Where to Find Family Friendly Campgrounds in Upstate New York

Of all the family friendly campgrounds in Upstate New York, the parks in Ithaca are my favorites. As they say in this area, "Ithaca Is Gorges." Your family will enjoy camping at Robert H. Treman State Park and nearby Buttermilk Falls State Park. Both of these parks have stunning scenery, family activities, and they are easy to get to by car. One bit of advice - be sure to bring a camera!

Robert H. Treman State Park

This family friendly park in Upstate New York is a nature lovers paradise. Robert H. Treman Park has twelve waterfalls and a glacier carved gorge running through it. You can follow the trail along the side of the gorge to reach the impressive 115 foot Lucifer Falls. At the lower falls is a refreshing swimming area that the whole family will love. While camping, pack a lunch, hike, fish and swim for a great day with the kids. They even have a lifeguard on duty. Pets on leashes are allowed, just bring proof rabies shots.

Robert H. Treman State Park also offers programs such as Night Noises where you can experience the wonderful sounds of nature at night. Stream Safari explores underwater life. Two Gorges in One is a half mile walk where you can take in both the wooded and rocky sections of the park.

Campers can choose from cabins, RV sites or tent sites at the park. While the park is open year round, camping is available from mid-May through November. Handicapped accessible. For reservations call (800) 456-2267. To get there take Route 13, to Route 327 about five miles south of Ithaca. The entrance is at the south end of Cayuga Lake.

Buttermilk Falls State Park

Buttermilk Falls is like two parks in one. There is something for everyone here. The campground is family friendly with swimming, hiking, a lake, picnic areas, and playing fields. The waterfall is beautiful and foamy as it runs down the steep gorge. At the lower part of the park is Larch Meadows, a shady wetland area with nature trails. Leashed pets are welcome with proof of rabies vaccinations.

Activities at Buttermilk Falls include nature programs such as Feathered Friends where you can learn about birds and the kids can make a pinecone bird feeder to take home. Giant Beasts of the Ice Age is all about the prehistoric creatures that once roamed Upstate New York. Fern Frolic, and Nature Journaling are some of the other events that are great for all ages.

The family friendly campground has RV and tent sites, along with cabins. The park is open all year, with camping season running from mid-May to mid-October. Handicapped accessible. To make reservations call (800) 456-2267. The park is located on Route 13, just south of Ithaca, New York.