Lake Camping in Finger Lakes, New York: Best Lake Campsites 2025

United States
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New York
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Finger Lakes

98% (2745 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Finger Lakes

Star Hosts in Finger Lakes

12 top lakeside campgrounds in Finger Lakes

92%

(38)

Round Top Retreat

1 site · Lodging101 acres · Richford, NY

Close to Ithaca, NY, Cayuga Lake, and Cornell University. Once a snowshoe lodge, then a Boy Scout camp, this rustic cabin retreat property is surrounded by the Robinson Hollow State Forest. The 100 year old cabin sits only a few hundred yards from the Sierra Club section of the Finger Lakes Trail. The area is a peaceful spot for hiking, camping and snowshoeing or cross country skiing (October 1 bow season deer hunting begins, and mid-November to December is NYS gun deer season-which may not be as serene as you'd like). Perfect get-away for humans and their four-legged friends, it's a dog's dream vacation spot. Enjoy a week or weekend, or your vacation in a place where the "noise" is the melodious sounds of nature. It is remote enough to completely break from urban life, yet close enough to Ithaca, NY to enjoy its beauty and attractions. Amenities: outhouse, hand water pump, two-seater outhouse, propane grill, some pots and pans, grill utensils, wood stoves, private, gated entrance, pond, trails. Sleeping loft, no bed (you provide mattress/sleeping bag, etc.). There may be candles, toilet paper, bug spray (if left by previous guests). We are an LGBTQ-woman owned property, and welcome all campers regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, political views, religion, or culture of origin. Learn more about this land: A wonderful rustic, private, off-grid get-away, perfect for couples, families, and pups who enjoy camping (log cabin with wood furniture available, you may pitch your tent anywhere on the property - leave no trace). You may see some wildlife throughout the property (including a milk snake that lives in the cabin wall, but is harmless). It is a quiet, rural, farming area. Once at the cabin there are only two to three houses within a half mile (through the woods), so you will have a private space all your own. Winter camping is special - cozy wood heated cabin, hundreds of acres for snow shoeing, cross country skiing, or snowmobiling. Plan ahead, we do not plow the driveway in winter; plan to shovel an off-road parking space, and transport your gear up to the cabin (1100'). Wood is provided. Onsite: water pump, 2-seat outhouse, wood stove, campfire ring, wood, & propane grill. Exclusive access for nature hikes, streams, forest, pond, swimming, bird watching, star gazing, etc. A wheelchair that can navigate grass and some ruts can enter the cabin, but not the outhouse, and the sleeping loft is up stairs (there is room for a cot or mattress on the first floor); the porch is accessible through the cabin. When you book, you are confirming your understanding of the following: there is no electricity, running water, or std. bed/mattresses. You bring own air mattress, bedding, and gear you will need. All-wheel drive vehicle is recommended. We welcome special events, family reunions, or weddings, if your plans do not require utilities (you may bring a generator or other battery operated items, as needed). Note for winter guests: We do not plow the driveway in winter, you need to be ready to shovel an off-road parking spot, and transport gear to cabin (e.g. by sled, snowshoes) Here's a brief list of the basics to bring: Light source: Lantern propane or battery. Air mattress or cot and whatever bedding you need. Paper products (cups, plates, utensils, toilet paper, etc.) Matches/fire starter (there is wood on-site, and a propane grill for cooking that has a self-starter). Bug spray. Cooler and ice. Lawn chairs. There are a few tables, several chairs and benches. There are 2 picnic tables (one outside and one inside). The benches can be moved outside if you'd like, just move them back inside before you leave. The propane grill should only be used outside. There is a hand axe in the cabin to shave kindling, and the wood is already split to be the length for the wood stove, as needed. Gas: 5 miles away. If you plan to grocery shop when you get to the area, the closest store is at East Hill Plaza in Ithaca, about 9 miles past where the cabin is (I can give you all that info if you like). There is lots to explore/see/do in the Ithaca area if you decide to come down off the hill one of the days. I'll have some brochures and things in the cabin, and can answer questions (aka where is the best ice cream, dinner, etc.).

Waterfall Creek

6 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Millport, NY

This is a beautiful piece of property located in the heart of the Finger Lakes and Wine Country of NY. It features a stunning spring fed waterfall and nice forest land. Very close to town but also very secluded and private. Great place to unwind and relax from our everyday lives. It is situated however in a gully next to a creek and waterfall so it is susceptible to heavy rains. It is recommended to at least have an AWD vehicle if rainy. I can usually help campers with getting to the site in my side X side if you need to park up at the pasture. Please order enough wood initially as I have found I spend a lot of time delivering extra wood to campers. It seems as if you will typically go through 2 bundles per night on average. Also I supply a contractor size garbage bag to you if you choose garbage removal. It is also a good idea to text me when you have a solid ETA so I can be here to take you to the site. I want to mention that the two sites closest to the waterfall are a slight hike in and can only accommodate up to 4 person tents so if a bigger group or vehicle camping you will be placed at another site. Hope to see you soon. Ken

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Mission Hemlock Grove

4 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · Conesus, NY

Welcome, Mission Conesus, originally built by Franciscan Catholics. These lands were likely chosen for many reasons. Suffice it to say there is something special here. Come discover for yourself. Lose yourself here, or maybe find yourself, among the Hemlocks. First, a bit about the terrain. There is much in the way of forest, very mature, and a broad array of plant species. Elevation differences are vast, land to the west is uphill for quite a ways, and downhill to the east, to Hemlock lake below, so the world here can feel a bit tilted. We adjoin 150 acres of nature conservancy lands that nobody seems to know about. These lands are for respectful public daytime use. We also adjoin 6600 acres of NY state forest which is public property. Exploring all that is here would take a very long time! Want to get away? Welcome to our little slice of heaven. We are just getting started in the camping space, but for now, we're accepting bookings and looking forward to hosting you, at the mission. See the provided map for site locations. Site 1 is open field and is near the pavilion, sites 2 and 3 are along the woods, and site 4 is the most private and tucked into the woods. We looking forward to hosting you, at the mission.

97%

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Cabin in the woods

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Moravia, NY

The cabin is located in a remote area of Bear Swamp State Forest. It is about 5 miles from the nearest paved road but has seasonal roads that take you to the cabin. There are many close attractions like Skaneateles Lake and Carpenters Falls. The Cabin doesn’t have electricity or water but we do have a generator available. We do not have a shower or bathroom but we have an outhouse. We do ask people to bring their own gas if you want to run the generator and woods to make a fire. I highly recommend 4x4 vehicles but I been there in a civic and a mini van.

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Valley View Camp

11 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Montour Falls, NY

WE ALLOW A MAXIMIUM OF 4 CAMPING GROUPS AT A TIME. We have 8 sites to choose from but, due to Town rules more than 4 camping any given night is tooo many. So, 4 acres 4 camping groups. We are advertising a "RUSTIC CAMPING EXPERIENCE". This isn't the state or county owned or run site. We want you to come and be clean and considerate and have a great experience! I walked many lots over the previous several years and this pasture was perfect. This location is a work in progress. The pictures are over a few years and when you get there the hay could be high, it could have just been cut. The reviews and some pictures begin 3 years ago 3 days after we went online. Work the reviews in reverse to see newest reviews.

Tempest Ranch camp

12 sites · Lodging40 acres · Beaver Dams, NY

40 secluded acres with 1850 feet of clear stream with a great swimming hole. Our fenced fields with sheds boarders 9100 acres Sugar Hill State Forest, hiking trails and a dirt seasonal road that connects to other dirt roads. We have a mature pine forest grove that you can pick a spot to camp next to,or walk our creek and find a cleared spot to tent or just sleep next to campfire. We have been here 20 years improving what was run down, and continue to add a few pines and special private site for great memories! Our sites sit along meads creek which is nice to sit and relax in. At the bridge along maple lane is a very fun swimming hole ,which has been so nice all summer let your dog swim with you and have a nice float .we have a picnic tabel and fire ring at most sites . We are constantly making new fun sites to enjoy . fire-ring and outhouse! We have a pond to feed fish and explore on a canoe or bring tubes .always horses and donkeys to see . I have 1850 foot of stream to hike along and explore wildlife.turkey,deer,fox the occasional coyotes howling . We have been getting eagles.few bear sightings. ..we have .some pretty private spots along the creek . And under the pine tree grove.we border 9100 acres of sugar hill state Forrest. Trails everywhere. Twelve miles of back dirt roads to get to Watkins Glen state park. 7 miles to the Glen race track .twelve miles to a great dirt track to see racing.we can accommodate horse camping ,either by ride ins or trailers with pASTURES TO PULL INTO. ! This site borders sugar hill state Forrest! Twelve miles to Watkins glen

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(27)

Bare Lake House

2 sites · Lodging35 acres · Corning, NY

Family owned 35 acre property, with a 3 acre lake where we like to play and explore nature nude. We are clothing optional. Meaning you need not partake in the most comfortable and most natural way to enjoy nature. But you may see others on property that are nude. Learn more about this land:The Nut House is a newly built cabin. It is 10 x 16 with a small front porch with chairs . This unit is set in the acorn and hickory nut trees. This unit has electric with ceiling fan and heat. It has a Queen size bed with all linens, blankets and pillows. It is approximately 40 yards to club house with rest rooms and shower. There is a vending machine for snacks and sodas/water. You may pay an extra $7.00 to join for breakfast at Blake's B n B. Payment will be received at breakfast. Oct 1st until Apr 1st the club house is winterized and will not have water. Additional facilities and shower can be used at the B n B, approx 100 yards from the cabin. The cabin is located within Bare Lake Nudist Club, a Clothing Optional Club. This is a 18 years of age plus listing. No children allowed for this location Thank you. All areas of the property are clothing optional. There is a 3 acre lake for swimming, boating, and fishing. We also have marked trails to hike. Life jackets are REQUIRED with use of any and all boats! NO EXCEPTIONS. We HIGHLY recommend the use of bug spray while hiking! Come join us at our beautiful piece of nature! See you soon!

Revive Your Spirit at Lagom Langing

3 sites · Lodging, Tents60 acres · Dansville, NY

Get away from it all on 60 acres of quiet space! You have two options--bring your own tent and camping gear and rough it, or stay in our hand-built cabin with all you need for a couple of nights of pure R&R! Experience zero light pollution at this off the grid cabin or in one of our camping spots. Although the cabin is not hooked up to electric or water, it is equipped with kitchen cabinets, pots and pans and dishes and silverware, drinking and cleaning/cooking water, a pullout bed with sheets and blankets (2 people), 2 couches, a dining room table and four chairs, a porch glider, an outhouse, a camp stove, books, a few rechargeable lights (but good to bring your own), kindling and firewood, and is insulated with a stove for winter stays. A fire pit and benches await your nighttime enjoyment of the solitude and stars. We encourage you to walk and experience a true "backwoods" experience, but we will drive you down in our Utility Vehicle if needed. A ping pong table is available in the barn/workshop if people would like to play. We also have pollinator and vegetable gardens and chickens, and we produce maple syrup in the spring. If guests are interested in workshops on carpentry, food preservation, foraging, gardening, bread baking, and kombucha-brewing, they should let us know a WEEK in ADVANCE. We also offer spiritual direction and Enneagram typing and exploration. This experience can be as solitary as a guest would like, or guests can also experience the gift of connecting with others in community.

Minglewood Camp

2 sites · Lodging90 acres · Trumansburg, NY

Both my husband Ben, and I are natives to the Fingerlakes region. We are nature lovers and enjoy , (Love) camping. When this property became available to us we couldn't help visualize our dream camp spot. We decided to make a go for it. The frontage of the property is a small mobile home park which truly reminded us of a quaint camp community we had just visited in Canada. After exploring the 90 acres of hardwood forest beyond the park we realized an eco friendly camp ground was exactly what the property needed. Ben sourced only local wood for the cabin and used all natural building materials. No plastic anywhere! our hope is that people who need a break from the hustle of daily life can visit Minglewwood and enjoy some serenity.Our sweet little cabin is about a quarter mile into the forest. You will have total privacy. The cabin sits beside a little creek which runs till late summer depending on rain. There is 90 acres of beautiful forest to explore. The stunning Finger lakes are only a short drive as well as the impressive Gorges that surround the area. You will find no shortage of natural beauty when you visit Minglewood camp.

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Camp Whitman on Seneca Lake

16 sites · Lodging117 acres · Penn Yan, NY

Camp Whitman on Seneca Lake is a residential summer camp operated by the Presbytery of Geneva in partnership with the Presbytery of Genesee Valley. The camp has been in operation since 1954. Prior to that the land was a working farm.The property hosts a summer camp each summer, but the cottages and cabins are available for group and family rentals outside of this timeframe. The property is marked by Seneca Lake on its eastern boundary, Punnett's Pond on its western boundary and streams and ravines on its north and south boundaries. The property additionally features a swimming pool, hiking trails, a small organic garden and farm animals and optional activities like archery, boating and more for guests at certain points in the season.

Towner's Country Paradise

4 sites · Lodging, Tents500 acres · Addison, NY

Towner's Country Paradise started out as a wild forest and pasture for cows in the 1940's, owned by Llewellyn Towner. In the 1960s, Llewellyn's love for aviation led him to construct a small airstrip and hangar, and then his son Terry began to plant Christmas Trees (no more cows) and clear much of the land. By the early 1970's our main and largest pond was built and since that time our fully functional cabin, several more fish ponds, roads, trails, running water and generated electricity have been added. Christmas Trees are still grown and harvested by Terry's son Scott Towner. Green rolling hills, deep valleys, a waterfall, ponds stocked with fish, a fully functional cabin, herds of deer, flocks of turkey and Canada Geese, & well-maintained roads and trails here in Addison NY. It's so private that even most of the people who live in our small town don't know we're here! CHECK OUR REVIEWS!OPTION to camp/hike in the woods for a more wild experience. NEARBY: restaurants including Chinese, Subway, pizza/wings, & several excellent diners offering take out or eat-in. ALSO: Dollar General, Wal-Mart (15 min away), Dunkin Donuts (5 min away), & gas stations.Your jaw will *drop* when you see Towner's Country Paradise for the first time!

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Rustic Log Cabins on Seneca Lake

4 sites · Lodging2 acres · Hector, NY

When visiting the Seneca Lake area of the Finger Lakes region, nature lovers, race enthusiasts, wine and beer lovers, and vacationers alike will discover authentic charm in one of a kind log cabins. Originally built in the 1920's for early visitors, the Rustic Log Cabins are one of the oldest lodging establishments in the area. All four of our cabins have a great farmers porch on which to relax and enjoy your favorite local wine or beer and watch gorgeous sunsets over Seneca Lake. Afterwards sit by your own fire pit and enjoy a quiet and starry evening - a feature of cabin life that our guests tell us brings them back year after year. The cabins are situated on three beautiful park-like acres with plenty of room for games of all kinds. The view from the grounds takes in an apple orchard, rolling vineyards and Seneca Lake - a perfect setting for a small wedding or reunion if you rent all four cabins. Built of whole pine logs all four are spacious one-room cabins with electricity, hardwood floors and stone fireplaces. The cabins are equipped with table, chairs, comfortable beds, dressers, stove and fridge. Two of the cabins will accommodate three persons and the other two will accommodate up to 6 people. A Bath House in the center of the campsite is convenient to all four cabins and contains a separate mens and women section with showers, toilets and sinks. Guests are encouraged to provide their own towels and bed linens to avoid per bed linen fee. The Rustic Log Cabins are located on the east side of Seneca Lake on Route 414 in the town of Hector. We are central to the Finger Lakes National Forest, wineries & breweries, Watkins Glen State Park and also the towns of Corning, Geneva, Ithaca, Seneca Falls and Hammondsport NY. We are open May through October.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

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(7)

Taughannock Falls State Park

Trumansburg, New York

Rainbow Falls, the most recognizable waterfall in the park with a different take on composition.

92%

(27)

Watkins Glen State Park

Watkins Glen, New York

Fillmore Glen State Park

Moravia, New York

100%

(1)

Keuka Lake State Park

Keuka Park, New York

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(4)

Finger Lakes National Forest

Trumansburg, New York

100%

(10)

Fair Haven Beach State Park

Fair Haven, New York

83%

(6)

Cayuga Lake State Park

Cayuga, New York

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Lakeside camping in Finger Lakes guide

Overview

Looking to camp near the picturesque Finger Lakes in the United States? Hipcamp has got you covered with over 177 camping options specifically tailored for lake enthusiasts in this region. With options starting as low as $22 per night and an average price of $45 per night, you're sure to find something that fits your budget. Check out top-rated campsites like Waterfall Creek (197 reviews), Underhill Forest and Farm (166 reviews), and Hawk Meadow Farm (162 reviews) for a memorable camping experience. Enjoy popular amenities such as showers, pet-friendly accommodations, and potable water, and engage in activities like exploring historic sites, climbing, and fishing. Start planning your camping adventure in the Finger Lakes today!