Keuka Lake State Park in Branchport, New York

Campground: Keuka Lake State Park
Location: Branchport, New York
Last visit: October, 2011
How Found: I have been tent-camping here since the early 90s
How Camped: Tent

Description:

Campground includes three separate loops of campsites, a beach and boat launch (in season), hiking trails in woods. My trips (at least a half-dozen) were with another tent-camper or with friends who stayed in a camper while I used my tent.

Pros:

1. Location: on hilltops overlooking Keuka Lake.
2. Staff: invariably friendly and accommodating.
3. Campsites: your choice of sunny or shady; dry or muddy; isolated or near other campers.
4. Area: KLSP is a great base for biking, hiking and shopping in the Keuka Lake area.
5. Restrooms: showers and toilets in each camping loop are clean; bathhouse near the beach is excellent.

Cons: Need to pick a campsite with care: requires time to check out shade/sun, dry/muddiness. But KLSP staff are very understanding and helpful here.

Attractions:

1. The park itself: beach, trails, and boat launch.
2. Bicycling along Keuka Lake.
3. Penn Yan for shopping.
4. Keuka Lake for wineries.

Additional comments: KLSP is my personal favorite for tent camping: wonderfully wooded sites, quiet (usually) campsites, very helpful staff, and a great location. KLSP is a camping destination in itself, as well as a great base for exploring the area.

Rating: 5

New York was voted one of the Top 5 US States for Camping by the readers in the 2012 readers' Choice Awards. Read more about the best states for camping.

New York State Parks: "Keuka Lake State Park, located in the heart of wine country, has a gentle charm, offering views of vineyard-covered slopes, glimmering water and clear blue sky. The park's camping areas have 150 tent and trailer sites. A swimming beach, picnic shelter, boat launch ramp, docking space and hiking trails open several recreational avenues to visitors. "Household pets only; caged or on a leash not more than 6 feet. Proof of rabies inoculation. Not allowed in bathing areas. For campers, if your site allows pets, there is a two-pet maximum."

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