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Campgrounds in Tompkins County

Camping can create some unforgetable experiences, and camping in the Finger Lakes is no exception. Whether you're pitching a tent in a state forest (which is free and requires no permit for the first three days) or renting a lodge with all the amenities in one of the Finger Lakes' beautiful state parks, you'll enjoy being outdoors in the Finger Lakes. You can connect with the Finger Lakes Trail for some great hiking, bike or boat along the Erie Canal, or just sit by a campfire on a warm summer's night.

Please keep in mind that the Finger Lakes has many wild animals that frequent parks and many be attracted to campgrounds, including black bears, raccoons, and skunks. Keep your possessions out of harm's way, don't leave food lying around, and make sure your pets are leashed.

You will be expected to leave your site clean and any fires totally extinguished.

Finally, be aware that campgrounds on the lakes--no matter which lake--are extremely popular and in high demand. You should make reservations for a site to avoid being disappointed.

Buttermilk Falls State Park

Buttermilk Falls Rd.

Ithaca, NY 14850

607-273-3440

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Buttermilk Falls State Park takes its name from the foaming cascade formed by Buttermilk Creek as it flows 500 feet down the steep valley side toward Cayuga Lake. The upper park has a small lake (Lake Treman), hiking trails through woodlands and along the gorge and rim, picnic areas and playing fields. The lower park has a campground, pool and playing fields, beyond which is Larch Meadows. Larch Meadows is a moist, shady glen and wetland area through which a nature trail winds. All told, the park has 10 waterfalls and 2 glens. Park activities including tours through Buttermilk gorge are offered weekly from July 4th through Labor Day (early September). Park open year round. Camping from mid-May to mid-October. 46 non-electric tent/trailer sites, 7 one-room cabins. 792 acres. Pets must be leashed.

Kingtown Beach Cottages & Camp Sites

9305 Kingtown Beach Rd.

Trumansburg, NY 14486

607-387-5688

Pinecreek Campground

28 Rockwell Rd.

Newfield, NY 14867

877-273-1974

Robert H. Treman State Park

105 Enfield Falls Rd. (Rt. 327)

Ithaca, NY 14850

607-273-3440

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Robert H. Treman State Park is an area of wild beauty, with the rugged Enfield Glen gorge as its scenic highlight. Winding trails follow the gorge past 12 waterfalls, including the 115-ft./35-m. Lucifer Falls, to where visitors can see 1.5 mi./2.4 km. down the wooded gorge as it winds its way to the lower park. Enjoy 9 mi./14.4 km. of hiking trails or swim in a stream-fed pool beneath a waterfall. A gristmill built in the upper park in 1838 is now a museum of antique milling machinery.Open year round. Camping from mid-May to November 30. 72 tent/trailer sites (11 electric), 14 cabins. 1074 acres. Pets must be leashed.

Spruce Row Campsites & RV Resort

2271 Kraft Rd.

Ithaca, NY 14850

607-387-9225

Taughannock Falls State Park

2221 Taughnnock Park Rd.

Trumansburg, NY 14486

607-387-6739

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Taughannock Falls State Park's namesake waterfall is one of the outstanding natural attractions of the Northeast, plunging 215 feet past rocky cliffs that tower nearly 400 ft./122 m. above the gorge. Gorge and rim trails offer spectacular views from above the falls and from below at the end of the gorge trail. Campsites and cabins overlook Cayuga Lake, with marina, boat launch, and beach nearby. A multi-use trail--hiking, cross-country skiing--winds past sledding slopes and natural skating ponds. The park also offers organized activities, including tours through the Taughannock Gorge and summer concerts along the lakefront. Boat launch site not suitable for sailboats. Open year round. Camping from the last weekend in March through mid-October. 76 tent-trailer sites (16 electric), 16 cabins. 745 acres. Pets must be leashed.