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Best Campgrounds near Watkins Glen, NY

550 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 (128)

    1. Watkins Glen State Park Campground

    89 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

    22 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

204 Photos of 128 Watkins Glen Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Watkins Glen, NY

550 Reviews of 128 Watkins Glen Campgrounds

  • Chelsea B.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Robert H. Treman State Park Campground

    Good location

    Location: This park is close to Ithaca which was the best part. Trails and Natural Features: We loved the waterfall, swimming area (seasonal so closed when we stayed), and the fall colors. Sites: They have very few electric sites so we decided to boondock. It surprised me that all the full hookup sites were reserved but very people actually showed up for their reservations while we stayed. Lame. And heads up that if you don’t stay in the big clearing for big rigs, there are tight turns between trees to get in and out of the non-electric sites. We ended up making a back-in site into a pull-through site… whoops. Starlink: I work remotely so internet is important. We weren’t camping in the clearing because those sites were booked, but even the Starlink struggled where we were and I ended up working from the library in town. So heads up if you need internet. Bathrooms: They were spacious but older. Temperature in the showers was tricky. Hot is cold and cold it hot. Cool stuff: They had compost bins and provide bags for all campers. That’s cool!

  • Bare Soul W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    South Slope Trail Head Dispersed Camp

    Relaxing

    There is one campsite near trail. There was more traffic than I expected. Also there is no cell service. No real tires

  • Dayne B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill

    Inexpensive, Peaceful.

    I've stayed here on 3 separate occasions, twice in RV 12 and once in RV 6. 

    I used the 30 AMP hookup and had zero issues.

    Beautiful playground for my son to enjoy and meet other kiddos. Deer, chipmunks and rabbits will say hi in the early and late hours.

    Large dumpsters near entrance. 

    Dump stations are present, but I haven't used them yet. 

    Potable water is present at a small spigot. 

    The washrooms facility is very close and speaking for the men's side, it had 2 stalls, 2 urinals, 2 showers, multiple sinks, and a sturdy baby changing station.

    Hiking trails with gorgeous views of the valley within a 5 min walk of my campsite.

  • Mindie C.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Pinecreek Campground

    Overnight stay

    The campground is cute and quiet. Staff is friendly and helpful. My only complaint is the condition of the roads. They are in dire need of grading and new gravel. Be careful!

  • Casey L.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Watkins Glen State Park Campground

    Busy campground

    Sites are level, some are more spaced apart than others but none seemed crowded as they seemed to all have trees between. Main complaint was most people speed way too fast through the campground. There was poison Ivy around the edges of our site and on the path to the bathroom. Bathroom was fairly modern and clean. It was nice to be able to access the gorge right from the campground.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Stay Bristol Woodlands

    Well maintained and friendly Staff!

    Campground is adorable, you can see a lot of other campers, but the spots are spaced out. Showers were nice, didn’t get to try the pool out as it was a quick stopover, but this seems like a fun place to spend some time

  • Ken B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Canandaigua-Rochester KOA

    Lovely KOA

    The campground is clean and well maintained. The staff are ALL so nice. The amenities are plentiful and well cared for. The sites are level, in great shape, and has a wonderful large wooded area. Thank you!

  • MacKenzi G.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Yellow Lantern Kampground

    Would stay again

    Me and my husband stayed here to visit a local friend and it wasn’t bad it was very private and quiet. The property was well maintained and the owners were very friendly as well. We would definitely come back here in the future.

  • Sarah M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Finger Lakes National Forest

    Quiet site near a small pond

    The road in (a loop) is steep on both sides (a truck or vehicle with clearance would be helpful but you could also park at the bottom if you needed to). The site was trashy so we picked up a lot of what we could. A bonus—the site was quiet, roomy and once at the ‘top’ is quite level. Not vehicles came in or out all night (and it was a Saturday!).

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

Where are the best campgrounds near Watkins Glen State Park?

The best campgrounds near Watkins Glen State Park offer diverse experiences for different camping styles. Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping provides excellent variety with sites that accommodate different rig sizes just 15 minutes from Watkins Glen. For those seeking proximity to both the state park and local attractions, Clute Park and Campground is located just minutes from Watkins Glen and countless wineries, offering clean facilities and helpful staff. Other notable options include Park Station Campground with its spacious gravel sites and convenient location for exploring the Finger Lakes region, and Cayuga Lake State Park which offers lakefront camping options despite some sites being close together.

What tent camping options are available near Watkins Glen?

Several excellent tent camping options exist near Watkins Glen. Pooh's Corner offers a cozy private camping experience with amenities like fireplaces, provided firewood, and bathroom facilities - all just minutes from Watkins Glen. For a more rustic experience, Ives Run provides primitive sites with water access, perfect for tent campers seeking more solitude. Many sites also feature close proximity to the region's wineries and natural attractions. Additionally, several campgrounds in the area offer spacious tent sites with varying levels of amenities from basic to full-service, making the Watkins Glen area a versatile destination for tent campers of all preferences.

Are there RV-friendly campgrounds around Watkins Glen?

Finger Lakes RV Resort in Hector offers an excellent RV camping experience just a short drive from Watkins Glen. This newer facility features clean amenities and is operated by attentive owners who maintain the grounds meticulously. For RVers wanting convenience to regional attractions, Park Station Campground provides gravel sites with power hookups that help keep mud down and campers clean. The spacious lots are ideal for RVs, and its location offers easy access to Watkins Glen, Ithaca, and Corning (all within 30-40 minutes). Other options include Clute Park, which accommodates RVs though sites can be close together, and Sugar Hill Recreation Area, which offers sites suitable for various RV sizes within 15 minutes of Watkins Glen.

Can you camp inside Watkins Glen State Park and what amenities are available?

Yes, you can camp directly inside Watkins Glen State Park Campground, which offers an exceptional camping experience with well-maintained facilities. The campground features clean, modern bathhouses that receive consistently high praise from visitors. Water fill-up stations are abundant throughout the camping area, making it convenient for all campers. The sites themselves are decently sized and relatively secluded from one another, providing a nice balance of privacy and community feel. Beyond camping amenities, the park's location provides easy access to its famous gorge trails with 19 waterfalls, as well as proximity to the Finger Lakes wine region. The campground's popularity means reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season.

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