Central New York's glacial lakes region near Warners features year-round glamping opportunities in diverse terrain. The area sits at approximately 400-500 feet elevation with meromictic lakes formed by retreating glaciers that carved deep valleys and left mineral-rich waters. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing while summer temperatures average 75-85°F with moderate humidity.
What to do
Hiking trails beyond the lakes: Taughannock Falls State Park Campground offers varied hiking terrain. "The gorge hikes are moderate and invigorating," notes Ashley B. The falls trail system accommodates different skill levels while providing educational elements. "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.
Military history exploration: At Sampson State Park Campground, campers can learn about regional military significance. "It has a Naval museum with many authentic items from that era," explains Brian O. This former Naval training base contains preserved structures and exhibits. The park "has a very nice military museum," confirms Carrie N., making it suitable for history enthusiasts seeking glamping close to Warners, New York.
Fishing opportunities: Seasonal fishing conditions vary across locations. "Fishing and boat rental if you want to be closer to the water," mentions Kelly J. at Taughannock Falls. During spring and fall, salmon fishing becomes particularly productive. "For the fisherman, it's located on Salmon River and appears to have quite a lot of large salmon this time of year. I was shocked at the size of the fish that were being cleaned," reports Justin F.
What campers like
Private bathroom facilities: Green Lakes State Park Campground offers upscale bathroom options. "The bathrooms have been remodeled and most are private with a toilet, shower and sink which makes this a wonderful family campground," explains Sheri S. These individual units provide extra privacy and convenience for glampers.
Welcome amenities: Sned Acres Campground stands out for its arrival experience. "We were welcomed with a fresh loaf of bread and the owners made sure our group was able to stay together on neighboring sites," Katie K. mentions. The personal touch creates an immediate positive impression. "They were so helpful as we were first time campers. We loved the friendship bread when we arrived," adds Debbie C.
Water recreation variety: Locations offer different water experiences. "The beach area is wide and shallow in most areas," says Barbara S. about Taughannock Falls. Water depths accommodate different comfort levels. "Swimming is available at the large beach. You can rent a kayak and enjoy the beautiful lake," notes Cindy H., highlighting recreational variety for luxury camping near Warners.
What you should know
Shower quality varies: Facility quality differs between parks. "As clean as the bathrooms are, the showers still suck. I'll never understand why parks use the misting shower heads," Chelsea B. explains about Taughannock Falls. She offers a useful tip: "It's best to use the ADA bathrooms because those shower heads are normal and have wands."
Seasonal crowds: Summer brings increased visitors, particularly weekends. "The beach can get busy during the summer however it is a great place to swim, camp, boat and enjoy yourself," warns Meag F. Some locations manage capacity through reservation systems. "Sites book quickly during peak season," notes one reviewer.
Site selection considerations: At Cayuga Lake State Park Campground, location within the campground matters. "Be aware that there is minimal privacy and some sites are close to the highway, so be sure if pick a spot that isn't," advises Meag F. Research site maps beforehand for optimal glamping near Warners experience.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly programming: Yogi Bears Jellystone Park Camp Resort at Mexico specializes in children's activities. "Organized the Halloween activities nicely. Yogi and the characters were very involved," reports Justin F. These structured events provide entertainment regardless of weather. "Crafts, Games, Activities, Playground, Pool, Bouncy pillow, Twice Daily wagon rides with Yogi and Boo Boo, Bike parades," lists Cory W.
Multiple playground options: Green Lakes offers numerous play areas. "Great playgrounds," mentions Sara H. Some facilities maintain separate play zones for different age groups. "Beach also has a great playground for kids that is perfect for play and swim," Kelly J. notes.
Biking-friendly locations: Look for campgrounds with level, paved surfaces. "Paved loops - good for bikes and scooters," Amanda K. highlights at Sampson State Park. This allows children to enjoy independent exploration in safe environments. "It is safe and they can be kids," explains Kelly J. about Bass Lake Resort.
Tips from RVers
Hookup planning: Electrical connection location varies by site. "Check out which side the hookups are on. Some not situated on the right side so you'll need extra long cords," advises Beth at Taughannock Falls. This preparation prevents setup frustration.
Water access points: Junius Ponds offers full-service sites but requires planning. "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," cautions Amanda K. Arrive with filled tanks when possible.
Pull-through availability: For large rigs, specific sites accommodate easier access. "They had a oversized, long pull through available (site 88) that made entering and exiting the site nice and easy," notes Kristine B. at Junius Ponds. Advance reservation of these premium spots is recommended. "We had a large, private plot in drumlin loop," Jay P. mentions about his Lake Bluff experience.
