The best camping near Old Erie Canal State Historic Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Old Erie Canal State Historic Park adventure.

Discover the historic charm of Old Erie Canal State Park.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Old Erie Canal State Historic Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Old Erie Canal State Historic Park

99%

(966)

Tilden Hill Farm

16 sites · RVs, Tents155 acres · Vernon, NY

Relax at Tilden Hill Farm its a 155 acre farm raising Black Angus Cattle it has been in the Brewer family for seven generations. Founded in 1798 by Josiah Brewer, the farm has served as a grist mill, chicken farm, cheese factory. We offer several types of site selection for your comfort. Choose from our private tent camping to relaxing RV sites. Our tent sites are quiet and scenic, just a quick walk down to the pond. Some of our sites you can park next to, but a few you will have to walk ~100 yards with your belongings. Tent sites have a porta-john and homemade outdoor shower for your enjoyment! Our RV sites have full hookups: water, electric and also a dump station.Once settled in, take a meandering walk through our 4 miles of walking trails or find your way down to our pond. Water activities are plentiful: fishing for bass, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, we accommodate it all!We look forward to seeing you at Tilden Hill Farm where you can "Experience a Family Tradition"

99%

(128)

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.

97%

(16)

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.

100%

(1)

Happy Camper Bus & Camp Site

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Taberg, NY

Since 2020 The Happy Camper Bus has been creating memorable times for hundreds of guests at a prior location. Hi ! I'm Jessica and in 2023 I purchased this charming skoolie with the intent to add a few changes and eventually run my skoolie entirely off-grid. Guests can expect an affordable, peaceful, family oriented stay in my 37 ft International Bus/Skoolie. You'll find custom woodwork design inside with modern touches and full electric capabilities until I convert to solar.

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.

100%

(1)

Riverfront Campsite at The Woods

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Cortland, NY

Stretching 5 acres along the river, this waterfront beauty features a fun trail path with mini waterfalls, serene pond, and plenty of space to stretch out for camping and RV parking. Visitors can fish, camp, and relax by the water and enjoy the peaceful friendly community that is Cortlandville. There's a waterfront treeline for pups to be semi-free range, or if your pup is well behaved they are welcome to be off leash! There is a hammock and swing set for both kids and medium sized adults. Amenities include a cooking fire pit, outdoor portable toilet, bench table and couch, with local recommendations and guides from the owners for around town just 2min from the site to stores as well as our guide to the Finger lakes!

100%

(10)

Schlepp On-Inn

1 site · Lodging24 acres · NY

This secluded and private 23 acre site is situated at the headwaters of Six Mile Creek in a scenic valley surrounded by Hammond Hill and Yellow Barn State Forests. The campsite is easily accessible from the driveway with opportunities for tent camping under the stars and luxurious cozy camping in a 30ft travel trailer. Travel trailer includes hot water for dishes and showers, propane stove for cooking, queen bed, bunk beds, and flushing toilet. Multiple trails throughout the property take you to a private pond to fish and lounge around, including shade trees with a hammock. There are extensive networks of trails within a 3-5 minute drive to Hammond Hill State Forest, as well as the Roy H Park Preserve with easy access trails to a swimming hole and small waterfall in a hemlock gorge. 10 minute drive to the town of Dryden for basic amenities and the best taqueria in Tompkins County. 15 minute drive to Cornell University campus. 20 minute drive to downtown Ithaca and Lake Cayuga. "Ithaca is Gorges" slogan means you can find over 100 waterfalls within an hour drive.

97%

(77)

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.

100%

(2)

Teardrop Glamper w/ Lake Access!

1 site · Lodging6 acres · Madison, NY

Fall in love with this super peaceful property overlooking Upper Lake Moraine! Explore the untouched 6 acres with friendly deer and wild turkeys. The site includes lake access complete with kayaks! Enjoy a cocktail and s’mores by the campfire and fall asleep to the sounds of nature in our cozy teardrop camper!

Booked 1 time

Lakers Lodge

1 site · Lodging5 acres · New Berlin, NY

I built Laker Lodge when I was sent home from college because of Covid. It has been a great project that I've worked on with my brothers! It is completely off-grid so perfect for a weekend getaway to enjoy nature. Laker Lodge is on a 5-acre plot, has a small pond, and is surrounded by a river. There is access to my family farm 100+ acres where you can enjoy swimming, Kayaking, fishing, walking through trails, playing with the family chickens, and strolling through the grape vines, apple orchard, and Christmas trees farm. There is also a fire pit right next to the cabin to enjoy s'mores! A minute's drive away is a catch-and-release pond with plenty of bass, carp, crappie, and catfish! We hope you enjoy Laker Lodge as much as we have!

100%

(61)

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.

100%

(34)

Camp Benjamin

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Boonville, NY

This 9-Acre Permaculture farm project, which includes fruit & nut trees, annual and perennial gardens, chickens, vermiculture, rainwater catchment systems. Property offers walking trails, camping areas with fire pits. Seasonal Concerts & Events... Property is a Certified Wildlife Habitat.

The best camping near Old Erie Canal State Historic Park guide

Overview

About

Embark on a journey through time at Old Erie Canal State Park, a 36-mile stretch of the legendary 363-mile waterway. Here, adventure awaits with a plethora of activities including hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, and bicycling. Canoeists and anglers revel in the serene waters, while winter transforms the landscape into a snowmobiler's paradise. Explore the rich history and vibrant nature as you traverse the scenic towpath and its stone aqueduct remnants.

When to go

The park is a year-round destination, with each season offering its unique charm. Summer and fall are ideal for enjoying the lush greenery and vibrant foliage, while winter's snow provides perfect conditions for snowmobiling. Spring's mild weather is great for hiking and observing wildlife. Avoid peak holiday weekends for a more tranquil experience.

Know before you go

Check weather conditions before your visit, as trails may be affected by seasonal changes.
Accessibility is a priority, with footbridges facilitating easy access to the towpath.
For picnic shelter reservations at Cedar Bay, call ahead to secure your spot.
Don't miss the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum for a dive into the canal's history.
Remember, the park is open from sunrise to sunset, so plan your trip accordingly.