Cayuga Lake State Park RV & Campground Guide
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There's a visible tunnel at Cayuga Lake State Park. You drive through it to get to the park, but there are also many invisible tunnels in the entire Finger Lakes region of New York state. They used to be tunnels that the organizers of the Underground Railroad would use to get escaped enslaved people to safety in cities like Syracuse, New York. The park is on the western shore of Cayuga Lake and is famous for its boating, swimming, and fishing. The park is cozy at just 141 acres and offers an experience free from the hustle and bustle of larger parks in the state's park system.
Spring 53-72 F
Summer 77-82 F
Fall 50-73 F
Winter 15-33 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Cayuga Lake State Park
The single campground at Cayuga Lake State Park is split into two halves. Route 89 goes through the park, and each half is on opposite sides of the road. The campground has a beach with lifeguards, a boat dock, showers, restrooms, four picnic pavilions, and a dump station. Each campsite also has a picnic table and fire ring, and there is communal potable water throughout both halves of the campground. The sites in the east campground have electric hookups. The west campground is closer to the playground, but the playground is being revamped. The plan is for it to be available in the spring of 2024. Active families can enjoy volleyball and horseshoes.
What to Do at
Cayuga Lake State Park
Fishing, boating, and swimming are the most popular activities at Cayuga Lake State Park. Even novice anglers should be able to score a catch because the state of New York stocks Cayuga Lake with roughly 100,000 fish of various species every year. The park is also a wonderful place to enjoy a meal at a picnic table overlooking the lake.
You're sure to enjoy some fun in or on the 67 square miles of Cayuga Lake, and the nighttime view of the sky is excellent for stargazing. Bring your binoculars and camera for some world-class birding.
Hiking
There are no designated hiking trails within the park, but there are several good trails near Seneca Falls, which is only a short drive away. The Ludovico Sculpture Trail follows a canal and features sculptures; the first is a bust of the first female police officer in Seneca Falls. While enjoying this hike, you can stop by the Women's Rights National Historical Park.
Stargazing
The best place to stargaze is from the beach at the park. However, you can also set up a telescope at a table in the picnic area to enjoy an evening of gazing at the heavens.
Flora and Fauna
If you are at Cayuga Lake State Park at the right time, then you can spot trumpeter swans. These massive birds weigh up to 30 pounds and are the largest waterfowl in North America. Terns, loons, herons, scaup, and redheads are other waterfowl you can photograph. The flowers at Cayuga Lake State Park include both native species and those that were brought by European colonists, including butterflyweed, beach pea, and prairie rose.
Swimming
For many people, spending time at the beach is the highlight of their trip to this park. It is a great place to take kids because the water is shallow along the shore, and the view of the lake is stunning.
Boating
There's a boat ramp at Cayuga Lake State Park, and you can take motorized boats or personal watercraft out on the water. Water skiing is popular, and so is fishing from a boat.
Fishing
Common catches at the park from boats include landlocked salmon, northern pike, walleye, and trout in the deeper sections of the lake. Closer to shore, you'll be able to hook the occasional trout along with scores of largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and crappies.
How to Get to
Cayuga Lake State Park
The easiest way to get to Cayuga Lake State Park is to take exit 41 from the New York State Thruway, which leads to Route 414. Take that south to Route 20, and turn east. Follow that into Seneca Falls. Take East Bayard Street east to Route 89. Turn south on Route 89, which will take you straight to Cayuga Lake State Park.
Entering Cayuga Lake State Park
Because a state highway goes through the park, entering on foot is not recommended. The camp office is in the east campground. There are parking lots in both halves of the campground, and the park itself is open from dusk till dawn. The beach is open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily from June 19 until August 21. As of December 2, 2023, the playground in the west campground is closed for renovation until the spring of 2024.
It's $7 to enter the park for day use, or you can get an Empire Pass for $80 a year. The pass allows you to use any park in the state as many times as you like. The daily fee is collected from Memorial Day until National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Daily : $7.0
Yearly : $80.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Cayuga Lake State Park
Undoubtedly, summer is the best time to visit Cayuga Lake State Park to enjoy water sports and bird-watching. However, many arrive in the fall to enjoy the autumn colors, and the recreation area is a popular ice-fishing spot in the winter.
The most common wildlife in the park is the large assortment of birds. While exploring, you will also spot deer, raccoons, and squirrels.
Yes, there are 252 RV-specific campsites in Cayuga Lake State Park. They each have a fire ring, a picnic table, and nearby restrooms.
Yes, reservations are mandatory. The campsites cost between $15 and $22 a night, and out-of-state residents pay an additional $5 per night.
Pets are welcome at the park. However, you are only allowed to bring two pets. In addition, they must be on a leash, and you are expected to clean up after them.