154 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Finger Lakes region near Waverly, New York features a mix of established campgrounds and natural areas that accommodate various camping styles. Several campgrounds within a 30-mile radius of Waverly provide options for tent, RV, and cabin camping, with notable locations including Watkins Glen State Park Campground and Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground in nearby Rome, Pennsylvania. Most established campgrounds in the area offer electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities, while maintaining proximity to the region's lakes, gorges, and hiking trails. Many campgrounds also feature cabin accommodations, with some locations like Watkins Glen State Park and Newtown Battlefield State Park offering glamping options for those seeking more comfortable outdoor experiences.
Camping seasons in the Finger Lakes typically run from April through October, with peak visitation during summer months. The majority of campgrounds near Waverly require advance reservations, particularly for weekend stays between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Sites with water views or electric hookups tend to book quickly during peak season. Several state parks in the region, including Watkins Glen and Robert H. Treman, maintain consistent operating seasons from mid-spring through mid-fall. Access to most campgrounds involves paved roads suitable for RVs, though size restrictions may apply at some locations. A camper observed, "The sites vary in size quite a bit and this happened to be one of the largest ones, made for a larger camper/motor home but also had a mulched area for tents which was nice."
Many visitors cite the region's natural features as primary attractions when camping near Waverly. The gorges and waterfalls at Watkins Glen State Park draw consistently high reviews, with multiple campers mentioning the well-maintained hiking trails as highlights of their stay. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, facilities at most established campgrounds receive positive feedback, with several mentions of clean bathhouses and well-maintained shower facilities. Sites that combine water views with proximity to regional attractions like wineries and museums score highest in visitor satisfaction. While most campgrounds offer adequate space between sites, reviews indicate that privacy varies considerably, with some locations offering more secluded options than others. Weekday camping generally provides a quieter experience with better site selection than weekend stays during summer months.
"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."
from $20 - $58 / night
Check Availability"The tent sites are located in the back of the campground behind the sports field within the trees. I unfortunately didn’t get a chance to see them but they have them pictured on their website."
"Great family campground, decent sized sites, many lake side sites, very clean bathrooms/ showers. Several playgrounds, heated pool, pet friendly with shots paperwork."
"i pulled in at about 6pm mid week, the ranger station was closed drove around & found tent site 79 open, it's next to the river."
"Lovely but simple views all around and rolling green hills in the distance. Campground is well-kept and relatively modern but not particularly memorable. Nice little stopover on a road trip."
"Sandy beach, man-made lake with enough space to swim, and boating to explore. Nice trail around the lake to walk or bike with a little difficulty."
"Convenient location to explore the Finger Lakes. 30-40 minutes from Watkins Glen, Ithaca and Corning."
"Pretty self serve, rangers drive through often but never seems to be anyone at the check-in. You can reserve a site or a cabin, or you can show up after three and see what is open."
from $17 - $81 / night
Check Availability"I happened upon this campground by following the blue tent sign on the highway. No frills but very comfy and nice views. Don’t forget to look for the Peace sign."
"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."
"A waterfall cascades through a gorge here, ending in a beautiful pool for swimming at the base of the falls, with a trout stream flowing out of it towards nearby Cayuga Lake. "
from $24 - $128 / night
Check Availability"Buttermilk Falls State Park is a great state park in central New York. The scenery is what makes this park stand out."
"Short drive out of Ithaca proper near one of the Finger Lakes. Medium to easy trails (the ones near the gorges are steep but with nice rock steps)."
from $21 - $66 / night
Check Availability"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"
"There is amazing hiking trails along the gorge with views of waterfalls! There is a nice pool and playgrounds. It’s close to downtown Watkins glen with lots of restaurants."
LegendWhat a great campground! We stayed here on a recommendation from a friend after the Overland Expo. Great hiking trails and the falls were absolutely breathtaking. Truly enjoyed our stay and plan to return!
TravelerWe got here late at night and thought we weren’t at the right place with the fog and everything but trust keep driving. Campsites are easy to locate with a picnic table, fire pit with attached grill, and a standing little grill. There was no running water to use for dishes or filling water but the bathroom sink works along with flushing toilets!!! Overall and amazing stay!!
TravelerSpent a peaceful night car camping in site 151. Beautiful trees, nice shower houses, quiet neighbors. Just a beautiful and very affordable - $32 - stay. We’ll be back whenever we pass this way.
ScoutVery nice campground. Small. Quiet. Friendly owners. Clean bathhouse. Relaxing.
TravelerStopped for one night while traveling upstate and usually dispersed camping but it was getting late so we stopped in.
ScoutThis clothing-optional campground has a highly toxic, intrusive, and vindictive environment. During my stay, the seasonal permanent residents('perms') subjected me to intense harassment, inappropriate sexual advances, and severe social retaliation/rumor-spreading when those advances were rejected. The situation escalated to the point where an employee had to intervene for my safety. Furthermore, despite management allowing my photo to be taken in costume at a party, I was intentionally blocked from the community group where the photos were posted, leaving me unable to monitor how my image was being used. Avoid this place if you value your privacy, personal boundaries, and safety.
GuideThis was a great camping trip! We had site 29, nice spot with the North Rim trail right behind our site. Trails are beautiful. Restroom and shower close. You do need to be careful, lots of oaks trees and falling acorns! Easily dings you car hood, watch where you park. Close to down town for a visit to the awesome farmers market in Ithaca.
GuideSites are large and grassy but that comes at the cost of privacy. It appears this is a great place for camping a week or more in a large RV. Bathrooms are clean. There are 50 sites per loop so they are close together.
GuideNice small campground with only 9 sites. FF self pay station allows QR Code to recreation.gov to reserve online. Once you choose a site, just pay online and keep your cash tipping at the close by wineries!😉 The park is a bit neglected compared to the many other National Forrest we stay in. The potholes in the driving loop and gravel need repair. The Fire pits and pit toilets need attention. Overall, it has been quiet and convenient to the region around. We stayed 4 days so even the negatives were not a deterrent.
Camping spots near Waverly, New York offer diverse terrain from densely wooded sites to open lake views across the Finger Lakes region. The camping season typically runs from mid-April through October, with many sites closing after the first frost. Nighttime temperatures can drop significantly even in summer months, especially at higher elevation campgrounds.
Swimming at natural pools: Robert H. Treman State Park Campground features a unique swimming area beneath waterfalls. A camper noted, "You can swim in the waterfall area here. Need I say more? Actually, it can be VERY busy in the summer time in the swimming area, making it difficult to find your own space."
Fishing for variety: Pine Cradle Lake in Rome, PA provides catch-and-release fishing without requiring a Pennsylvania fishing license. "The fishing is good, and the turtles are eager to help themselves to your bait," explains a reviewer who found success at this family campground.
Hiking different trail systems: The interconnected trails at Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground offer varying difficulty levels. "Walking along the water from the upper and lower entrances is great! If you walk Gorge trail and Rim trail you connect to make a nice loop and see just about everything the park has to offer," shares a visitor who appreciated the trail connectivity.
Wine tasting excursions: Most campgrounds in the Waverly area serve as good base camps for exploring regional wineries. "The Seneca Lake Wine Trail runs right through this area and makes for a fun diversion to your hiking trip!" notes a camper who stayed at Buttermilk Falls State Park.
Wooded tent sites: Hickories Park Campground offers riverside tent camping with natural surroundings. A camper shares, "I pulled in at about 6pm mid week, the ranger station was closed, drove around & found tent site 79 open, it's next to the river. I was able to pull directly into the camp site, the campground is well maintained."
Clean facilities: Watkins Glen State Park facilities receive consistent praise. "Friendly staff, good patrols at night to keep people from being too noisy, tent sites are nice and shaded. Some of the shower houses are better than others," explains a visitor who appreciated the maintenance standards.
Lakeside camping: Park Station Campground offers sites with lake views that campers specifically seek out. "This campground has a nice small beach area with sand for the kids. Water is very shallow however, so not the best place for swimming for older kids and there is no pool, but there are life guards and plenty of depth for young kids," notes a reviewer.
Space between sites: Campers consistently mention site spacing as important. At Newtown Battlefield State Park, a visitor shared, "Camp sites are tidy and well mowed, a trash can at each site, nice combo grill/fire ring." This suggests good site maintenance and practical amenities.
Reservation timing: Peak season weekends at most campgrounds near Waverly fill quickly. At Pine Cradle Lake, a camper advises, "Get your reservations in early though weekends for lakeside sites are booked super fast!"
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Waverly, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Waverly, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 154 campgrounds and RV parks near Waverly, NY and 9 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Waverly, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Waverly, NY is Watkins Glen State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 94 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Waverly, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Waverly, NY.
What parks are near Waverly, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Waverly, NY that allow camping, notably Tioga-Hammond Lakes and Cowanesque Lake.
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