Finger Lakes region in New York

Sampson is a nice park but I wouldn't go out of my way to get a waterfront site. We had one but couldn't even see the water and the site was very unlevel. There were only a couple of sites with a nice lake view although I can't recall the numbers. The sites up the hill, away from the park were more level and overall nicer IMO.

Maybe some more experienced patrons of Sampson can advise you as to the nicer sites, since you can reserve specific sites.

Camp-Bell campground in the town of Campbell is a bit closer than the one in Bath and was decently priced. It's right off of I-86. The KOA is WAAAAY overpriced and probably booked for the next couple of years.
You really need to book something earlier if your going on a Race-Weekend.

Gregg

There's also Clute Park Campground, Watkins Glen

Across street from Lake, has a playground, full hook ups. Close to the canyon in Watkins Glen, nice hike.

Keuka Lake state park is a nice one too. Site 50 has a swing set behind the site - large site with a water faucet in front of the site. 30 amp service. About 1/2 of the sites are electric. Stayed there last year with our grand daughters (age 10 and 6). Nice hiking trails - long walk to the beach.
Other sites we like - 21,23

We like site 99 at Sampson - big site, water near by and good drainage (if it is a wet weekend). 30 amp service. Nice hiking trails.

If you don't already have reservations - the state parks fill up on the weekends - you may have a better change at Sampson based upon the size of the park.

Watkins Glen KOA is way over prices for me.

We have stayed at Sned-Acres and Spruce Row (both have pools) - private campgrounds along Cayuga Lake

PM me if you need more info.

joelc wrote:
Check out Hickory Hill in Bath, NY. We went there in 2011 and enjoyed it.

X2. We spent long weekend there a few weeks ago. Very nice and good for kids.

Check out Hickory Hill in Bath, NY. We went there in 2011 and enjoyed it.

My vote goes to Sampson State Park! It's on the old Sampson Navel Base from WWII. Pretty much the only remaining building (from the base) is the Brig and it has been turned into a really cool museum showing the history of the base ... again ... really cool! Also, all of the old base roads are still there and only a few can be driven on by cars/trucks but they are PERFECT for bike riding. You can ride your bikes for as long (or short) as you want and then go for a swim in the lake (lifeguard at the beach). There are 2 very nice playgrounds for the younger ones. Big field to play baseball, nighttime tag, etc.

Something to think about ... it's in the Finger Lakes region which is hilly. We like to camp in loop # 2 since it's near the top of the hill. This makes it easier to bike to the "trails" (old roads) and then we drive down to the swimming area when needed. Loop 2 is very short walk to one of the playgrounds and the other is at the beach. No boats to rent but they do have a nice marina with docks, etc.

As noted, plan your potable water fill-up BEFORE you park the camper. It seems like the water spigots are always far away from where we park. I usually bring 100-150' of hose for this campground ... just in case.

Oh ... I just thought of another reason to go to Sampson SP... go down the road (RT 96A) to the old Seneca Army Depot (only a couple of miles maybe?) and you'll most likely see some White Deer. Best to go when deer normally feed (evening time maybe?). If you Google "Seneca White Deer" you'll find the history of them.

I think it's a very kid & family friendly campground. Sorry for the long post but, as you can see, we love this park!

Samson State Park is on Seneca Lake. Huge park with waterfront access. Lots of biking. Huge grassy sites with electric, no sewer. Water hookups every 3 sites so have to run hose to fill tank.
Robert Treman State Park in Ithaca. Not on Lake but near Cayuga lake. Lots of trails and biking and awesome waterfall swimming area. Some electric sites.
We have stayed at both and always go back.
Have to use Reserve America to book.