Taughannock Falls State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Think you have to go all the way to Niagara to see stunning waterfalls in New York state? Think again. Taughannock Falls State Park is nestled in the Finger Lakes region just outside of Ithaca, and its namesake waterfall plunges a whopping 215 feet into the waters below. Along with offering a one-of-a-kind sight to behold from trails both deep inside the gorge and perched atop the rim, Taughannock Falls State Park also invites visitors to a nigh-endless list of outdoor recreational pursuits, including boating on and swimming in Cayuga Lake in the spring and summer, as well as ice skating and cross-country skiing come wintertime. The park has campsites, cabins, picnic areas, grills, and a range of playgrounds and athletic fields. It’s also a popular destination for hunters and fishermen, who find fish and game in plentiful supply within the park’s 750 acres.
Whether you’re a New York native looking for a quick getaway or an out-of-towner hoping to see what the Finger Lakes area is all about, Taughannock Falls State Park is the perfect place to spend a long weekend -- or even longer. Read on to learn everything you need to know to make your Taughannock Falls experience a great one.
Spring 28-71 F
Summer 61-83 F
Fall 35-74 F
Winter 20-39 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Taughannock Falls State Park
Psst: been car- and tent-camping for years now? Don’t get us wrong, it’s a whole lot of fun… but there’s something to be said about sleeping on a real mattress. When you travel in an RV, you combine all the best parts of road tripping with playing homebody: freedom, flexibility, and the comfort and privacy of your own special hideaway.
If you don’t have a rig of your own and want to experience the #RVlife for yourself, consider renting a vehicle on the peer-to-peer market at RVshare. Our trusted owners offer cozy, well-kept rigs that are as affordable as they are charming -- and it’s a great way to experience your favorite state park!
Taughannock Falls State Park does offer RV-friendly camping accommodations onsite, including some campsites with electrical hookups. However, like all state parks, sites do fill up quickly, so without advanced reservations, you may find yourself in a lurch.
Luckily, there are plenty of other campgrounds in the immediate area to choose from, many of which offer resort-style amenities to keep any camper satisfied throughout her stay. Here are a few other RV parks and campgrounds to consider in the Taughannock Falls area.
Pinecreek Campground
Located just twenty minutes away from the state park entrance, Pinecreek Campground is an affordable yet well-outfitted RV resort that offers all the comforts of home. Both full and partial hookup sites are available, as well as on-site laundry, propane filling, free wifi, an in-ground swimming pool, and more.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: laundry, bathhouse, swimming pool, catch-and-release trout pond, playground, ball fields, dumping station and more
Spruce Row Campground and RV Park
If you’re looking for a luxury camping experience in the heart of the Finger Lakes area, this is it. Spruce Row Campground and RV Park is located just outside of the state park in Ithaca proper, and it offers a whole range of fun extras like minigolf and playgrounds. Heck, the on-site clubhouse where events are held is actually called the “Fun Hut,” which just about says it all.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: organized events, clubhouse, bathhouse, fishing pond, playground, office store
Sunset on Seneca Campsites
Located on the banks of the next Finger Lake over, Sunset on Seneca is a campground offering seasonal camping options for those who are in the area for an extended period. Facilities include a playground and arcade for the little ones as well as a host of activities for the adults: boat rentals, mini golf, and, of course, access to a wide range of laketop water sports.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: mini golf, boat launch, boat rental
What to Do at
Taughannock Falls State Park
Inside Taughannock Falls State Park
The show-stopper at Taughannock Falls State Park is, rather unsurprisingly, the falls themselves. But there’s plenty to do inside the state park aside from gawk at its namesake. Here are a few of the most popular recreational activities.
Hiking and nature walking - With trails lining both the gorge and the rim, it’s easy to get a beautiful vantage point of the waterfall, as well as to explore the area in the winter on cross-country ski or snowshoe.
Hunting and fishing - Whether it’s catch-and-release sport fishing or an attempt to secure tonight’s dinner, hunters and fisherpeople are drawn to the park’s beautiful landscape and abundant wildlife.
Boating - Although the Falls may be the star of the show, they’re just one tiny piece of the greater Finger Lakes water system. Cayuga Lake is a great place to enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and other water-based adventures, and the state park offers dockage as well as a boat launch and boat rentals.
How to Get to
Taughannock Falls State Park
Taughannock Falls State Park is located just northeast of Ithaca, New York, and can be via State Routes 96 and 89. You can also use the following address and coordinates to navigate to the park using your GPS:
1740 Taughannock Blvd.
Trumansburg, NY 14886
Latitude 42.533184
Longitude -76.616402
Entering Taughannock Falls State Park
As is the case with other parks in the New York state park system, there is a vehicle fee you must pay in order to enter the property. Camping, cabins, and marina access all come at an additional charge, and the most up-to-date rate information can be found at the park website. If you frequently visit New York state parks, you might consider purchasing an Empire Pass, which gets you access to all of the park-service-managed properties for just $80 annually. The entrance booth is only manned during the following times and seasons:
4/27 - 5/26: 6 AM - 6 PM, weekends & holidays
5/27 - 9/2: 6 AM - 6 PM, daily
9/3 - 10/20: 6 AM - 6, weekends & holidays
Taughannock Falls State Park Per Vehicle : $8.0
Whether it’s in a motorhome, travel trailer, or even on foot, we can’t wait to hear all about the adventures you have at Taughannock Falls State Park -- and beyond! Tag us in your epic social media posts, or send pictures and stories to us directly at [email protected]. We may select your drool-worthy vacation to be highlighted in our blog or on our own social media channels!
Frequently Asked Questions About Taughannock Falls State Park
The climate of the state park is generally mild and humid. The average temperature is around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The warmest months are July and August, and the coldest are usually December and January.
The best time to visit Taughannock Falls State Park is typically from mid-May through mid-September. The falls are usually best viewed after heavy rains, and summer tends to be the rainiest season.
Pets are allowed at Taughannock Falls State Park as long as you keep them on a leash whenever you are outdoors together. For a fee, you can use a designated pet camping area away from the falls.
RV campgrounds at Taughannock Falls State Park are limited, but there are a few designated spots. Fees for RV camping vary depending on the season and the amenities of the campground you choose.
Yes, the park makes many facilities accessible to disabled visitors, including trails, the beach, scenic viewpoints, cabins, food concessions, picnic pavilions, and showers. There are also designated handicap-accessible parking spots and campsites.