Cabin rentals near Watkins Glen vary from basic forest units to lakeside accommodations. Most state park cabins operate May through October, with peak demand during summer weekends and race events. Camping cabins make excellent base camps for exploring the Finger Lakes region's hiking trails, waterfalls, and wineries.
What to do
Waterfall swimming: At Buttermilk Falls State Park, the natural swimming area incorporates the waterfall. "Amazing park. We've gone there multiple times. We prefer walking down and catching the bus back. There are bathrooms at the top and bottom of the trails," notes Sara H.
Hiking the gorge trails: Watkins Glen State Park Campground features 19 waterfalls along its famous Gorge Trail. Laura L. shares, "Watkins Glen was absolutely beautiful. The sites are quite wooded with plenty of space in between. The gorge trail is a MUST."
Military history exploration: Sampson State Park Campground includes a naval museum from its time as a WWII training base. "There is a museum, boat launch, pavilions, and ice cream shop on the camp ground. Maintenance crew starts around 7," reports Kate W.
Wine tasting tours: Many cabin campers use their accommodations as a base for exploring the Finger Lakes wine region. "Nearby wineries and many wine drinkers camp here along with enjoying beautiful finger Lakes," mentions Rob M. about staying at Watkins Glen/Corning KOA.
What campers like
Pool facilities: Camp Bell Campground offers a clean pool among its amenities. According to Marc J., "The owners are very nice and helpful. It is mostly occupied by regulars but the rental sites are close to the very clean bathrooms and showers. The swimming pool is a nice bonus!"
Playground areas: Many campgrounds feature playground equipment for children. "There is a huge new playground for the kids and lots of area to walk around the loops if you don't want to hike the gorge trail," Lindsay C. says about Watkins Glen State Park.
Spacious campsites: Robert H. Treman State Park Campground offers large, level sites. "Site 54 at Robert H Treman is very large, flat, nonelectric and well shaded with areas of sun. A long walk to the restroom," notes not S.
Wooded privacy: Many cabin campers appreciate the natural settings. "The campsites are great and are all tree lined giving to a bit of privacy. As much as you get in campgrounds," Lindsay C. mentions about Watkins Glen State Park.
What you should know
Water quality issues: Some campgrounds have challenges with their water supply. At Ferenbaugh Campground, Gary V. reports, "The only bad comment I would make is there water is very smelly and brown. I actually bought a dual stage water filter and change it every two weeks."
Seasonal availability: Most cabin facilities close by late October. Sampson State Park operates from "April 22 to November 8" while Buttermilk Falls is only open "May 20 to October 10."
Bathroom conditions: Facility maintenance varies between campgrounds. Barbara S. notes about Taughannock Falls, "The bathrooms are fairly clean and well maintained. For washing dishes there is a sink in each bathroom."
Reservation requirements: Booking ahead is essential, especially for cabins. Harry H. advises about Watkins Glen, "The campground is popular on weekends (and almost daily in summer) but even with a bit of a crowd absolutely worth it when you're in the Finger Lakes. I don't remember if you can make reservations but try to get them if you can."
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Pinecreek Campground offers various recreation options. Martha B. shares, "Beautiful setting...loved the sunsets, kid friendly, pool well maintained, Catch and Release Pond was lots of fun...the store is big and plentiful!"
Pet restrictions: Some campgrounds limit which dog breeds are allowed. Cheryl W. notes about Pinecreek, "They do allow pets there is a list of breed restrictions you need to be aware of before booking a reservation."
Camp activities: Several campgrounds provide organized events. John L. mentions at Paradise Park: "Daily activities including hay rides and a bunch of decorated wagons being towed by 4 wheeler for the kids."
Swimming areas: Taughannock Falls State Park Campground provides water recreation. "There is a small playground for kids. The bathrooms are fairly clean and well maintained. The campground is very walkable to the swimming area, which goes to 12 feet deep and has a dock to jump off of," Barbara S. reports.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Watch for campground entrance roads with poor maintenance. Mindie C. warns about Pinecreek, "My only complaint is the condition of the roads. They are in dire need of grading and new gravel. Be careful!"
Site utilities: Electric hookups may require planning. Amanda K. notes about Sampson State Park, "Electric service boxes are shared in-between sites. This could pose an issue if your power cord is not long enough."
Dump station access: Campgrounds have varying dump station facilities. Amanda K. continues, "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. Only 2 dump stations."
Site restrictions: Some parks have specific RV parking requirements. According to Amanda K., Sampson State Park "don't allow pull-in camping. Campers MUST be backed in."
