The Finger Lakes region surrounding Preble, New York sits at elevations between 1,000-2,000 feet with a humid continental climate characterized by warm summers and cold winters. Camping options near Preble range from state park facilities with electric hookups to more rustic experiences, with seasonal operation typically running April through October when temperatures remain above freezing at night.
What to do
Swimming in natural settings: Robert H. Treman State Park Campground offers a unique swimming experience below a waterfall. "You can swim in the waterfall area here. Need I say more? Actually, it can be VERY busy in the summer time in the swimming area, making it difficult to find your own 'space.' However, the hiking trails are awesome," notes Matt G.
Kayaking on calm waters: Bowman Lake State Park Campground provides excellent kayaking opportunities on its small lake. "The lake is small but calm and great for kayaking. There is a little 'beach' there for swimming, but know that it's a soft lake bottom further out," says Oleńka S.
Hiking varied terrain: Trails around Taughannock Falls State Park Campground offer different difficulty levels. "The gorge hikes are also moderate and invigorating," mentions Ashley B., while another camper adds, "The hiking to the waterfall is very manageable. There is also at least 2 other state parks within 30 minutes to visit if you have time."
Golf access: Sampson State Park includes golf facilities alongside other amenities. "There is a museum, boat launch, pavilions, and ice cream shop on the camp ground," shares Kate W., making it a versatile destination for those wanting recreation beyond typical camping activities.
What campers like
Waterfront views: Cayuga Lake State Park Campground offers scenic lake views. "Nice modern-esque camp site with great views of the lake. They have cabins but we tent camped. Tent sites are open," states Harry H., providing an alternative to the Green Lakes glamping experience near Preble.
Privacy between sites: Chenango Valley State Park Campground offers good separation between camping areas. "Campsites are in the woods with picnic tables and fire ring, plenty of shade and a good amount of space between camps. They have so many birds, squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits and insects that it was a veritable wonderland," reports Mary P.
Clean facilities: Sned Acres Campground maintains well-kept amenities. "Very clean campground with very nice owners. The sites are nicely spaced so you aren't on top of each other. Great place to call home base while exploring the finger lakes," says Kate A., providing important information for those considering luxury camping near Preble.
Wilderness immersion: Bowman Lake provides a secluded experience. "This campsite was beautiful. It was very secluded and in the woods, right next to the lake as well. I enjoyed how spread out this campground is compared to most and the location is beautiful," notes Katarina M.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds in the Preble area have defined operating seasons. Bowman Lake State Park operates from "May 13 to October 9," while Taughannock Falls runs from "April 15 to October 16," making fall a prime time for glamping options near Preble.
Varied shower quality: Watkins Glen State Park Campground has inconsistent bathroom facilities. "Some of the shower houses are better than others. Wonderful hiking at the gorge and it was beautiful," shares Lori F.
Reservation requirements: Most state parks require advance booking, especially for weekend stays. "This is a beautiful campground. I stayed at site 42, which was mostly shady. The upper part of the campground is pretty private, while the lower end near the entrance/exit is more open," notes Barbara S. from Taughannock Falls, highlighting the importance of selecting the right site.
Wildlife presence: Local campgrounds host active wildlife. "We had four deer that were feeding behind our site in the morning," reports Mary S. about Chenango Valley, adding, "Beware of raccoons. They are brazen thieves here...and every campground they inhabit. Just don't leave your food out."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Robert H. Treman has family-friendly facilities. "This was a total surprise when we stayed at this site. We thought we were going to go to another park to camp but this one was so nice we ended up staying... Sites were really flat with some tree coverage for shade. Great water for older kids that can swim," explains Kelly J.
Swimming options: Sampson State Park Campground offers swimming with lifeguards. "Nice camp ground with well-kept bathrooms. Close to hiking trails along the gorge and Cayuga Lake access for swimming and boating," shares Stephanie B. from Taughannock Falls.
Biking opportunities: Chenango Valley offers good biking terrain. "Bring your bikes, the swimming is great and the entire swimming/boating area just underwent a major renovation. You can rent kayaks and paddle boards and the park is well maintained and monitored by park police, very safe!" recommends Courtney Z.
Educational features: Sampson State Park includes learning opportunities. "It has a very nice military museum," mentions Carrie N., providing an educational component for family outings beyond the typical glamping experience near Preble.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: At Sampson State Park, electrical service requires planning. "Electric service boxes are shared in-between sites. This could pose an issue if your power cord is not long enough," warns Amanda K.
Road conditions: Watkins Glen presents challenges for larger vehicles. "The roads within the campground were kind of tight to get through with trees and curves," explains Laura L. who visited with a 27-foot motorhome.
Water access points: Limited water stations can create bottlenecks. "There is only one 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," notes Amanda K. about Sampson State Park.
Site leveling needs: Prepare for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. "Our site was gravel and not super level, but we made it work," shares Oleńka S. about Bowman Lake, providing practical advice for RVers considering glamping near Preble.
