One of the biggest draws of camping in the Finger Lakes is the breathtaking scenery you’ll encounter. Surrounded by eleven glacial lakes, rolling hills, and deep gorges, the region offers a picturesque backdrop for your outdoor adventures. From hiking along the scenic trails to kayaking on the crystal-clear waters, every moment spent in the Finger Lakes is a feast for the senses.

We’ll explore the best campgrounds in the Finger Lakes region, share tips for planning your camping trip, and highlight some of the must-visit attractions in the area. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed adventure, camping in the Finger Lakes will be a great experience.

Best Campgrounds in the Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes region offers a variety of campgrounds to choose from depending on your needs and preferences. From rustic campsites to luxurious RV parks full of amenities, every kind of camper can find their happy place in this region of New York.

1. Watkins Glen State Park

Watkins Glen State Park, located in the picturesque village of Watkins Glen, is renowned as one of the most popular and scenic parts of the region. Known for its views of 19 stunning waterfalls along the park’s gorge trail, this park is a must-visit destination in the Finger Lakes.

With 279 spacious and well-maintained campsites, Watkins Glen State Park offers a wide range of camping options for visitors spread out over 6 loops. Whether you prefer tent camping or RV camping, there are plenty of sites available to suit your needs, and the multiple loops create the feel of a much smaller campground.

For those looking for a bit more comfort, the park also offers 9 cozy cabins for rent, perfect for a rustic yet comfortable camping experience.

One of the highlights of Watkins Glen State Park is its Olympic-size swimming pool, providing a refreshing and relaxing way to cool off during the hot summer months, as there is no swimming permitted in the gorge.

2. Buttermilk Falls State Park

Located on the outskirts of the picturesque town of Ithaca on the southern end of Cayuga Lake, Buttermilk Falls State Park is a must-visit destination for camping enthusiasts.

The camping season at Buttermilk Falls State Park typically runs from May through October, allowing visitors to enjoy the mild weather and vibrant fall foliage that the region is known for. With 25 tent sites and 18 cozy primitive cabins, campers have 2 great options to choose from.

The main attractions at Buttermilk Falls State Park include a small lake, a swimming area at the base of the waterfall, and a Gorge Rim Trail Loop offering a great hike past cascading waterfalls and unique rock formations.

3. Cayuga Lake State Park

Cayuga Lake State Park sits on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake, and although the campsites are not lakeside, a short walk leads to breathtaking sunrise views over the lake.

There are 252 campsites available at Cayuga Lake State Park, so campers have plenty of options to choose from, whether they prefer a tent or RV camping. Camping cabins are also available for rent.

One of the main attractions at Cayuga Lake State Park is its expansive swimming area, perfect for cooling off during hot summer days. Fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines into the lake, known for its abundant trout, bass, and perch.

Cayuga Lake State Park is known for its family-friendly environment, making it an ideal destination for a getaway with loved ones. Kids can enjoy playing on the sandy beach or exploring the playground, while adults can relax and soak up the surrounding natural beauty of the Finger Lakes.

4. Taughannock Falls State Park

Taughannock Falls State Park is not only home to one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains, but it is also a fantastic destination for camping in the Finger Lakes region. Standing at a breathtaking height of 215 feet, Taughannock Falls attracts visitors from far and near.

For those planning to camp at Taughannock Falls State Park, it is highly recommended to make reservations well in advance. With only 68 campsites and 16 cabins available, the limited availability makes it crucial to secure your spot ahead of time.

Once you arrive at the park, you’ll have access to over seven miles of hiking trails that wind through the grounds, both in the gorge and around the rims. The park also features a marina with access to Cayuga Lake.

5. Finger Lakes National Forest

Nestled in the heart of the Finger Lakes region between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, the Finger Lakes National Forest offers a landscape with rolling hills, towering trees, and sparkling lakes. With over thirty miles of multi-use trails, it’s a haven for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders.

Backpackers seeking a true wilderness experience will find space in the Finger Lakes National Forest. Here, backpackers are welcome to set up camp anywhere within the forest, as long as they follow the Leave No Trace principles and obtain a free camping permit from the park office.

Many campsites are available in the Finger Lakes National Forest free of charge, but many require a little hike from the road to reach. This is the perfect spot to camp without being surrounded by crowds in a primitive setting.

6. Bristol Woodlands

Located between the serene Canandaigua Lake and the much smaller Honeoye Lake, Bristol Woodlands offers the perfect retreat with a little less crowding. Situated in a prime location, this campground is within close proximity to a variety of attractions, such as the Cumming Nature Center and numerous wineries.

At Bristol Woodlands, you’ll find a range of amenities designed to enhance your camping experience. Enjoy a relaxing day by the pool or take a leisurely stroll along the on-site walking trails.

For those traveling in RVs, Bristol Woodlands offers 60 spacious sites, complete with full hookups. There are also a few cabins and some rustic tent sites. Pets are also welcome in this campground, as long as appropriate rules are followed.

7. Keuka Lake State Park

Located in the stunning Finger Lakes region, Keuka Lake State Park offers a prime camping experience for nature enthusiasts. With its picturesque location on the east side of Keuka Lake, this state park provides a tranquil escape for camping, hiking, and water activities.

With a total of 148 campsites spread over 3 loops, Keuka Lake State Park accommodates both tents and RVs. The campground offers options for electric hookups at 53 of the sites. However, this park does not offer cabin rentals.

The highlight of Keuka Lake State Park is its boat launch, making it a great destination for water enthusiasts who enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or fishing. Camping at this state park also provides easy access to the Keuka Lake Wine Trail

8. Watkins Glen/Corning KOA

If you’re looking for a camping option near Watkins Glen State Park in New York, the Watkins Glen/Corning KOA is a great option for those who are rewards members who love to take advantage of their amenities. This campground offers a range of amenities and activities to make your camping experience enjoyable.

Whether you prefer tent camping or RVing, Watkins Glen/Corning KOA has you covered with a variety of camping options. From tent sites to large RV sites to cabins and seasonal sites, all can be reserved at this KOA.

One of the unique features of this KOA is the indoor swimming pool. Even if it rains during your stay, you can still take advantage of this amenity and have something to do!

With its convenient location near Watkins Glen State Park and a range of amenities and activities, the Watkins Glen/Corning KOA is a perfect choice for camping in the Finger Lakes, especially for those who often take advantage of the KOA amenities.

9. Robert H. Treman State Park

Robert H. Treman State Park is a popular camping destination located just outside of Ithaca, New York. 

The park offers 70 campsites, perfect for both tent camping and RVing, as well as 14 camping cabins. Due to its popularity, it is advisable to make reservations in advance.

One of the park’s main attractions is the breathtaking 115-foot Lucifer Falls. This stunning waterfall is a must-see, and visitors can enjoy stunning views from the Gorge Trail which runs alongside it. You can also swim at the base of the Lower Falls within the park, one of the more unique swimming holes in the Finger Lakes.

In addition to the falls, Robert H. Treman State Park boasts over 9 miles of hiking trails. The trails in Robert H. Treman State Park are some of the more adventurous we’ve encountered in the Finger Lakes.

10. Sned-Acres Family Campground

Sned-Acres Family Campground is a conveniently located camping destination located in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. Situated on the western shore of Cayuga Lake, this campground offers a variety of amenities and modern conveniences to enhance your stay. The campground features a camp store where you can stock up on essentials and grab any last-minute items you may have forgotten. 

While the sites here are not as shaded or private as some others throughout the region, the campground makes up for this con with loaves of fresh bread and a family atmosphere.

The open grounds also provide a narrow view of Cayuga Lake and there is easy access to wineries and activities.

11. Sampson State Park

Sampson State Park, located on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake, is a destination for camping in the Finger Lakes region that provides easy access to stunning sunsets over Seneca Lake.

With its expansive campground offering 238 campsites and 10 cottages, Sampson State Park provides plenty of options for all types of campers. The campground at Sampson State Park is equipped with a range of amenities.

The park features a marina with nearly 100 boat slips, making it a perfect spot for boating and fishing enthusiasts. There are also opportunities for other sporting activities including basketball, volleyball, and tennis

Tips for Camping in the Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes region is a camping paradise with plenty of great campsites to choose from. To ensure you have the best time possible, here are a few tips for camping in the Finger Lakes:

1. Choose a site near water. With so many beautiful lakes and ponds in the region, you’ll want to find a campground with lake or pond access for swimming, fishing, or boating.
2. Make sure you are aware of the amenities that your campsite has to offer like toilets, fire pits, and electricity so that you are prepared for your experience when you arrive.
3. Bring bug spray – gnats, mosquitoes, and other insects can be a real nuisance!
4. Prepare to be without technology – camping is about connecting with nature; some of these locations make it easier than others because there isn’t much cell phone service near the deep gorges
5. Make sure to clean up after yourself – leave nothing but footprints so that future campers can enjoy the Finger Lakes as much as you did. Practice Leave No Trace principles!

Must-Visit Attractions in the Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes region in New York is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, wine connoisseurs, and history buffs. With its picturesque lakes, an abundance of outdoor activities, wine-tasting opportunities, and historical sites, camping in the Finger Lakes provides easy access to all of these activities.

Top attractions in the Finger Lakes include the region’s beautiful state parks. Watkins Glen, Taughannock, and Buttermilk Falls, among others, are known for breathtaking gorges filled with stunning waterfalls.

For wine enthusiasts, a visit to the Finger Lakes wouldn’t be complete without exploring the region’s world-renowned wineries. With well over 100 wineries scattered throughout the area, wine-tasting adventures are plentiful, where you can sample some of the finest wines the region has to offer. Many wineries also offer stunning views of the lakes. Meagan’s personal favorite is Montezuma Winery.

If you’re interested in history, a visit to the Women’s Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls is a must. This park commemorates the first Women’s Rights Convention held in 1848 and offers tours, exhibits, and educational programs. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the women’s suffrage movement and the fight for equal rights.

Also, don’t skip over a visit to the Corning Museum of Glass. This museum showcases the art, history, and science of glassmaking. You can watch live glassblowing demonstrations and even try your hand at creating your own glass masterpiece. It’s a unique attraction that can provide a little different experience during your stay in the Finger Lakes.

Camping in the Finger Lakes is the perfect base for exploring everything that the region has to offer. With its stunning landscapes and plentiful activities, it is truly a paradise for those seeking either adventure or relaxation. Whether you are hiking through breathtaking trails, fishing in crystal-clear lakes, or simply enjoying the peacefulness of the campfire, camping in the Finger Lakes is a perfect getaway.

Guest Author: Samantha is the owner and creator behind PAonPause, exploring travel around the US’s Great Lakes states and the National Parks. She believes that any occasion can be a great excuse to travel and does so as much as possible while still working full-time. She loves to share her time exploring the outdoors with her 2 rescue dogs

Read Next:

Hope Lake Lodge in Cortland, NY

Inn of the Finger Lakes

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1. Open Water Swimming

Brighton Beach by Coney island is a great spot if you want to practice some open water swimming. The Coney Island & Brighton Beach Open Water Swimmers (CIBBOWS) is a non-profit organization that conducts weekly group swims from Brighton Beach to Coney Island. 

Staten Island and Queens also have popular open water swimming locations. Lake George hosts open water swim events as well. If you want to learn more about the open water swimming events, New York Open Water, Inc. organizes many marathons and short swims.

2. Scuba Diving

If you want to scuba dive, New York will not disappoint you! Montauk is a popular tourist destination on the eastern end of Long Island. It is most well-known for shark cage diving. Soft corals and endless fish also await your dives here. If you prefer exploring shipwrecks, Wreck Valley is the place to go. A 60-mile stretch from the north to the south of the Long Island, Wreck Valley is littered with hundreds of shipwrecks!

3. Surfing

If you have the itch to surf, the Rockaways is the spot to satisfy that craving in New York! It is also the only beach where you can surf legally. Since the coast is heavily protected, there are strict rules that you need to know before you can surf. Some of them are: (1) you can only paddle between certain beach streets and (2) blasting loud music is not allowed. 

Even with all of these, the Rockaways remains an iconic surfing spot with a long-time surfing culture! The most famous surfing spot in the Rockaways is Beach 90th street. If you want to learn to ride the waves, go to Locals Surf School on Beach 69th street.

4. Fly Fishing

New York is the birthplace of fly fishing in America, so you can be sure to experience the best fly fishing in the United States! You will be able to fish for trout, salmon, pike, and bass in various rivers across New York. Delaware River and Salmon River are great fishing spots to look out for. The best time for trout fishing in New York is usually from June until the end of September. Going later in the year, such as in late September, can help you avoid the worst of the pesky summer bugs. 

5. Parasailing

If you want to go parasailing in New York, give Lake George a go! Lake George is a town in the Adirondack Mountains, sitting on the lake of the same name. Lush forests and mountains surround its tranquil waters, which are perfect for any outdoor water activities. It also has many beautiful hiking trails for the whole family!

If you are going to parasail, pick a company that will give you professional services and a safe ride! Finding a company that is part of the Professional Association of Parasail Operators is a way to instill confidence in your parasailing adventure. Parasail Nation is one such operator.

6. Rowing

You will be pleased to know that rowing is alive and thriving in the state of New York. Until now, there are numerous rowing associations and clubs that take advantage of the many bodies of water in the state. One of them is the Harlem River Community Rowing, a 15-year-old organization that offers free rowing in the Harlem River!

7. Kayaking

If you want to kayak, you don’t need to go far from the Big Apple itself. Numerous clubs and communities are open for both tourists and regulars! The North Brooklyn Boat Club is an outfitter you can rely on when you are in New York City. They operate in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, usually offering public paddles on weekends! Check out their calendar for a definite date. 

Leaving New York City, the Hudson River Gorge is perfect for both rafters and kayakers. Kayak Hudson is an outfitter that provides guided tours, gear rentals, and paddling lessons across Westchester County. New York is filled with over 7,600 lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, so you’ll always find a place to go when searching for kayaking destinations near me.

8. Water Skiing

Waterskiing is a great way to get a full-body workout. Lake George is the place to go if you’re looking for a great water skiing experience in New York! The Adirondack Water Ski and Wakeboard School on Lake George is one of the best places for beginners and experienced water skiers. Certified instructors and top-of-the-line equipment provide a safe and exciting environment on the lake!

9. Whitewater Rafting

Whitewater rafting is an exciting team-building exercise or a bonding moment with your family! The Hudson River in the Adirondack mountains has rapids of varying difficulty, making it perfect for rafting enthusiasts of any skill level. The level of difficulty of the rapids can change with the seasons. The river can sport challenging Class IV and Class V rapids in spring and calmer Class II and Class III rapids in mid-summer. 

The Hudson River is perhaps one of the best whitewater rafting trips in the United States! If you are feeling more adventurous, Beaver Brook Outfitters provides overnight rafting trips along the Hudson River! You might want to bring your best kayak lights in case you get caught on the water after sunset or during the night at camp. 

10. Sailing

Sailing is a great way to experience the tranquility of nature. Reading the wind to control your sails as you travel across the water is a gratifying experience! Lake Ontario is a beautiful body of water to the north, shared by New York and Ontario. Though it is the smallest of the Great Lakes, the breathtaking landscapes and communities of Lake Ontario are a thrill to explore. 

A little south is a smaller lake called the Cayuga Lake where beginners can get sailing lessons from the Merrill Family Sailing Center. The Merrill Family Sailing Center has 14’ sailing dinghies to 26’ keelboats. Cornell Community Sailing at the center is open to the public and offers sailing lessons for sailors of any skill level!

New York allows you to do a variety of water sports, each with its active community and outfitters. If you travel to New York looking for some fun in the water, you won’t be disappointed. Visiting the state will surely be a trip that will stay in your mind forever.

Guest Author: Michael fell in love with the great outdoors when he was still a child. His early adventures and misadventures drove him to try a wide variety of water sports, not only in his hometown, France but also around the world.

Read Next:

New York City Travel Guide

Finger Lakes Travel Guide

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The Finger Lakes Region consists of a series of lakes resembling the fingers on a hand formed from the remnants of the glaciers eons ago. There are actually 11 lakes in the Finger Lakes region, but the area generally refers to the five primary lakes of Skaneateles Lake, Cayuga Lake, Seneca Lake, Keuka Lake, and Canandaigua Lake. The lakes, gorges, hills and vales are breathtaking, with pristine and unspoiled cold, clear waters. The sunrises and sunsets over the lakes and valleys are especially magnificent.

According to “I Love New York” (the official New York Tourism website), the central New York area of the Finger Lakes “consists of charming villages, exciting shopping, warm hospitality, and beautiful scenery.” The Finger Lakes Region welcomes travelers to explore its gorges and has outstanding recreational opportunities. One can travel on a 135-mile driving tour and discover how a Native American trail became the “Gateway to the Finger Lakes.”

From museums to world-class entertainment, the Finger Lakes Region has everything that a visitor hopes for. Tourism is a growth industry in the Finger Lakes and each year tourists spend some $200 million on vacations. The community is progressive yet retains the traditional charms of small town life.

New York’s Finger Lakes Region is an incredible area that our family has spent a lot of time exploring. After more than 10 trips to the area, we have put together a Finger Lakes Travel Guide to help you plan your own trip. From multiple wine trails, breathtaking state parks, indoor water parks, skiing, and new playgrounds they have a little bit of everything.

Finger Lakes Travel Guide

Where to Stay in the Finger Lakes

• Hope Lake Lodge near Cortland, NY
• Inn of the Finger Lakes
• Belhurst Castle & Winery – Stay in a castle.
• Finger Lakes RV Rental

Wineries Worth Visiting in the Finger Lakes

• Montezuma Winery  – The Montezuma Winery is by far my favorite winery in the world. Their wines are unique and award winning. Some of my favorites are Camper’s White, Diamond, Fat Frog Red, and Fat Frog White. If you like sweeter wines this is your place. They have lots of wines that are not sweet, but happen to have a large selection of both. Many wineries do not have such a variety of sweet wines. They have a gift shop too, that is absolutely adorable.
• Cayuga Lake Wine Trail
• CJS Vineyards – Small, but great wine. It is near Auburn.
• Lakewood Vineyards – In Watkins Glen. Plan to visit here when you visit Watkins Glen State Park.
• Hazlitt – Has an excellent Red Cat wine and they have wine slushies.
• Knapp Wineries – They have a wonderful lunch.
• Belhurst Castle – Has excellent brunch and it’s a cool place. They have peacocks on the grounds and it’s on the lake.
• Seneca Lake Wine Trail tour

Things to do in the Finger Lakes

Attractions and Recreation

The Finger Lakes excels with entertainment and recreational opportunities throughout the year, including the Watkins Glen Speedway, Cruises on the Lakes, Festivals, a Renaissance Fair in Sterling, Sonnenburg Gardens, Timespell Laser Show, Roseland Water Park, numerous golf courses, and even a train ride on the Finger Lakes Scenic Railway. Winery tours are very popular with over 100 wineries in the region. The Finger Lakes provides a host of winter activities including skiing, skating, and ice fishing. One of the most popular features are the 45 local and state parks such as Letchworth, Seneca, Sampson, or Chimney Bluffs available for camping, hunting or fishing. Thousands each year visit these parks.

• National Museum of Play in Rochester, NY
• Seneca Lake State Park
• Watkins Glen State Park – One of the seven wonders of the United States.
• Ithaca Sciencecenter – The science center features the Emerson Science Park, a large outdoor playground full of fun things for kids to do. They can climb, pull, make music, play with sand and water features, make huge bubbles, and more. Our whole family had fun playing with the levers. The kids were actually able to lift me! The outdoor area makes this museum stand out from other science museums. The outdoor area alone makes this worth the visit. They also have a neat putt putt area where each hole has a science lesson to go with it.Inside the museum you will find a whole assortment of handson exhibits, including a special place just for babies. My kids had fun playing with the water features and learning about space.

Culture

The Finger Lakes has many outstanding museums and art shows, including the Performing Arts Center, Granger Homestead & Carriage Museum, Sodus Point Lighthouse Museum, National Women’s Hall of Fame, Corning Museum of Glass, etc. The Region is also one of the richest communities for higher education with some of the best colleges in the country including Hobart and William Smith College, Keuka College, Ithaca College, Cornell University, and several excellent state and community colleges.

Shopping

Shopping is a pleasure with numerous small town stores with distinctive flairs and novelties, as well as with the larger malls such as the Seneca Outlet Mall, Eastview Mall, or the Arnot Mall. There are outstanding antique shops, flea markets, gift stores and numerous specialty shops both in the malls and in small towns like Skaneateles.

Where to eat in the Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes has a wide range of restaurants available at all price ranges including the Belhurst Castle in Geneva, Warfields in Clifton Springs, the Wildflower Café in Watkins Glen, Taughannock Farms in Trumansburg, Steamboat Landing in Canandaigua, the Aurora Inn in Aurora, and many others. 

• Balloons Restaurant (Auburn) – I had the peppercorn steak and it was wonderful. The side I picked was the garlic mash and they were even better than the steak. I was with a lot of people and everyone was happy with their food. The service was great. The kids can get steaks for $10. My son accidentally threw his steak off of his plate and onto the floor while trying to cut it. The waiter was cool about it and replaced it. But he didn’t just replace it, he soothed our 7 year old, because he was super upset.
• Nickels BBQ – Located in Watkins Glen

Overall the region provides good health care, has a low crime rate, low traffic rate, and excels with a community spirit without the hassles of big city living. The real appeal of the Finger Lakes, though, is the beauty of the nature and land. The lakes, gorges, parks, and valleys are spectacular to behold and there is a natural connection to the region which is almost spiritual in nature. Many who come to visit, decide to stay. 

**Are you ready to book your Finger Lakes vacation? Let my personal travel agent to help you plan your trip for free!**

Should You Get Travel Insurance?

Don’t forget travel insurance! I’m a fan of Travelex insurance, because of the variety of options. Protect yourself from possible injury & theft abroad. I have gotten extremely sick twice now out of the country and Noah has had seizures in other countries, so I always recommend getting some sort of coverage. Read more about why you should always carry travel insurance here.

Car Rental

If you are looking for a car rental I recommend getting the car at the airport. It will make things easier. This entire area is easy to drive around in. Get a $14 a day car rental!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

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Watkins Glen Sate Park

I was already a huge fan of the Finger Lakes area (cause of all the wineries!!) and then I heard about this place. I do not know how it took me so long to hear about it, because this place is a must see if you are anywhere near it.

There is a cost to park in the parking lot. I believe it was either $7 or $8 and you have to pay with cash or check.

About Watkins Glen State Park

Wikipedia say that – The park features three trails – open mid-May to early November – by which one can climb or descend the gorge. The Southern Rim and Indian Trails run along the wooded rim of the gorge, while the Gorge Trail is closest to the stream and runs over, underand along the park’s 19 waterfalls by way of stone bridges and more than 800 stone steps.

If you start at the bottom of the trail (the part closest to the city of Watkins Glen) then you get to walk through at least two tunnels and under this waterfall.

I took all three of my kids and even though there were many stairs and a lot of walking they did great. So, I am comfortable telling you that this is a kid friendly hike, but forget the stroller. My kids enjoyed playing at the playground that is found near the upper parts parking lot.

The park has comfortable camping sites, as well as picnic tables and pavilions, food, playground, a gift shop, pool, dump stations, showers, recreation programs, tent and trailer sites, fishing, hiking, hunting and cross-county skiing. The park is open year-round, but not all facilities are available at all times.

Do you ever take photos at the same place with your kids different ages? I do this all the time, because we tend to visit the same places multiple times if we like them. Here are my kids in 2012 and again in 2013. It was shocking to see how much they grew. 

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Hope Lake Lodge

Hope Lake Lodge at Greek Peak Mountain Resort is a hotel and indoor water park, located in Cortland, NY part of the Finger Lakes. It’s near the NY Jets training camp and offers the perfect place for a family retreat.

In this living room photo is a full-size couch that can be unfolded into a bed.
You can not see the ski storage area from this picture, but along the wall facing the dining table is a ski storage nook. Having somewhere to put your skis is a must when picking out a place to stay near a ski area.



It was nice having the sink area separate from the shower area. It made getting ready quicker and anything that helps a family with three kids get faster quicker is a big deal.
I loved the fitness room. They provided towels and water. There were 2 or 3 tv’s in the room.

Cascade Indoor Waterpark

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Montezuma Winery is part of the Cayuga Wine Trail.

I was actually there three times last month!  While I wine taste, the kids play outside in the fenced-off grass area next to the building. I can watch them through the window while I do the tasting. I usually have a soccer ball or frisbee with me to keep the kids happy.

Besides all of the fun unique knick-knacks they sell, they make fabulous wines.

My current favorites are Fat Frog Red, Diamond, and Camper’s White in that order.

Technically, this winery is located in Seneca Falls, but it certainly didn’t seem like it to me. So, when you are looking at their site you are looking for their Seneca Falls location:

2981 U.S. Route 20, Seneca Falls, NY 13148
GPS Coordinates:  N42° 57.006’ W76° 46.038’

Seneca Falls Tasting Room Hours:  Open daily from 9 am-6 pm (closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Day).

Wine Tasting Fee:  $3.00/person or $5.00 for our souvenir wine glass including your tasting
(12+ group tasting fee: $5.00/person, includes glass)

I believe that if you order a couple of bottles you do not pay a tasting fee.

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• Deluxe Complimentary Continental Breakfast
• Well-equipped fitness center
• Complimentary Hosted Evening Wine Tasting, Monday – Friday 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• Free high-speed wireless internet access throughout the hotel
• Related articles

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Seneca Lake State Park

Seneca Lake State Park is lovely. You can see from the pictures that they have a huge playground with bathrooms right next to it. There is also a substantial-sized splash pad next to the playground. We only paid $7 to get in, which was $1 per person. On the weekends you can use the beach and swim in the lake. They only have lifeguards on the weekends.

There is no camping permitted in Seneca Lake State Park.

• Cayuga Lake Wine Trail
• Inn of the Finger Lakes
• Montezuma Winery

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Cayuga Lake Wine Trail

On a recent trip to upstate New York I had so much fun exploring the Cayuga Lake wine trail. It is the longest-running wine trail in the US. You could spend several days going along this wine trail and never run out of stops. 

We started the day out in Auburn and headed down to King Ferry Winery. Although not my favorite it was my kid’s favorite. While the grownups enjoyed a tasting, my kids happily played in the kid area complete with toys and fish!!  What is better than a kid-friendly winery?  (Apparently on this wine trail some days are family days.)

From there we were headed further south to Ithaca, New York. We planned to take the kids to a science center there, but it is not open on Mondays. We did see the outside area and it looked awesome.

With very disappointed kids we went to Stewart park.  An old park with equipment not often seen these days. The kids had a blast!  My favorite part of this park was the grown-up porch swings.  (I don’t know what they are called.)

After wearing the children down, we continued on. We went up the west side of the lake back towards Auburn since there are more wineries on that side.  Before we made it to another winery we got distracted by another fun playground and a waterfall at Taughannock Falls State park. This place has a very new playground with new equipment we grownups had never seen; so of course we had to test it before the kids tried it!  (For safety purposes…right??)

Last, but not least Montezuma winery. It is no overstatement when I say we have saved the best for last. This is my second favorite winery in the nation, but my favorite wine in America. Their Diamond wine and Fat Frog Red are the best wines I have had. I find myself daydreaming about a glass of Fat Frog red since I ran out.

With so many different wine options and beautiful scenery, the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail is the perfect place to explore New York State’s wine country. Have you had a chance to check it out? What’s your favorite winery along the trail? Let us know in the comments!

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