A 215-foot waterfall accessible by a flat gorge trail sets the tone for camping at Taughannock Falls State Park. The campground sits within the park's two loops near the southern shore of Cayuga Lake, and the proximity to both the falls and the lake gives it a range of activity that few state park campgrounds in the Finger Lakes can match. Cell service is limited or nonexistent for most carriers, so plan accordingly before arrival.
Site quality varies noticeably between the two loops. Upper sites tend to be deeper, shadier, and farther from road noise, while sites in the lower loop closer to the entrance sit near Route 89, where truck traffic can be audible at night. Sites are generally flat with a fire ring and picnic table at each one, and as YM C. notes, "water stations are tucked between every few campsites." Some electric hookup sites require extra-long cords depending on which side the connection is positioned. RVs up to 35 feet can access full hookups with water, electric, and sewer.
The gorge trail to the falls is wide and flat, accessible directly from the campground and well-suited to families with young children. The lake provides a swimming area with a dock, plus access for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Stephanie B. describes it as "close to hiking trails along the gorge and Cayuga Lake access for swimming and boating." North and south rim trails add more elevation and distance for those who want a longer outing. Buttermilk Falls State Park and Watkins Glen are both within reasonable driving distance for day trips.
Bathroom cleanliness has been inconsistent across visits, with some reviewers noting facilities cleaned multiple times daily and others finding them poorly maintained. Weekend crowds can get loud. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for upper loop sites, which book up quickly. The campground runs from mid-April through mid-October, with nightly rates from $24 to $66. Spruce Row Campground and Myers Park are among the nearby alternatives if this campground is full. Campers who book early and request an upper loop site tend to come away with the most positive experience here.
Description
Taughannock Falls State Park's namesake waterfall is one of the outstanding natural attractions of the Northeast. Taughannock Falls plunges 215 feet past rocky cliffs that tower nearly 400 feet above the gorge. Gorge and rim trails offer spectacular views from above the falls and from below at the end of the gorge trail. Campsites and cabins overlook Cayuga Lake, with a marina, a boat launch, and a beach nearby. A multi-use trail, for hiking and cross-country skiing, winds past sledding slopes and natural skating ponds. The park also offers organized activities, including tours through the Taughannock Gorge and summer concerts along the lakefront.
Park Rules & Information: - This is a campground with small sites.
- There is a 215 foot waterfall nearby.
- A bridge prevents launch of boats that project more than 6' above water line.
- Campsites require a 2-night minimum stay all season.
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.
- Where pets are permitted, there is a maximum limit of 2 pets per site.
- 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.
SWIMMING: Each year the campground makes every effort to provide safe swimming opportunities by testing the water and by keeping the swimming areas staffed with lifeguards. Please be aware that if the safety of our swimmers is compromised due to lack of lifeguard coverage or water quality issues, swimming will be prohibited. Swimming cannot be a guaranteed activity; therefore, we cannot offer refunds on camping stays. We apologize for this inconvenience as it may occur with little advance notice.
Looking to reserve a campsite for just 1 night? If you make your reservation within 7 days of your arrival you can book a 1-night stay online or through the Call Center. *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
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert 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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsTaughannock Falls State Park Campground is located in New York near Jacksonville
Directions
The park is located on Route 89, 8 miles north of Ithaca. 607-539-4078
Address
2221 Taughannock Park Road
Trumansburg, NY 14886
Coordinates
42.53757192 N
76.60368699 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 6/17/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/31/26- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 7/31/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 6/17/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/31/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 7/31/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 11 min from Ithaca, NY
- 40 min from Elmira, NY
- 1 hr 7 min from Binghamton, NY
- 1 hr 9 min from Syracuse, NY
