Best Tent Camping near Watkins Glen, NY

Tent campers visiting Watkins Glen, New York have several established campgrounds within a short drive of the area's popular hiking trails and lake access points. Gardner Hill Campground in Lowman offers tent sites with amenities like drinking water and picnic tables, while Pooh's Corner provides more private tent camping just minutes from Watkins Glen State Park. Most sites in the region accommodate traditional tent setups with designated camping areas that balance accessibility with natural surroundings.

The tent camping experience near Watkins Glen varies from basic to moderately developed sites. Many campgrounds provide fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities differ significantly between locations. Camp Earth Connection offers walk-in tent sites with drinking water, showers, and toilets available for campers who prefer a more secluded experience away from vehicles. Seasonal operation affects availability, with many sites closing between October and May. Several campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends when demand peaks. Water access varies between properties, with some offering drinking water on-site while others require campers to bring their own supply.

Tent campers near Watkins Glen benefit from proximity to both the state park and the Finger Lakes region. Areas like Holiday Hill Campground provide access to numerous hiking trails in the surrounding countryside. One visitor noted that Pooh's Corner is "perfect for a quick getaway" with private fire pits and is located only four minutes from Watkins Glen State Park. The region's backcountry tent camping options tend to be quieter than developed campgrounds that accommodate RVs. Sites surrounded by trees offer shade during summer months, while those closer to lakes provide opportunities for paddling and fishing. Fall camping brings cooler temperatures and changing foliage, making it an optimal season for tent campers seeking both comfort and scenery.

Detours Nearby

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Pooh's Corner

Pooh's Corner

2 min away

Harpy Hollow

Harpy Hollow

13 min away

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Best Tent Sites Near Watkins Glen, New York (12)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Watkins Glen, NY

506 Reviews of 12 Watkins Glen Campgrounds


  • V
    May. 19, 2023

    Pooh's Corner

    Private , funny and clean spot

    This facility is perfect for couple of people , private all you need is there , fireplace , fire wood, bathroom , cat and dog))) some of the grounds have hammock upon request. Take your vehicle with you ,no more long distance from a parking lot 👍 The host are very accommodative , and it’s 4 min away from Watkins glen state park. enjoy the Pooh’s story….

  • Christopher D.
    Oct. 28, 2021

    Ives Run

    Well kept, and overall a great time

    I booked site 144 at the primitive sites in Oct 2021. It was a great spot and happily, I was totally alone as no one had booked any of the sites near me( the closest people were about 400m away). The sites I was located on all had a small piece of water access which allowed you to sit by the water and the sites were relatively flat (although not perfect). I did not have to deal with any crowds since I was basically completely alone, but I imagine that during the peak season, you will be close by your neighbors as there is no separation between the campsites, just designated spots next to each other on a lawn. Located only about an hour away from Watkins glen, and made for a great home base during my visit to the finger lakes- away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist towns. Would def. Visit again.

  • Sophie D.
    Oct. 5, 2016

    Watkins Glen State Park Campground

    Friendly, beautiful, and well organized

    I ended a two-day backpacking trek through the Finger Lakes National Forest at Watkins Glen. After grunting all the way up the long hill to the campground, I checked in with a wonderful and helpful employee. She gave me all the information about the campground and park that I could ever want, and then we laughed a little about the antics of young husky mixes (I had my dog with me on the hike). The campground is dog-friendly, provided that you have a current rabies certificate and keep him/her on leash.

    I stayed at a tent site, which has no electricity. RV sites, which cost a little more, provide electric hookups. My camp site and all the neighboring ones were clean. Water from spigots is easily accessible, as are showers and toilets.

    The campground is situated walking distance from the main attractions of the park; during the summer, a large swimming pool is a popular place to hang out with family. Hiking trails parallel the creek with beautiful falls. I was disappointed to find that dogs are not allowed on the Gorge Trail, which is closest to all of the falls.

    All in all, I loved this campground. It was a very relaxing place to spend the night.

  • Mike C.
    Aug. 6, 2019

    Park Station Campground

    Hidden Gem

    Great place, low key camping with power. Nice spacious lots. Gravel sites help keep the camper clean and keeps the mud down. Convenient location to explore the Finger Lakes. 30-40 minutes from Watkins Glen, Ithaca and Corning.

  • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 7, 2024

    Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping

    Dog Friendly Retreat near Watkins Glen

    We stayed at Sugar Hill for about 10 days, arriving right after Memorial Day weekend. The campground offers a variety of great options for various rig sizes, accommodating different needs comfortably. Its location is convenient, just a 15-minute drive from Watkins Glen, making it an ideal base for exploring the area.

    During our stay, the campsite never even got near half full, providing a peaceful and uncrowded experience. For those seeking more privacy, there are numerous secluded spots along the side roads throughout the park.

    However, it's worth noting that WiFi and phone service are pretty limited, typically ranging between 1-2 bars. Despite this minor inconvenience, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would recommend Sugar Hill for its tranquility and proximity to local attractions.

  • a
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Clute Park and Campground

    Acceptable

    The campground was in a good location minutes from Watkins Glen and many, many wineries. It was clean, the staff was polite and the bathrooms were fine. So basically it hits all the must haves. My only issue was that it is basically a parking lot with a whole lotta RV’s crammed into it. I guess I am more accustomed to staying at state parks. Would I stay there again, yes, but it wouldn’t be my first choice.

  • Jama A.
    Jul. 15, 2025

    Watkins Glen State Park Campground

    Watkins Glen State Park, New York

    Campers arriving at Watkins Glen State Park are immediately captivated by its dramatic gorge scenery, where 19 waterfalls cascade through narrow stone walls. Their campsites are nestled among hardwood forests, offering a perfect balance of sunlit clearings and shady retreats. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, making it easy to prepare meals after a day spent exploring the park’s famous Gorge Trail. The park’s facilities blend rustic charm with modern comforts: clean flush toilets, hot-water showers, and convenient potable water stations. Hiking enthusiasts appreciate the interconnected trail system, which includes the popular Rim Trail for elevated views of the gorge, as well as more secluded footpaths through hemlock groves. Families particularly enjoy the nearby swimming pool and easy-access picnic areas overlooking Seneca Lake. To simplify travel logistics for out-of-state visitors, many campers opt to pre-book an airport transfer so they can arrive at Ithaca or Elmira–Corning Regional Airport and head straight to the park without the hassle of car rentals. Those planning to explore multiple stops along the Finger Lakes often choose the provider’s reliable city-to-city rides for comfortable, door-to-door transportation between destinations. All in all, Watkins Glen State Park delivers an unforgettable combination of awe-inspiring gorge hikes, well-appointed campsites, and family-friendly amenities. Campers seeking both adventure and relaxation will find this New York treasure hard to surpass.

  • Gavin T.
    Oct. 23, 2017

    Blueberry Patch Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

    Simple

    The only Finger Lakes National Forest designated campground, Blueberry Patch offers a secluded experience in the heart of this sometimes overlooked beautiful geographic region in the State of New York. This campground offers a simple experience, with fire rings and picnic tables at each site and seems to accommodate just tent and small campers. Vault toilets available. On a week day in early summer, 3 of the 9 campsites we’re occupied. Can see it filling up on weekends. Enjoy!

  • Sara B.
    Sep. 2, 2023

    Cayuga Lake State Park Campground

    Large Campground, Small Sites

    Cayuga Lake State Park has a massive campground but most of the sites don't have water or electricity and are squeezed together in tiny loops. If you stay, I'd recommend the 800 or 1000 loops--the sites were much bigger in those areas. But we stayed in the 100 loop (appropriately named "Minnow) and ended up leaving early because our neighbors were just too close for comfort. 

    The lakefront area of the park was very nice and we enjoyed walking on the drive down in front of the lake. Plus, Seneca Falls is an adorable town and it was great to visit the Women's Rights National Historic Park and the homes of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Harriett Tubman, while we were in the area! 

    To be fair to this park, we came directly from Watkins Glen State Park (which we loved) and our neighbors were rambunctious. We may have had a better opinion, had the circumstances been different. And in any event, we did really enjoy the area but decided to leave after 2 nights (rather than the 5 we had booked). 

    Oh and if you have a boat--the dock area of the park seemed really nice. We'd have loved to get out on the lake!


Guide to Watkins Glen

Tent campsites near Watkins Glen, New York range from small family-owned properties to recreation areas near lakes and rivers. The region sits between 700-1,300 feet above sea level in the Finger Lakes region, with humidity levels rising in summer months and temperature swings common in spring and fall. Waterways in the area include not only Seneca Lake but also Cowanesque Lake and the Susquehanna River, which provide additional water recreation opportunities beyond the famous gorges.

What to do

Trail exploration: Holiday Hill Campground offers access to numerous hiking trails including Reynolds Gully and Johnson Hill trails. As one camper notes, "Lots of trails, and Hemlock and Canadice Lake so close by. Tons to do in the area but town isn't too far."

Water activities: Kayaking and canoeing opportunities abound at recreation areas within 30 miles of Watkins Glen. According to a visitor at Lawrence Recreation Area, "Had a great few days here camped in RV next to lake. Amazing driftwood to be had. Good kayaking. Peaceful."

Wildlife observation: Several campgrounds provide habitat for local wildlife viewing. Upper Lisle Park offers "a nice place to launch the kayak in the upper river and into Dorchester lake," giving campers access to water-based wildlife observation spots outside the main tourism areas.

What campers like

Quiet surroundings: Riverside Acres Campground sits on a 200-meter-wide section of the Susquehanna River where "Eagles fish here. You can too. Good beginning or end for a canoe trip," according to a camper who appreciated the peaceful setting.

Private spaces: Many tent sites near Watkins Glen offer more secluded options than their RV counterparts. At Empire Haven Nudist Park, a visitor mentioned, "The campground is as quiet and peaceful as anyone would like, but the community enables campers the freedom to socialize and share meals whenever you want."

Local knowledge: Campground owners often provide information about lesser-known attractions. At Riverside Acres, a camper noted, "Resident owner is easy to get along with as long as you respect the grounds. She has a wealth of knowledge of the area."

What you should know

Reservation reliability: Always confirm reservations close to arrival dates. One camper at Riverside Acres warned, "Spoke to the owner 6 weeks prior to our intended stay, and planed on a 3 month stay. Called to confirm 2 weeks out as instructed and was informed she had no recollection she spoke with us."

Facility limitations: Some recreation areas offer minimal amenities despite beautiful locations. A camper at Upper Lisle Park reported, "Other than a nice place to launch the kayak in the upper river and into Dorchester lake. There is nothing here."

Accessibility considerations: Walk-in tent sites at Camp Earth Connection require campers to carry gear from parking areas to their sites. The campground offers 18 sites with drinking water, showers, and toilets but no electric hookups or water at individual sites.

Tips for camping with families

Activity planning: Holiday Hill Campground offers activities for various age groups but requires strategic site selection. One visitor advised, "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."

Basic campgrounds: Some campgrounds like Gardner Hill require families to bring most supplies. A visitor described it as "Folksy and Nice. I happened upon this campground by following the blue tent sign on the highway. No frills but very comfy and nice views."

Weather preparation: Temperature variations in spring and fall require packing additional layers for children, especially at higher elevation campsites. Night temperatures can drop below 50°F even in summer months at some locations.

Tips from RVers

Site maneuverability: Holiday Hill Campground requires careful navigation for larger trailers. As one RVer noted, "We had to maneuver a lot to back our 25' trailer into a tight spot, but sites are clean and spacious side to side."

Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds have limited availability for short-term visits during peak season. An RVer at Holiday Hill observed, "There seemed to be a lot of regulars and seasonal sites here, which meant that short term full hook up sites were harder to get."

Cell service: Connectivity varies throughout the region with Holiday Hill providing consistent coverage. According to a camper, "Verizon reception is consistent at 3 bars," which allows for emergency communications and basic internet needs while camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities does Pooh's Corner Campground in Watkins Glen offer for tent campers?

Pooh's Corner offers excellent amenities for tent campers including private campsites with individual fire pits and complimentary firewood. Each site is accessible by vehicle, eliminating long walks from parking areas. Bathroom facilities are available on-site, and some campsites feature hammocks upon request. The grounds are clean, well-maintained, and designed for privacy. The hosts are accommodating and friendly, ensuring guests have everything needed for a comfortable stay. This small, private campground creates an intimate camping experience while providing all essential amenities for tent campers.

What family-friendly activities are available when tent camping near Watkins Glen?

The Watkins Glen area offers numerous family-friendly activities for tent campers. At Holiday Hill Campground, families can enjoy hiking trails and organized activities specifically designed for children and teens. The campground provides clean facilities and is near Hemlock and Canadice Lakes for swimming and water recreation. For water enthusiasts, Lawrence Recreation Area offers excellent kayaking opportunities with peaceful lakeside sites and fascinating driftwood collecting. Families can also explore the renowned Watkins Glen State Park gorge trails, visit local wineries (many are family-friendly with picnic areas), enjoy boating or fishing on Lake Seneca, and take scenic drives through the Finger Lakes region.

Where is Pooh's Corner located in relation to Watkins Glen attractions?

Pooh's Corner enjoys a prime location just minutes from Watkins Glen's main attractions. It's less than a 10-minute drive to Watkins Glen State Park and under 5 minutes to the town center. This convenient positioning makes it an ideal base for exploring the area's natural beauty and local amenities. The campground is also close to Lake Seneca, allowing easy access for swimming and water activities. For those seeking alternative accommodation in the area, Riverside Acres Campground offers waterfront sites along a 200-meter wide river where you can fish and spot eagles in their natural habitat.