Camping Companions

When people consider visiting an epic waterfall in New York, they are usually thinking of Niagara Falls. We encourage you to step away from the most popular waterfall in New York and discover the many others, often without the crowds. In the Finger Lakes region alone, there are literally hundreds of waterfalls, making it nearly impossible to choose a favorite.

We as humans are drawn to water for many reasons. Who can resist the soothing sounds of waves crashing against the shore or cascading over rock or watching the sun while it sinks below the horizon casting light in splashes of color across the sky and reflecting on the water’s surface? As a kid, some of our fondest memories are of jumping off the deck into the refreshing water of the lake near camp. As adults, we love exploring scenic spots in our kayaks, often paddling along soaring cliffs or exploring hidden caves. Activities such as fishing for dinner to cook over a campfire or visiting historic lighthouses are just a few more reasons to see what else New York has to offer.

When searching for a new campground to visit we tend to visit the ones that have a waterfall within the park or close by. Some of the most notable waterfalls we’ve found within a campground are noted below. Be warned because once you see these, going to Niagara Falls may not seem as special. Read on for our top picks.

Robert H. Treman State Park

Robert H. Treman State Park located in Ithaca, NY, and has 12 waterfalls within its 1,110 acres. The largest, Lucifer Falls, is 115 feet tall and can be seen from both the Rim and Gorge Hiking Trails within the park. Lucifer Falls is so large, it is hard to get a good selfie. After all, most adult humans are within 4 to 7 feet tall, so getting yourself in front of the 115′ waterfall can be a challenge.

Within the same park, another notable waterfall is Enfield Falls where you can swim under this 70 foot waterfall that spills into a natural swimming hole. What a refreshing way to cool off on a hot summer day! The remaining 10 waterfalls are smaller and not named, but just as beautiful to see when hiking the trails within the park.

The campground itself only has 11 electric sites, 67 non-electric sites, and 14 cabins, so you may want to plan your visit well in advance. There are also 2 very new looking playgrounds within the camping area, which makes this place a must for any family. And while you are there, you simply must take the short drive to see Ithaca Falls. Read on to see why.

Ithaca Falls, Ithaca, NY

Ithaca Falls is the only one of the waterfalls mentioned that is not within a campground. In fact, this beauty is our favorite and is the most accessible. Ithaca Falls is located in Ithaca near the corner of Lake Street and East Falls Street. There is a small parking lot on Lake Street near the intersection of the two roads. A short trail takes you right up to the falls. When there hasn’t been a lot of rain, you can walk within inches of the water flow. We suggest that you bring water shoes to walk the creek up to the falls. During a rainy year the water cascading over the rock can be very powerful, as pictured from our visit in 2021. We would recommend giving this falls a wide berth when it is really flowing. Many accidents have happened over the years in the area, so please exercise caution.

Letchworth State Park

Letchworth State Park is also known as the Grand Canyon of the East with 3 large waterfalls within the park. The park is a year round pleasure to visit with its 14,427 acres of terrain. There are 270 campsites and 81 cabins within the park, so we suggest staying several days in order to appreciate all this park has to offer. Our favorite time to go is in the Fall when you can see the magnificent colors of the leaves changing surrounding the Falls, and a rainbow created by the mist. If you choose to go during the summer months, the park also offers a swimming pool, white water rafting, horseback riding, and so many more special activities. You can also take a short drive and take a free tour of nearby Mount Morris Dam. There is no wonder why this park was voted # 1 State Park in the Country!

Watkins Glen

With 19 waterfalls to choose from, Watkins Glen is a waterfall lover’s dream. Hiking trails take you along the water’s edge and even under the largest -Rainbow Falls. Layers and layers of rock have been eroded by the water flowing through them, creating some of the most gorgeous views to be seen in this area of NY, which is also known for its wineries and breweries. This park is a very popular destination in New York State. The campground within this 778 acre park has 305 campsites, and unlike any other state park we have been to, offers an Olympic size pool to swim in. There is truly something for everyone to enjoy.

Taughannock

Taughannock Falls is a single drop, 230 foot waterfall located in Taughannock State Park. The Falls can be accessed by either an overlook, or by hiking an easy trail to the base of the Falls. The campground itself only has a few sites that offer electricity and are long enough to accommodate some of the bigger rigs.

We like visiting waterfalls, because it is usually a free activity to do to get exercise and explore the areas that we are camping in. Plus, there is something so beautiful about each one that draws us in.

New York State hosts numerous striking waterfalls beyond the popular Niagara Falls, particularly in the Finger Lakes region. Significant waterfalls include those within Robert H. Treman State Park, Ithaca Falls, Letchworth State Park, Watkins Glen, and Taughannock State Park. Most of these parks also offer camping options and other attractions. This makes New York a prime destination for adventurers, nature enthusiasts and campers seeking peaceful, scenic spots away from the crowds.

Thanks for stopping by to read about the waterfalls of the Finger Lakes, NY. If you wouldn’t mind, please subscribe to our YouTube channel so you can see each new waterfall we visit.

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