Glamping options near Penfield, New York offer a range of camping experiences within 45 minutes of the city. Located in western New York's Great Lakes region, Penfield sits at approximately 400 feet elevation with a humid continental climate featuring distinct seasonal changes. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with occasional thunderstorms, making the May-October camping season ideal for exploring the region's mix of forests and lakeshores.
What to do
Hiking through gorges: Letchworth State Park, known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," offers spectacular gorge trails with multiple waterfalls. "The gorge trail is very busy but you still can enjoy the beautiful waterfalls along with the gorge formation. We also did the east trail that goes up to the top of the gorge and is also a little further into the woods," notes one visitor to Stony Brook State Park.
Fishing from campsites: Sites at several parks provide direct water access. According to a Timberline Lake Park visitor, "This is a great spot! It's really quiet and you can really feel like you're getting away out here." The park's fishing pond is particularly popular with families seeking easy catches.
Military history exploration: Within 40 minutes of Penfield, camping history buffs should visit the military museum at Sampson State Park. "It was a Naval training base during WWII... It has a Naval museum with many authentic items from that era," explains a camper, adding context to this unique camping destination.
Wine tours: Many campgrounds serve as bases for exploring the nearby Finger Lakes wine region. The Canandaigua area features over 30 wineries within a 30-minute drive, making it possible to combine upscale glamping experiences with sophisticated wine tasting.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Unlike the safari-style glamping mentioned elsewhere, traditional campsites at Webster Park provide natural screening. "Camp sites are private and have everything you need for tent camping! Showers and bathrooms clean! Sink available for dishes," shares Catherine, who visited with her child.
Lake views: Several campgrounds offer premium waterfront locations. A visitor to Lake Bluff RV Park enthusiastically shares, "We had a huge site near a little stream, overall the campground isn't very big with lots of seasonsals. Lots of activities for kids, and just around the corner from chimney bluff state park which are a must see!"
Natural swimming areas: Beyond the traditional swimming pools, some parks feature unique water experiences. A visitor explains: "My favorite part about this park has to be their natural pool. It's beautiful and so refreshing. Great hikes with bunches of little waterfalls and small pools for swimming."
Year-round scenic beauty: Fall foliage viewing makes autumn camping particularly appealing. Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill provides "stunning overlook that is breathtaking" with trails that showcase the changing colors from mid-September through October.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most glamping facilities around Penfield operate from April/May through October, with Webster Park specifically running May 1st to October 31st. Check individual park calendars as closing dates vary.
Site preferences: At Ontario County Park, one camper recommends specific sites: "Great secluded tent camping (recommend numbers 7 and 8), cabins are new and ample beds and space. Camper camping is close to everything, but less privacy."
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly between parks. One Webster Park camper notes: "Cell phone coverage is poor by Verizon and T-Mobile, and there is no WiFi, and no camp store (but the town of Webster is nearby)."
Water access logistics: At Sampson State Park, a visitor warns: "There is only source for water fill up. This could end up being a very very long wait if you arrive at the same time as other campers. Only 2 dump stations."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Choosing sites near play areas benefits families with young children. At Webster Park, one regular camper explains, "We stay close to the playground these days in our pop up usually at site 5 so our 5 and 9 year old can walk or ride to campground."
Kid-friendly water activities: Canandaigua-Rochester KOA offers extensive water recreation options. "This KOA has all that you need for a relaxing family trip. It is close to the finger lakes, is clean, has kid activities and a pond where the fish are easy to catch with hotdogs!" reports one family camper.
Diverse recreation options: Look for campgrounds with multiple activity choices. "We spent father's day weekend at the KOA. Our kids rented cabins and some used tents and others came for the day. The campground has so much to do between swimming, golf, bike and paddle boat rentals," shares one guest.
Clay crafting: At Stony Brook, natural resources become part of the experience. One parent shares, "There is natural clay which my children used to make clay pots which air dried on the grass by our playground. We picked blueberries off a bush near our campsite to have with our breakfast every morning."
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: For glamping stays, check whether your accommodation includes kitchen facilities or if you need to bring supplies. At Webster Park, an RVer notes, "Full hook up would've made this better, other than that 5 stars. You need a long hose for fresh water in the RV. No sewer sites."
Power cord length: At Sampson State Park, one visitor warns: "Electric service boxes are shared in-between sites. This could pose an issue if your power cord is not long enough."
Site leveling: For RVers considering campsites rather than glamping units, be prepared with leveling equipment. "Only downside is that the RV sites don't have much shade but the tent sites do. Also make sure to bring plenty of leveling blocks as some sites are far from level."
