Why You Should Camp in the Finger Lakes This Fall

The Finger Lakes area in New York has 11 long, thin lakes and covers a huge 9,000-square-mile area. People love visiting for the beautiful lakes, outdoor fun, and American history. It's a great spot for families and friends.

What makes this place special is how everything is connected, thanks to ancient glaciers. These glaciers carved out the deep valleys that became the lakes. The deep water helps create a special climate that's perfect for growing grapes, which is why the area is famous for its wine.

The glaciers also created amazing gorges and parks with lots of waterfalls, like at Watkins Glen State Park. This landscape was also home to important moments in history, like the women's rights movement. While summer is great for playing on the water, fall is when everything comes together.

Great Fall Colors and Fewer People

In the fall, the hills around the Finger Lakes turn bright red, orange, and gold. The best part is that you get to see the colors twice. The bright leaves on the hills reflect on the surface of the 11 lakes.

This experience is even better because the busy summer season is over. With kids back in school, the summer crowds are gone. This means you can find some peace and quiet in popular spots.

Parks like Watkins Glen are much calmer on a fall weekday. The trails are less crowded, so you can enjoy the crunch of leaves under your feet. Campsites are quieter with fewer neighbors, too.

The lakes are also quieter since most of the boats are gone for the season. The calm water acts like a mirror, giving you a clear reflection of the colorful shoreline. So, fewer crowds actually make the views even better.

When and Where to See the Leaves

Here are some of the best places to see the fall colors.

• Letchworth State Park: This place is known as the "Grand Canyon of the East." It has amazing views of the canyon filled with colorful trees. You can see three large waterfalls surrounded by fall colors.
• The Bristol Hills: This area near Canandaigua Lake has some of the best views around. You can take a scenic chairlift ride at Bristol Mountain to see the valley from above. A nearby park on Gannett Hill also has a great lookout spot called the "Jump Off."
• Hemlock-Canadice Lakes State Forest: If you want a more natural view, check out these two undeveloped lakes. There are no houses on the shoreline, so the hiking trails offer amazing photos of fall colors reflecting on the water. It’s a very peaceful and quiet spot.
• Gorge Trails and Drives: The trails at Buttermilk Falls State Park offer a nice hike through the woods. If you prefer to drive, Route 38 along Owasco Lake and Route 90 along Cayuga Lake are beautiful scenic routes.

The best time to see the colors is usually from late September through late October. But the leaves don't all change at once. You can chase the peak color by starting in the south and moving north.

• Early to Mid October: The colors change first in the higher hills in the southern part of the region. This includes areas like Naples, Hammondsport, and Watkins Glen.
• Late October to Early November: The towns by the bigger lakes farther north change color last. This includes places like Ithaca, Geneva, and Canandaigua.

The following table provides a planning guide for key foliage-viewing areas.

Table 1: Finger Lakes Peak Foliage Planning Guide

Good Weather for Camping and Campfires

Fall brings crisp, comfortable weather that's great for being outside. The summer heat and humidity are gone, replaced by mild and pleasant days. Average temperatures in October are usually around 60°F during the day and 45°F at night.

These conditions are perfect for activities like hiking because you won't get too hot. A huge bonus of fall camping is that most of the bugs are gone. This makes the whole experience much more enjoyable.

The chilly fall evenings make a crackling campfire feel extra cozy and inviting. The clear fall skies are also great for stargazing. With less humidity and very little light pollution, you can see the stars really well.

For the best dark skies, here are a few recommended spots:

• Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill: This is one of the highest points in the county, making it great for seeing stars.
• Finger Lakes National Forest: This forest is located between Seneca and Cayuga lakes, where it's very dark at night.
• Hemlock Lake: The shoreline here is completely undeveloped. The calm, clear lake can act as a mirror to the stars above.

Enjoy the Fall Harvest

Camping in the fall lets you have a cool mix of rustic and fancy experiences. You can use your campsite as a cheap home base. Then you can spend your days exploring all the great food and drinks the region offers.

Fall is harvest season for the area's famous wineries. It's a busy but exciting time to visit the wine trails along Cayuga, Keuka, and Seneca lakes. You can see grapes being picked and wine being made, and many wineries host special parties.

You can also buy fresh food directly from local farms. Visit a farm stand for apples, pumpkins, and squash to cook over your campfire. U-Pick apple orchards and pumpkin patches are a perfect daytime activity for everyone.

The harvest season also has some great festivals. The Naples Grape Festival in late September is a big one, famous for its grape pie contest. Other fun events include fall festivals in Canandaigua and at Bristol Mountain.

The Best Time for Hiking and Waterfalls

The cooler weather and low humidity in the fall make it the perfect season for hiking. The Finger Lakes Trail network has over 900 miles of trails to explore. Some great fall hikes can be found on the Bristol Hill Trail or between Buttermilk Falls and Robert H. Treman state parks.

Fall is also the best time to see the waterfalls. Some waterfalls slow to a trickle during the dry summer months. The autumn rains bring them back to life, making the gorges sound and look more powerful.

This creates a perfect window for waterfall hiking in early to mid October. It's the only time of year when three things happen at once.

1. The fall foliage provides a beautiful, colorful background.
2. The extra rain makes the waterfalls full and powerful.
3. The gorge trails are still open before they close for the winter in late October or early November.

The area around Ithaca at the south end of Cayuga Lake has the most waterfalls, with over 150 in the area. But the most famous single park is Watkins Glen, at the southern tip of Seneca Lake.

A camper's trip should include the "Big 3" waterfall parks:

1. Watkins Glen State Park (Seneca Lake): This is the main attraction. A 1.5-mile trail takes you past 19 waterfalls. You can even walk behind one of them, called Cavern Cascade.
2. Robert H. Treman State Park (Cayuga Lake): This park has a more rugged feel with 12 waterfalls. The main highlight is the 115-foot Lucifer Falls. The hike to see it is tough but worth it.
3. Taughannock Falls State Park (Cayuga Lake): This park has a huge 215-foot waterfall, one of the tallest in the eastern U.S. Unlike the other parks, the trail to the base of the falls is a very easy and flat walk.

The following table helps campers choose a park based on their interests and abilities.

Table 2: The "Big 3" FLX Waterfall Parks: A Camper's Guide

Finding a Campsite Is Easier

From a practical point of view, fall is a great time to go camping. The summer crowds are gone now that schools are back in session. This makes it much easier to get a good campsite, even at the last minute.

This slower pace also changes the feel of the campgrounds. The vibe is often quieter and more adult-oriented, which fits well with peaceful wine tasting and hiking. It's a great time for anyone looking for a little peace and quiet.

Many campgrounds stay open well after Labor Day, sometimes with cheaper off-season rates. You can plan trips deep into October and sometimes even November.

• 2025 State Park Closing Dates:
  • Watkins Glen State Park: Open through Oct 26, 2025.
  • Robert H. Treman State Park: Open through Nov 8, 2025.
  • Allan H. Treman State Marine Park: Open through Nov 29, 2025.
• 2025 Private Campground Seasons:
  • Waterloo KOA: Open through October.
  • Seneca Lake Resorts: Open through Oct 25, 2026. (Note: 2025 season is over, 2026 is listed as a guide).
  • Sunset on Seneca: Open through Oct 15, 2025.

How to Plan Your Fall Camping Trip

October or November?

Choosing the right month is a trade-off between seeing the best sights and having more quiet time.

• Go in October For the Best Sights
  • Pros: This is the perfect time for peak fall colors. The whole area feels lively with harvest festivals and farm stands. There are also lots of fun Halloween events.
  • Cons: This is also the busiest time for fall tourism. Be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends.
• Go in November For More Peace and Quiet
  • Pros: November is the quiet secret of the Finger Lakes. The crowds are gone, and wineries feel more personal. Some campgrounds, like Robert H. Treman, are still open.
  • Cons: The bright colors are gone, and it's mostly bare trees. Many gorge trails and seasonal farm stands will be closed. The weather is also cold, with nights dropping near freezing.

October is best for first-time visitors who want to see the classic fall colors. November is better for those who want a quieter trip, especially for visiting wineries, and are prepared for cold-weather camping.

Where to Set Up Camp

The "best" lake for camping depends on what you want to do during the day.

• For Wineries & Food:
  • Lake: Seneca Lake. It's the heart of the region's biggest wine trail.
  • Campgrounds: Finger Lakes RV Resort is geared toward adults and is right next to two wineries. Sunset on Seneca Campsites is also on the wine trail.
• For Waterfalls & Hiking:
  • Lake: Cayuga Lake (near Ithaca). This is the main hub for waterfalls.
  • Campgrounds: You can camp right inside Robert H. Treman State Park or Taughannock Falls State Park. This puts the trails just steps from your campsite.
• For Views & Quiet:
  • Lake: Canandaigua Lake or Hemlock and Canadice Lakes.
  • Campgrounds: Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill offers camping with some of the best views. For a truly quiet trip, Hemlock-Canadice State Forest has backcountry camping with no development on the shore.
• For a Bit of Everything:
  • Lake: Seneca Lake (near Watkins Glen).
  • Campground: Watkins Glen State Park. This is a great central spot. You are at the most famous waterfall park, on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, and only a 30-minute drive from the Ithaca waterfalls.

What to Pack for Fall Camping

The biggest mistake people make is not preparing for the cold, especially from the ground up.

• Your Sleep System is Key:
  • Sleeping Bag: Get a bag that is rated for colder temperatures than you expect. A 20°F bag or lower is a good idea.
  • Sleeping Pad: This is a must-have. An insulated pad with a high "R-value" (at least 4) will stop the cold ground from stealing your body heat.

• Wear Layers:
  • Base Layer: Wear something that wicks away sweat, like merino wool or a synthetic shirt. Avoid cotton because it stays wet and cold.
  • Mid-Layer: This is your warm layer, like a fleece hoodie or a puffy jacket.
  • Outer Shell: A waterproof and windproof jacket is important to stay dry.
• Campsite Extras:
  • Lights: The days are shorter, so you'll need less daylight. Pack headlamps and lanterns.
  • Warmth: A warm hat, gloves, and extra thick socks make a huge difference.
  • Fire: Bring a reliable fire starter and plan to buy local firewood near your campsite.

Wildlife and Safety Tips

When camping in the Finger Lakes, you need to be aware of bears.

• Are there bears in the Finger Lakes? Yes, the region has black bears. They are usually shy, but you should still be careful, especially in the fall when they are looking for food for the winter.
• How to Camp Safely with Bears: The main rule is to protect your food, which also protects the bears.
  • Storage: Store all food, trash, and scented items (like toothpaste) in your car or a bear-proof container.
  • Tent: Never keep any of these items in your tent.
  • Cooking: Cook and eat at least 100 feet away from where you sleep.

Finally, all campers should follow the seven Leave No Trace principles.

• Pack It In, Pack It Out: Always take your trash with you.
• Stick to Trails and Campsites: Stay on marked trails and use official campsites to protect the area.
• Respect Wildlife: Watch animals from a distance and never feed them.
• Be Considerate of Others: Keep noise down so everyone can enjoy the sounds of nature.
• Minimize Campfire Impacts: Use existing fire rings and keep your fire small. Make sure it is completely out before you leave.