101 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Junius Ponds Cabins and Campgrounds permits pets at all accommodation types including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping options. Cheerful Valley Campground also welcomes dogs throughout their property with well-maintained grounds and riverside sites where many campers enjoy fishing while their pets relax alongside. Both campgrounds feature full-hookup sites with electric, water, and sewer connections, making extended stays with pets convenient. Canandaigua-Rochester KOA provides additional pet amenities including a dedicated dog play area where pets can exercise off-leash. Most campgrounds in the Phelps area maintain clean facilities with regular maintenance, though some visitors note the seasonal campers at Junius Ponds frequently use golf carts throughout the property, creating occasional noise disturbances for those seeking a quieter experience with their pets.
The Finger Lakes region surrounding Phelps offers numerous recreational opportunities for campers with dogs. The Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail accessible from Waterloo Harbor Campground provides an excellent pathway for dog walking with water views. State parks in the area including Sampson State Park and Cayuga Lake State Park allow leashed pets on most hiking trails and in designated camping areas. Campgrounds typically require pets to be leashed when outside the RV or tent, with maximum leash lengths of six feet standard throughout the region. Seasonal considerations affect pet comfort, with most Phelps area campgrounds operating from mid-April through mid-October. The campground store at Junius Ponds stocks basic pet supplies, though campers should bring specialty foods or medications as rural veterinary services may require some travel. Many campers appreciate that the fishing areas along Cheerful Valley's creek provide shaded spots where dogs can cool off during summer camping trips.
"They had a oversized, long pull through available (site 88) that made entering and exiting the site nice and easy. 50amp and water was used, didn’t dump."
"These fine folks never stop driving and take the time to walk and enjoy the the beauty of their surroundings."
from $39 - $999 / night
Check Availability"HIGHLIGHTS : Most sites are pretty spacious
Pets allowed in some loops
Marina convenience store with pontoon boat rentals
Fishing
Swimming
Ice cream and concessions stand
Arcade room
Outdoor"
"The bathrooms are great with showers and each camp spot has plenty of distance away from the next one."
from $24 - $350 / night
Check Availability"There's Ziplines with treetop walk and a bounce. And even a play area for your dogs."
"Road Noise: There will some noise at sites near Town Line Rd. Traffic is minimal Through Traffic in campground: None Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: Some sites."
"I was too busy playing in the lake, hiking, and riding my bike on some paths. I also saw a few people fishing in the lake, but not really sure what kind of fish you can catch."
"One 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!)."
from $17 - $107 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $110 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $109 - $150 / night
Check Availability"Stayed at Keuka Lake in July 2023. Nice spots, close to others but people were quiet and respectful after 10 PM. Lake was beautiful and fun for swimming with the kids."
"A dumping station right near the entry/exit.There is a large park area with beach for swimming, fishing, plenty of room for launching your kayak, dock and launch for your boat or using one of their grills"
from $20 - $27 / night
Check Availability"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."
"I absolutely love coming to Watkins Glen Campground, especially when I went to get away from the busy city. This park has gorgeous waterfalls, and great paths to walk and hike on."
from $20 - $58 / night
Check Availability"Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, there is to be no interaction with other campers and a mask must be worn when walking around campground. Everything for the kids was closed due to social distancing."
"Close to the beach which was very pretty and clean. Hiking trails, kayaking, and lots of other fun activities."
from $43 - $999 / night
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TravelerWonderful location and marvelous hosts. We were welcomed with chocolate chip cookies as we checked in. Bathrooms were beautiful and clean. Two wineries we could walk to and dozens more nearby. Our site was spacious and the dog park gave our pups plenty of time off leash. We definitely plan on returning.
RangerWatkins 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. Sites are decently sized and well secluded from one another.
in addition, the park is so well situated within the Finger Lakes and all the various wine trails! Made for a perfect girls weekend! Definitely recommend!
GuidePinecreek is a beautiful park in a great area 10 minutes from downtown Ithica New York and Lake Cayuga. The area has everything you could possibly want or need. Fabulous State Parks with spectacular waterfalls, a farmers market right on the lake front, Cornell University and so much more. That being said it may be the reason the campground doesn't offer any planned activities. They do have a swimming pool and what appears to be a large clubhouse/meeting area that is not or was not used while we were there, nor were any activities publicized. They do have a small arcade but it did not stay open past 8 pm and did not appear to be air-conditioned.
Our campsite was a full hookup with a large grassy area for setting up our outside chairs and picnic table. Although we enjoyed our stay we felt it was a bit overpriced for not having much to offer. They also have a very long list of rules & while they do allow pets there is a list of breed restrictions you need to be aware of before booking a reservation. They also charge for electricity on any stays one week or longer which we had not encountered previously at campgrounds where we have stayed.
Overall we enjoyed our stay but not sure we would stay again.
GuideI absolutely love coming to Watkins Glen Campground, especially when I went to get away from the busy city. This park has gorgeous waterfalls, and great paths to walk and hike on. It's located in Upstate New York, so it's close enough to the city but you feel like you are far away from the city. The campsites are great, clean and well kept. This park does get pretty busy though, because it is open to campers and people who just want to visit for the day to walk the trails. I love that they have trails that lead very close to the waterfalls..lots of rim trails that literally overlook the waterfalls and gorges. In the campground they do offer a pool, which again, does get busy because it's open to everyone regardless if you are camping or not. There also is tours you can take in the summer that will take you along the waterfalls and gorge, they have a playground for kids and an area with picnic tables. I went mid July and it was extremely busy, not sure when a good time to go during the summer when it's not as busy. That was the only downside I would say, is how crowded it was. There is also Seneca Lake nearby that many people go to fish in, however I didn't go on this trip but plan to next time. There are restrooms on site, however I didn't think they were that clean. Toilet paper and seat covers were out in most stalls, so I would advise to bring your own when you go. There is also some gift shops and food stands set up...one food stand has some pretty good hot dogs! The hikes to the gorge and waterfalls is pretty well maintained, however there are quite a bit of stairs. There were some people with kids in strollers that had to turn around because the stairs made it difficult. Not handicap friendly. I would advise to wear a good pair of walking shoes, and not sandals because it is slippery in some spots and again, a lot of stairs! I would highly recommend coming here, even if you don't decide to stay the night!
LegendJake here from the Dyrt! Harpy hollow not only has a great location in northern New York but is veteran owned and operated and ready to host more campers. Check them out and leave a review on the Dyrt when you stay!
LegendLetchworth State Park is known as the Grand Canyon of the East and is located in Mt. Morris New York. My husband and I visited regularly when we lived near Rochester, NY. The park is stunning and is fit for camping whether you’re in a tent, RV or choosing to rent a gorgeous cabin. There are many walking and hiking trails for adventurers of all types. Make sure you bring your camera as the views are all photo worthy. The camping price is right due to the fact that the park is run by the state. A great place to stay especially in the Summer!!
GuideDefinitely 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. Pair awesome trails and camping space with world class wineries up the lake, you cannot go wrong.
ScoutWe have camped at Letchworth State Park for nearly 30 years. Recent updates to playground equipment and restroom/shower facilities have brought the amenities into the 21st century. The price is reasonable, and the park is a gem. A couple cons to consider: pets only allowed in three loops. Quite often, pet loop reservations are maxed quickly. There is a two dog limit, which excludes many campers. If you are used to private campgrounds, realize that services are limited here. Mediocre camp store and laundry; both get the job done, but leave a lot to be desired.
LegendLocated in Tompkins County, Ithaca New York has beautiful gorges and hiking trails. Robert Treman is a treat and a gorgeous place to camp in the Ithaca, NY area. There are endless waterfalls, hiking trails, fishing holes and bird watching opportunities. The campground has bathrooms, showers, picnic tables, a playground and a dump station. There are cabins, tents and rv sites, some of which are handicapped accessible. Ithaca is also packed with wineries and the finger lakes. A great place to visit!
The Finger Lakes region surrounding Phelps averages 36 inches of rainfall annually, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F. Camping season in this area generally runs mid-April through mid-October, with spring campers experiencing occasional muddy conditions particularly at creek-side locations. Many campgrounds within a 20-mile radius of Phelps feature flat terrain with mixed forest cover, making them accessible for various camping styles.
Fishing near creek-side sites: Cheerful Valley Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities along its creek. "The creek is wonderful to fish in and sit by. There are things for kids to do and they have planned activities. The spring can be tricky with the rain, some sites can get messy," notes Amy T. from Cheerful Valley Campground.
Explore historic military sites: Sampson State Park features a military museum documenting its past as a Naval training base. "Has a Naval museum with many authentic items from that era. Very shady and ample bathroom, shower, and water facilities. If you like wild life you may run into some animals that are indigenous to Central/Western NY," explains Brian O.
Canal trail walking: The Cayuga-Seneca Canal Trail provides scenic water-view paths accessible from Waterloo. Tom W. mentions, "Easy access to the Cayuga Seneca Canal Trail. Campground was in need of some updates. I was told it had been sold and would reopen in 2022 as a KOA campground." Trail sections range from 0.5 to 3 miles with multiple access points.
Wine trail exploration: The surrounding area features multiple wine trails within 15-30 minutes of Phelps. The Seneca Lake Wine Trail runs directly through Watkins Glen, making it "a fun diversion to your hiking trip," according to Erin H.
Spacious wooded campsites: Keuka Lake State Park Campground offers well-separated sites. "Large grassy sites with privacy between the sites. Most sites have a good level gravel pad to park on," reports Joseph B. The park has both electric and non-electric sites across three camping loops situated on a hill above the lake.
Seasonal activities calendar: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Phelps offer organized activities throughout camping season. At Junius Ponds Cabins and Campgrounds, "They offer themed weekends and have activities for kids," shares Amy T. These events typically run Friday-Sunday with details posted at camp stores.
Accessible lake swimming: Sampson State Park provides a public beach with lifeguards. "There are boating ramps and nice places to fish off a wall, plus a nice public beach fully staffed with life guards," states Brian O. The swimming area includes a designated swimming zone approximately 150 feet long with graduated depth.
Clean bathroom facilities: Most campgrounds maintain well-kept bathhouses. At Canandaigua-Rochester KOA, "The staff was knowledgeable and friendly, and came by our site twice to see if we needed anything, which was an unnecessary but pleasant surprise," explains Frank M.
Seasonal campers and golf carts: Some campgrounds have high numbers of permanent residents. Ryan D. noted at Junius Ponds: "A would be beautiful campground is over run with seasonal campers and their golf carts. These fine folks never stop driving and take the time to walk and enjoy the the beauty of their surroundings... I have never seen this anywhere else."
Site privacy varies significantly: Campground layout affects privacy levels. At Cayuga Lake State Park, one visitor observed: "Tent 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."
Road noise at some locations: Highway proximity can affect camping experience. At Watkins Glen State Park Campground, "There was a little road noise cause it's not far from the highway, but it didn't bother us," according to Tina. Sites farther from entrance roads typically experience less traffic noise.
Water hookup locations: Some campgrounds have unusual utility arrangements. Victoria O. mentioned at Cheerful Valley: "My only concerns were the cleanliness of the bathrooms and clear communication regarding the pool closure."
Playground accessibility: Consider campsite proximity to play areas. Sparks N. notes at Canandaigua-Rochester KOA: "Lots for the kids, events, staff is fabulous, facilities are in good shape." However, they also mentioned "playground equipment is outdated" which may be important for families with very young children.
Kid-friendly fishing spots: Lake Bluff RV Park offers easy fishing opportunities for children. "Pool, frog pond, catch and release fishing. Has a nice camp store. They do events for kids every weekend," shares Sara H. The pond is stocked seasonally and requires no fishing license for catch-and-release activities.
Pool availability varies: Not all campgrounds with pools open them early in the season. Jennifer W. observed at Watkins Glen: "One thing that we were kind of disappointed in, is that the campground pool doesn't open until the end of June." Check with campgrounds directly about swimming availability if camping before July.
Pet-friendly trails: While dogs are welcome at most campgrounds, some trails restrict pet access. Lindsay C. mentions about Watkins Glen: "Dogs are allowed but they are not allowed on the gorge trail. I'm ok with this I just wish I had know before we got there." Always verify pet policies for specific trails before bringing dogs.
Narrow roads in some parks: Large RVs may face navigation challenges. Laura L. cautions about Watkins Glen: "We stayed in a 30 ft. motorhome, and the roads within the campground were kind of tight to get through with trees and curves."
Pull-through site availability: Junius Ponds Cabins and Campgrounds offers specific sites for easier RV access. Kristine B. shares, "They had a oversized, long pull through available (site 88) that made entering and exiting the site nice and easy. 50amp and water was used, didn't dump." Request these specialized sites when booking for larger rigs.
Shared electric hookups: Unusual electric box placement can require extra planning. At Sampson State Park, "Electric service boxes are shared in-between sites. This could pose an issue if your power cord is not long enough," warns Amanda K. Pack extension cords if traveling with an RV.
Limited water fill stations: Some parks have restricted water access points. Amanda K. also noted at Sampson: "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." Plan arrival times accordingly and bring portable water containers if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Phelps, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Phelps, NY is Junius Ponds with a 3.9-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Phelps, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 101 dog-friendly camping locations near Phelps, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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