Sampson SP NY ? Reservation issue

Try Keuka Lake state park. It's reasonably close and very nice.

If you read the prior posts, the reason for the OP's problem is because there is a DOG SHOW going on the week of the 22nd. It has nothing to do with shutting down loops, booking off-season, etc.

Sampson never booked off season...just show up get a sight. If your'e a fisherman wait till late October and you can fly fish of the dock or shore early am or late pm and catch some big Pike. Iv'e used their launch for Oct/Nov Perch and Pike fishing for many years, they are open. As for Cayuga Lake State Park same with the sites but not the same fishing..was born and raised a few hundred feet from there. It's a hit and miss that time of year at Cayuga Lake unless you fish the deeper waters of the channel on the east side of the lake. Google earth can show the way.

I've had the same issue at Sampson. I discovered that they shut down many of the loops after Labor Day so they show no availability. They cram everyone into just a few loops, which isn't pleasant. You may want to call to ask if you can stay in one of the empty loops, if you don't mind walking over to one of the other ones to use the facilities. I assume the power would still be on, but probably not the water. It's worth asking.

Cayuga Lake SP is very close to Sampson and you should have no trouble getting a site. We prefer the west side/non electric sites though.

As noted above - dog show same time every year. They fill the park and the overflow camping area.

There was some discussions about moving the dog show to the NYS Fair Grounds but they made a deal with the state to keep it at Sampson.

Try Cayuga Lake State Park - electric sites on the east side of the hi-way. Watkins Glen State Park if you have a rig 30' or less. A bit further away to the west is Keuka Lake State Park - 1/2 are electric.

These three state parks are open through Columbus day weekend.

Thanks for the replies.
We'll just look else ware.
Must be an awfully large gog show.

According to ReserveAmerica:

Please be aware that there is a Dog Show at the park from Sept 22 - Sept 30, 2013. during which ALL sites will not be available for reservations.

Cabins and campsites closed Sept 22 to Sept 29
per their website;
http://www.nysparks.com/parks/154/hours-of-operation.aspx

Maybe they're closed for the season? Anyway, if you can get through on the phone, that does sound like the best option.