Finger Lake NY Camping Recommendations

[urnmor]

My wife and I are thinking about going to the NY Finger Lake region in August and was looking for recommendations.

Thanks

[SCOTTinNJ]

I am heading up there as well. Currently looking at Watkins Glen State Park.

[AnnArborBob]

Consider also Sampson State Park:

Sampson State Park - NYS Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation

[JRookie]

We've been to Watkins Glen State Park several times, although not in the last 4 years. Electric loop has lots of trees, but one of the loops is open. There is a pool and access to the hiking trail at the parking lot below the campground. Lakewood Winery is one of the nearest on the west side of Seneca Lake (and our favorite). There's also a Walmart and restaurants nearby, in case you always forget something (like we do).

I've never camped at Sampson, but it's on the east side of Seneca Lake with quick access to Hazlitt, Rasta Ranch, and Three Brothers wineries.

There is another state park with camping and good hiking near Ithaca that I have heard good things about, but I can't remember the name.

[DanB]

We just returned from the Wine Festival and camped in the infield at Watkins Glenn International.

If I was going back, I would look at Clute Park Campground | Watkins Glen, NY

It is right downtown within walking distance of some great shops, restaurants, and even WalMart (yippee?).

We ran into a caravan to Nova Scotia there! Nice people

[urnmor]

I looked a number of the State parks in the area and did not find any available sites un til late in the month. Any other suggestions other the Clute Park ? Thanks

[AnnArborBob]

Originally Posted by urnmor

I looked a number of the State parks in the area and did not find any available sites un til late in the month. Any other suggestions other the Clute Park ? Thanks

A lot of State Parks have non-reservable sites and if you arrive mid-week you will usually get a site that you can stay in for up to 14 days (typically.) Check with the NY State Parks that you fancy directly to see if they have such sites and what the prospects for a mid-week arrival might be.

[SCOTTinNJ]

Originally Posted by urnmor

I looked a number of the State parks in the area and did not find any available sites un til late in the month. Any other suggestions other the Clute Park ? Thanks

How long were you looking to stay?

[urnmor]

I was looking to stay up to a week including travel.

[SCOTTinNJ]

Originally Posted by urnmor

I was looking to stay up to a week including travel.

Sometimes it is tough to book one spot for a week but if you are willing to swap spots you can stay in the same park.

[urnmor]

Scott thanks for the info. I will call the state to see what they have however I am more into convenience these days then packing and moving. I will also look for a commercial site but not one right in town.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by urnmor

My wife and I are thinking about going to the NY Finger Lake region in August and was looking for recommendations.

Thanks

On the way to the Wine......Stop at the best State Park in the Country.

You won't regret it!!


We also camped at Sampson quite a bit, (dog shows), open sites, very large with quite a few loops. Then theres also the White Deer.

Bob

[NevadaGeo]

This used to be on my school bus route years ago, had kindergartners get on the bus. About 1976. Now it's all growed up. Sunflower Acres Family Campground | Addison, NY 14801

[mike28]

The KOA in Watkins Glen is very nice if you like commercial parks.

[Outdoors4me]

Ontario County Parks has a really nice but little-known campground on a high hill near the west side Canandaigua Lake. There's a great overlook and close to lots of activity, including a fantastic scenic route along the lake. Gannett County Park: Ontario County, NY - Official Website

[Meddle]

Keuka Lake State Park is also very nice and close to several wineries.

[urnmor]

I have looked on line and it appears that all state campgrounds are solidly booked for most of August. I will begin calling to State's rec line to see if anything is available. I also looked at some commercial sites. I thought they were either to expensive or farther then I wanted to travel.

[SCOTTinNJ]

Sometimes you can book two spots back to back to gain more time in one park. Then day of "move" talk to the ranger. They may be able to work things out. Also, if there are no hookups, you may have to go dump/fill anyway after a few days.

[Jarrod White]

The NASCAR race at Watkins Glen is August 9th so that will complicate availability that weekend. You might have better luck looking for reservations in the following weekends.

[Adiredneck]

It's a little north of the Finger Lakes, but I second Bob's recommendation of Letchworth State Park. We went there 30+ years ago and have wanted to get back ever since!