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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Community favorites near Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area

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Top-rated campgrounds near Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area

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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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99%
(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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$59
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(7)

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.
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$29.75
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93%
(216)

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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$25.60
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97%
(86)

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
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Creekside on Camp Road

1 site · Lodging10 acres · NY
New for 2024 a cabin! With a king bed (or two twins) and a bunk bed set, the cabin can sleep 4, with room for extra cots if needed. Please provide your own linens. Solar lights on ceiling with remote (Only work after dark). Angelica NY is just a few miles up the road, where you will find cute antique shops, dollar general, post office etc. There's many Amish farms around to purchase cheap slab firewood, fresh vegetables or eggs. We love our little slice of private water side camping here in Angelica and hope you will take care of it like it was yours. Please no carving of names or dates in any structure, do not cut or chop down any living tree or vegetation. Our property has a lot of walnut trees- watch for falling nuts come late summer and fall! Feel free to use the pit toilet if your camper is not self contained. No dumping or putting anything down pit except toilet paper!
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$99
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(11)

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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(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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$98.10
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(25)

Gorge RV/Tent: Hike, Swim & Wine

2 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Valois, NY
Experience camping in the Finger Lakes...in a Vineyard with Gorge! Enjoy electric hookups, private outdoor Adirondack chairs, picnic tables and a 10x10 pop-up tent in case of a sprinkle. Simply light a fire, and then walk down to the gorge just steps away. The gorge features beautiful, deep swimming holes and waterfalls for some of the best views in the area. Access to the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, just down the road, and hundreds of wineries, breweries, and restaurants in the region! OUR DESTINATION Location, location, location…. • Located off Rt. 414, the Seneca Lake Wine Trail • Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards (Top Winery in NY): 2 miles • Lucky Hare Brewing (Award-Winning): Less than 1 mile • Watkins Glen State Park (Over 1 million visitors annually): 12 miles • Plus… Standing Stone, Caywood, Penguin Bay, Flat Rock, Rasta Ranch, Leidenfrost, Shalestone, Silver Thread, Wagner, Lamoreaux Landing, Idol Ridge, Hector Winery, and Two Goats Brewing, all within 5 miles You'll be responsible for trash carry-out and potable water. We have a heated, gravity-fed sun-shower with stall for use.
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$80
 / 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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