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Best Campgrounds near Watkins Glen, NY

541 Reviews

Camping near Watkins Glen, New York encompasses a mix of state park campgrounds, private RV resorts, and more secluded forest sites throughout the Finger Lakes region. Watkins Glen State Park Campground serves as the centerpiece, situated on a ridge above town with direct access to the park's famous gorge trail featuring 19 waterfalls. Other notable options include Sugar Hill Recreation Area, offering more secluded camping 15 minutes from town, and Blueberry Patch Campground in the Finger Lakes National Forest. The area accommodates various camping styles from tent sites to full-hookup RV spots, cabins, and yurts, all positioned near Seneca Lake and the surrounding wine country.

Most campgrounds in the Watkins Glen area operate seasonally from April/May through October, closing during winter months. Watkins Glen State Park Campground is open from May 13 to October 10, while nearby Taughannock Falls State Park operates from April 15 to October 16. Summer brings warm temperatures and higher visitation, particularly during race weekends at Watkins Glen International Speedway and holiday periods. Cell service varies by location, with stronger signals at campgrounds closer to town and limited connectivity (1-2 bars) at more remote sites like Sugar Hill. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak season, especially for weekend stays and during NASCAR events.

State park campgrounds offer a balance of amenities and natural settings, with options for both electric and non-electric sites. Private facilities like Watkins Glen/Corning KOA and Finger Lakes RV Resort provide more extensive hookups and amenities but at higher prices. Campers seeking quieter experiences should consider Sugar Hill Recreation Area or Blueberry Patch Campground, which offer more privacy but fewer amenities. According to visitors, Watkins Glen State Park can get extremely crowded during summer weekends, with one camper noting, "I went mid-July and it was extremely busy. That was the only downside." Some campers also report occasional noise from nearby trains and the racetrack, particularly at Watkins Glen State Park's Seneca Loop.

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Best Camping Sites Near Watkins Glen, New York (125)

    1. Watkins Glen State Park Campground

    88 Reviews
    Watkins Glen, NY
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (607) 535-4511

    $20 - $58 / night

    "Watkins Glen boasts one of New York’s most beautiful state parks! I last camped here in 2012 and absolutely loved hiking along the gorges. Also- the camping was next to perfect."

    "Definitely one of the top places to camp and visit in New York, Watkins Glen State Park never disappoints. Each time I come back, I find something new to discover and have a great time doing that."

    2. Watkins Glen / Corning KOA

    18 Reviews
    Montour Falls, NY
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 535-7404

    "We were looking to spend a couple of nights near Watkins Glen to hit the wineries, waterfalls, and nearby museums around the finger lakes of New York and this park seemed to be in a good location for us"

    "Watkins Glen/ Corning KOA this is a nice KOA in the Watkins Glen area. Our site was a full hookup site. Campground offered clean sites with gravel drives and grass areas between them."

    3. Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    11 Reviews
    Tyrone, NY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 622-8282

    "We stayed here during an anniversary trip to the Finger Lakes. Easy proximity to Seneca Lake and Watkins Glen State Park. Nice wooded area kept us far enough away from other campers. Great location!"

    "Will be returning, I found a lovely spot tucked into a back corner and has the most relaxing weekend."

    4. Blueberry Patch Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

    11 Reviews
    Hector, NY
    8 miles

    $15 / night

    "There are a few small trails leading right from the sites, one of which goes to the blueberry patch, which is in fact covered in wild blueberry bushes and allows for some stellar stargazing at night."

    "I ALWAYS recommend heading away from state parks and camping in state forests. There's always more privacy and more wilderness. Of course, this is a personal preference!"

    5. Robert H. Treman State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Ithaca, NY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 273-3440

    $20 - $128 / night

    "A long walk to the restroom. Beautiful waterfall swimming pool is very cold, but great on a hot day. The new loop is a large field--we got one of the few shady sites in the new loop."

    "Located in Tompkins County, Ithaca New York has beautiful gorges and hiking trails. Robert Treman is a treat and a gorgeous place to camp in the Ithaca, NY area."

    6. Finger Lakes RV Resort

    7 Reviews
    Hector, NY
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 375-7587

    $80 - $89 / night

    "We stayed at Finger Lakes RV Resort in Hector, a short drive from Watkins Glen and Ithaca, in search of waterfalls and wine in the Finger Lakes region of NY state. "

    "It's still nice to be on the outskirts. We also chose this section per a review we read to be away from the main road noise, but there really isn't much road noise to worry about, anyway."

    7. Taughannock Falls State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Jacksonville, NY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 387-6739

    $20 - $67 / night

    "Lucked out with a find in the Finger Lakes. Nice campground. Has everything you need. Small sites but fine for our hybrid. Ours was shady. Check out which side the hookups are on."

    "Taughannock Falls State Park is one of my favorite parks in New York."

    8. Clute Park and Campground

    5 Reviews
    Watkins Glen, NY
    1 mile
    +1 (607) 535-4438

    "The best thing about this park is location, location, location! Situated on the bottom of Seneca Lake you are just a short walk to downtown and Watkins Glen State Park."

    "It was close to town, with a park and swimming beach across the street."

    9. Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping

    5 Reviews
    Tyrone, NY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 622-8282

    "Its location is convenient, just a 15-minute drive from Watkins Glen, making it an ideal base for exploring the area."

    "Nice hiking trails at the moment (pretty close to overgrown at this point in the season). Great free location between destinations."

    10. Keuka Lake State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Branchport, NY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 536-3666

    $20 - $27 / night

    "The campground is perfect location near Keuka lake in Wine Country, also close by to branchport, Penn Yan, and also Watkins Glen! Will continue to go to this campground!"

    "Stayed at Keuka Lake in July 2023. Nice spots, close to others but people were quiet and respectful after 10 PM. Lake was beautiful and fun for swimming with the kids."

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Recent Camping Photos near Watkins Glen, NY

200 Photos of 125 Watkins Glen Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Watkins Glen, NY

541 Reviews of 125 Watkins Glen Campgrounds

Guide to Watkins Glen

Camping near Watkins Glen, New York, offers a fantastic mix of natural beauty and outdoor activities. With stunning gorges, waterfalls, and plenty of campgrounds, it’s a great spot for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the breathtaking trails at Watkins Glen State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, “The access to Watkins Glen! My site was in Loop D which has a direct hiking trail to the trail along Watkins Glen!”
  • Paddleboarding: Enjoy some time on the water at nearby Seneca Lake. A visitor shared, “We went paddleboarding. We put in at a boat launch at the very southeastern corner of the lake near Seneca Lake Kayak.”
  • Visit Waterfalls: Check out the nearby waterfalls like Hector Falls and Chequaga Falls. One happy camper noted, “You can drive to the many waterfalls nearby. I recommend Havana Glen Park for a short hike to the waterfall.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Letchworth State Park Campground stated, “The sites aren't huge, but it's nicely laid out... We found these to be clean and in good working order.”
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Many campgrounds offer activities for kids. One reviewer at Sampson State Park Campground said, “Place is great for kids. Lots to do with a couple of playgrounds, guarded swimming area, kayak rentals, movie nights, and a concession stand.”
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Keuka Lake State Park Campground remarked, “The lake is clean and clear, great for fishing, boating, and swimming.”

What you should know

  • Site Proximity: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Robert H. Treman State Park Campground mentioned, “Electric sites are not the best though. Rocky and unlevel. Not made for large campers.”
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have stores or markets. A visitor at Stony Brook State Park Campground noted, “No camp store, but firewood & ice were available at the check-in station.”
  • Noise Levels: Some areas can be noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Taughannock Falls State Park Campground shared, “The crowd was definitely loud and nosy.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly options like Chenango Valley State Park Campground, which has “a beach swim area that is like a resort” according to one reviewer.
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep the kids engaged. One camper at Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground said, “The campground is amazing and GO SEE THOSE FALLS!”
  • Pack Snacks: Since some campgrounds lack stores, bring plenty of snacks. A visitor at Watkins Glen / Corning KOA mentioned, “The campground and showers were clean... but the biggest downfall was being near the dump station.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Sampson State Park Campground noted, “Sites are generous in size but the power poles are between sites and are often more than 20’ away.”
  • Bring Extension Cords: Since some sites have power poles far from the pads, it’s good to have an extension cord. A camper at Letchworth State Park Campground mentioned, “Electric service boxes are shared in-between sites.”
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Don’t just stay at the campground; check out local attractions. One camper at Watkins Glen State Park Campground said, “The area was absolutely gorgeous; we hiked so many waterfalls.”

Camping near Watkins Glen, New York, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, and with these tips, you’ll be well-prepared for a fun trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Watkins Glen, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Watkins Glen, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 125 campgrounds and RV parks near Watkins Glen, NY and 6 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Watkins Glen, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Watkins Glen, NY is Watkins Glen State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 88 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Watkins Glen, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Watkins Glen, NY.

What parks are near Watkins Glen, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Watkins Glen, NY that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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