Keuka Lake State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Located in western New York’s scenic wine country, Lake Keuka State Park offers spectacular views of the surrounding vine covered hills.
The park offers much more than just scenic views. There are miles of trails that will lead you through the forests that surround the lake. You’ll also find some of the best deer and duck hunting in the region.
Want to relax on the water? Bring a boat out onto the lake. Bring a kayak, or a jetski. Head out to the lake to try to catch one of the more than 10 species of fish that populate the lake.
With 150 campsites within the park, RV campers have plenty of options. And all of the sites are well within walking distance of the lake.
Whether coming during summer to enjoy the lake, or enjoying the snowy trails during the winter, there’s always something for the nature lover at Keuka Lake State Park.
RV Rentals in Keuka Lake State Park
Transportation
Driving
Located in western New York, Keuka Lake State Park is within driving distance of many major cities in the region,
If you are coming from Buffalo, take I-90 out of the city and you will arrive at the part in a little over two hours. The park is also a quick drive from Syracuse. Take I-90 and you will get to the park in around an hour and a half. From New York City, the drive is a bit further. Take I-80 from the city and you will arrive at the park in around five hours.
Once you reach the park, the campgrounds are a quick drive from the entrance to the park. There are no RV restrictions within the park.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Keuka Lake State Park
Campsites in Keuka Lake State Park
Reservations camping
Lake Keuka State Park Campground
There are 150 campsites located within the park. The sites are divided into three main loops, all of them within walking distance to the lake. There are water hookups, but they are shared with other campsites. All of the campsites allow household pets. The max RV length for all of the sites is 40 feet. Within each campground loop, you’ll find showers, restrooms, and electrical outlets.
The campsites must be booked at least a day in advance, and can be booked up to 9 months in advance. Peak season is during the summer, so if you are planning a visit during this period, consider booking well in advance. The campsites can be reserved from March through December.
First-come first-served
First-come, first-served
While the park is open year-round, the campgrounds are not open for reservations from early December to early March. Call the park and see if the campgrounds are still open, as it can vary depending on the weather.
Seasonal activities in Keuka Lake State Park
In-Season
Boating
Keuka Lake offers scenic views of the surrounding vine-covered hills. And there are plenty of different ways you can enjoy the lake whenever you visit the park.
Take a canoe out with your family and enjoy the waters on a hot summer day. Or explore the shore of the lake by yourself in a kayak. There is a boat launch that makes getting out onto the water easy.
Motorized boats are also allowed, so you can water or jet ski during the summer. The lake is large enough that there is plenty of room, even during peak season.
Fishing
If you want to bring rod and reel, you’ll find plenty of excellent fishing on Lake Keuka. An easily accessed boat launch means getting out onto the water is easy. And there’s always room on the large lake to a find a quiet and secluded spot for fishing.
There are over ten species of fish that populate the lake. You’ll find lake trout, walleye, bluegill, brown trout, Atlantic salmon, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch, among others. The fishing is excellent just about any time of year, but at its best from April through September.
Swimming
If you want a bit more of a relaxed way of enjoying the lake, head out of the campervan and down to the water for a swim. There is a full beach, so you will find plenty of space to lie down and enjoy the sun on summer days. The lake water is also carefully monitored, so you know that you’re swimming in safe waters. The beach is monitored by lifeguards.
Off-Season
Hiking
If you want to enjoy the trees and wildlife, you’ll find several hiking trails that will let you explore the park by foot. They wrap around the lake, giving you beautiful views of the water. And most of the trails can easily be accessed from the campgrounds.
The hiking is excellent year round, but at its best from April through October. The fall colors are a sight to behold in New York. Come in late September as the leaves begin to fall around the lake.
Cross-Country Skiing
If you are planning a trip to the park during the colder months of the year, consider bringing a pair of skis. The park’s hiking trails can also be used as a cross country skiing course.
Explore the snow-covered trees and keep an eye out for the wildlife that calls the park home during the winter.
Just use caution, especially when visibility drops, as the trails are also shared with hikers.
Hunting
Keuka State Park is an excellent destination for hunters, offering a wide range of game throughout the year. Deer hunting in the park is worth highlighting. If you are planning on deer hunting, it is archery, crossbow, and muzzle-loading only.
If you are visiting the park in your RV late in the season, you’ll find some of the state’s best duck hunting. If you have a permit, you can also hunt from a boat. As it is a state park, all hunting laws are strictly enforced. And always take extra caution, as hunting areas are also shared with hikers.
