Last minute camping update: Any vacancies for Upstate NY campers this holiday weekend?

Our favorite campgrounds are all full!

We've had a spectacular week of Perfect Camping Days and Nights, all leading to what promises to be a rare fine-weather three-day weekend. Usually it's tough to plan much of anything for Memorial Day Weekend here in western NY. This year we knew in advance that all three days would be nearly idyllic.

As a result, it's now close to impossible to secure a last-minute campsite at any of the camping resorts we've tried in years past. Here's a round-up of the state of campground affairs among our favorites:

Holiday Hill Campground: Sarah says "we're almost full," only 2 rental trailers remain

Pricing: $98/day with 3-days required.
Upcoming events: new Pig Roast for July 9 - 11.
Our Rating: **** (of five)
1-800-719-2267 * 7818 Marvin Hill Rd., Springwater, NY 14560


Canandaigua/Rochester KOA: Ruth and Victor note: "we're completely full"

Upcoming events: full slate of activities for 4th of July holiday weekend.
New features: a canine recreation area with obstacles and more.
Our Rating: **** (of five)
1-800-KOA-0533* 5374 Farmington Townline Road, Farmington, NY 14425

Cheerful Valley Campground: Peg offers: "We have a few no-hookups sites available"

Pricing: $105 for all 3 days (required).
Upcoming events: (Sat) fishing derby, Finger Lakes Wine tasting (Sun) Kickball early, Dance later
New features: some campsites upgraded from last year.

Our Rating: **** (of five)
(315) 781-1222 * 1412 Route 14, Phelps, NY 14532

Sugar Creek Glen campground:  Mary Ann thinks, "We may have one or two sites" (cancellations)

Pricing: [call] 3 days required
Of note: don't miss the waterfalls and hiking trails.

New features: several new campsites on the creek, with beaches!

Our Rating: ***1/2 (of five)
(585) 335-6294 * 11288 Poags Hole Rd., Dansville, NY 14437

Jellystone Park of Western New York: [no report, assume resort is full]


 New features: answering machine mentions "new water zone"
Our Rating: ***** (of five)
(585) 558-9644 * 5204 Youngers Rd., North Java, NY 14113

Jellystone Park of Central New York: unnamed employee notes, "we're full" [hang-up]

 New features: hoping the pool is open this year [Editor]

Our Rating: **** (of five)
(315) 963-7096 * 601 County Route 16, Mexico, NY 13114

Bedford Creek Marina and Campground:  Tammie says, rushed, "we're completely full."

New features/activities: "please check our website"

Our Rating: ***1/2 (of five)
(315) 646-2486 * 16750 Allen Drive, Sackets Harbor, NY 13685


Skybrook Campground: unnamed employee notes, "we're full" [hang-up]

Upcoming events: Rolling Hills Rally, hosted by Skybrook Campground, Sat August 13
Our Rating: *** (of five)
(585) 335-6880 * 10861 McCurdy Road, Dansville, NY 14437


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We've stayed at every one of these campgrounds at one time or another over the past six years. Some, we've enjoyed several times. All come recommended. The Ratings are relative; every park is at least "good."

With the current uncertainty surrounding NY's State Parks, you might find yourself visiting a privately-run camping resort for the first time. We were apprehensive at first, years ago, because we had grown used to staying at Hamlin Beach State Park. Private campgrounds are as different as people are. Call ahead, ask questions, and tour the websites before you make a reservation.

If you have a campground you'd like to see added to this list, please contact me via Comments or by using the link at the top of this page.