Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill sits at approximately 2,256 feet elevation, making it one of the highest points in the Finger Lakes region near Naples, New York. The park occupies 410 acres with trails connecting to the 900-mile Finger Lakes Trail system. Winter temperatures in cabin accommodations typically range from 15°F to 35°F, requiring proper preparation for cold-weather stays.
What to do
Hiking the Finger Lakes Trail: Access the extensive trail system directly from Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill. "Lots of trails at the park for hikers, mountain bikers and trail runners. Follow the Finger Lakes Trail all the way into town," notes Danielle P., who appreciates the connection between wilderness and civilization.
Photography at scenic overlooks: The park features panoramic views of the surrounding valley. A visitor mentioned, "Ontario County lookout is a quick easy walk away from the campground that is never crazy busy," making it accessible for families with children or those with limited mobility.
Waterfalls exploration: Watkins Glen State Park Campground offers dramatic gorge scenery within reasonable driving distance from Naples. As Laura L. describes, "The gorge trail is a MUST," where visitors can experience 19 waterfalls cascading through narrow stone walls.
Fishing opportunities: Small ponds located within several parks provide fishing without requiring a boat. Kelly H. simply stated "Fishing" as the highlight of Ontario County Park, while other reviewers mention catching various species in the stocked ponds throughout the season.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Letchworth State Park Campground offers good separation between camping areas. "The loops near the Lower Falls are our favorites, but any choice is a good one. All are close to the gorge/river and wooded, and connect to trails directly from your campsite," reports Harry H.
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness is consistently mentioned across parks. At Stony Brook State Park, Brittany B. found "stony brook is one of my all time favs. a clean and welcoming park with gorgeous views and trails for all adventurers."
Natural swimming areas: Several parks feature swimming options beyond typical pools. As Kayti D. notes about Stony Brook State Park Campground, "This park is beautiful and has a unique swimming area- a 'pool' carved from the mountain! There are lots of paths and picnic areas, as well as beautiful hiking trails and creeks to cool off in."
Family gathering spaces: The cabin areas are designed for group activities. "My boyfriends family rented out all the cabins for a weekend and it was great! We used the open area to set up volley ball and it was nice having the mini fridge," shares Leah W. about Ontario County Park.
What you should know
Weather variability: Rain can affect the camping experience significantly. Geoff W. reports, "Planned this campout about a month ahead and hoped for good weather. Turned out to be a rainy week and weekend, a few dry spells in between. We had plenty of shelter with us to keep dry."
Reservation requirements: Most cabins near Naples, New York require advance booking, especially during peak season (May-October). Availability becomes very limited, particularly at Country Charm Campground which has "not many overnight sites but all in all a nice campground," according to Ryan D.
Leveling challenges: Some sites require additional equipment for comfortable setup. As Jonathan G. notes about Ontario County Park, "make sure to bring plenty of leveling blocks as some sites are far from level."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely between parks. A reviewer at Flint Creek Campgrounds warns, "dont expect any cell phone service. I've had friends who climbed up on top of their RV and still, no signal. It's out in the middle of nowhere, hard to find but extremely worth it."
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Creekside Cabin and surrounding parks offer unique play structures. As Jake C. notes, "They also have a tower you can climb for even better views from within the forests!" providing entertainment beyond standard playground equipment.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early morning and evening hours are best for spotting local animals. Dayne B. experienced "Deer, chipmunks and rabbits will say hi in the early and late hours" during his stay at Ontario County Park.
Natural material activities: Some areas provide natural clay for children's crafts. Dorothy P. shared this unique experience: "We picked blueberries off a bush near our campsite to have with our breakfast every morning. I love this place because it is a short drive from our home and we feel we are far away from the city."
Off-peak visiting: For families seeking quieter experiences, weekdays or shoulder seasons offer less crowded facilities. Campgrounds like Country Charm specifically cater to this preference, with Ryan D. noting it's ideal "If your looking for a smaller, quieter campground and you don't have kids with you."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Choose RV sites based on shade and utilities. As Jonathan G. advises, "Only downside is that the RV sites don't have much shade but the tent sites do," which can affect comfort during summer months.
Bathroom proximity: Plan for varying distances to facilities. Dayne B. reports, "The washrooms facility is very close and speaking for the men's side, it had 2 stalls, 2 urinals, 2 showers, multiple sinks, and a sturdy baby changing station," which can be particularly important for families with young children.
Water accessibility: RVers should note water station locations for refilling. "Potable water is present at a small spigot," mentions Dayne B., indicating limited access points that might require planning around.
Space between seasonal and temporary sites: At smaller campgrounds like Bristol Woodlands, a reviewer found "you can see a lot of other campers, but the spots are spaced out," providing adequate room despite higher density.
