Camping sites near Skaneateles, New York spread across the rolling hills surrounding the Finger Lakes, with elevations ranging from 686 feet at lakeside to over 1,000 feet in the surrounding highlands. The region features a humid continental climate with summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F during peak camping season. Most campgrounds in this area sit within a mixed hardwood forest ecosystem where maple, oak, and hickory trees provide natural shade for campsites.
What to do
Hiking around glacial lakes: Green Lakes State Park Campground offers unique hiking opportunities around its meromictic lakes. "There are 2 Great Lakes to hike around with awesome views. Fishing and boat rental if you want to be closer to the water," notes Kelly J. The main trail forms "an easy 3.1 mile loop with much shade around two glacier formed turquoise lakes."
Swimming in natural settings: Fillmore Glen State Park Campground provides a distinctive swimming experience. "Kids loved the park and swimming in the waterfall beach," writes Charyssa G. The park features "a gorgeous natural pool with lifeguard" according to another visitor.
Exploring gorge trails: Watkins Glen State Park Campground offers dramatic gorge scenery with multiple trail options. "The gorge trail is a MUST," reports Laura L. Another camper describes the experience: "If you enjoy hiking and scenery this is the place for you. I would describe the hikes as moderately difficult. The main one has a lot of steps but lots of walkway in between them."
What campers like
Spacious sites with shade: Campers consistently praise the site layouts at Sampson State Park. "Most sites are pretty spacious," notes Amanda K. Another reviewer confirms this impression: "Huge sites. Spacious park. Wonderful beach and nice fishing areas."
Clean facilities: Cayuga Lake State Park Campground maintains well-kept amenities that campers appreciate. "Great facilities, dumpsters, potable water!" reports Jeremy T. The campground offers "nice modern-esque camp site with great views of the lake," according to another visitor.
Farm-based camping experiences: Woonton Family Farms in Skaneateles provides a different camping option from state parks. "We had an excellent stay at the farm of the Woonton Family Farms with our RV, it was a cozy and beautiful campsite with personal attention of the owner," writes Willemien V. The farm offers "a stunning farm with trails, water and forest to explore."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Green Lakes State Park fills quickly during peak seasons. "Fills up during August when the State Fair is in Syracuse (same is true for every campsite in this area)," advises Harry H. Advance planning is essential for weekend visits.
Site privacy varies: Fillmore Glen has limited separation between sites. "The sites in the middle section of the campground don't really have designated boundaries, while those around the edges are more traditionally divided. There is literally no privacy between any of the sites," explains one reviewer.
Swimming restrictions: Water access policies differ between parks. At Watkins Glen, "Dogs are allowed but they are not allowed on the gorge trail," notes Lindsay C. Similarly, at Sampson State Park, the swimming area is regulated with "a nice beach and swimming area; water was very clean" and staffed lifeguards.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Sampson State Park Campground offers multiple recreation options for children. "There is a museum, boat launch, pavilions, and ice cream shop on the camp ground... and the trails were clear," reports Kate W. Another camper mentions "nice playgrounds" among the park's highlights.
Kid-friendly water features: Green Lakes State Park provides graduated water access. "Beach for swimming with concession stand with quite a full menu. Beach also has a great playground for kids that is perfect for play and swim," says Kelly J. The beach area is "wide and shallow in most areas" making it suitable for younger children.
Entertainment options: Sned Acres Campground places families near regional attractions. "The location is perfect for exploring the Finger Lakes region, with wineries, hiking, and local attractions just a short drive away," notes a reviewer. Another family found it "a great place to call home base while exploring the finger lakes."
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: At Cayuga Lake State Park, site selection requires planning. "Be weary that some of the camp sites are closer to playgrounds than they appear on the map," warns Jeremy T. The campground offers sites with varied levels of privacy and access.
RV site access: Sned Acres Campground provides accommodating arrival procedures. "It was easy to find, relatively easy to pull in," notes Julie S., though she cautions that arrival can be complicated "if someone had parked their car in the grass directly across from our campsite." The campground offers full-service sites but with limited spacing between neighbors.
Navigating campground roads: Watkins Glen presents some challenges for larger vehicles. "The roads within the campground were kind of tight to get through with trees and curves," reports Laura L. who stayed in a 30-foot motorhome. Despite this limitation, she found the wooded sites had "plenty of space in between."
