Camping areas around Union Springs, New York sit at approximately 800 feet above sea level near the northern portion of Cayuga Lake, where limestone bedrock creates unique shoreline features. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 80°F and winter lows regularly reaching below freezing. Several campgrounds offer heated facilities allowing for extended camping seasons from April through October.
What to do
Waterfall swimming: At Robert H. Treman State Park, the natural swimming area features a diving board into a 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,'" notes Matt G.
Military history exploration: Sampson State Park preserves a former naval training base with educational exhibits. "There is a museum, boat launch, pavilions, and ice cream shop on the camp ground... They were building amazing lakeside cottages the last time I went and the cabins were small but could sleep 3-4 people in one room," shares Kate W.
Lake activities: Boating opportunities abound on Cayuga Lake with multiple access points. "Kayaking in Cayuga Lake was not lacking some beautiful views. The sites are slightly close together but everyone was incredibly respectful and quiet by 10pm," reports Laura Nicole A. from Cayuga Lake State Park.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Watkins Glen State Park offers secluded camping spots beneath mature trees. "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," explains Laura L.
Clean facilities: Green Lakes State Park maintains modern restrooms with private shower/toilet combinations. "The bathrooms have been remodeled and most are private with a toilet, shower and sink which makes this a wonderful family campground," according to Sheri S.
Lakefront proximity: Campsites near water access prove popular with visitors. "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," writes Colleen M. about her stay at Cayuga Lake State Park.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Some locations have dramatic differences between sites. "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," warns meg from Cayuga Lake State Park.
Seasonal considerations: Many facilities operate on limited schedules. "One thing that we were kind of disappointed in, is that the campground pool doesn't open until the end of June," notes Jennifer W. about Watkins Glen.
Reservation planning: Taughannock Falls State Park requires advance booking during peak seasons. "The fall itself is amazing and the location is unbeatable since you're camping in the State Park. But in my opinion that's the only good part of this campground, which wasn't bad for my quick one night stay," shares Janet B.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Cayuga Lake State Park offers well-maintained play areas. "HIGHLIGHTS: Swimming, Fishing, Kayak or canoe launch pad, Large playground," lists Amanda K.
Swimming options: Various parks provide different water experiences for children. "The beach area is wide and shallow in most areas, in close proximity to the store and snack shop (ICE CREAM). Just past the swimming area is boat rentals ($7/hr for row boat rental)," describes Sheri S. at Green Lakes.
Educational opportunities: Nature programs enhance family camping experiences. "Plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy or just sit and enjoy the peace," reports Colleen M. from her Cayuga Lake State Park visit.
Tips from RVers
Hook-up locations: Sned Acres Campground provides full-service sites with specific layout considerations. "Check out which side the hookups are on. Some not situated on the right side so you'll need extra long cords," advises Beth from her experience at Taughannock Falls.
Big rig access: Some parks have limited maneuverability for large vehicles. "They don't allow pull-in camping. Campers MUST be backed in," explains Amanda K. about 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."
Leveling challenges: Not all sites accommodate larger RVs comfortably. "Electric sites are not the best though. Rocky and unlevel. Not made for large campers," warns Victoria about Robert H. Treman State Park.
For glamping in Union Springs, New York, consider the unique canvas accommodations at Sned Acres where "We loved our stay at Sned-Acres! We spent 4 nights there in June 2019 at site #17... Our two-year-old adored playing on the playground just 15' or so from our campsite and we particularly loved checking out our beautiful lake view while we sat around the campfire," shares Julie S. The upscale glamping opportunities near Union Springs provide luxury alternatives to traditional camping with modern amenities while maintaining outdoor accessibility.
