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Sampson State Park Campground

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There are 6 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

New York State Park Campgrounds: Same-day reservations are allowed until 3 p.m. on day of arrival; this applies to campsites only. Reservations can be made online or through the ReserveAmerica Call Center: 1-800-456-2267. Walk-ins are permitted on campsites only.

New York State Park Campgrounds: Same-day reservations are allowed until 3 p.m. on day of arrival; this applies to campsites only. Reservations can be made online or through the ReserveAmerica Call Center: 1-800-456-2267. Walk-ins are permitted on campsites only.

New York State Park Campgrounds: Same-day reservations are allowed until 3 p.m. on day of arrival; this applies to campsites only. Reservations can be made online or through the ReserveAmerica Call Center: 1-800-456-2267. Walk-ins are permitted on campsites only.

New York State Park Campgrounds: Same-day reservations are allowed until 3 p.m. on day of arrival; this applies to campsites only. Reservations can be made online or through the ReserveAmerica Call Center: 1-800-456-2267. Walk-ins are permitted on campsites only.

New York State Park Campgrounds: Same-day reservations are allowed until 3 p.m. on day of arrival; this applies to campsites only. Reservations can be made online or through the ReserveAmerica Call Center: 1-800-456-2267. Walk-ins are permitted on campsites only.

New York State Park Campgrounds: Same-day reservations are allowed until 3 p.m. on day of arrival; this applies to campsites only. Reservations can be made online or through the ReserveAmerica Call Center: 1-800-456-2267. Walk-ins are permitted on campsites only.

Sampson State Park Campground, near Romulus, New York, is a fantastic spot for families and outdoor lovers alike. This campground, set on the site of an old Naval Training Center, boasts spacious, shaded sites that are perfect for tents, RVs, or even glamping.

The amenities here are solid, with clean restrooms and showers that visitors rave about. Kids will love the playgrounds, swimming area, and even movie nights, while adults can enjoy kayaking or fishing right from the shore. One camper noted, “The place is great for kids. Lots to do with a couple of playgrounds, guarded swimming area, kayak rentals, movie nights, and a concession stand to get pizza and snacks!”

If you’re into exploring, you’re in luck. The campground is close to local wineries and offers over five miles of trails for hiking or biking. Plus, the views of Lake Seneca are stunning, especially at sunset. Just remember to book your site early, as this place fills up fast!

Description

NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Sampson State Park

MARINA operated by Seneca Lake Resorts: Contact Seneca Lake Resorts for marina information at 315-835-5810 or 315-651-4949 or visit the Seneca Lake Resorts website at senecalakeresorts.com.

Sampson State Park encompasses nearly 2,000 acres, including just over 5.5 miles of lakefront, providing beautiful scenic views and abundant recreational opportunities. Centrally located in the Finger Lakes Park Region, Sampson State Park slopes gently above the eastern shore of Seneca Lake. Formed over 12,000 years ago, Seneca Lake is the largest and deepest of the Finger Lakes, with charted depths over 630 feet. Seneca Lake is famous for its lake trout fishing, with an annual National Lake Trout Derby held on Memorial Day weekend.

Please Be Advised: Due to ongoing improvements at Sampson State Park, we will no longer be renting the picnic shelters. However, the Lodi Point State Park Open Shelter will still be available.

Park Rules & Information:

  • Swimming Season runs the from the third Saturday in June until Labor Day. Hours are 11AM - 7PM, depending on staff coverage and water quality.
  • The park has 243 electric sites located in Loops 1-5 with both 30 and 20 amp service. These sites offer a mixture of open and shaded sites with a comfort station in each loop. Please bring a heavy extension cord. Distances between electric boxes and site pad can be as much as 50 feet. Each site has a gravel pad, fire ring, and one picnic table. Loop 5 is the closest to the lake, with prime sites that have lake views.
  • Only one wheeled camping unit and two motor vehicles are allowed per site. Tent campers may place two tents totaling not more than 225 square feet on a site.
  • Boats and boat trailers are not permitted on the campsite. They can be left in the Park Office Parking Lot or placed in a rented slip at the Marina.
  • QUIET HOURS: 10PM to 7AM. Only registered site occupants and vehicles are permitted in the park during this time.
  • Check-In Procedure: All campers must check in at Park Office before occupying site. Please have the following information ready: site #; all license plate numbers/description of vehicles occupying site; list of everyone that will be on your site.

ATTENTION PET OWNERS:

  • Current proof of rabies inoculation is required at check-in (metal tags will not be accepted).
  • At any time during your stay, pet owners may be required to provide proof of rabies inoculation upon request. Be sure to have this information available to present to park staff.
  • Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6ft and under control at all times.
  • Do not leave pets unattended and always clean up after them.
  • Pet owners/permit holders are liable for any damage, personal injury, or nuisance caused by the pet.
  • Where pets are permitted, there is a maximum limit of 2 pets per site.
  • Pets are NOT permitted on the playground, beach area, or inside park buildings including comfort stations.

Looking to reserve for just 1 night? If you make your reservation within 3 days of your arrival you can book a 1-night stay online or through the Call Center. This applies to campsites only.

PRE-REGISTRATION: Have an existing reservation? Don't forget to PRE-REGISTER!! Two days prior to arrival you can sign into Reserve America and pre-register. IT SAVES TIME.

LENGTH OF STAY: A camping party and their equipment may occupy a site for a maximum of 14 continuous nights. After which, the camping party and equipment must leave the site and facility for 48 hours before registering again for another site.

Please Note: To ensure fairness for all NY customers, any reservation with departure dates outside the 9-month Maximum Window cannot be changed or cancelled until 18 days after the reservation was made.

OPRHP General Camping Rules, Information, and Cancellation Policy

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Location

Sampson State Park Campground is located in New York

Detail location of campground

Directions

The park is on Route 96A, 11 miles south of Geneva. It is located on the east shore of Seneca Lake, off Route 96A. 315-585-6392

Address

6096 ROUTE 96A
Romulus, NY 14541

Coordinates

42.72400002 N
76.90200075 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

20 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 9, 2022

Popular camping on the Finger Lakes

Well maintained campground on an old Naval Training Center. Lots of mature trees shade most of the sites. Sites are all gravel and backin’s- no pull throughs. Sites are generous in size but the power poles are between sites and are often more than 20 ‘ away, however the camp store will rent you 30a extensions. Place is great for kids. Lots to do with a couple of playgrounds, guarded swimming area, kayak rentals, movie nights and a concession stand to get pizza and snacks! Seems to always have a breeze off the lake on loop 5. Sites 222,224,226,228,230 and 232 are all on the water. Book quickly because they fill up fast and then you’re waiting for cancellations.

Site217
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Sampson State Park Campground by Gary J., August 9, 2022
  • Review photo of Sampson State Park Campground by Gary J., August 9, 2022
  • Review photo of Sampson State Park Campground by Gary J., August 9, 2022
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jul. 1, 2022

Back for a 2nd time

HIGHLIGHTS : 

Most sites are pretty spacious 

Pets allowed in some loops 

Marina convenience store with pontoon boat rentals

Fishing 

Swimming 

Ice cream and concessions stand 

Arcade room 

Outdoor movie screen 

Nice playgrounds 

Military museum 

Paved loops - good for bikes and scooters

NEAR BY ATTRACTIONS: Wineries

CONS: 

Electric service boxes are shared in-between sites. This could pose an issue if your power cord is not long enough.

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

They don’t allow pull-in camping. Campers MUST be backed in

  • Review photo of Sampson State Park Campground by Amanda K., July 1, 2022
  • Review photo of Sampson State Park Campground by Amanda K., July 1, 2022
  • Review photo of Sampson State Park Campground by Amanda K., July 1, 2022
  • (20) View All
Reviewed Aug. 16, 2021

A1 NYS campground

Large sites, clean restrooms & showers. Should be a model for other state campgrounds. Nice swimming beach & playgrounds for kids. About half hour to Watkins Glen. Beautiful sunsets over the lake.

Siteloop 4
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Sampson State Park Campground by Daniel L., August 16, 2021
  • Review photo of Sampson State Park Campground by Daniel L., August 16, 2021
  • Review photo of Sampson State Park Campground by Daniel L., August 16, 2021
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jul. 13, 2021

Solid option in the finger lakes.

We camped here for 3 nights, I had an event in Geneva. Location was handy, easy in and out. It’s an old navy/Air Force base that was converted in the 60’s. Sites have a weird thing with one electric post per two sites… but they aren’t pull through. So, apparently, New York doesn’t care if you just park anywhere in the general area of your site, which is a vibe, but bring an extension cord. There’s some kind of “resort” co-located that appears to have more conventional hookups, but I’m unclear on how to book that. Price was fine, spot was ok, lake swim beach and playground were nice.

Site131
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2021

Perfect spot on Lake Seneca

Spent 4 days at this beautiful State Park. Sites have electric bring and extension cord for some are more then 30' from the pads. The bathrooms were super clean and well maintained. There are 2 convenient stores on the campground property, one also serves hot food to order. There is over 5 miles of paved and unpaved trails. And the park is right on the Lake so you can launch your kayaks straight from the shore line or use the boat ramp for 5 dollars should you have a boat. Most of the pads are level

Siteloop 1 site 11
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Sampson State Park Campground by Michael M., July 8, 2021
  • Review photo of Sampson State Park Campground by Michael M., July 8, 2021
  • Review photo of Sampson State Park Campground by Michael M., July 8, 2021
Reviewed Jun. 1, 2019

Excellent

Have been coming here for many years! It may not have changed much but still an awesome place to camp especially with kids! Bathrooms and showers are kept very clean in all circles and they have added a new up to date playground! Only draw back is all out of staters are charged $5 more each night to camp which I think is very unfair!

Reviewed Mar. 16, 2019

Our family’s annual go to.

Best campground in the Finger Lakes area. Reserve early thru Reserve America! Lake access & beach area, playgrounds for kids, bicycling, close to area wineries, etc. Large sites, easy access. super clean bath houses, safe, no seasonals. This is a past military training base, large open spaces. Military museum on property. Cons: no water or sewer on sites; dump stations, water available at stations; bring your hoses & prepare to conserve.

Reviewed Aug. 28, 2018

Beautiful

large tent and rv sites most with electric. Potable water fill station and dump tanks at entrance/exit. Bathrooms were very clean and had dish washing stations in them. Loop 5 has beautiful views of the lake. Great little beach and swimming area; water was very clean. Small camp store and concession stand with fish fries, breakfast foods and ice cream. I saw someone mention issues with park police, we didn’t even see one!

  • Review photo of Sampson State Park Campground by stephanie C., August 28, 2018
  • Review photo of Sampson State Park Campground by stephanie C., August 28, 2018
  • Review photo of Sampson State Park Campground by stephanie C., August 28, 2018
Reviewed Aug. 21, 2018

Lakeside camping

The campground is right along the lake with great access to the water and close to the many wineries of the finger lakes. There is a store with lots of food and supplies. The sites are not private as most are in a field. Cute cabins available as well.

Reviewed Jun. 28, 2018

Sprawling with ice features

Huge sites. Spacious park. Wonderful beach and nice fishing areas.

some cool adventure drives around the old base.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed May. 21, 2018

Nice park

This park is very clean, good size sites. Has a very nice military museum.

Reviewed May. 14, 2018

Greatt place!

Great place! Lots of places to go, friendly people and clean. Bring bicycles and definitely go on both visual and audio tours

Reviewed May. 12, 2018

Amazing camp location

There is a museum, boat launch, pavilions, and ice cream shop on the camp ground. The bathrooms are great with showers and each camp spot has plenty of distance away from the next one. They were building amazing lakeside cottages the last time I went and the cabins were small but could sleep 3-4 people in one room. Parking was great and the trails were clear. Maintenance crew starts around 7.

SiteCabin
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2016

Historic Site

Right on the water front of Seneca Lake(a Finger lake in Central NY) It was a Naval training base during WWll. About 45 minutes from Rochester and about hr and half from Syracuse. It has a Naval museum with many authentic items from that era. Very shady and ample bathroom,shower, and water facilities. If you like wild life you may run into some animals that are indigenous to Central/Western NY. There are boating ramps and nice places to fish off a wall, plus a nice public beach fully staffed with life guards. A store and rec center is located at entrance area of camp ground as well as a big playground for the children

  • Review photo of Sampson State Park Campground by Brian O., July 8, 2016
  • Review photo of Sampson State Park Campground by Brian O., July 8, 2016
  • Review photo of Sampson State Park Campground by Brian O., July 8, 2016
  • (5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to camp at Sampson State Park Campground?

Camping at Sampson State Park Campground can cost between $28.00 and $350.00 depending on the site.

Does Sampson State Park Campground have RV hookups?

According to TheDyrt.com, Sampson State Park Campground has 30 amp and 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

What is the max vehicle length at Sampson State Park Campground?

Sampson State Park Campground allows vehicles up to 35 feet.

Are fires allowed at Sampson State Park Campground?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Sampson State Park Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Sampson State Park Campground have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Sampson State Park Campground does not have wifi.

How hard is it to get a campsite at Sampson State Park Campground?

Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Sampson State Park Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Sampson State Park Campground, try setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts

Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Sampson State Park Campground?

There are 249 campsites at Sampson State Park Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts