Glamping sites near Rochester, New York offer canvas accommodations from May through October, with proximity to the Finger Lakes region. Located in western New York state at approximately 500 feet above sea level, the Rochester area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F. Campgrounds in this region span from the shores of Lake Ontario to the rolling hills south of the city, providing access to both waterfront and woodland camping experiences.
What to do
Hiking trails with lake views: At Webster Park, campers can access wooded paths that connect directly to sites. "There is hiking in the park, lots of nice woods, big field for playing games/sports. It's close to town and home for us," notes Scott C., who frequently visits with family.
Waterfall exploration: Stony Brook State Park Campground features multiple waterfalls and gorge formations along its trail system. "The gorge trail is very busy but you still can enjoy the beautiful waterfalls along with the gorge formation. We also did the east trail that goes up to the top of the gorge and is also a little further into the woods," shares Verity S., adding that "the views looking down from there were breathtaking."
Natural swimming areas: Several parks offer unique swimming options beyond traditional pools. "My favorite part about this park has to be their natural pool. It's beautiful and so refreshing," writes Olivia R. about Stony Brook State Park. The park maintains a swimming area carved from natural rock, providing a refreshing alternative to conventional swimming facilities.
Stargazing: Clear nights offer excellent astronomical viewing opportunities, particularly at higher elevation sites away from city lights. Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill provides exceptional dark sky conditions during clear weather, making it popular with amateur astronomers.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Lake Bluff RV Park receives consistent praise for its spacious layout. "Had a large, private plot in drumlin loop. Close to the beach which was very pretty and clean," reports Jay P., who appreciated the separation between camping areas.
Clean facilities: Bathroom maintenance is frequently mentioned in positive reviews. "Bathrooms are clean and great showers in the wooden size of nicely spaced and level," notes Jeff A. about his experience at Letchworth State Park Campground, while Joseph W. comments that at Webster Park, "the bathrooms and showers were clean."
Accessibility to attractions: The strategic location between natural areas and urban amenities is valued by visitors. "It is within an hour drive of many different areas for recreation and is close to Lake Ontario and the Genesee River," explains Dorothy P. about Webster Park, highlighting its convenience for exploring regional attractions.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds maintain stocked ponds that are particularly popular with families. "Hiking trails, kayaking, and lots of other fun activities," Jay P. mentions about Lake Bluff RV Park, which includes catch-and-release fishing areas.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, particularly for weekends and holidays. "Book early," advises Rebecca E. about Letchworth State Park Campground, which was "voted Best State Park in the USA" and tends to fill quickly during peak season.
Cell service limitations: Coverage can be spotty at certain campgrounds. "Cell phone coverage is poor by Verizon and T-Mobile, and there is no WiFi, and no camp store (but the town of Webster is nearby)," reports Carl C. about Webster Park, suggesting campers should plan accordingly for limited connectivity.
Weather considerations: The region experiences variable conditions, particularly during shoulder seasons. "It turned out to be a rainy week and weekend, a few dry spells in between. We had plenty of shelter with us to keep dry," shares Geoff W. about Stony Brook State Park Campground.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require preparation for uneven terrain. At Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill, "make sure to bring plenty of leveling blocks as some sites are far from level," advises Jonathan G. from his experience.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select sites near play areas to provide independence for children. "We stay close to the playground these days in our pop up usually at site 5 so our 5 and 9 year old can walk or ride to campground," recommends Scott C. about Webster Park, noting that "the campground is very quiet and very kid friendly to allow them to walk around and ride or scooter the loop alone."
Water activities: Canandaigua-Rochester KOA offers multiple water recreation options. "Our kids rented cabins and some used tents and others came for the day. The campground has so much to do between swimming, golf, bike and paddle boat rentals," shares Rich L., highlighting the variety of activities available at one location.
Educational programs: Several parks offer structured nature activities during summer months. "There is a nice camp store. They do events for kids every weekend," notes Sara H. about Lake Bluff RV Park, which includes seasonal programming designed for younger campers.
Loop camping with groups: When camping with multiple families, certain campgrounds offer loop configurations that work well for creating shared spaces. "We'd take out of town guests either here or to Watkins Glen. The campgrounds are basic and very nice given the relatively high popularity," Harry H. recommends about Letchworth State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Junius Ponds offers diverse site configurations for different RV requirements. "Most sites can accommodate large rigs with full hookups. Reservations recommended especially during summer weekends. Well priced $42 per night for full hookups," explains Jim C., noting the campground's capacity for larger vehicles.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "The roads are narrow and hilly, but we pull a 36' 5th wheel (mid-profile) and we had no issues with branches," reports Kristine B. about Junius Ponds, adding that "they had a oversized, long pull through available (site 88) that made entering and exiting the site nice and easy."
Water connection length: Pack extra hose sections for certain campgrounds. "You need a long hose for fresh water in the RV. No sewer sites," advises Janelle G. about Webster Park, suggesting that RVers should come prepared with additional water connection equipment.
Site selection for privacy: At Southwoods RV Resort, the layout offers varied levels of separation. "The owner took us around on a golf cart to show us how different some areas are within the campground," shares Rich L., explaining that site selection can significantly impact the camping experience.
