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Best Tent Camping near Penfield, NY

403 Reviews

Tent campgrounds near Penfield, New York provide varied options for outdoor enthusiasts seeking primitive camping experiences. Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort and The PineApple Farm both accommodate tent campers, with the former offering canal-side sites and the latter providing a more intimate setting with just one designated tent area. Holiday Hill Campground in Springwater and Cross Lake Park Campgrounds in Cato round out the regional options within driving distance of Penfield.

Most tent-friendly campgrounds in the area feature basic amenities, though availability varies significantly by location. The PineApple Farm offers a more primitive tent camping experience with drinking water, toilets and showers but no electric hookups or sewer connections. Holiday Hill maintains picnic tables and allows fires at their tent sites, while providing electric hookups for those who prefer some conveniences with their tent camping experience. Seasonal availability is a key consideration, with many campgrounds operating only from May through October. One camper noted that Holiday Hill has "clean bathrooms and Verizon reception is consistent at 3 bars."

Sites near water features tend to attract more tent campers in the Penfield region. Cross Lake Park Campgrounds provides lake access that enhances the primitive tent camping experience. A review mentioned, "Access to water and swimming. Nice playgrounds. We kayaked in the lake it was a lot of fun." For tent campers seeking more amenities, Twilight on the Erie offers drinking water, showers, toilets, and trash service alongside canal access. The campground receives moderate ratings from visitors, with one noting that "the pool is nice and staff friendly. Clean bathrooms with activity and entertainment on site and nearby." Fires are permitted at several locations, including The PineApple Farm, allowing for traditional camping experiences with evening campfires.

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Best Tent Sites Near Penfield, New York (7)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Penfield, NY

2 Photos of 7 Penfield Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Penfield, NY

403 Reviews of 7 Penfield Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • K
    Jun. 29, 2021

    Sterling Creek Campground

    Nice tent spot, quiet, nice owner

    We stayed on a Monday night and it was very quiet. A lot of empty spaces. And a lot of seasonal campers were gone for the week. The owner was super nice and it was close enough to the State Park to run over to the beach. Nice large, flat spot with full shade. Maybe I'm still on Midwest pricing, but I get annoyed when I have to pay for a shower when I've played $25 for a non-electric and no water tent site. The bathrooms were clean.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • Michael B.
    Sep. 3, 2020

    Stony Brook State Park Campground

    Beautiful park. Too bad we missed the pool.

    Had a great time at Stony Brook State Park this week! The campground side doesn't open until around 11 we were told, and we reached at 8am, so we started at the North (day-use) side, parked there, hiked, ate, and eventually drove back to the other side, checked in, and set up camp. 😁 It was a very nice time. Due to the COVID-19 regulations, masks need to be worn in the bathhouse (except when brushing teeth or showering). Was a good, quiet, fun time, with a few other families nearby. The only negatives: *According to their website, the natural pool would be open the day we went. It was not. ☹️ *No alcohol permitted in the whole campgrounds. Fine for us, but annoying for many. From the trash in the bathhouse, looks like some were anyways. *No "camp store" - so if you forgot an essential item, you've got to go out from the park. Positive part: town is only 8 minutes away via car. Also, we got GREAT and easy burning from the people selling wood for $5/bundle just outside the campground entrance.

    All in all, a GREAT time! We all enjoyed it!

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 1, 2023

    Six Circles Farm (Camp Elderberry)

    Beautiful and peaceful

    This was our first experience at a Hipcamp site, but we took advantage of a $30 promotion from REI and decided to try one out. Camp Elderberry is located on an organic vegetable farm in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Weekend tours of the farm are available for a nominal fee. There are two sites here, both quite separate from each other so they are very private. You can camp in an RV or in a tent on the grass. Due to recent rains, the grass was quite tall, so we did not go deep into our site, which had a view of Seneca Lake. No hookups at either site. 

    Communication with Lael was very good from the beginning, and he met us as we arrived to help us get settled. We arrived much later than planned due to a flat tire, so we did not spend much time exploring the property. There is also a ½ mile hike to the beach that I would have explored if we had arrived earlier. I had read there is a porta-potty, but we did not use it. There is also potable water and a cold-water shower. No WiFi, but the cell signal was strong on Verizon. There are many wineries nearby but again, because of our late arrival, they were all closed when we got there. 

    We have been exploring a variety of camping options including Tentrr, Harvest Host, RV parks, Corps of Engineers campgrounds, county parks, state parks, and national parks. Hipcamp campsites vary widely by accommodation and price. The price for Camp Elderberry was not unreasonable ($50) but is more expensive than most standard (non-private) campsites. We did enjoy the unique experience, however!

  • D
    Jul. 31, 2022

    Hamlin Beach State Park Campground

    Is this a spot? Dirty and loud but a nice beach

    Big park with several loops.  Separate and across two roads from the Beach section of the Park. Got a reservation for Friday and Saturday but the spot in loop D was an inclined driveway next to the high voltage boxes for the campground.  Had to move the fire ring after smoking ourselves out the first night.  Right across from the building they called a bath house.  Filthy, urinal broken, one shower broken in mens.   Feces on the floor in womens.  Friday night quiet hours did not exist.  Spent Saturday early am listening to the neighbor loudly declare her preferences in music, men and liquor.  No Ranger in sight.

    Minor redeeming qualities:  Nice beach and bike trails across road from campground.  Three lane dump station (only one for a four loop campground with 100s of "spots")

    Beware:  Rigs approaching from East there are very low bridges (11' 3') between Rochester and the Park on the Parkway.

  • H
    Oct. 1, 2017

    Cayuga Lake State Park Campground

    State Park in the Finger Lakes

    Nice modern-esque camp site with great views of the lake. They have cabins but we tent camped. Tent sites are open. On site they have swimming, boat launch, and (I think) a playground. Lots of other places to hike in the area too, plus attractions like wine trails, breweries, quaint amusement parks.

Guide to Penfield

Discover the charm of tent camping near Penfield, New York, where beautiful landscapes and family-friendly environments await outdoor enthusiasts.

Local Activities for Tent Campers

Amenities That Enhance Your Stay

  • Dream Lake Campground offers a range of amenities including electric hookups, drinking water, and clean facilities to ensure a comfortable camping experience.
  • At The PineApple Farm, campers can enjoy showers and toilets, along with the option to have campfires for a cozy evening atmosphere.
  • Holiday Hill Campground provides picnic tables and sanitary dump stations, making it convenient for families and groups.

Unique Features of the Campgrounds

  • Catbird Hill is known for its peaceful setting and stunning views, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
  • Experience a quiet retreat at The Jonestead, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature without the distractions of modern amenities.
  • Riverview Camp Ground & Marina offers a serene environment ideal for families looking to relax by the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Penfield, NY is Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Penfield, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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