The Finger Lakes Region is comprised of eleven crystalline glacial lakes. It is also credited for producing some of the nation’s tastiest Rieslings. If spending the weekend in the Great Outdoors hiking through waterfalls and sipping on great wine sounds like a dream, you will love this Upstate New York camping destination.
This blog post will feature all the best Finger Lakes camping tips, including the top RV campgrounds in the region. I will also provide some ideas for recreational activities that you will surely want to incorporate into your Finger Lakes trip itinerary.
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How To Get To The Finger Lakes
Travelers from across the nation flock to The Finger Lakes every year. It is the ideal escape from busy metropolitans like New York City, only five hours away by car. Although with summer weekend traffic, the trip can take anywhere from five to six hours.
The Finger Lakes are in New York State, just south of Lake Ontario. And is a short two drive from Niagara Falls along state route 90 for the north end and a three-hour drive on state route 390.
When To Visit The Finger Lakes
The best time to visit the Finger Lakes is from mid-May through September since the weather is optimal for enjoying the region’s ample outdoor recreation activities. Expect crowds, particularly during July and August, as the area experiences heavy tourism during the summer season.
However, the Finger Lakes region looks stunning in Autumn as well. Travelers can admire the foliage while taking advantage of the cooler weather. Those 21 years old and over can sip on delicious homemade spiced apple ciders at one of Finger Lake’s numerous cideries. New York schools are back in session in early September, so the area is less crowded.
RV Camping In The Finger Lakes
Sampson State Park
Sampson State Park offers some of the best camping in the Finger Lakes. The Seneca County campground has 243 full electric and water RV hook-up sites, 64 of which feature lakefront views at an additional cost. Guests may also access the waterfront campground’s bathroom, equipped with hot showers and flush toilets.
Since the state park is situated on the shores of Seneca Lake, guests will enjoy excellent watersport activities. You may fish or embark on a boat ride from the recently remodeled campground. Those who bring a boat along with their camper may dock it at one of the marina’s 96 boat slips. If you want to stay on land, feel free to sunbathe at Sampson State Park’s beach or compete on the tennis court.
Watkins Glen / Corning Koa Resort
The Corning Koa Resort at Watkins Glen truly has it all. It has full-hookup campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, and wireless internet connection access (for those unwilling to unplug entirely). This campground offers entertaining activities for everyone in your group, no matter their age.
Guests may splash around at the campground’s indoor or outdoor pool. Other recreational amenities include a mini-golf course, jumping pillow, water slide, and pirate-themed children’s playground. In addition, army truck rides and outdoor movie nights are held often.
Spruce Row RV Resort & Campground
Located in Ithaca, New York, Spruce Row RV Resort & Campground is conveniently located near Finger Lake’s top attractions, including Buttermilk Falls State Park and Robert H. Treman State Park.
The campground offers a large outdoor pool, mini-golf course, and full electric RV hook-up sites. Guests may also find their day’s catch at the RV resort’s fishing pond. Don’t forget to leave Spruce Row without visiting The Fun Hut, a large outdoor pavilion where the campground hosts games and other exciting events.
Recreational Activities In The Finger Lakes
Hiking
The Finger Lakes region is home to tons of picturesque hiking trails. Chase waterfalls at Buttermilk Falls State Park, Taughannock Falls State Park, and Watkins Glen State Park. Each of these state parks is among the top Finger Lakes tourist attractions. Trails range in difficulty, allowing even the most inexperienced hikers to glimpse the waterfalls. I recommend wearing your bathing suit to swim inside the state park’s spectacular natural gorges, especially if you plan to visit Buttermilk Falls. The state park is home to over ten postcard-worthy waterfalls, with the highest reaching over 165- feet.
Boating & Swimming
Travelers may swim, kayak, or paddleboard in most of the region’s glacial lakes. Boat rentals are also available at most state park marinas. For watersports, a few great destinations to visit are Cayuga Lake State Park, Keuka Lake State Park, and Seneca Lake State Park. In addition, you may take a dip in the gorges and swimming hole at Buttermilk Falls State Park.
Fishing
As you would probably expect, this lakefront region boasts excellent fishing opportunities. Seneca Lake has an abundance of trout, granting the city of Geneva the title of the “lake trout capital of the world.” The town hosts an annual National Lake Trout Derby in late May, attracting anglers from around the nation to the Finger Lakes.
Sip Wine In The Finger Lakes Wine Country
Do you love wine almost as much as you love camping? Luckily for you, the Finger Lakes is home to one of the United States’ most esteemed wine countries. There are three scenic wine trails along Cayuga Lake, Keuka Lake, and Seneca Lake Wine Trail.
After spending the morning on the trails, head over to a tasting at wineries like Keuka Springs Vineyard, be sure to try a glass of Riesling, as the Finger Lakes region is famous for producing some of the tastiest varieties.
For other great RV Camping in New York, visit Lake George.
Featured Image VisitFingerLakes, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Tony is an avid camper and RV traveler. He fell in love with camping on his first RV trip with his wife over 25 years ago. Tony loves sharing lessons learned and tips about RV maintenance and safe traveling.
