Best Camping near Skaneateles, NY

Skaneateles is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that New York camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Skaneateles, NY. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Skaneateles, NY (145)

Showing results 1-10 of 145 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Skaneateles

Recent Reviews in Skaneateles

544 Reviews of 145 Skaneateles Campgrounds


  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Taughannock Falls State Park Campground
    Oct. 14, 2024

    Taughannock Falls State Park Campground

    Great little campground

    Pulled back and punted bc of Storm Debbie. Lucked out with a find in the Finger Lakes. Nice campground. Has everything you need. Small sites but fine for our hybrid. Ours was shady. Check out which side the hookups are on. Some not situated on the right side so you’ll need extra long cords. Just beautiful area. Hiked here. Drove to Watkins Glen-hiked-absolutely breathtaking. That campground is much larger. Went to Buttermilk Falls too.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Verona Beach State Park Campground
    Oct. 14, 2024

    Verona Beach State Park Campground

    Nice stop

    We needed a campground not too far off our route from Niagara Falls to NH and this was great. Very windy when we arrived. Our campsite 8 did not have a fire ring but others did. Right on water…can’t drive on path in front of the water sites so you are essentially on the water. Nice clean facilities.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Watkins Glen State Park Campground
    Oct. 11, 2024

    Watkins Glen State Park Campground

    Favorite State Park Spot

    I love that despite there being so many sites, you don’t feel on top of each other in Seneca Village. It’s a state campground so don’t expect it to be anything close to dispersed camping. Trees separated me from my neighbors on either side, woods behind my tent, lots of quiet, no one blasted music or anything like that. I woke up to seeing trees above me and hearing birds. The bathroom was clean, with multiple ways to enter it without going near someone else’s site. The campground felt safe, and you are able to buy firewood (I didn’t due to quite a bit of rain). To get to the gorge trail, you have to walk over to the next site (Oswego I think) but it’s not too far. I would most likely stay at that loop next time though because it seemed to have even more space on each site. I didn’t see any bears and asked a few workers but only one had seen a bear the entire time they’ve been there. Definitely recommend this location. Lots of beautiful trails, red cat wine slushies were delicious, grounds were fun to explore and people were either friendly or kept to themselves which was great. Super dog friendly and I met many of them! Just a note, dogs are NOT allowed on the gorge trail.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping
    Oct. 1, 2024

    Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping

    Amazing campground

    Very well maintained. Some sites are close and some a spread out. About half of them are in the sun and half get shade all day. I switched sites after a day to get some solar charging. Clean bathrooms with flush toilets. Sign in near bathrooms on arrival. Dogs must be on a leash but I found a spot down the hill to the south where there are no campsites to let them play fetch for a bit.

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from Sterling Creek Campground
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Sterling Creek Campground

    Lipstick on a pig

    After 6 years of 2 weeks visits

    Pros: New owners have made improvements to be up to code and qualifications for KOA standards. 

    Cons: Still has environment of nosy, trashy seasonal campers who are always being rude or commenting on your gear/unit. 

    If you are looking for a quick flip bit same ole suspects, this is the place for you.

  • Carol L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Nature Lover's Paradise
    Sep. 26, 2024

    Nature Lover's Paradise

    cool

    The tent site and the 70 acres of hiking trails sound like the perfect getaway for anyone looking to reconnect with nature. I love the idea of having access to such a large network of trails, especially with the Finger Lakes area offering so much natural beauty. By the way, if you’re ever in need of some inspiration or ideas for nature-related essays, check out Nature Essay Examples and Topic Ideas on https://www.topessaywriting.org/samples/nature —there’s a lot of helpful content there! Overall, this seems like the ideal spot for anyone wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

  • m
    Camper-submitted photo from Cayuga Lake State Park Campground
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Cayuga Lake State Park Campground

    Tent camping in a backyard

    Tent camping here felt like we were camping in a neighborhood backyard. We could hear so many different families talking and really doing everything you do while camping but the area felt so open and unobstructed voices carried and in the evening when everyone was building campfires the smoke could be overwhelming at times.

  • Rui T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sned Acres Campground
    Sep. 18, 2024

    Sned Acres Campground

    Great getaway time

    5/5 Stars!

    I recently stayed at Sned Acres Campground, and it was an incredible experience! The campground is beautifully maintained with stunning views of Cayuga Lake. The staff was friendly, welcoming, and went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed. The facilities were spotless, and the campsites were spacious and well-kept. Whether you’re RVing or tent camping, there’s plenty of space and privacy.

    The location is perfect for exploring the Finger Lakes region, with wineries, hiking, and local attractions just a short drive away. The peaceful atmosphere and serene surroundings made for a relaxing getaway. I can’t recommend Sned Acres enough – we’ll definitely be back!

  • Jacob D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Foster Pond Camping Area
    Sep. 13, 2024

    Foster Pond Camping Area

    Relaxed Free Dispersed Camping

    Right at the intersection of Potomac Road and Chicken Coop road in the Finger Lakes National Forest. If heading North on Potomac Road, turn left at the intersection and you’ll find a parking lot. Into the woods around the Lake you’ll find free dispersed camping.

    My mom and I stayed just in the parking lot and had no issues and weren’t bothered. NO AMENITIES

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Pond Campground
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Long Pond Campground

    Quiet and secluded

    Camped here for a one night stay. Campground was easy to locate and the road was in good shape.

    We stayed in the space across from the port-a-pottie. The other camping spaces we close enough to see their campfire at night but far enough away that it's still quiet.

    Campsites are level and long enough for a very small trailer. The trees are so thick we could not feed our solar panel.

    Site has no water, no garbage service and no phone signal.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Pond Campground
    Aug. 25, 2024

    Long Pond Campground

    Nice Rustic Campground

    We came into the camping area on a Sunday and found site 7 available. While this is next to the road, it is also within 40 yards of the only potta potty in the park.

    About 100 yards away was the public fishing dock and another camp site. There were two young men fishing there at about 7 PM.

    There is no water or garbage services at this site. Most camping spots are ideal for tents or very small campers or trailers.

    The camp sites I saw all seemed to be large and level spots all located beneath the tree canopy. Sites seemed disbursed enough to provide a modest level of privacy.

    Would rate 5 stars if it had water and a garbage dumpster.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite
    Aug. 24, 2024

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Excellent Free Site

    No show but decent bathrooms. I spent a night at Watkins Glen the only advantage was the shower. But you can wash up well here. You can stay horses here, each site has a fire pit and it feels safe.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Pond Campground
    Aug. 16, 2024

    Long Pond Campground

    Great for Dispersed Camping!

    I was initially worried about the other people camping here because I was almost immediately visited by them but the poor kids just needed to charge their phone so I obliged. Aside from that this was a short drive in and I was able to score a spot right on the pond next to a dock. People have driven in to fish and kayak so I don’t feel isolated and afraid, and I am just a few steps away from sitting on the dock and admiring the scenery.

    There is a port-a-potty near the entrance but otherwise a “leave no trace” situation which is fine considering the ample forest coverage in case there is someone who drives in.

    Each spot seems to have plenty of shade and access to downed firewood, and it looks like there are fire pits at each site. Lots of good tinder left over from previous guests which has been helpful.

    Beautiful views, quiet, no insect issues so far, and if I had a rod and reel I wouldn’t need to worry for food at all. T-Mobile service has been exceptional as well. I am planning on staying here for a week or more and I see no reason to find another location as there is no fee or permit needed and you can stay up to 14 days I believe.

  • Craig F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Finger Lakes RV Resort
    Jul. 31, 2024

    Finger Lakes RV Resort

    Quiet and Relaxing

    Amazing RV park!I can't stop talking about the Finger Lakes RV park and the great experience we had there. FLRV opened in the last couple years and is a great addition to the camping options around the Finger Lakes. Located about 1/3 of the way up the eastern side of Seneca Lake, the location provides easy access to the wineries, distilleries, and breweries along the lake.

    This is a family owned campground and the owners were very friendly and took pride in their business. Fresh baked chocolate chip cookies are included at check-in. The campground sites are very large and spread out. Being a newer campground, the trees are small, but that did not take away from the experience. Easy maneuverability, great wifi and water pressure, along with level sites make it a great place to stay. The bath house is immaculate and rivals those at Fort Wilderness Resort. 

    Amenities are minimal(no pool, playground, or golf carts), but they are bookended by two wineries with walking paths from the campground. Due to the minimal amenities, it is very quiet and relaxing especially in the evenings sitting around the campfire. 

    I look forward to returning to the Finger Lakes RV park as this is easily one of our top campgrounds when needing to relax.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite
    Jul. 23, 2024

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Amazing campsite!!

    Stopped in to "ride out a rain storm." After surviving the night, we discovered all the amenities. Free garbage service daily, Water faucets were placed all over the campground. There is a Forest Fire Lookout Tower next to the bathrooms.

    Camp sites are disbursed so you don't feel crowded or squeezed for space.

    Weekends are very busy but weekdays there were no more than 7 or 8 campsites occupied each night.

    The horse stalls were used regularly and seeing horses coming and going on trail rides is a daily occurrence.

  • Matt S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Finger Lakes RV Resort
    Jul. 19, 2024

    Finger Lakes RV Resort

    Great for Waterfalls & Wine!

    We stayed at Finger Lakes RV Resort in Hector, a short drive from Watkins Glen and Ithaca, in search of waterfalls and wine in the Finger Lakes region of NY state. 

    This is a fairly new campground, operated by a friendly husband and wife who show great pride in the condition and cleanliness of every square inch. 

    THINGS I ESPECIALLY LIKED: 

    • Easy drive to Watkins Glen, Lake Seneca, Ithaca, and the greater Finger Lakes region. 

    • Everything is in great condition and clean. 

    • Daily trash and recycling pick-up from each site. 

    • Walking paths from the campground to two different wineries. 

    • Really nice pavilion for group gatherings and watching the sunset. 

    • We experienced a severe thunderstorm one evening which resulted in an area-wide power outage that lasted a couple days. Of course, the campground had no responsibility or control over this situation, but they refunded everybody a night’s stay as a courtesy. Thanks, Rachael and Doug! 

    THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: 

    • This campground does not offer a pool, jump pad, sports facilities, amenities, or activities. They offer a clean and safe place to stay while visiting the area. For me, this is a positive, not a complaint. 

    • There’s no shade from trees or otherwise. If you’re visiting during the summer, be sure your air conditioning and awnings are working. 

    • They sell firewood and propane. 

    WOULD WE COME BACK? 

    • Absolutely, this is a great place to stay for wine and waterfalls.
  • Randall K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Lakes State Park Campground
    Jul. 17, 2024

    Green Lakes State Park Campground

    If you love a good bathroom…

    Yes, it’s true! You’ve hit the campground bathroom lottery here!

    Let’s start off with the pros: bathrooms are great! Super modern and clean and hot, free showers! Very handicap accessible as well.

    The whole campground is very well kept. Completely litter free and all the buildings and signs are modern and cool looking. Five stars all the way for the people running this place. They are doing an awesome job keeping it very fresh.

    Maintenance/facilities: 5 stars

    Camping sites:

    I’ll start with the positive. It was a simple and easy, level site. And we had electric. So it was good.

    The cons: There is zero privacy here. Virtually no trees or shrubs between sites and sites are close to each other. In the rolling meadow sites opt for the electric as the tent only sites are basically a sardine can of campers. I mean in one spot the tents were so close to each other I thought it was a group campsite but it was not. Like a group hostel room but with tents instead of bunks.

    We were only here for 1 night passing through and it was great for that but I would not feel comfortable hanging outside at my site in quarters so close. Maybe I’m just weird because many people did. I can’t imagine spending any longer than 1-2 nights here. I would stay again but would check out other camp spots first. In our area 118 and 120 seemed to the best that backed up onto trees as opposed to just other sites.

    Camping sites: 2 stars

    Amenities: there’s a lot to do here. However I feel I must say you cannot reach the lakes from the rolling meadow campground without a car, bike or very long walk. You can see a bit of round lake through the trees but it really isn’t accessible. Expectations are the doom of any trip so just keep that in mind. You’re not going to bed with any sort of lake views or sounds near you. Also you can only swim at the beach which is pretty small and guarded by some pretty enthusiastic lifeguards taking the job pretty seriously. I guess you will appreciate it if you have little kids to me it was a turn off as I don’t prefer to feel like a fish in a bowl when I swim. But again this is just personal preference! Also there were a lot of rules at this tiny beach - more than I have seen at pretty much any other beach anywhere in the world. Mostly I assume the rules are there to protect the water which I can appreciate but don’t expect a relaxing lake vibe here. Lots of picnic tables and a perfect place to have a picnic and chill for a bit. Very clean beach bath area and I really appreciated the charging station with 4 covered outlets available and a charging counter. I didn’t use it but was impressed someone thought to add that in to the building plans.

    With all the rules in place there is just one missing: No political propaganda of any type should be allowed at the campsites. We were almost blinded by idiocy each time we walked to the bathroom as we had to go past a full size Trump flag someone was flying in front of their site. Can’t even imagine the rage I would’ve felt if I had to camp next to that. Fortunately I found a cut through in the woods which I used to get around it on the way to the bathroom. Camping is where you go to get away from all of it! This is state owned land and they should not be allowing that sort of inflammatory full sized political flag in any area as it only raises the blood pressure instead of dropping it. You can’t bring your own SUP or kayak, face mask or list of any other things to the lake (rules) but you can have your heart attack inducing propaganda all over your site and in everyone else’s face - makes no sense.

    Would I stay here again: Yes. But only for 1 night passing through. I felt too crowded to be there for any length of time. It was hard for me to relax outside.

    Value was a 5 star because I had full electric for $30/night and there was plenty to do. I should note for kids this place is a goldmine! Great playgrounds everywhere and you can rent kayaks. And it’s great for bikes. And it was all very handicap accessible which I thought was very impressive. You can tell a lot of thought went into the facility side of park. If they cut out 1/4 of the camp sites it would be spacious and amazing. And the trumpeter is just a case of bad timing for me, not a permanent thing (although I do think they should ban that decoration of insanity at state run parks).

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Watkins Glen State Park Campground
    Jun. 29, 2024

    Watkins Glen State Park Campground

    Nice campground and beautiful gorge

    Site is sloped, shaded and right next to the bathrooms and water spigot. ATT coverage is decent. Other side of the bathrooms is access to the gorge trails. Pets are not allowed on the gorge trail itself but the rim and other trails are fine.



Guide to Skaneateles

Camping near Skaneateles, New York, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and exploring: Many campgrounds, like Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground, have great hiking trails. One reviewer mentioned, "The hiking trails are nice! Not too challenging, but very scenic."
  • Swimming: At Sampson State Park Campground, you can enjoy a guarded swimming area. A visitor noted, "The swimming beach and playground were nice."
  • Fishing and boating: If you love water activities, Cayuga Lake State Park Campground is a great spot. One camper shared, "The dock area of the park seemed really nice."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Green Lakes State Park Campground highlighted, "The bathrooms are great! Super modern and clean and hot, free showers!"
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer generous space between sites. A visitor at Sampson State Park Campground mentioned, "Sites are generous in size but the power poles are between sites."
  • Family-friendly activities: Campgrounds like Fillmore Glen State Park Campground have playgrounds and hiking trails. One reviewer said, "We really enjoyed the campsite. Lots of hiking trails, great facilities, and very new playground."

What you should know:

  • Privacy concerns: Some campgrounds can feel crowded. A camper at Green Lakes State Park Campground noted, "There is zero privacy here. Virtually no trees or shrubs between sites."
  • Limited access to water: Not all campgrounds have easy access to lakes or swimming areas. A review for Taughannock Falls State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites were also very close to each other and rather shallow, thereby limiting privacy."
  • Wildlife encounters: Campers should be prepared for wildlife. A visitor at Cayuga Lake State Park Campground shared a cautionary tale about bats and other wildlife.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A review for Fillmore Glen State Park Campground mentioned, "There are a couple nice loops clean bathrooms great free showers."
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to check what activities are available. A camper at Sampson State Park Campground noted, "Place is great for kids. Lots to do with a couple of playgrounds, guarded swimming area, kayak rentals."
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Having food on hand can make family camping easier. One visitor at Green Lakes State Park Campground appreciated the "charging station with 4 covered outlets available."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site accessibility: Make sure your RV can fit in the designated spots. A review for Sampson State Park Campground mentioned, "Electric service boxes are shared in-between sites."
  • Bring extension cords: Some sites may require longer cords for electric hookups. A camper at Taughannock Falls State Park Campground advised, "Bring an extension cord for some are more than 30' from the pads."
  • Be prepared for noise: Campgrounds can get loud, especially on weekends. A visitor at Oneida Shores County Park noted, "The campground was beautiful right on Oneida lake."

Camping around Skaneateles, New York, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Skaneateles, NY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Skaneateles, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 145 campgrounds and RV parks near Skaneateles, NY and 14 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Skaneateles, NY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Skaneateles, NY is Green Lakes State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 42 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Skaneateles, NY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 free dispersed camping spots near Skaneateles, NY.

  • What parks are near Skaneateles, NY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Skaneateles, NY that allow camping, notably Cowanesque Lake and Tioga-Hammond Lakes.