The best camping near Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area adventure.

Discover the scenic trails and winter sports at Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area.  

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Top-rated campgrounds near Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area

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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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$36
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Waterfall Creek

8 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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$59
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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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$100
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A-Frame In The Woods

1 site · Lodging12 acres · Dundee, NY
Welcome to your serene primitive campsite, perfect for a getaway and nestled right on the Finger Lakes wine trail. Enjoy the tranquility of this off-grid experience with a view of Seneca Lake from the hill. Key Features: -Primitive Camping Experience: Embrace the simplicity of off-grid living with no running water, detached outhouse for your convenience, and no electric amenities. This is a true escape into nature. -Cozy A-Frame Shelter: Find comfort in the contained A-frame shelter, featuring a queen-size loft mattress. Bring your own bedding. -Wood Stove and Campfire: Warm up inside by the wood stove or gather around a cozy campfire outside. It's the perfect way to create lasting memories with your loved ones. -Scenic Surroundings: Take in the beauty of the Finger Lakes wine trail and the stunning view of Seneca Lake from the hill. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the peaceful surroundings and the opportunity to reconnect with the outdoors. -4-wheel drive vehicle recommended if you want to drive straight to the A-frame. There is the option to park in the parking lot by the road and walk a couple hundred yards across the field to the A-frame. This primitive campsite invites you to step away from the hustle and bustle, allowing you to unwind, bond with family, and savor the simplicity of nature. Bring your own camping supplies, cooking materials, and a sense of adventure for an unforgettable off-grid camping experience.
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$98.10
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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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$40
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The Spotted Sandpiper

5 sites · Lodging4 acres · Trumansburg, NY
The land that became our property was once owned by the King family. (i.e. Kingtown Beach Road) In the 1970s it was a marina developed by the Fulton family, with 4 small tourist cabins on the hillside above the water. Two more families loved and cared for the property before our family purchased it in late 2018. We're are delighted to share the beauty of Cayuga Lake with guests from all over the United States and the world, and hope to welcome you soon to The Spotted Sandpiper! Situated on 4 acres and with 400’ of secluded frontage on Cayuga Lake, The Spotted Sandpiper is the largest private lakefront vacation rental property in the Ithaca area. We’re nestled at the end of a private road, but only 7 minutes from Trumansburg, 3 1⁄2 miles from Taughannock State Park, and 20 minutes from Ithaca. We're conveniently located along the Cayuga Wine Trail!We are perfect for family reunions and wedding party rentals, families traveling together or friends looking for a week or weekend away! Our beach is an ideal swimming spot for children because of its gentle slope and clear waters.
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$93.50
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Pooh’s Corner

9 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Watkins Glen, NY
WELCOME to Pooh's Corner- We hope you enjoy Pooh's Corner as much as we enjoy having all of you great Hipcampers sharing our beautiful Fingerlakes Region with us. Pooh's Corner lies in a rural area just 1.5 miles from Watkins Glen. (3315 County Road 28, Watkins Glen, NY 14891). We took great care to make sure each campsite is PRIVATE (parking on-site*) and the trails are easily navigable. Our 'Welcome Shed' is equipped with a compost toilet, local information, (newly added) Hot Water Station, first-aid kit, charging station, bug spray etc. and is located in a safe, well lit, open area on the property. Each site is equipped with a fire pit and comfortable seating with tables, chairs, and/or picnic tables and tripod grills. Firewood is available on a donation basis. There are State Parks and places to hike one of the many gorges around beautiful Seneca Lake and surrounding area. Take a tour of the many wineries and breweries which our region is famous for. Enjoy hiking, swimming, biking, kayaking, and many historical sites to see. Our reviews tell it all. We know you'll love it here :) *PLEASE NOTE: Our sites are custom made for TENT or CAR camping. Because we have "parking on-site", Large RVs, Campers (over 16'), and any 5th-wheel campers are very difficult to place since there are no easy ways to back in or turn around. We highly recommend "Havana Glen State Park" (same general area) for those types of camping units.
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$22.50
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Bst Acres (1855 N Union St)

3 sites · RVs, Tents17 acres · Spencerport, NY
L-shaped 17 acre property of mixed landscape and no real neighbors! It's less than 3 miles from the Erie canal/Village shops and restaurants (and highway access), but you'll feel like you're in a secluded country setting. Borders are a (really) old cemetery, Christmas tree farm to the back (and they do haunted hayrides in season!), and woods everywhere else. Most sites are at least 800 ft back from the road with nature blocking it, so low sound and light pollution. Great stargazing! Come roam, pick a spot, and hang out with the critters if that's your thing! The property is partially wooded with a majority of rolling lawn with scattered mature trees, a few little trails and a meadow surrounded by woods as well. There is an event venue/caterer that tucks up to the property-PROOERTY LINE MARKED. Their gorgeous gazebo and small pond with fountain feature adds to the ambiance (along with the peeper frogs at night in season). You may even catch some music from weddings on the weekend! But please no trespassing! Highland cows Katie and Jersey will happily eat Alfalfa cubes from your hand (stocked on the front porch). The rest of the critters are in their respective "yards" wrapping around the back of the house. The southernmost pen has the emus-who are goofy but mischievous-so best viewed from the outside. They'll often come to the fence to investigate, and tolerate a pet or three. Mostly you'll probably laugh at their antics as they frolic along with their goose and chicken buddies. Their yard is adjacent to the main backyard of the house, and this is where the dogs hang out-all friendly and cuddles can be arranged! Finally, the northernmost part of the enclosures has the raised garden beds and the silkie (fluffy!) chickens who are super friendly! Just beware, there's an electric perimeter around all of them for predator protection (which can be turned off for visits. I just ask that I'm with you if you want to go in with cows or emus). Feel free to bring your furry friends, so long as they're safely on a lead, and choose your site appropriately so everyone gets along On arrival, you can pick up a pop tent/composting toilet (supplies/instructions included) and set up wherever for your convenience. Feel free to off-road it to your site of choice (I do 🤷‍♀️). There's enough space to park 2 RVs (maybe more?) on driveway near the house if needed. Sorry I don't have electric available, but you can top off water/rinse off with the hose etc...Lots of options for places to set up a tent or several, maybe even around a central campfire! Feel free to scrounge the woods for firewood (beware the leaves of three), or I can point you to where it can be purchased if I don't have any available. I don't have any formal shower setup at the moment, but if it's a longer stay, I can arrange for you to use the one in the house while I'm home. My dogs would love to say hi! That's all I can think of. I'm generally home all day Friday through Sunday for any escorted "amenities." Any other questions, please ask!
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$20
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Yost Ridge in the Finger Lakes

2 sites · RVs1 acre · Waterloo, NY
This peaceful, private RV camp site has ... - FULL HOOKUP site, with 110, 30 amp and 50 amp electrical outlets - WIFI - POTABLE WELL WATER (65psi) - SEPTIC TANK, - LARGE DRIVEWAY ENTRANCE - LEVEL PARKING Park however it suits you for getting the best views. It's easy to back in or out with big rigs and trailers from the quiet road . The driveway entrance is extra large. There's plenty of space for a boat, trailer or second vehicle. This is a perfect place for fishing, kayaking, bicycling, kite flying, hiking, wine trailing or relaxing at the well-maintained fire pit in the Adirondack chairs. (Local firewood is for sale in the area.)  Sunrise and sunset are spectacular here and stargazers will be delighted with the expansive views. Amish carriages and work horses are common sites. YOST RIDGE is located between Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lakes ("Trout fishing capital of the World") in the Finger Lakes wine country, and is just a short distance from numerous wineries; Swedish Hill, Knapp Vineyards, Three Brothers, Ventosa, Buttonwood Grove, and Hosmer wineries. Also located nearby are the National Women's Hall of Fame, and many state parks, including Cayuga Lake State Park, Seneca Lake State Park, Taughannock Falls State Park, Watkins Glen State Park, Buttermilk Fall State Park, within just a few minutes of this site.
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$18
 / night

The best camping near Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area guide

Overview

About

Embark on an adventure at Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area, where the thrill of the outdoors beckons. With over 22 miles of multi-use trails, this Finger Lakes gem is a haven for hiking, biking, and winter sports enthusiasts. As snow blankets the landscape, the park transforms into a prime destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, offering a picturesque escape amid dense woodlands and elevated terrain.

When to go

The best times to visit Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area are during the snow-rich winter months for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and the vibrant summer season for hiking and biking. The park's gates are open from May 1 to late October, weather permitting, making these periods ideal for exploration. Avoid late fall and early spring when the park's amenities may be less accessible due to seasonal closures.

Know before you go

  • Check the weather before your visit, as conditions can influence trail accessibility and safety.
  • Remember that pets are welcome in day use areas, but must be leashed and supervised.
  • For hunting enthusiasts, be aware of designated areas and seasons, and ensure you have the necessary permits.
  • Organized events require prior approval and a special use permit, so plan accordingly.
  • Facilities are limited, so come prepared with essentials as there is no electric or running water available.

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