The best camping near Cayuga Lake State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Cayuga Lake State Park adventure.

83% (6 reviews)

A small park with expansive views of, and easy access to, Cayuga Lake.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Cayuga Lake State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Cayuga Lake State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Cayuga Lake State Park

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Ithaca Artsy Bunkhouse

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Ithaca, NY

Stay in our cozy, heated and well insulated, artsy cabin. We're located on a quiet woodsy dead end street with tons of bird life and acres of nature to enjoy. Walking trails are right out the back gate! There is also frog pond and campfire pits to enjoy. Marshmallows and roasting sticks provided. The bunkhouse is less than 2 miles to the center of Ithaca where there is plenty to do! including taking advantage of the new bike share program and waterfront trails. Definitely come hungry, Ithaca has more restaurants per capita than NYC and LA.!! Were also just 12 min across town to Cornell University and Ithaca College and 5-20 minutes from numerous amazing waterfalls. The available half bathroom is in the main house, just seconds from the cabin and is open to use 24 hrs. The heated bunkhouse has 2 twin mattresses in the loft, and several blankets and pillows, but you need to BRING YOUR OWN SHEETS and pillow CASES as you wish. Firewood is $5 per fire, starters materials included, marshmallows are in the end table drawer! There are roasting sticks near the cabin door and out by the far fire pit. You can select the campfire wood option here or pay in cash in the cabin. Feel free to bring your own fire wood and pay nothing to enjoy a campfire. if you need any help starting a fire, we can help. We have a sweet fluffy orange cat who roams the property. His name is kitty kitty :) He's fearful of dogs, and is wary of visitors since they might be harboring one! If you have a pup with you, please keep them leashed at least around the main house and cabin. We are also have a very sweet dog, Beya-- (pronounced Bay-yuh). She is the nicest person you'd hope to meet and although she may bark a little the first time you come in to use the bathroom she's just letting us know you have arrived- and will be very happy to have you greet her. She doesn't jump up, growl, or have any negative behavior with people --other than getting underfoot in the kitchen!. There isn't a shower included in the stay unless you are here for multiple days and have spoken with us about it...but you can definitely wash up with hot water and soap, in the half bath --hand towel provided. The cabin has air conditioning for summer use so no worries about being too warm to sleep well. (and of course there is electric heat in the winter) The location is Beautiful in all seasons! Cross country skiing is possible in the winter but bring your own gear. ** We have also have for sale our just published 100 Things To Do In Ithaca before You Die-- book, let us know if you want one and we can have one ready for you upon your arrival. 18$ ---see the photo and blurb in photo section of our listing If there's something else you need for your stay, just ask! We are pretty flexible and can probably help out.

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Spring lake retreat on the farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Wolcott, NY

Learn more about this land:Enjoy yourselves on this quiet Iittle farm with beautiful views. Bring a saw and cut your own firewood. Hike the mowed trails and enjoy the wildlife! There's water available if needed and one bathroom with just a sink and toilet accessible from outside. If we are here you are more than welcome to interact with the farm animals..Bonnie Blue the horse, Gater Goat luke, and the cow's. Just minutes from Port Bay , Fairhaven State Park and Chimney Bluffs State park to the North and the Montezuma wildlife refuge to the south.

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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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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.

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(10)

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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Red House Ranch Camp

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents200 acres · Van Etten, NY

We have three camp sites on a 200-acre parcel of secluded, rural farm land. We are a working pasture based farm where you can see how grass fed beef, pork, chicken, and eggs are produced. There's nothing quite like fresh eggs and bacon after waking up to the sunrise over a fog-filled valley! When you arrive we will provide a complimentary carton of pastured raised eggs and you are welcome to visit our web site (redhouseranch . net) or store to order meats for your stay and/or to take with you upon your departure. We have a wide variety of grass fed beef, pasture raised pork, snack sticks for long hikes, and dog bones and smoked treats for your furry friends. Many of our items are well suited for campfire cooking. Keep in mind that all our products are frozen so be sure to plan for time to thaw. If you're not sure what that involves - we're here to help. We are a working farm but, much of our property is not grazed or farmed. You are welcome to explore the entire area while also getting a glimpse of sustainable, pasture-based, farming methods. Learn more about us and the history of the farm at our website. As you roam the hills and forests you'll eventually bump into some of our animals. Please do not enter the animal enclosures or touch any of the electrified fence lines. If you really want to pet a piggie or hold a chicken - just reach out to Ike or Dave and we will gladly arrange this for you. Red House Ranch is also the perfect spot for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers. During your stay you may encounter eagles, blue herons, coyotes, turtles, wild turkeys, foxes, the endangered bobolink bird (its unique call sounds a bit like R2D2), deer, great horned owls, and many unique plants. It's not uncommon to hear the coyotes howling at night. In addition to hiking trails with incredible views, there are four ponds on the property easily accessible with mown paths. One is very large with a dock and suitable for swimming, paddling, fishing, or just relaxing but the water. The other three are smaller and are now primarily wildlife habitat. easily accessible with mown paths If you're feeling adventurous, there is a more strenuous hike down into the creek bed where you can find miniature versions of the gorges and waterfalls that our region is known for. We are happy to provide maps and guidance or leave you to your own devices. When skies are clear our area has very little light pollution and excellent star visibility. It's a great place to view the night sky during a meteor shower. We hope you enjoy your stay as much as we enjoy living in the beautiful Southern Tier/Finger Lakes area!

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Mountainside Camp

6 sites · Tents4 acres · Naples, NY

Mountainside Camp is actually 6 miles from Naples in the Town of Italy, NY at the Southern tip of Canandaigua Lake. This is a carry in/carry out camp site. This location is "Dry Camping"; no water or electric; just a port a potty. Italy Valley is a gorgeous hidden part of New York. Be one with The Great Outdoors near New York's picturesque Canandaigua Lake in the Finger Lakes. Our Mountainside Camp offers a retreat for the fully equipped camper who wants to get off the beaten path. There is an Eagle's Nest about 2 miles North on Route 245, pass Coward Rd., watch across valley in a big dead tree about 400 yards away. When you see the nest, you'll know it. I've seen an Eagle perching on the tree. Here, you're within driving and biking distance to the Town of Naples, NY (Grimes Glen Park), and Canandaigua Lake, and all of the beauty and culture of the Finger Lakes Region is at your doorstep: vineyards and wine tours, water fun on the lake... and so much more. Within an hours drive you can bike, hike, camp fish, boat or swim in 7 of the 11 FINGER LAKES (Conesus, Hemlock, Canadice, Honeoye, Canandaigua, Keuka, and Seneca. Keep truckin' and hit Cayuga, Owasco, Skaneateles and Otisco. (or 90 minutes until you reach the 11th FINGER LAKE, Otisco) The camp has come along way since it was established (June 2017) when our Scout Camper came to stay***, with "Base Camp" site maturing with level tent sites, fire pits, benches, tables, port-a-potty. "Hawks Landing" site (1/2 way up the hill) making progress as well, not so much road noise up here. "Eagles Nest"; all the way up is the most private deep in the woods, 1000 feet back! More carved out camp sites to come soon I hope. ***Carry in and carry out. I'm shocked at the liter left by some campers. This is a simple privately owned piece of land that I've been renting out for the lower cost, no frills private location. PLEASE just leave as you find it; most do, thank you.

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Orchard and Gorge At South Hill

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · South Hill, NY

The tents are located between a 10 acre organic cider apple orchard and a 155 acre nature preserve with a 140' waterfall a 15 minute walk down the well-maintained trail. The cidery is a 5 minute walk and is open Thursday through Monday with food, drinks, and a beautiful view. Orchard and Gorge Tents at South Hill Cider - Sites located at the edge of Ithaca, just 4 miles from the downtown Commons, 1.5 miles from Buttermilk Falls State Park, 3 miles from Ithaca College. The property is 5 miles from Cornell University, 7 miles from Museum of the Earth, and 5.5 miles from Sciencenter. The accommodation is non-smoking. Watkins Glen International is 29 miles, while Connecticut Hill State Game Management Area is 13 miles away. The nearest airport is Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport, 10 miles from this Site - Orchard and Gorge Tent at South Hill Cider

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Creekside Cabin

2 sites · Lodging20 acres · NY

20 acres of pristine meandering woodland. Enjoy the deck overlooking the trees, climb up the 40 foot tower if you're feeling brave or just relax on a hammock looking up into the canopy. Go for a hike in the woods by the creek or sit out by the pond. Enjoy a bonfire in the large bonfire pit, a smaller campfire closer to the cabin at night or enjoy the stars far from any city lights. Cabin has propane powered fridge, oven/stovetop, coffee maker and light fixtures. Solar powered battery provides enough power to charge phones and basic appliances. Get away from the hustle and bustle of civilization. This place has so much to offer you'll never be bored.

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ZiegenVine Homestead

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents103 acres · Savona, NY

Our property is a 103 acre farm located in Savona, NY - offering Goat Yoga on the Homestead May - September. Be sure to check our website for scheduled dates or schedule a private session. Nature, belonging and freedom is a gift everyone deserves, so it's our mission to share our blessings humbly and earnestly with all. At ZiegenVine Homestead, we promise to provide a simple, cheerful, beautiful property where you can experience life outdoors and nature in its true glory. We invite you to walks the trails around the property and visit our goat herd, as well as meet the rest of our farm animals. ZiegenVine Homestead Restoration. Reconnection. Exploration.

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(395)

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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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.

The best camping near Cayuga Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

The highlight of this 188-acre park is its view of Cayuga Lake, the longest of the Finger Lakes. Drive the 87-mile scenic byway loop or boat or paddle along the 40-mile long lake. Located at the top of a gently rolling hill above the lake, the campground offers more than 250 campsites, 14 cabins, and a cottage, making it easy for campers to take advantage of the park’s many attractions, including a swim beach, boat launch, nature trails, playground, playing fields, picnic tables and pavilions. The lake is a great spot for fishing, including ice fishing in winter, when cross-country skiing is also popular.

Notable campgrounds

Best for RVs and lake access: The East Camp of the Cayuga Lake State Park Campground offers electric hookups and is the closest to the lake.
Best for families: The Carp loop in the West Camp is located closest to the playground.
Best for comfort: The cottage offers space for eight and includes a full kitchen, bathroom with hot shower, heat, and an enclosed porch.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You must have a reservation to camp. Book a site as soon as you know your dates. Reservations can be made up to nine months in advance.
If you’re planning to camp between mid May and Columbus Day, reservations can be made the same day up to 3pm.
Campsites may be reserved for one night only, while cabins and the cottage require a two-night minimum in the off-season, and a week or longer during the peak season.

When to go

The park is open year-round but the campground is only open from late April to October. Vehicle entrance fees are collected from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The beach is open from the end of June through Labor Day. Peak season generally runs from late June to the last Sunday before Labor Day, and will see the largest crowds, along with longer minimum stays for cabins and the cottage. Winter activities like ice fishing and cross-country skiing are weather dependent, so check the weather before finalizing plans.

Know before you go

Lifeguards are only on duty during peak season.
Fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 and older.
Highway noise can be an issue at the campground.
Accessible facilities include the cottage, pavilions, restrooms and showers, boat launches, and swimming beach.
Pets are not allowed in buildings, cabins, playgrounds, or guarded beaches. Pets are permitted in some camping loops. Mandatory certificate of rabies is required.
Small-game hunting is permitted from a boat in late season only, with appropriate licenses.
Do not bring firewood from more than 50 miles away from the park.