Watkins Glen State Park Campground and Letchworth State Park Campground house luxurious glamping accommodations in the scenic Finger Lakes region of New York. These parks combine natural beauty with upscale camping options, featuring fully-furnished safari tents and spacious yurts equipped with real beds, linens, electricity, and climate control systems. HTR Niagara Campground provides another exceptional glamping experience with yurts that include private bathrooms and kitchenettes, while Jellystone Park Gardiner offers family-friendly glamping options with extra amenities like Wi-Fi and outdoor seating areas. Unlike standard camping, these glamping sites provide the comforts of home while immersed in nature. One guest shared, "This place is amazing. The sites are very nicely spaced and level. Bathhouses are some of the nicest I've seen. So much to do that's included in the price of the stay."
The natural surroundings enhance these unique glamping experiences, with most sites positioned to maximize views of lakes, forests, or mountains. Hiking trails at Letchworth State Park lead to spectacular waterfalls, while Green Lakes State Park offers pristine swimming and kayaking opportunities just steps from safari tents and geodesic domes. Many glamping resorts organize guided nature walks, stargazing events, and seasonal activities like fall foliage tours or winter snowshoeing adventures. Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday provides glampers with easy access to Olympic sites, mountain biking trails, and fly fishing spots. Seasonal availability varies, with most locations operating from May through October, though some canvas accommodations feature heating systems for cooler weather. According to a camper, "Very nice family campground, has every amenity you can think of right on the ground. It's a lot expensive in my opinion, but my children absolutely love it here."
$20 - $58 / night
"I absolutely love coming to Watkins Glen Campground, especially when I went to get away from the busy city. This park has gorgeous waterfalls, and great paths to walk and hike on."
"Bathrooms were clean. The site was huge, the campfire ring was lovely. The gorge trail is absolutely amazing- beautiful waterfalls!!"
$300 / night
"Every few miles the winding pavement breaks out onto a few of the ridges and valley below, before ducking back into the forest of Western New York."
"We stayed in a cute cabin with running water, a stove, and a heater for cold nights! Outside we had a picnic table and a campfire pit. The park itself has amazing hiking with awesome views."
$20 - $100 / night
"We our family of 5 tent camped on site 155 & 157. The sites were right next to the bathrooms/showers/laundry. The bathrooms were very clean."
"We had a site with electric hook up and you fill with water. There are fill stations all throughout the campground. Very well maintained park."
"I have done tent, cabin and t.v. camping here. a lot of family activity in my favorite place. the outdoor choices are plenty, but the campground is slipping trying to be too much and seems to let the infrastructure"
"Very large and busy campground, close to Lake Placid and other cool activities to take in. Pros- hot showers, convenient laundromat, you are guided to your site by staff on golf carts."
$20 - $116 / night
"The lake is a fascinating meromictic lake with clear calcium-rich waters that are not only pristine and beautiful to look at, but also great for swimming and snorkeling as the waters are crystal clear"
"There are many sites with electric available at every site. There are some sites with full hook-up available and also specific areas that allow pets. Swimming is available at the large beach."
$77 / night
"Great location just 15 minutes from American Falls. Staff is friendly and professional making check-in a breeze. The camp store is a cute, well-stocked and organized "camping boutique"."
"Bathhouses are very clean, laundry facilities at each bathhouse, heated pools in the summer, 2 zip lines, laser tag, mini golf, boats, pedal bikes, playground, basketball, Gaga ball, catch and release"
"The camp is set up in a “blank slate, parking lot” type style, with a big field, center for tent camping or to be used for sports or other activities."
"We had full hookups with 50-amp electrical service- which all worked fine. The entire park seemed to be well maintained and clean."
$22 - $172 / night
"The bathrooms and shower houses are maintained and cleaned daily, which is good because some campers are just inconsiderate and disgusting."
"great campground, perfect location to also drive up to the high peaks"
"great New York state park. stayed here for 2 nights and I will be back. the park is so big I only got to do some of the hiking. very nice."
"There's also two beaches, over a dozen hiking trails, a restaurant, camp stores, a dump station, and more."
"Tent sites with water and electricity are well maintained and work as advertised. There is little shade in the campground which can make tents hot during the day. Campground services are good. "
"Sites are easy access, rock bed for the sites, you are escorted to site. Easy access to local attractions, including Niagara Falls. Multiple things to do around the local community and on the park."
ScoutBeautiful, well cared for campground! Bathhouses are very clean, laundry facilities at each bathhouse, heated pools in the summer, 2 zip lines, laser tag, mini golf, boats, pedal bikes, playground, basketball, Gaga ball, catch and release fishing pond, and 2 dog parks. Close to Niagara Falls.
ScoutOctober leaves starting to fall makes for a very quiet, peaceful midweek evening in one of the two dispersed car camping sites. Exactly what I was hoping for - private and empty and lovely. Easy to find - two dispersed car sites are to the left at the fork in the road before the trailhead.
GuideIt's no wonder they call this park the Grand Canyon of the East! This is a vast green oasis with grandeur to spare.
Pro's:
- Glen Iris Inn was a treat. It is right next to the middle falls, which to me were like the Niagara Falls' little sister. So spectacular.
- The restrooms on loop 100 were newish and great. All singleton-style restrooms and some with showers.
- Really, just everything. Wish we could have stayed longer!
Con's:
- I heard someone complain about the lack of cell service, but to me this is secretly a Pro! :)
- Oh and having to use ReserveAmerica to book the site was is a bit of nuisance.
TravelerA nice wooded campground that was quiet despite being almost full on our Friday night stay.
The site we stayed at (64) had some pretty large roots to drive over and may have been an issue for a low clearance vehicle (we have a Subaru Outback).
The shower / house bathroom combo units weee very clean with hot water and baby changing station.
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.
TravelerCampground is clean & beautiful. Our site (#165) is right next to the lake. The showers are warm. The toilets are pretty clean. The water spigot closest to us is not working.
ScoutSpaces were easy in/out. Mature trees between sites. Pool, office, pickleball, k9kamp, bathrooms were all nice.
TravelerThe staff at check-in were incredibly friendly, sharing with me their favorite hikes and viewpoints. My golden retriever and I settled into our site in the 100 loop which was spacious and clean. The restroom and showers were immaculate. The road running the length of the park was flanked by miles of stone walls constructed by the CCC. All paths were well maintained gravel.
ScoutTraveled from northeastern PA with 5 other families. All with kids under 13. Location was great. Everyone super friendly. Very convenient being near the grocery store. Tiki bar was fun for adults! Very clean! We rented a boat and went to Clayton for the day. Will definitely go back again.
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