Camping near Preble, NY

The Finger Lakes region near Preble, New York sits at elevations ranging from 1,100 to 2,000 feet, creating distinct microclimates throughout the area. Camping options span from free primitive sites in Morgan Hill State Forest to full-service campgrounds with varying seasonal availability. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing, with summer highs typically reaching the mid-80s Fahrenheit.

What to do

Hiking trail access: Morgan Hill State Forest features multiple access points for hiking, including the Onondaga Trailhead campground which connects directly to the North Country Scenic Trail. One reviewer noted, "You can directly access the Onondaga Trail branch of the National North Country scenic trail" and "Hiking the trail west on a day trip will bring you to the beautiful Tinker Falls."

Tubing and kayaking: Water activities provide cooling recreation during summer months near campsites around Preble. Lighthouse Landing Campground offers "tubing, kayaking and canoeing right on the river that leads to the campground," according to a visitor who highlighted this as a standout feature.

Swimming in natural settings: Several campgrounds provide swimming options beyond standard pools. At Fillmore Glen State Park Campground, "Kids loved the park and swimming in the waterfall beach," while another reviewer mentioned the "gorgeous natural pool with lifeguard."

What campers like

Unique water features: The color and clarity of lakes draw many campers to the area. At Green Lakes State Park Campground, the water is described as "Crystal clear and very blue, you will think you are in the Caribbean Islands." Another camper noted the lake is "beautiful with green/blue hue in which the park gets its name."

Clean facilities: Bathroom quality matters to campers visiting the Preble area. Fillmore Glen received praise: "Bathrooms are very clean and close to all campsites." Green Lakes also maintains high standards, with campers noting, "The bathrooms have been remodeled and most are private with a toilet, shower and sink which makes this a wonderful family campground."

Fishing opportunities: Several sites around Preble offer fishing access. Spruce Pond Camping Area in Morgan Hill State Forest is frequently visited by anglers, with one reviewer noting, "Lots of fisherman frequent the pond" and another highlighting "its own accessible fishing landing."

What you should know

Sound considerations: Natural and human noise can affect sleep quality at campsites near Preble. At Spruce Pond, "the animals at the pond are very active and made a lot of noise in the night." At Fillmore Glen State Park, tent campers reported, "We were the only tent campers around and the RV groups were loud late and early. We struggled to sleep because of the noise."

Permit requirements: For dispersed camping in Morgan Hill State Forest, specific rules apply. While general areas are free, some locations require permits. At Nature Lover's Paradise, access to "70 acres of hiking trails" makes it "the perfect getaway for anyone looking to reconnect with nature."

Site spacing and privacy: Campgrounds vary significantly in site separation. While Morgan Hill offers "plenty of distance between neighboring campers," Fillmore Glen has sites that are "a little close" with "no privacy between any of the sites."

Tips for camping with families

Playground proximity: Campgrounds with play areas keep children entertained. Fillmore Glen State Park offers "playgrounds and areas for various sports" while Green Lakes has "a great playground for kids that is perfect for play and swim."

Swimming depth awareness: Water safety varies by location. Green Lakes "beach area is wide and shallow in most areas," making it suitable for younger swimmers, while at Fillmore Glen, "there are some pretty steep drop offs so watch the kids close."

Activity planning: Scheduling family-friendly recreation helps maximize enjoyment. Empire Haven Nudist Park creates opportunities to "socialize and share meals whenever you want to reach beyond the family who came with you," creating a "quiet and peaceful" environment.

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: RV sites with services vary widely around Preble. Cortlands Country Music Park and Campground offers "Electric and water at site" for RVs, though it's described as a "Small campground near NY finger lakes."

Big rig considerations: Several campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles, but access roads may present challenges. At Green Lakes, full hookups are available, with one RVer noting it's "one of the few that offer full hook ups."

Winter camping options: Most campgrounds near Preble close during winter months, but Yellow Lantern Kampground remains open from April through mid-November, offering RV sites with "full RV hookups with both 30 and 50-amp service."