At Smith Memorial Park, campers appreciate that "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."
Playgrounds and facilities: Kids need entertainment options during downtime. One parent shared, "This is by far one of the best family oriented campgrounds we've ever been in. So many things for kids to do. From boating, to giant swimming inflatables, putt putt even a giant slide."
Evening activities: Campground-organized events can help keep kids entertained. Multiple reviews mentioned hayrides, planned crafts, and evening entertainment that helped families connect and enjoy their stays.
Noise levels: Family-friendly doesn't always mean peaceful. A reviewer noted, "Super kind people who work there. Great amenities. Climbing wall, pool, putt putt, giant bouncy thing. Basketball hoop, playground. Lots of cars, lots of people, super close campsites."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV parks near Montour Falls offer varying levels of privacy. One RVer advised picking sites away from main roads: "We chose this section per a review we read to be away from the main road noise, but there really isn't much road noise to worry about, anyway."
Hookup quality: Water pressure and electrical service reliability matter for comfortable stays. A camper noted, "Easy maneuverability, great wifi and water pressure, along with level sites make it a great place to stay."
Spacing between sites: Some parks offer more separation than others. According to one RVer, "Sites are very large and spread out. Being a newer campground, the trees are small, but that did not take away from the experience."
Seasonal considerations: While many RV parks around Montour Falls operate only from May through October, early spring and late fall can bring temperature swings. Several reviewers mentioned needing to run both heat and air conditioning during shoulder season visits.
