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Best Tent Camping near Rochester, NY

430 Reviews

Tent campgrounds around Rochester, New York offer varied experiences for outdoor enthusiasts seeking canvas shelter options. Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort in Macedon provides tent sites with amenities including drinking water, fires allowed, and picnic tables. Holiday Hill Campground in Springwater offers a more primitive experience with electric hookups but fewer amenities, situated near Hemlock and Canadice Lakes, making it a strategic basecamp for hikers.

Most tent campsites in the Rochester area maintain basic amenities with varying levels of development. Dream Lake Campground features drinking water, fire rings, picnic tables, and trash disposal services for tent campers. The speed limit at Twilight on the Erie is strictly enforced at 5 MPH to ensure safety for families and children using the facilities. Seasonal availability varies across locations, with most campgrounds operating approximately May through October, requiring advance planning for prime summer weekends. Bathroom facilities range from basic vault toilets to shower buildings depending on the campground.

Tent camping areas near Rochester provide access to natural attractions including lakes, trails, and waterways. Holiday Hill Campground serves as a gateway to Reynolds Gully and Johnson Hill trails, offering tent campers direct access to hiking opportunities. Sites at Twilight on the Erie provide reasonable spacing with nearby kayak launches and a marina, though level ground may be limited. Most locations balance accessibility with a sense of retreat from urban environments. A camper observed, "Lots of trails, and Hemlock and Canadice Lake so close by. Mostly known for Reynolds Gully, and Johnson Hill trails! Tons to do in the area but town isn't too far."

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Best Tent Sites Near Rochester, New York (7)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Rochester, NY

2 Photos of 7 Rochester Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Rochester, NY

430 Reviews of 7 Rochester Campgrounds

  • Jama A.
    Jul. 15, 2025

    Canandaigua-Rochester KOA

    Camping near Canandaigua, New York

    Campers exploring the Canandaigua area discover a delightful mix of lakeside retreats, wooded state parks, and family-friendly RV resorts. Just minutes from downtown, Canandaigua City Park Campground offers easy access to local shops and the lakefront beach, making it a convenient base for those who want town amenities within walking distance. A short drive farther out leads to Keuka Lake State Park Campground and the privately owned Canandaigua-Rochester KOA, both of which feature spacious sites, clean facilities, and excellent opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and fishing on the Finger Lakes. For those seeking a quieter experience, numerous backcountry and dispersed sites are tucked into the surrounding National Forest, where campers can truly unplug—though it’s essential to bring all necessary supplies and practice Leave No Trace principles. Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill and the Stay Bristol Woodlands campground blend rustic charm with modern comforts: well-maintained restrooms, picnic shelters, and on-site hiking trails that wind through hardwood forests and offer scenic overlooks, especially stunning during fall foliage season. Travel logistics are a breeze when visitors prearrange an airport shuttle from Rochester or Syracuse airports, ensuring a smooth transition from plane to campsite. And for adventurers mapping out multiple stops across the Finger Lakes or beyond, reliable multi-city transfers provide comfortable, door-to-door rides—no rental car necessary. With its blend of waterfront sites, wooded hideaways, and nearby attractions—wineries, waterfalls, and historic villages—the Canandaigua region truly has something for every type of camper. Whether pitching a tent under the stars or rolling in with an RV, visitors will find endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.

  • K
    Jun. 29, 2021

    Sterling Creek Campground

    Nice tent spot, quiet, nice owner

    We stayed on a Monday night and it was very quiet. A lot of empty spaces. And a lot of seasonal campers were gone for the week. The owner was super nice and it was close enough to the State Park to run over to the beach. Nice large, flat spot with full shade. Maybe I'm still on Midwest pricing, but I get annoyed when I have to pay for a shower when I've played $25 for a non-electric and no water tent site. The bathrooms were clean.

  • Jess W.
    Aug. 19, 2018

    Letchworth State Park Campground

    Amazing state park, crappy campground

    The 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.

  • J
    Aug. 15, 2021

    Cayuga Lake State Park Campground

    Great stay, choose your site wisely!

    We stayed 2 nights at site 1002. I think this site is one of the best in the campground! Very secluded and private. Be weary that some of the camp sites are closer to playgrounds than they appear on the map.

    Great facilities, dumpsters, potable water! Bring lots of bugspray and fire starters as it does rain up here which affects the fire wood.

  • Randall K.
    Aug. 25, 2023

    Genesee Country Campground

    Great spot - esp for tents!

    What a great place this was!

    Everyone was very nice and bathrooms were so clean! To top it off the sites for tents are amazing - so private and pretty. In fact it’s so private we were able to set up our own portable toilet and have complete privacy.

    Nice little store too! Overall this place was great and we’d stay here again in a heartbeat. Very easy place to spend the night.

    Also they have golfing here and tent areas back up to the 9th hole (but still separated so you don’t feel like you are right on top of it) so you can easily knock around there and do a little golfing too!

  • D
    Jul. 31, 2022

    Hamlin Beach State Park Campground

    Is this a spot? Dirty and loud but a nice beach

    Big park with several loops.  Separate and across two roads from the Beach section of the Park. Got a reservation for Friday and Saturday but the spot in loop D was an inclined driveway next to the high voltage boxes for the campground.  Had to move the fire ring after smoking ourselves out the first night.  Right across from the building they called a bath house.  Filthy, urinal broken, one shower broken in mens.   Feces on the floor in womens.  Friday night quiet hours did not exist.  Spent Saturday early am listening to the neighbor loudly declare her preferences in music, men and liquor.  No Ranger in sight.

    Minor redeeming qualities:  Nice beach and bike trails across road from campground.  Three lane dump station (only one for a four loop campground with 100s of "spots")

    Beware:  Rigs approaching from East there are very low bridges (11' 3') between Rochester and the Park on the Parkway.

  • Michael B.
    Sep. 3, 2020

    Stony Brook State Park Campground

    Beautiful park. Too bad we missed the pool.

    Had a great time at Stony Brook State Park this week! The campground side doesn't open until around 11 we were told, and we reached at 8am, so we started at the North (day-use) side, parked there, hiked, ate, and eventually drove back to the other side, checked in, and set up camp. 😁 It was a very nice time. Due to the COVID-19 regulations, masks need to be worn in the bathhouse (except when brushing teeth or showering). Was a good, quiet, fun time, with a few other families nearby. The only negatives: *According to their website, the natural pool would be open the day we went. It was not. ☹️ *No alcohol permitted in the whole campgrounds. Fine for us, but annoying for many. From the trash in the bathhouse, looks like some were anyways. *No "camp store" - so if you forgot an essential item, you've got to go out from the park. Positive part: town is only 8 minutes away via car. Also, we got GREAT and easy burning from the people selling wood for $5/bundle just outside the campground entrance.

    All in all, a GREAT time! We all enjoyed it!

  • H
    Sep. 30, 2017

    Bluff Camping Area — Fair Haven Beach State Park

    This haven is more than fair

    Not too far from Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany. Sunsets are amazing. Sandy beach and hilly wooded park. Basic though recently renovated facilities with electricity at a lot of the tent sits. Get a site by the buffs if you have a tent that can take some serious wind (especially in fall). Avoid Drumlin loop, it’s sandier and smaller sites. They have cabins too. Favorite park in the area and they take good care of it.

  • Brian O.
    Jul. 8, 2016

    Sampson State Park Campground

    Historic Site

    Right on the water front of Seneca Lake(a Finger lake in Central NY) It was a Naval training base during WWll. About 45 minutes from Rochester and about hr and half from Syracuse. It 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. There are boating ramps and nice places to fish off a wall, plus a nice public beach fully staffed with life guards. A store and rec center is located at entrance area of camp ground as well as a big playground for the children

Guide to Rochester

Rochester, New York, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a memorable experience in nature.

Tent campers should check out Twilight on the Erie RV Resort

  • This campground features full hookups and a family-friendly atmosphere, making it a great choice for those traveling with kids.
  • Enjoy live music on Friday nights and a range of weekend activities that keep the whole family entertained.
  • With kayak launches and a nearby boat marina, outdoor adventures are just a stone's throw away.

Tips for tent camping near Rochester

  • Consider staying at Dream Lake Campground, where you'll find clean facilities and a friendly environment perfect for families.
  • Holiday Hill Campground offers a variety of activities for kids and teens, ensuring that there's never a dull moment during your stay.
  • For a quieter experience, Catbird Hill provides stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for those looking to unwind.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • At The PineApple Farm, guests can enjoy drinking water, showers, and the option to have campfires, enhancing the camping experience.
  • Riverview Camp Ground & Marina is perfect for those who want to combine camping with water activities, thanks to its marina access.
  • For those who enjoy a rustic experience, The Jonestead allows campfires and provides a unique camping atmosphere without the usual amenities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Rochester, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Rochester, NY is Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Rochester, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Rochester, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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