Best Campgrounds near Phelps, NY

Camping near Phelps, New York, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful parks and campgrounds. Whether you're looking for hiking trails, fishing spots, or just a peaceful place to unwind, there’s something for everyone.

What to do

• Hiking: Explore the stunning trails at Watkins Glen State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, “The access to Watkins Glen! My site was in Loop D which has a direct hiking trail to the trail along Watkins Glen!”
• Water Activities: Enjoy paddleboarding or kayaking at Letchworth State Park Campground. A visitor shared, “We went paddleboarding... You can paddle down to Hector Falls and see it from the water.”
• Fishing and Swimming: Head to Keuka Lake State Park Campground for fishing and swimming. One reviewer noted, “The lake was beautiful and fun for swimming with the kids.”

What campers like

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Green Lakes State Park Campground said, “The bathrooms are great! Super modern and clean and hot, free showers!”
• Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer generous space between sites. A camper at Sampson State Park Campground mentioned, “Most sites are pretty spacious.”
• Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Letchworth State Park Campground provide playgrounds and organized activities. One family said, “The rec center had tons of activities and sports for the kids to do.”

What you should know

• Site Proximity: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Taughannock Falls State Park Campground noted, “The sites were also very close to each other and rather shallow, thereby limiting privacy.”
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have stores or markets nearby. A visitor at Stony Brook State Park Campground mentioned, “No camp store, so if you forgot an essential item, you've got to go out from the park.”
• Old Facilities: Some parks have older facilities that may need maintenance. A reviewer at Robert H. Treman State Park Campground said, “Bathroom facilities were old and not well maintained.”

Tips for camping with families

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities for kids, like Sampson State Park Campground. One camper said, “There are nice playgrounds for kids.”
• Plan for Meals: Bring your own food or check for nearby markets. A camper at Hamlin Beach State Park Campground noted, “No market, but firewood & ice were available at check-in station.”
• Pack for Activities: Bring bikes or kayaks for extra fun. A visitor at Green Lakes State Park Campground mentioned, “Great playgrounds everywhere and you can rent kayaks.”

Tips from RVers

• Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Hamlin Beach State Park Campground advised, “If you go here in a camper you better be super confident & comfortable maneuvering it.”
• Bring Extension Cords: Some sites have electric posts far from the pads. A visitor at Sampson State Park Campground noted, “The power poles are between sites and are often more than 20’ away.”
• Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A camper at Taughannock Falls State Park Campground mentioned, “The crowd was definitely loud and nosy.”

Camping near Phelps, New York, has its perks and quirks. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!