Blueberry Patch Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

We stayed here for 3 nights back in August 2018 with our pup while exploring the Ithica and surrounding area seeing waterfalls. It was very quiet and peaceful, with only a few of the sites being occupied. There are vault toilets and the site was nice.

This is the kind of camping experience we love. Stayed 3 nights and would have enjoyed a few more. Secluded and rustic. Only 10 sites, all FF. Large wooded sites, plenty of privacy. We arrived on Friday and only 3 other sites were occupied. The FS sure says this fits RVs up to 24 ft. Most sites could fit much larger rigs, but the loop road is narrow and could be a problem turning. Our 24 ft TT made it easily. No water, electric or dump station. Vault toilets. 15-30 minute drive to numerous waterfall hikes and the town of Watkins Glen. Our only disappointments were the little bit of garbage left by previous campers and the mosquitoes.

The campsite was spacious and private. Glad we stayed there.

We were not familiar with the area and stumbled on this little rustic gem by chance. Good old fashioned self serve rustic campground that was practically empty. So pretty too! Located right in the middle of the national forest and finger lakes area. So many sites to see, but it was nice to escape the people here. Waterfalls within a few minutes in most directions. Lots of good hiking too! Great hidden spot tucked in the woods!

What does blueberry patch campground offer? Large camp sites with a picnic table large enough for 6 adults (squeezed together), metal fire pit with grill, large tent footprint and space for 2-3 vehicles to park.

For you fellow hammock campers reading this don’t worry! Most of the sites are compatible for hammocks, some sites you may have to be more creative to make it work.

You can stay at this site for up to 14 days at $15pn (bring cash). There are two bathrooms on the site and bear proof dumpsters as well. There are many locals selling fire wood bundles for $5 each so no problems getting a fire going. Lastly for this part BRING WATER. There are no water sources near the site. There is a gas station about 15 minutes away on route 79 so make sure to fill up on water and snacks.

The site is great. Lots of amenities and individual sites. They aren’t too far away from each other so you don’t feel completely isolated but far enough away to allow some privacy. There are some trails nearby and are worth a hike.

Neil

My boyfriend and I decided to go to the finger lakes for two nights and camp while up there. We knew of the camp site but it’s first come first serve. Cash only, and you deposit it into a wooden box with an envelope they supply. One of the wineries also recommended staying there. We arrived late on a Thursday night but were able to find one spot. There is an outhouse but I think that may be the only facility available. My only recommendation is that you arrive earlier and set up if you’re camping during the busy season. Otherwise it fills up fast. There are plenty of places to hike and lots of wineries on the east side of the lake. Would 100% stay there again!

Small and quiet national forest campground, just about 20 minutes from the hustle and bustle of both Ithaca and Watkins Glen. We woke up to thrushes singing and fell asleep to nightingales and owls calling!  Sites are basic with a picnic table and fire ring. Two pit toilets and trash/recycling are available, but no drinking water (also no streams for filtering water…so come prepared). Some sites can accommodate longer RV’s and some are perfect for tents.  All sites have quite a bit of shade and privacy as they are lined with trees and shrubs.

The best part about this campground is you are perfectly situated in the heart of the NY wine country!  Seneca Lake is just a couple miles west and has more wineries than you can possibly visit. Our favorite was Catharine Valley Winery…great wine, fun atmosphere, and gorgeous view of the vineyards and lake. 

Also, with the help of a local, we found Smith Memorial Park – a great place to launch our kayaks and make some dinner at the beach. Their campground is currently closed for renovations, but there is a boat launch/docks, picnic pavilion, and a lovely view of the sunset.

No reservations, first-come first served.

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!

Fantastic little place! The campground and trails are pristine. Looked like new benches and well maintained grounds. Each site has its own privacy and is decent sized. I brought my dog was able to put her on a lead and not worry about her getting tangled up every 2 seconds as the sites have enough open space for that. It is not a big place so if you are trying to go as a group you should go early! I cannot stress enough how well kept the trails are here and absolute treasure! That's all, Happy Travels!

Both times I've been to this campground, the sites have been clean and well maintained. 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. The campground is in the Finger Lakes National Forrest, close to Ithaca, Watkins Glen, Taughannock Falls, and the Finger Lakes Wine Trail. There is a $10.00 per night fee and a 8 persons cap on each campsite. Highly reccommend if you want your Finger Lakes experience without the hubbub of Watkins Glen and a little more secluded. I've seen this campground fill up fast on summer weekends. First come, first serve.

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! You often miss out on the amenities of state parks; however, blueberry patch has a bathroom! An amazing space if you're looking to transition from public camping to backcountry camping. The trails were VERY muddy when we went so I highly recommend taking your hiking boots. Also, the 10 sites are first come first serve. We were the only ones when we arrived midday but by night they were almost all filled on a summer weekend. Great way to see Watkins Glen without having to camp right next to someone else. Also, there are in fact blueberries! And a great field to see the stars from.