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These Watkins Glen camping spots put you right in the middle of the Finger Lakes’ natural wonders. Watkins Glen is a charming village on the shores of Seneca Lake, one of the most stunning lakes in upstate New York. Surrounding Watkins Glen are some of the Finger Lakes’ prettiest gorges and waterfalls, the 16,000-acre Finger Lakes National Forest, and the Finger Lakes themselves. You can also check out Watkins Glen’s famous wineries, breweries, and international speedway. These are the best Watkins Glen camping spots to make the most of your time in the Finger Lakes.
The Best Watkins Glen Camping Spots
1. Watkins Glen State Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Ashleigh M.
The Watkins Glen State Park campground, or Six Nations Campground, is the best way to explore the beauty of Watkins Glen. The campground is on the western edge of the village, in Watkins Glen State Park. It sits right on the shores of Glen Creek, giving you a front seat to some of the best scenery in the Finger Lakes. There are reservable sites for tents and RVs up to 40 feet. Amenities include electric hookups, flush toilets, hot showers, swimming pools, and playgrounds. You have immediate access to several trails. The famous Gorge Trail features a whopping 19 waterfalls. The South Rim Trail and the Indian Trail provide spectacular views of the gorge. You can also fish in for smallmouth bass and trout in Seneca Lake or explore the village. Watkins Glen is a sought-after destination — for a good reason. Reserve your spot early so you can take advantage of this incredible camping spot.
“We spent 2 nights at Tuscarora Village in the Six Nations campground. More than impressed. The sites were unique, huge, and well maintained. Very family friendly with a 10pm “shhhh” time. If you are looking for a safe, easy, comfortable place for you and your family or some quiet time, I highly recommend. Within a short walk of the trails and gorge. Stunning. Also, less than 10 mins from the cutest town and Seneca Lake” – Taylor H.
Campground Details:
- Price: $18-30
- Number of sites: 305
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
2. Watkins Glen/Corning KOA
The Watkins Glen/Corning KOA is five miles outside of the village, right off State Route 414. This resort-style campground has reservable sites for tents and RVs, as well as cabin rentals. Sites come with many amenities to keep the whole family entertained: full hookups and Wi-Fi, a pool and spa, inflatable playgrounds, a fishing pond, bumper boats, mini-golf, outdoor movies, and more. You’ll never run out of things to do. And you’re close to everything that makes Watkins Glen great: take in the beauty of Seneca Lake on a dinner cruise or wine tour, explore the many waterfalls, hike trails throughout Finger Lakes National Forest, or see the entire Finger Lakes region from a hot air balloon. The Watkins Glen/Corning KOA is a family-friendly basecamp where you can appreciate Watkins Glen and still have fun inside the campground.
“This is a nice KOA in the Watkins Glen area. Our site was a full hookup site. Campground offered clean sites with gravel drives and grass areas between them. Offers your typical KOA amenities with a huge outdoor pool, indoor pool and hot tub, water slide, rock wall structure, zip line and mini golf which were part of our site fee price. Things to do in the area Watkins Glen State park (hiking, biking and scenic views of the falls and gorge), Seneca Lake (one of the finger lakes), Watkins Glen International Speedway, Corning Glass Museum (Corning, NY), Montour Falls (Montour Falls, NY), Sunset View Creamery (Farm Tour and Store).” – Andrew M.
Campground Details:
- Price: $53-125
- Number of sites: 180
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
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3. Clute Park and Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Cheryl W.
Clute Park and Campground is in central Watkins Glen, on the shores of Seneca Lake. The campground has reservable sites for tents and RVs. Amenities include full hookups, cable, Wi-Fi, flush toilets, and free showers. The park also offers outdoor sports, a rec room, a swimming pool, and a skate park. The main feature of this large campground is the proximity to Seneca Lake. You can walk right to the lake’s beaches and boat ramp. You’re a short drive from downtown Watkins Glen, where you’ll find restaurants, stores, and nightly events. And you’re not far from wineries, breweries, hiking trails, and kayak rentals. Clute Park and Campground is a great spot to explore the village and outdoor recreation.
“The best thing about this park is location, location, location! Situated on the bottom of Seneca Lake you are just a short walk to downtown and Watkins Glen State Park. In addition directly across the street from the park is a local park with a small beach for swimming. We did have a large pull through site that accommodated our 40ft RV. Staff were very friendly and helpful with anything you may need to know about the area. Needless to say you are in wine country with wineries and breweries galore to explore! The Walmart is across the bridge a 5 minute walk away to pick up any supplies you may need.” – Cheryl W.
Campground Details:
- Price: $35-65
- Number of sites: 130
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
4. Havana Glen
Image from The Dyrt camper Jessica G.
The Havana Glen campground is four miles south of Watkins Glen, in Montour Falls. This charming campground has reservable sites for tents and RVs. They have electric hookups, flush toilets, showers, a basketball court, and a baseball field. Best of all, you’re right next to Eagle Cliff Falls, a 40-foot waterfall flowing from a hanging valley — and there are several other waterfalls within a few miles of the campground. You can hike the surrounding wilderness, sip wine at the vineyards, fish for trout in Seneca Lake, or check out Watkins Glen International. Havana Glen is a peaceful campground where you can rest and take in the unique beauty around you. It’s a perfect spot for waterfall enthusiasts and hikers.
“I’ve been here several times to hike to the waterfall or for parties. It’s quite small with about 15-20 sites, but they aren’t right on top of each other either. Great place for young families sure to the playground, short hike to the falls, bathrooms, pavilions, and very close to Seneca Lake and the Finger Lakes Trail and the Catherine Valley Trail.” – Brett N.
Campground Details:
- Price: $22-30
- Number of sites: 25
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
If you’re looking for the best Watkins Glen camping spots, we’ve got you covered. These camping sites put you right in the middle of the best of the Finger Lakes.
