Taughannock Falls State Park
00 review1741 Taughannock Blvd., TRUMANSBURG, New York, 14886, United States
Taughannock Falls State Park
$2.00 - $14.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Campsites require a 2-night minimum stay throughout the season; cabins require a 2-night minimum during non-peak seasons and a 7 or 14-night minimum during peak seasons. One-night campsite reservations allowed if booked within 7 days of arrival.
About this campground
Where ancient waters plunge 215 feet through a dramatic gorge, Taughannock Falls State Park creates one of nature's most spectacular stages in the Northeast. Here, towering 400-foot cliffs frame your camping experience along the shores of pristine Cayuga Lake. Whether you choose a lakeside campsite with sweeping water views or retreat to a cozy cabin, you'll find yourself perfectly positioned between thundering falls and peaceful waters. Launch your boat at the full-service marina, stroll the sandy beach, or explore miles of trails that wind through gorges and along cliff tops. When snow blankets the landscape, the park transforms into a winter wonderland perfect for cross-country skiing adventures.
Taughannock Falls State Park accommodates different types of camping, including cabins and campsites suitable for tents and RVs.
Historical SignificanceNestled in the heart of the storied Finger Lakes region, Taughannock sits at the crossroads of natural wonder and human discovery. The surrounding landscape tells stories spanning millions of years, from ancient seas to glacial sculpting. Enhance your stay with visits to nearby treasures like the Museum of the Earth, where fossils reveal prehistoric secrets, or the world-renowned Cornell Lab of Ornithology, where cutting-edge science meets citizen discovery. The entire region pulses with the heritage of the Haudenosaunee people and the later waves of settlers who recognized this landscape's extraordinary beauty.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Taughannock in dramatically different colors. Summer brings warm days ideal for swimming in Cayuga Lake and evening concerts that echo across the water. Fall transforms the gorge into a tapestry of golds and crimsons, while winter's frozen waterfalls create ethereal ice sculptures. When snow covers the trails, strap on snowshoes or glide along on cross-country skis, and don't miss the chance to ice skate under crisp winter skies. Spring awakens the park with rushing waters as snowmelt swells the falls to their most powerful flow.
ElevationThe park's varied topography creates distinct camping experiences, from water-level sites along Cayuga Lake's shoreline to elevated vantage points offering panoramic views across the Finger Lakes landscape.
Natural Features and SceneryStand at the base of Taughannock Falls and feel the mist on your face as water crashes down from heights greater than Niagara. The gorge trail leads you between ancient stone walls that tell the story of prehistoric seas, while the rim trail offers bird's-eye views that will steal your breath. Cayuga Lake stretches endlessly before you, its moods shifting from mirror-calm mornings to wind-swept afternoons. The surrounding forest showcases classic northeastern hardwoods—maples that blaze in autumn, oaks that shelter wildlife, and hemlocks that whisper secrets in shaded glens.
Geological RegionTaughannock Falls State Park showcases the Finger Lakes' dramatic geological heritage, where patient waters carved through layers of ancient shale and limestone to create today's stunning landscape. The park's centerpiece—a waterfall plunging 215 feet through a gorge framed by nearly 400-foot cliffs—stands as a testament to the incredible forces that shaped this region. These stratified cliff faces read like pages in Earth's history book, each layer recording epochs when this land lay beneath tropical seas, long before ice age glaciers carved the deep trenches that became today's Finger Lakes.
Campsite details
AccessibilityMany park facilities, including the beach, cabins, nature trail, picnic areas, scenic viewpoints, showers, and campsites, are accessible to disabled visitors.
Sites SizeCampsites are small.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNone provided.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsites mentioned.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Check-out time not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights per reservation followed by 48 hours off-site.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum 8 guests per site as per general campground rules.
Groups
No specific details about group camping sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCabins and campsites are described as small and overlooking Cayuga Lake.
Open and Closed SeasonYear-round for some trails and amenities; peak season details not explicitly provided.
Reservation PlatformsReserve America online or through Call Center.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up reservations for campsites are allowed within 7 days of arrival.
Cancellation PolicyReservations with departure dates outside the 9-month maximum window cannot be changed or canceled until 18 days after the reservation was made.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Showers
Picnic tables
Dump station
Lodging and accommodations
Activities you can enjoy
Campers can enjoy a diverse range of recreational activities, including hiking on gorge and rim trails, swimming at the beach, boating, fishing, sledding, cross-country skiing, and organized summer concerts.
Hiking
The park offers both gorge and rim trails for hiking. These trails provide spectacular views from above the 215-foot Taughannock Falls and from below at the end of the gorge trail.Fishing
Fishing is permitted, though specific details about the types of fish or fishing quality are not provided.Swimming
A beach is available for swimming, but swimming is subject to water safety and lifeguard availability. Refunds for camping stays are not provided if swimming is prohibited.Boating
The park features a marina, a boat launch, and a boat pump-out station.Beach activities
Beach swimming is available, accompanied by lifeguards during staffed times.Cultural and Educational Programs
The park organizes recreational programs, including guided tours through the Taughannock Gorge.Winter Activities
Winter activities include cross-country skiing, sledding, and ice skating.Water Sports
Water sports such as canoeing and kayaking are supported, as the park has facilities for these activities.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- No details provided.
- Quiet hours are No details provided.
Hazards
General hazardsWater quality and lifeguard coverage can affect swimming; rocky cliffs may pose risks. Bridge height limits boats over 6 feet for marina access.
Active alertsSwimming can be prohibited due to lack of lifeguards or water quality issues. No refunds issued for swimming-related restrictions.
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 54%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 9.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Within 10 miles: first aid station. Exact details about hospitals and police stations are not provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesDetails not explicitly provided.
Trash and recyclingNo specific information on trash and recycling facilities is provided.
Proximity to water featuresCampsites and cabins overlook Cayuga Lake, with a marina and boat launch nearby.
Common complaintsSwimming restrictions due to water quality and lifeguard availability. Campsites described as small.
HostNo specific details about hosts provided.
Campground Map
1741 Taughannock Blvd., TRUMANSBURG, New York, 14886, United States
Driving directionsThe park is located on Route 89, 8 miles north of Ithaca.
Many park facilities are accessible to disabled visitors. The campground is located on Route 89, easily accessible from Ithaca with generally good road conditions.Nearby places
Ithaca - 8 miles
Trumansburg - exact distance not specified.
Nearby supplies
Within 10 miles: convenience stores, restaurants, shopping centers, and golfing facilities.
Camper Reviews
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0 reviews
Taughannock Falls State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are provided.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
None stated.
Common Concerns
None stated.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
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Seasonal Insights
None provided.
Camper Quotes
None available.
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific reviews for particular campsites are mentioned.
Accessibility Features
No user feedback on accessibility is provided.
Pet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews related to pets are included.
Last updated August 10, 2025