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Tue Jun 21, 2016 2:41 pm

Hi All,
Does anybody have any suggestions for camping around the Ithaca NY area? We are heading there this weekend and all the state parks are booked up. I generally don't like private campgrounds but if there was a nice quiet non RV one I would consider it. There are a bunch of State forests around there. Any suggestions on dispersed spots for a westy?
Thanks.

Tue Jun 21, 2016 3:33 pm

This is a nice private one between Dansville and Arkport. We lived in the area and stayed there a few times in the shoulder seasons.
http://www.sunvalleycampsites.com/
There is also Ontario County Park in South Bristol, NY. Very nice views and hiking on the hilltop. There are a few campsites back in the trees too.

Tue Jun 21, 2016 5:13 pm

while those are nice locations they're not all that close to Ithaca.

there are alot of NYS campground parks in the area to Ithaca though, so while I'm not surprised it's a full/busy weekend. I'm surprised you can't find a sole site.
Robert Treman
buttermilk falls
taghannock falls

some less known in the area.
Greenwood county campground over near Whitney Point.
http://www.gobroomecounty.com/parks/greenwood

town of lansing marina/campground
http://www.lansingrec.com/camping-marina

Tue Jun 21, 2016 7:22 pm

Thanks for the responses.
I wish there was a better resource for dispersed camping on the east coast. The only one I have done was a recommendation from Aswah about a spot across the river from Kent Ct. It was great. Solitary camping on a river bank.
I guess I need to spend some time on Google maps checking out the state forests. We are a family of 5 though, so I feel a bit of pressure to get it right from the start and not ad lib it at 8pm at night.

Wed Jun 22, 2016 4:39 am

While not picturesque, you can also try Spruce Row Campground: http://www.sprucerow.com/

It's a family run campground that has been around forever. Wherever you end up, I highly recommend stopping at Taughannock, Treman, Buttermilk Falls and Watkins Glen State Parks. Unforgettable scenery and beauty at all of them. Treman has one of the coolest swimming holes you will find where you can 'legally' swim. My family and I will be staying at Treman State Park in August...can't wait!

Wed Jun 22, 2016 5:26 am

not in Ithaca but not too far,
there's 13 sites in Filmore glen state park
http://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com/campin...parkId=186

and always sites in Sampson State park. (51) available
http://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com/campin...parkId=232

and if you could camp for free in the woods by a river/lake/meadow that site would already be occupied too.. and trashed with catholes (if you're lucky) and little squares of tissue & trash all around..

Wed Jun 22, 2016 5:40 am

Finger lakes national forest in Hector is a short drive on 79 west. Tip your hat at Karl Jaentsch old ACVW shop as you drive by, RIP

Wed Jun 22, 2016 7:43 am

Thanks again. Blueberry patch campground in the Fingerlakes National Forrest looks perfect.

Wed Jun 22, 2016 11:31 am

well good luck on that one. get there early. there's only 9 sites. no rsvps 1st come 1st serve.. not to be pessimistic, but if the other regional CGs are full...

Quote: Blueberry Patch Campground is a small, semi-primitive campground located along Picnic Area Road (County Route 2), next to the large blueberry patch it received its name from. This is a popular spot to gather berries when they are in season. The berry patch features the high bush as well as low bush blueberries. The campground gate is open from mid May – October 31st. Sites are available on a first come-first served basis, with a $10 per site per night camping fee
http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/stelprdb5318999.pdf
Quote: Facilities:
Campground: There are nine campsites available on a first come first serve basis. Each has a fire pit, a
tent pad, a picnic table and parking for up to two cars. Some of the picnic tables are handicap accessible.
There are two handicap accessible vault toilets. This campground is designed for tents or small campers
under 24 feet long. Dumpster service is provided. There is no drinking water available