Discover the best lakeside glamping in Seneca Lake

United States
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New York
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Seneca Lake

98% (1109 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Seneca Lake

Star Hosts in Seneca Lake

Dog-friendly getaways

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.).

97%

(19)

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.

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.

100%

(98)

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.

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

12 top lakeside glamping sites in Seneca Lake

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.).

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.

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.

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

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!

87%

(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.

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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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.

97%

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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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Tequila Sunrise: Lakeside Casitas

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Trumansburg, NY

Looking for a quiet lakeside getaway? Unique property right on Cayuga Lake with 100 feet of lakefront and a skipping stone beach right out your door. I have 2 freestanding Casitas (small houses) set in a grove of oak and maple trees, right next to the water. Each Casita has a queen bed, outdoor seating, and an electric heater. The Casitas are connected by a wooden deck and share a bathroom. In addition, Casita Dos has a mini-fridge, microwavecoffee maker, and camping grill. The bathroom has an easy-to-use odor-free incinerating toilet and pour-through sink. Drinking water is provided. There is a Solo Bonfire set in a patio for evening outdoor fires. Both Casitas are rented as one unit.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

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(7)

Taughannock Falls State Park

Trumansburg, New York

Fillmore Glen State Park

Moravia, New York

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

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(27)

Watkins Glen State Park

Watkins Glen, New York

83%

(6)

Cayuga Lake State Park

Cayuga, New York

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(10)

Fair Haven Beach State Park

Fair Haven, New York

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Lakeside glamping in Seneca Lake guide

Overview

Life slows down at Seneca Lake, the largest of the Finger Lakes. Check in to a lakeside campground or RV park, and spend your days cruising the lake, wine tasting along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, or relaxing at the lakefront picnic areas. Three state parks border the lake, providing plenty of biking and hiking trails, and Sampson State Park also has a boat launch and swimming beach. Spring through fall is the most popular camping season, but campgrounds at Seneca Lake Park stay open year-round, and Watkins Glen State Park also has cabin rentals for winter campers.

Where to go

Cayuga and Owasco Lakes

East of Seneca Lake, adventurous campers can choose between walk-in sites or enjoy backcountry tent sites in the Finger Lakes National Forest. Hiking trails, wineries, and waterfalls dot the shores of Cayuga Lake. Neighboring Owasco Lake is a water sports hotspot, where boating, fishing, and water skiing are the main activities.

Onondaga County

Woodland tent camping, lakeside fishing, and a renowned craft beer scene await at the eastern edge of the Finger Lakes Region. Syracuse is the county’s largest city, but there are also plenty of ways to explore the outdoors. Cruise Skaneateles Lake by boat or kayak, discover tranquil fishing spots at Lake Otisco, or enjoy seasonal camping in Green Lakes State Park.

Western Lakes

To the west of the Finger Lakes region, the “little lakes” of Conesus, Hemlock, Canadice, and Honeoye are where to escape the crowds. Hike along forest trails, enjoy kayaking or fishing on the lakes in summer, or hit the ski slopes at Bristol Mountain in winter. Camping options are limited, but you’ll find cabins and full hookup sites at Conesus Lake, and plenty of choices around nearby Canandaigua Lake.

Lake Ontario

North of Seneca Lake, the Great Lake Ontario marks the border between New York State and Ontario, Canada. Rochester is the gateway to the lake, and state parks, beaches, and wetlands fringe the south shore. Go hiking in the Chimney Bluffs State Park, spot wildlife around the Lake Shore Marshes, or choose from various camping options around Sodus Bay or Port Bay.