Camping cabins near Tully, New York offer overnight options at elevations ranging from 800 to 1,200 feet in the central New York region. Located between Syracuse and Ithaca, the area experiences warm summers with temperatures averaging 80°F during peak camping season from June through August. Cabin sites often fill completely during summer weekends, particularly when Finger Lakes regional events or nearby college activities are scheduled.
What to do
Swimming in glacier-formed lakes: Green Lakes State Park Campground offers unusual swimming opportunities in mineral-rich waters. "The water is Crystal clear and very blue, you will think you are in the Caribbean Islands. We visit this park very frequently to rent a boat or to hike the trails," notes Kenneth S.
Waterfall hiking trails: Watkins Glen State Park Campground features 19 cascading waterfalls along its gorge trail system. As Laura L. describes, "Watkins Glen was absolutely beautiful. The sites are quite wooded with plenty of space in between. We stayed in a 30 ft. motorhome, and the roads within the campground were kind of tight to get through with trees and curves. The gorge trail is a MUST."
Fishing and boating: Oneida Shores County Park provides both fishing and swimming access with guarded beach areas during summer months. "Life guards around. Nice playground and bathrooms available. Staff was nice. Picnic areas available," mentions Sara H.
Winter activities: For winter cabin campers, some parks remain accessible for cold-weather recreation. Brian O. notes about Bowman Lake State Park Campground, "We camped in July, but were told that the park is opened for winter activities such as xcountry skiing and snow mobiling."
What campers like
Natural swimming spots: The swimming areas created by natural water features rank among visitors' favorite amenities. At Buttermilk Falls State Park, Sara S. shares: "The waterfalls are wonderful- pretty busy so I would recommend going early or later near dusk if you want a more solitary experience. It is very cool to listen to the water at night as well."
Wide tent camping spaces: Cayuga Lake State Park Campground offers particularly spacious sites for tent camping. Colleen M. confirms: "We stayed in the 800 loop along the tree line. Sites were very spacious! Great camping location with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy or just sit and enjoy the peace."
Less crowded alternatives: Some campers prefer the quieter parks with fewer visitors. Kari M. observes about Cayuga Lake: "The nice thing is that it isn't as crowded as the neighboring campgrounds. Some people may say that because it is not busy, that means it is not a good campground. I would disagree with that, because this place to me is a hidden gem."
Wine country access: Cabin rentals place visitors near the Finger Lakes wine region. Chris D. mentions about Buttermilk Falls: "Location in the Finger Lakes region makes it a good base camp for winery tours. Recommended."
What you should know
Maintenance issues: Some cabins require maintenance attention. Secc P. warns about Bowman Lake State Park: "New York State pretty much has abandoned this park. Trees fallen down across the sites. Might be ok for a tent but that's all."
Bathroom facilities vary: Quality of shower and restroom facilities differs significantly between parks. At Fillmore Glen State Park Campground, Charyssa G. found "Bathrooms are very clean and close to all campsites." Conversely, at Oneida Shores, Kristie M. noted "You need a code to use the bathroom and there is only 1. Showers could be closer and seem more accommodating to day users."
Weekend crowds: Most parks experience significant visitor increases Friday through Sunday. At Watkins Glen, Harry H. advises: "The gorges speak for themselves, lots to do in the nature here. Each campsite is pretty big and shady, but can get noisy. The campground is popular on weekends (and almost daily in summer)."
Pet restrictions: While many cabins allow pets, specific trail areas may prohibit dogs. Lindsay C. cautions about Watkins Glen: "Dogs are allowed but they are not allowed on the gorge trail. I'm ok with this I just wish I had known before we got there."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: When booking cabin sites with children, prioritize locations near play structures. Michelle L. recommends Fillmore Glen: "This is a busy campground for a small town but what people forget is the hiking trails and the falls that you see are absolutely breathtaking. The staff have always been super friendly and go above and beyond."
Swimming safety: Robert H. Treman State Park Campground offers a unique swimming experience that appeals to older children. Kelly J. notes: "Great water for older kids that can swim. Lots of hiking trails that were along the gorge with water scenic views. People that worked there were really nice."
Family-friendly trail options: Consider cabin locations with gentle hiking paths suitable for different ages. Jennifer W. shares about Watkins Glen: "I would describe the hikes as moderately difficult. The main one has a lot of steps but lots of walkway in between them so it's not just up up up more steps. I have a 7 year old son and he enjoyed every second of this."
Budget for boat rentals: Many parks do not allow personal watercraft but offer rentals. Sara H. mentions about Green Lakes: "Dogs are allowed but they are not allowed on the gorge trail. I'm ok with this I just wish I had know before we got there."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Campers with RVs should verify site conditions before booking. Victoria notes about Robert H. Treman: "Electric sites are not the best though. Rocky and unlevel. Not made for large campers."
Loop selection matters: Different camping loops offer varying experiences. At Taughannock Falls State Park, Barbara S. suggests: "The upper part of the campground is pretty private, while the lower end near the entrance/exit is more open. There is a small playground for kids."
Hookup placement: Water and electric connections aren't always ideally positioned. Beth from Taughannock Falls advises: "Check out which side the hookups are on. Some not situated on the right side so you'll need extra long cords."
Interior road navigation: Some parks have challenging roads for large rigs. At Watkins Glen, Laura L. cautions: "The roads within the campground were kind of tight to get through with trees and curves."
