Are you planning a tent camping trip to Penn Yan? We've got you covered. Finding a place to camp in New York with your tent has never been easier. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape. Unwind on our woodland trails adjacent to the Erie Canal trail. Try Camping Off grid with solar power and a 55 gallon water supply! To make your stay even more memorable we have an outhouse and a COLD solar shower. There are USB ports inside for charging your phone. The bedroom is 10x10 and fully enclosed with a small solar fan, lights and a few good books. For cooking: there is a fire pit also used for sunsets & stargazing!
This is CAMPING, completely “Off-grid” located in the woodland but close to the main house. It is cooled by the breezes and/or a small fan when needed on hot nights.
The living area is on the outdoor deck. A long bench in the “living room” and a great table for dining. The bedroom is a 10x10 space that is fully enclosed with windows that open on 3 sides for fresh air. The outhouse (a modern one - hole). and shower are “out back)
There is a smoking area in the field next to the fire pit. It is the ONLY place smoking is allowed.
There are over 20 acres of woodland in a DEC crop tree management program, the property connects to the Erie Canal hiking/biking trail that runs between Buffalo and Albany or in a more local sense, between Palmyra and Newark, NY
This is camping. You may see and hear deer, turkey, skunk, raccoons, birds, insects, reptiles and other “wild things” both day and night
Solar fan, lights and USB port is available for charging
There is a fire pit/grill and firewood is supplied, you can get eggs from our free range chickens and there is a campfire coffee pot if you are ready to cook over the campfire!
There is a Coleman cooler available for your ice and cold foods.
$109 - $150 / night
Lawrence Recreation Area is a day-use facility on the south side of Cowanesque Lake. It is conveniently located on State Route 49 approximately 4 miles west of Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania. The area offers a great location for picnicking and shoreline fishing.
Cowanesque Lake offers many outdoor activities including boating and fishing. A variety of native fish inhabits the area's streams and lakes. The North and South Tailrace areas provide access for fishing below the dam. The fields and forests around the lake are popular destinations for hunters looking for large and small game species that inhabit the eastern hardwood forests. Many miles of hiking trails surround the lake, including the Mid State Trail, which links the trails at Cowanesque and nearby Hammond Lake into a long path that extends all the way through Pennsylvania from Maryland to New York.
The Cayuga Shelter is reservable for group picnicking. It is fully accessible and comfortably accommodates groups of up to 100 people in a lovely lakeside setting.
Cowanesque Lake is situated in the Endless Mountains region of Pennsylvania, along the Allegheny Plateau in the Appalachian Mountains. The surrounding land paints a scenic picture of rolling terrain and open fields.
$40 - $100 / night
$65 - $90 / night
Camp Earth Connection (CEC), a small woodland campground, located on a beautiful parcel of land with 62 acres of forests and fields surrounded by the Hammond Hill State Forest. The camp is adjacent to the Hammond Hill State Forest, with 20 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and cross country skiing. CEC is so more than just a campground. CEC offer’s a place that people can experience real connections with nature and each other. Some find the that connection during walks in the woods, or sitting by our wildlife pond. While others find it with family, friends or new friends from the CEC community via campfire chats, trail walks, camp workshops or an outdoor ping pong game. CEC is also place where some find emotional and physical healing in this relaxing atmosphere.
Camp Earth Connection includes 18 camp/cabin sites, plus adjacent to the camp, in Eshay's Forest, there are 3 additional cabins/cottages with full amenities. These include: The Tiny House Retreat Cabin, Forest Moon Cottage and the Mountain Queen Cabin. Each site is unique and offers different levels of privacy and solitude. Guests can choose to have some peaceful alone time or be more engaged in our small community during our community campfires, campfire pancake breakfasts or workshops. When you book a cabin or campsite at CEC, you have the opportunity to camp at your comfort level (or challenge yourself with less amenities) and experience nature in the raw.
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Camp Earth Connection offers a Saturday morning Campfire Pancake Breakfast.
Camp Earth Connection offers individuals and families a chance to connect with each other and nature in a peaceful beautiful setting. Alcohol and drugs are prohibited to ensure this peaceful atmosphere and to allow folks to find serenity through our natural environment.
At CEC we are environmentally conscientious and do our best to preserve the natural surroundings and natural resources. We incorporate composting and recycling into our daily routine. We understand the importance of reducing the amount of resources we use, and re-using and re-generating whenever possible.
Camp Earth Connection values: Diversity, Acceptance and Community and welcomes diverse families and friends including the BIPOC and LGBTQ community. Camp Earth Connection welcomes and values people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. We do our best to make sure our guests feel safe, cared for and respected. We of course expect the same in return.
I hope you check out Camp Earth Connection, I don't believe you will be disappointed!
$45 - $125 / night
Guide
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. TV reception there is none, cell phone not great either. Lake is clean and clear, great for fishing, boating, and swimming. Park is clean and well maintained.
Ranger
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.
Ranger
Not technically in the Finger Lakes but still one of the most beautiful parts of Western New York State. Splurge and eat at the Glen Iris Inn! Great for cycling and hiking but no swimming. I love taking visitors here in all seasons but in autumn it is exceptional. I’ve stayed in a few tent sites and all are wooded and pretty private with your standard basic amenities. This is a popular park so make reservations.
Scout
I have stayed in the tent sites three times now and I really enjoy this campground. Nice clean sites with picnic tables that are in good shape. It is just a short walk to the beautiful lake front. Bathrooms are a little far from the tent sites with only one shower. This can be tough since there are a lot of seasonal sites for campers and RVs across from the tent sites using the same facilities. Very nice little beach for swimming and the perfect spot for going to the wineries. Sites are not very private but I have encountered very nice neighbors every time so it hasn't been an issue.
ScoutWe have stayed in the 300 Loop and 400 loop on different occasions. These are non-electric tent camping loops, bathrooms are a short walk from spots, if you have kids there is a playground by the more open spots in the inner part of each loop or you can stay in the more secluded outer ring of the loops. We loved these spots and for anyone camping in the Finger Lakes region I would definitely recommend Cayuga Lake State Park. They have cabin and RV spots as well but we prefer tent camping.
Traveler
Tent camping is $15/ night. You can get in to the park for free between 7 and 10pm though.
Scout
Have private tent site, bathroom is small but super clean!
GuidePerfect place to drop your boat in and play in the water. The lake offers many options for any type of boat. The campground has 3 loops and 2 have electric sites. Penn Yan and Branchport are close enough to grab anything you forgot or even an ice cream. If you want to hike a hill you’ve got that too!
TravelerWhat a beautiful park. Go river rafting! Only drag is the mixed rv and tent sites.
ScoutWe have gone to this campground for the past 5 years. We have always had a great experience and the camp has always been clean and bathrooms also have always been clean. Only down side is that there are not full hookups. But we really don’t mind that at all. 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!
Guide
I absolutely loved my time here with my son! Camp sites are private and have everything you need for tent camping! Showers and bathrooms clean! Sink available for dishes. Playground. Lots of beautiful trails! I can’t wait to go back next week!
Guide
Tent sites along a confluence of creeks; ankle deep clear water. Amazing miles of upstream hiking, water holes, rope swings, etc.
Perfect for little kids and adults.
Short drive from Letchwood State Park
ScoutWe stayed in a tent site for the weekend and loved it! The camp site was set back in the trees with a ton of privacy. Very clean facilities with hot water. We will definitely be back to Back Achers.
Guide
Picturesque Finger Lakes state park with a day’s worth of hiking trails on site. The campground is wooded and lovely but the tent sites don’t have views of the falls or anything, couldn’t hear water at night. Deer outside the tent, wildflowers through summer, great leaves in fall.
ScoutTent camping here felt like we were camping in a neighborhood backyard. We could hear so many different families talking and really doing everything you do while camping but the area felt so open and unobstructed voices carried and in the evening when everyone was building campfires the smoke could be overwhelming at times.
ScoutTent sites are nice, either 30 or 50 amp at each sight depending on what you pick. We went 4 days after they opened and raccoons we're a small issue even at a clean campsite. Saw a skunk at our campsite each night as well.
ScoutThe tent sites on the west camp were roomy and reasonably private, but there weren't many water locations and no electric on that side of the park. The facilities were about as nice as you can expect at a state run campground. We're already planning to go back next year for more nights.
Scout
Beautiful waterfalls, intermediate hiking.
Tent sites are fairly large so you have plenty of room. Bathrooms are centrally located in each loop, nice playground for kids. Dog friendly too.
only downfall, no one took the State bid to open the camp store so you need to leave the park for wood/ice.
Traveler
Seneca Lake and Taughannock Gorge Trail with waterfall is beautiful. However, swimming in lake is mediocre, and lots of steps on the hike. Only 2 showers in each bathhouse and low-end. Toilets are old and a bit dirty. Tent sites are
spacious and somewhat private. Electric sites are small and close to neighbor.
Legend
Ashley here with The Dyrt. Let's give a warm welcome to your hosts Sheryl & Matt! This is the perfect place to car or tent camp. Enjoy a private fire-pit and dive into Lake Seneca! Only a 4 min drive from Watkins Glenn. This place has it all. Lots of sites to choose from, some even have hammocks! Dog friendly. Check them out and leave them some love!
Traveler
Great campground for kids, events, and hiking. Plenty of room on each site for whatever you need. Multiple playgrounds which are clean & well maintained. 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.
Traveler
I haven't stayed in a KOA before because they have so many amenities I don't use. I'm a birder and my tent site here is next to a little grove of trees where I counted 12 species of birds this morning. The bathrooms are very clean and the women working the desk could not have been more helpful.
RangerBeen here in all the seasons, each is beautiful. Campgrounds are wooded. Pretty basic facilities, nice though. None of the tent sites have exceptional views but you’re a short walk from the creek/gorges. Reserve ahead of time in summer. Lots of woods, wildlife here and in the many other state parks close by to keep all ages occupied.
TravelerGreat secluded tent camping (recomend numbers 7 and 8), cabins are new and ample beds and space. Camper camping is close to everything, but less privacy. Numerous pavilions that are wonderful for parties or weddings. Stunning overlook that is breathtaking (also great for weddings). Hiking, bike trails, fishing pond, playground, open fields for sports, much more!!! Great for photo shoots, weekend stress getaways etc. I live close by and visit a few times a month.
ScoutThe 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.
RangerOne of my favorite parks in the area, this one is on the largest of the Finger Lakes, Cayuga. Visit in the fall for unrivaled scenery (better than New England in my opinion!). Great area for biking, kayaking, swimming, hiking, fishing, plus winery tours. Close to Ithaca, a wonderful "hippie" college town.
Nice State Park campground, clean & good facilities. Mostly tent/camper camping, also cabins (I've only tent camped). Nice large sites and while not super private it is serene (as long as you're not too close to the playground or highway). Shady, usually a bit of a breeze. Accessible sites are really very accessible.
LegendMy husband and I spent his birthday weekend camping in our truck tent here. Around Halloween all the RVs decorate and the kids dress up for trick or treating. The owners of the park are very friendly and accommodating. The sites are level and spacious among the trees. The tent sites have options along the water as well. Unfortunately it stormed the night we were there and the river flooded over the road, so it was tough getting the truck out to leave the next day, but we made it after a couple hours!
Penn Yan, New York, offers a fantastic backdrop for tent camping, with its scenic landscapes and proximity to beautiful lakes. Here, you'll find a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a memorable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Penn Yan, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Penn Yan, NY is Back-Achers Campsites with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Penn Yan, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Penn Yan, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
