Camping Companions

Watkins Glen is a New York State Park located in the Finger Lakes Region of NY in Schuyler County. The park is arguably the most popular Finger Lakes campground because not only does this state park have camping, but it also provides you with hiking trails that run along a 400 foot gorge past 19 cascading waterfalls over the course of a 1.5 mile trail. The gorge trail has 832 mostly stone steps, so bring plenty of water and good hiking shoes. Pets are not allowed on the Gorge Trail, so leave your furry family member at home or hike the Rim Trail instead. The main feature of the trail is Rainbow Falls which you walk under as you follow the trail. Stop and wonder at how many layers of sandstone, shale, and less common limestone rock create the rock walls lining the trail and how many years it took to erode them that way. 12,000 years! A little down stream of Rainbow falls is the “Heart” of the trail which was the plunge pool of the waterfalls until the water eroded the stone to where the falls are today. The water has carved out what looks to be a heart.

Check out the link at the bottom of this post to see our video review.

The campground offers 305 campsites. A standard campsite at Watkins Glen includes electricity in Mohawk and Cayuga Village loops for a fee of $30. per night. Also included is a fire ring and a picnic table, with water nearby to fill up your RV tanks or water containers. Non-electric sites are $18. per night. Rustic cabins are offered with a 3 night minimum stay for $58. per night, but do not offer electricity or water. The campground is open from Mid-May through Mid-October each season. The campground offers an Olympic size pool for swimming in the summer months, playgrounds, picnic areas, dumping station, and firewood for sale. To purchase larger quantities of firewood, we suggest going onto Facebook Marketplace a few days before you depart to see what local vendors have to offer. A maximum of 2 pets per campsite are allowed in the camping area with proof of rabies vaccination.

Latitude 42.375896

Longitude -76.871078

Nearby attractions include The Finger Lakes. There are 11 Glacial Finger Lakes that all run roughly in a north-south orientation. Seneca Lake is closest to Watkins Glen State Park and is the second longest lake at about 37 miles long and 632 feet deep. At the southern tip of the Lake there is a restaurant, boat cruises, and a great place for a photo op.

If you are a little more adventurous and want to see more of the area there are several options nearby to entertain just about anyone. For wine lovers visit the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. Click here to get your trail map. With over 25 wineries on the Lake, you are bound to find something you enjoy. Leave out driving from winery to winery and go to the annual wine festival held at Watkins Glen International Speedway. Speaking of the speedway, race car fans will be delighted by this 3.4 mile road course which has hosted Nascar races annually since 1996. For a list of Nascar tracks click here. Did you know that Seneca Lake also has a Beer Trail? Get info about beer tours and get your map here.

The nearby town of Geneva is on the northern tip of Seneca Lake. Geneva is known as the Lake Trout Capital of the World, so grab your fishing pole and get over there. There has been a Lake Trout Fishing Derby held there annually since 1964. For a luxurious spa treatment visit Isabella Spa and salon in historic Belhurst Castle. There is even a winery on site with a gorgeous stone patio overlooking Seneca Lake. It would be a perfect venue for a wedding. For first come first served golfing, visit Watkins Glen Golf Course. Take note: it is closed on Thursday evenings for league play.

If you have kids, head to Farm Sanctuary where “the rolling green pastures of Farm Sanctuary’s 275-acre New York shelter are home to more than 600 rescued cows, pigs, turkeys, and other farm animals.” Or take the kids to the bar – the Glen Dairy Bar that is for ice cream! On a rainy day the best place for the whole family to enjoy is the Corning Museum of Glass. The interactive displays and glass sculptures are something you shouldn’t miss.

No matter how you choose to spend your time at Watkins Glen State Park or the surrounding area, we are sure you will want to come back multiple times. Watch our video tour by clicking below.