Tent camping near Waterloo, New York offers diverse options within the Finger Lakes region, where elevations range from 400 to 1,000 feet. This area experiences warm summers with temperatures averaging 80-85°F during peak camping months and cooler spring and fall conditions. Waterloo's central location provides campers with access to primitive sites in surrounding state forests and established campgrounds with varying amenity levels.
What to do
Hiking trail access: Morgan Hill Forest's Onondaga Trailhead campground connects directly to the North Country Scenic Trail system. According to Janet R., "This is a small state forest campground in the Morgan Hill forest from which you can directly access the Onondaga Trail branch of the National North Country scenic trail." A day hike west leads to Tinker Falls, which may have seasonal flow variations.
Fishing opportunities: Cross Lake Park Campgrounds provides direct water access for anglers. Sara H. notes, "Fun place. Access to water and swimming. Nice playgrounds. We kayaked in the lake it was a lot of fun." The lake supports multiple recreational activities beyond just fishing.
Night sky viewing: The rural setting around Waterloo campgrounds offers minimal light pollution. At Spruce Pond, Rose S. observed that "the animals at the pond are very active and made a lot of noise in the night," creating a full sensory nature experience during evening hours.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Holiday Hill Campground receives praise for its site layout. Terry F. commented that "sites are clean and spacious side to side," though notes that "we had to maneuver a lot to back our 25' trailer into a tight spot." This suggests better suitability for tent campers than large rigs.
Recreational programming: Activities are abundant at some established campgrounds. Rachel T. appreciates that Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort has "plenty of activities for the family on the weekends" and mentions "live music on Friday Night (weather permitting)," providing structured entertainment options during summer stays.
Wildlife viewing: Nature Lover's Paradise showcases the natural environment with 70 acres of hiking trails. Carol L. states it's "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."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the region operate from spring through fall, with limited winter options. Holiday Hill Campground specifically operates "May 1 to October 14," requiring advance planning for shoulder-season visits.
Water availability: Many primitive sites require campers to bring their own water. At Spruce Pond Camping Area, Janet R. advises that "you can camp at this campground for free, but you do need a permit and should review the campground map to select your preferred site." Preparation is essential as facilities are minimal.
Site selection factors: Terrain can significantly impact tent setup. Neil L. observes at Spruce Pond that "the first few campsites are the best; the further down you go the worse the sites get for tent set up. Smaller tents would be best do here." This highlights the importance of arriving early to secure optimal locations.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming access: Multiple campgrounds offer water recreation options for children. At Cross Lake Park, Sara H. mentioned "access to water and swimming. Nice playgrounds," providing multiple activity options to keep kids entertained.
Safety considerations: Some campgrounds maintain strict speed limits to protect children. At Red's Twilight on the Erie RV Resort, Rachel T. appreciates that "the speed limit is 5 MPH and they mean it.... Kids on bikes and having a good time in the enormous play area and the pool far enough from the campsites but close to the store and watchful eye of the staff."
Site location strategy: For families seeking quieter camping experiences, site selection matters. Terry F. advises that at Holiday Hill Campground, "there is a lot to do for kids & teens, but that makes it loud with kids running through your site. So if that bothers you, plan ahead to get a site away from the main area."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: RV campers should research site terrain before arrival. Donna C. found at Red's Twilight that "almost all of the sites are not even close to level. Not a big issue with a fifth wheel but a real hassle with a motorcoach. We changed sites three times and finally resigned ourselves to not being leveled."
Campground navigation: Larger rigs face maneuvering constraints at certain campgrounds. At Morgan Hill Forest's Onondaga Trailhead, Janet R. explains there are "two lovely developed campsites with parking spot right next to a cement pad with picnic tables and fire pits," but cautions about navigation, noting "the hiking trails are marked with signs where they cross the roads, but the road to turn off from Morgan Hill Rd to the campground is not marked."
