Penn Yan is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Penn Yan and user-submitted reviews.
$20 - $27 / night
"Keuka Lake is small, boat launch, small beach playground at beach and camp ground. Hiking, biking. Not far from Penn Yan, nice city, winery's are all over."
"The campground is perfect location near Keuka lake in Wine Country, also close by to branchport, Penn Yan, and also Watkins Glen! Will continue to go to this campground!"
$20 - $58 / night
"Watkins Glen boasts one of New York’s most beautiful state parks! I last camped here in 2012 and absolutely loved hiking along the gorges. Also- the camping was next to perfect."
"Definitely one of the top places to camp and visit in New York, Watkins Glen State Park never disappoints. Each time I come back, I find something new to discover and have a great time doing that."
$24 - $350 / night
"The bathrooms are great with showers and each camp spot has plenty of distance away from the next one."
"Potable water fill station and dump tanks at entrance/exit. Bathrooms were very clean and had dish washing stations in them. Loop 5 has beautiful views of the lake."
"This park is located equidistant between Geneva and Watkins Glenn, NY on the shores of Seneca lake. There are like 40 wineries close by to choose from. "
"Conveniently located to allow us to visit family/friends, sightseeing, visiting the many local wineries, and the best ice cream shop, Seneca Farms, in the US!!"
$80 - $89 / night
"It's still nice to be on the outskirts. We also 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."
"I can't stop talking about the Finger Lakes RV park and the great experience we had there. FLRV opened in the last couple years and is a great addition to the camping options around the Finger Lakes."
$25 - $99 / night
"The Grounds are well taken care of (although some areas around the playgrounds and pool could have been weed whacked better) there is a lot of grass and wide open areas for playing games, walking your"
"The campground is beautifully maintained with stunning views of Cayuga Lake. The staff was friendly, welcoming, and went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed."
$15 / night
"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."
"I ALWAYS recommend heading away from state parks and camping in state forests. There's always more privacy and more wilderness. Of course, this is a personal preference!"
"Close to wine country you will find this gem of a family campground. Dog and kid friendly with activities such as wagon rides, arts and crafts, movie night and various themed weekend events."
"We stayed here during an anniversary trip to the Finger Lakes. Easy proximity to Seneca Lake and Watkins Glen State Park. Nice wooded area kept us far enough away from other campers. Great location!"
"Will be returning, I found a lovely spot tucked into a back corner and has the most relaxing weekend."
ScoutCampers 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.
ScoutCampers arriving at Watkins Glen State Park are immediately captivated by its dramatic gorge scenery, where 19 waterfalls cascade through narrow stone walls. Their campsites are nestled among hardwood forests, offering a perfect balance of sunlit clearings and shady retreats. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, making it easy to prepare meals after a day spent exploring the park’s famous Gorge Trail. The park’s facilities blend rustic charm with modern comforts: clean flush toilets, hot-water showers, and convenient potable water stations. Hiking enthusiasts appreciate the interconnected trail system, which includes the popular Rim Trail for elevated views of the gorge, as well as more secluded footpaths through hemlock groves. Families particularly enjoy the nearby swimming pool and easy-access picnic areas overlooking Seneca Lake. To simplify travel logistics for out-of-state visitors, many campers opt to pre-book an airport transfer so they can arrive at Ithaca or Elmira–Corning Regional Airport and head straight to the park without the hassle of car rentals. Those planning to explore multiple stops along the Finger Lakes often choose the provider’s reliable city-to-city rides for comfortable, door-to-door transportation between destinations. All in all, Watkins Glen State Park delivers an unforgettable combination of awe-inspiring gorge hikes, well-appointed campsites, and family-friendly amenities. Campers seeking both adventure and relaxation will find this New York treasure hard to surpass.
TravelerCheck in was very smooth. Myra checked us in and went above and beyond answering all of our questions - our name on the board added a special welcome. Laundry facilities $5 per load. Store has everything for a fun camp. Site was pretty level.
GuideI stayed here July 4th. Was quiet at night. Really pretty. Bathrooms with actual toilets and running water! Register for overnight at bathroom building kiosk. Day visits just sign log
TravelerThis camp is full of nice people. Lots of dogs are here, and they bark all day and start again at 6:30 am. It's under new management and they are very helpful and knowledgeable people. Lots of great activities here! This camp keeps the kids and dogs busy!! The pool is clean and looks great. Hot showers and clean bathrooms.
ScoutLots of amenities and great location.
TravelerThe coordinates are wrong. Search for sugar hill fire tower and you’ll find it. (42.3868868, -77.0025425)
The place itself is really great.
TravelerThis campground is basically a big field surrounded by the forest. The sites are really nice, each one has a table with benches and a fire place. You can drive your car in here (gravel road). It has a toilet house.
TravelerBeautiful camp site with electricity. Close to lots of trails.
Camping near Penn Yan, New York, offers a fantastic mix of outdoor fun and beautiful scenery. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature.
Camping near Penn Yan, New York, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation. Enjoy the beautiful Finger Lakes region!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Penn Yan, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 137 campgrounds and RV parks near Penn Yan, NY and 9 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Penn Yan, NY is Keuka Lake State Park Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 22 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Penn Yan, NY.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Penn Yan, NY that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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