Camping near Trumansburg offers diverse terrain from lakefront to forested areas with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,200 feet across the Finger Lakes region. Summer temperatures typically reach 80°F with humidity levels of 60-70%, while spring and fall camping features cooler temperatures with occasional precipitation. Most state park campgrounds in this area operate on reservation systems with sites filling 2-3 months in advance during peak season.
What to do
Waterfall swimming and hiking: At Robert H. Treman State Park Campground, campers can swim at the waterfall-fed pool. "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.
Winery tours: The Finger Lakes region surrounding Trumansburg features dozens of wineries within 15-30 minutes of most campgrounds. "The location in the Finger Lakes region makes it a good base camp for winery tours," explains Chris D. about Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground.
Gorge exploration: Watkins Glen State Park offers a unique gorge hiking experience with 19 waterfalls. "The gorge trail is a MUST. Definitely go check this campsite out!" recommends Laura L. The trails are accessible for most ability levels but include numerous stairs.
Blueberry picking: During summer months, Blueberry Patch Campground in the Finger Lakes National Forest lives up to its name. "There are in fact blueberries! And a great field to see the stars from," confirms Emily S., making it a unique seasonal activity not found at other campgrounds.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: National Forest sites offer more isolation than state parks. "I ALWAYS recommend heading away from state parks and camping in state forests. There's always more privacy and more wilderness," says Emily S. about Blueberry Patch Campground. Sites are spaced farther apart with natural barriers between them.
Clean facilities: Fillmore Glen State Park Campground maintains high standards. "Bathrooms are very clean and close to all campsites. Kids loved the park and swimming in the waterfall beach," reports Charyssa G. Most state parks in the region provide hot showers and updated restrooms.
Stargazing opportunities: The rural setting around Trumansburg provides excellent night sky viewing. "Also, there are in fact blueberries! And a great field to see the stars from," notes Emily S. about Blueberry Patch Campground, highlighting the dark sky conditions away from urban light pollution.
Swimming options: Natural swimming areas are popular features. "Great little park in the Finger Lakes region with nature on site and lots more to do and explore nearby. Swimming is only allowed in certain parts and there are some pretty steep drop offs so watch the kids close," advises Kim B. about Fillmore Glen Park.
What you should know
Reservation timing: State parks fill quickly during peak season. "During peak summer months, most state park campgrounds operating from April or May through October or November require reservations 2-3 months in advance," says a park ranger at Sampson State Park Campground.
Site characteristics: Many campgrounds have varying levels of privacy. "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 Shari G. about Fillmore Glen State Park.
Water access limitations: Not all campgrounds provide easy lake access. "Some sites have shared fresh water hookup between the sites," Jennifer D. notes about Robert H. Treman State Park. This arrangement requires coordination with neighboring campers.
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds can be challenging. At Buttermilk Falls, "The hill you climb to the camp sites is riddled with pot holes," reports Amy A., something to consider for low-clearance vehicles or when towing trailers.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Taughannock Falls State Park Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "The campground is very walkable to the swimming area, which goes to 12 feet deep and has a dock to jump off of. The hiking to the waterfall is very manageable," notes Barbara S.
Swimming safety: Natural swimming areas require supervision. "Kids loved the park and swimming in the waterfall beach," says Charyssa G. about Fillmore Glen, though Kim B. cautions, "Swimming is only allowed in certain parts and there are some pretty steep drop offs so watch the kids close."
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer learning experiences. "Lots of educational posters along the way to keep you informed of what you were seeing and the history about how it was created," reports Steve W. about his experience at Taughannock Falls State Park.
Multiple activity options: Larger parks provide variety for different ages. "From the gorgeous hike up the gorge to kayaking at sunset on Owasco Lake to enjoying some wine from the grapes grown in the region, the Finger Lakes region is hard to beat for total family entertainment," explains Shari G. about the Fillmore Glen area.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: At some campgrounds, terrain can be uneven. "Electric sites are not the best though. Rocky and unlevel. Not made for large campers," Victoria notes about Robert H. Treman State Park.
Hookup positioning: Electrical hookups may require extra equipment. "Check out which side the hookups are on. Some not situated on the right side so you'll need extra long cords," advises Beth about Taughannock Falls State Park.
Water fill logistics: At Finger Lakes RV Resort, water access is strategically placed. "The water pressure is great," notes Steve A., though at other campgrounds like Sampson State Park, "There is only 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," warns Amanda K.
Campground layout: Site arrangements vary widely between parks. "The campground sites are spacious and private. Looked like new benches and well maintained grounds. Each site has its own privacy and is decent sized," reports Casey D. about the Blueberry Patch Campground, contrasting with more tightly spaced sites at some state parks.
