Camping in the Southern Tier region of New York near Waverly offers access to both the Finger Lakes and northern Pennsylvania wilderness areas. The region sits at elevations between 800-1,200 feet above sea level and experiences four distinct seasons with campgrounds typically operational from May through October. Most campgrounds in the area report 20-30 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush surroundings during camping season.
What to do
Swimming and water activities: Park Station Campground features a sandy beach area with lifeguards during summer months. "Sandy beach, man-made lake with enough space to swim, and boating to explore," notes one camper. The swimming area is particularly suitable for younger children due to shallow depths.
Hiking local trails: Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground offers multiple interconnected trail systems. "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," explains a visitor. Trails vary in difficulty but most are rated moderate with elevation changes of 400-600 feet.
Fishing opportunities: Hickories Park Campground provides river access for anglers. "The river is very close, some campsites are right on the river," reports a camper. No fishing license is required at Pine Cradle Lake for catch-and-release fishing, making it accessible for casual anglers.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Lake Front Campsite offers secluded camping with significant space between neighbors. "Access to a private no motor lake for a calm day on the water," states a reviewer, highlighting the peaceful setting that contrasts with more crowded options in the region.
Cleanliness of facilities: Finger Lakes RV Resort receives consistent praise for maintenance standards. "Great host and staff, incredibly clean in every way. And the area is gorgeous with so much to do," notes one camper. Another mentions that "the bath house is immaculate and rivals those at Fort Wilderness Resort."
Proximity to wineries: Campers appreciate the location near wine country. "Located about 1/3 of the way up the eastern side of Seneca Lake, the location provides easy access to the wineries, distilleries, and breweries along the lake," explains one visitor to Finger Lakes RV Resort. Several campgrounds offer direct walking paths to nearby wineries.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds operate from May through September with limited shoulder season availability. Hickories Park has a slightly longer season from April to October, but facilities may be reduced during off-peak times.
Terrain considerations: Many campgrounds feature gravel sites that can challenge tent camping. "The sites are gravel so tent fixing is hard," notes one camper at Park Station. Bringing additional padding or specialized tent stakes is recommended for tent campers.
Reservation requirements: Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground fills quickly during peak season. "Get your reservations in early though weekends for lakeside sites are booked super fast!" advises a regular visitor. Most campgrounds require bookings 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Pine Cradle Lake offers kid-friendly water activities beyond standard swimming. "We enjoyed the heated pool and splash pad, spacious sites and clean amenities," shares a family camper. The splash pad provides water play for non-swimmers and toddlers.
Playground facilities: Park Station Campground features recently updated play equipment. "There is also a newer and good sized playground in the day visit area," mentions a parent. The playground accommodates children ages 2-12 with separated areas for different age groups.
Nature engagement: Aspen Family Campground provides pond wildlife viewing opportunities. "The pond is beautiful, it was quiet and just relaxing. The kids had a great time," reports a family visitor. Children can observe turtles, frogs and small fish from the shore or dock.
Tips from RVers
Site surfaces: Pine Valley RV Park & Campground offers level parking pads. "Lakeside sites are spacious and reasonably priced," notes a long-time visitor. Sites are predominantly gravel with minimal slope, requiring fewer leveling blocks than other area campgrounds.
Access road conditions: Park access varies significantly between campgrounds. "Easy maneuverability, great wifi and water pressure, along with level sites make it a great place to stay," reports an RVer at Finger Lakes RV Resort, while Buttermilk Falls features "the hill you climb to the camp sites is riddled with pot holes."
Off-season considerations: Several campgrounds offer early spring and late fall camping with reduced amenities. Water systems are typically winterized by mid-October, though some electrical sites remain available for self-contained units until the first significant snowfall.
