Hillside Haven

For New Yorkers who crave a serene escape into nature without sacrificing convenience, finding that perfect camping spot can feel like discovering a hidden treasure. Tucked away in the picturesque landscape of Trumansburg, New York, Hillside Haven emerges as an ideal retreat. This charming and relatively new campground offers a peaceful haven for those looking to unwind, explore the stunning Finger Lakes region, and enjoy the tranquility of the outdoors.

Hillside Haven is more than just a place to park your RV or pitch your tent; it's a meticulously developed property designed for comfort and quiet enjoyment. Imagine waking up to the sounds of birds, enjoying a cup of coffee at your spacious site, and knowing that both the vibrant culture of the Finger Lakes wine country and the solitude of vast national forests are just a short drive away. The campground's recent development means brand-new utilities and a fresh, welcoming feel, often highlighted by those who have already experienced its charm.

While relatively smaller in size compared to some sprawling state parks, Hillside Haven's intimate scale (roughly 12-18 RV sites and some tent/cabin options) contributes to its quiet and welcoming atmosphere. The owners are often praised for their accommodating nature and commitment to making improvements, indicating a dedication to creating a top-notch camping experience. This commitment, coupled with its strategic location, makes Hillside Haven a compelling choice for New York residents seeking a blend of relaxation and regional exploration.

This comprehensive article will delve into the various aspects of Hillside Haven, detailing its prime location, the modern services and features it offers, and why it stands out as an excellent choice for New York locals looking for a peaceful and well-appointed outdoor adventure in the heart of the Finger Lakes.

***

Location and Accessibility

Hillside Haven is advantageously located at 5287 Searsburg Rd, Trumansburg, NY 14886, USA. Trumansburg is a charming village in Tompkins County, New York, perfectly situated between two of the most popular Finger Lakes: Cayuga Lake to the east and Seneca Lake to the west. This puts Hillside Haven right in the heart of New York's renowned wine and waterfall country.

The campground's location offers an exceptional balance of peaceful seclusion and convenient access to regional attractions. Reviewers consistently note that while it's "far enough into the woods and on a quiet road that you don't hear traffic," it's "still close to all of our favorite wineries and breweries." This means easy drives to dozens of award-winning wineries along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and numerous craft breweries. Furthermore, it's just a short distance from iconic natural wonders like Taughannock Falls State Park (approximately 7 miles), Watkins Glen State Park (approximately 12 miles), Robert H. Treman State Park (approximately 14 miles), and Buttermilk Falls State Park (approximately 14 miles).

The property also borders over 1000 acres of Finger Lakes National Forest, providing direct access to extensive hiking and outdoor recreation opportunities. For New Yorkers traveling from various parts of the state, Trumansburg is a manageable drive, allowing for a relaxed start to your camping getaway.

***

Services Offered

Hillside Haven prioritizes comfort and convenience for its campers, especially given its relatively new status and ongoing improvements. The services offered are geared towards making your stay as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible:

• RV Sites: The campground features approximately 14 RV sites. These sites are noted to be "very roomy" and "level gravel spots" that can accommodate vehicles from 30ft to 45ft.
• Hookups:
  • Electric Hookups: All RV sites are equipped with 20/30/50 amp electric service.
  • Water Hookups: All RV sites also provide water hookups. Note: Water may not be available on-site for winter camping (Nov 1-April 15), but electric and Wi-Fi remain available.
  • Full Hookups: Full hookup sites (including sewer) are becoming available, site dependent, after June 15, 2025. Campers should inquire about specific site availability.
• Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available on-site for RV waste disposal.
• Wi-Fi Access: Campground Wi-Fi is available, a feature appreciated by modern campers who need to stay connected or work remotely.
• Fire Rings & Picnic Tables: Each site includes a fire ring for campfires and a picnic table for outdoor dining.
• Playground: A play set is available on-site for younger guests, making it a family-friendly option.
• Dog-Friendly: Dogs are welcome, with a limit of 2 per site, and must be leashed at all times. A forthcoming dog park is also planned.
• Tent Sites & Cabins: In addition to RV sites, Hillside Haven also offers 3 secluded tent sites and 2 cozy cabins, including a unique "Sky View Cabin" (a treehouse/lofted style cabin) and an "RV Park Model Cottage" for those seeking a "glamping" experience without an RV.

***

Features / Highlights

Hillside Haven boasts several features and highlights that contribute to its appeal, particularly for those seeking a quiet, comfortable, and well-located Finger Lakes camping experience:

• Quiet and Secluded Atmosphere: Despite its convenient location, the campground is praised for its peaceful environment, nestled sufficiently into the woods on a quiet road to minimize traffic noise. This makes it an ideal spot for relaxation and unwinding.
• Spacious & New Sites: Campers consistently highlight the very roomy sites and the fact that all utilities are brand new, ensuring a reliable and pleasant experience. The level gravel parking for pull-throughs is also a practical advantage for RV owners.
• Proximity to Finger Lakes Wine & Beer Trails: Its location "right off the main route" but without the noise, and "close to all of our favorite wineries and breweries," is a significant draw for adults looking to explore the region's famous beverage scene.
• Access to Finger Lakes National Forest: Bordering over 1000 acres of national forest provides campers with direct access to extensive hiking trails and opportunities for nature immersion.
• Variety of Accommodation: Beyond RV sites, the inclusion of secluded tent sites and unique cabin rentals (like the elevated Sky View Cabin) broadens its appeal to different types of outdoor enthusiasts, including those seeking a glamping experience.
• Attentive & Accommodating Owners: Reviews frequently commend the owners for being "really nice and accommodating" and responsive, even offering complimentary firewood. Their dedication to improving the campground (e.g., "Can't wait to see the progress they make") suggests a continually enhancing guest experience.
• Starlite Dirt Track View (Unique Feature): For some, the proximity and view of the old Starlite dirt track from certain campsites offer a unique and interesting local highlight, adding a bit of local character to the stay.

***

Promotions or Special Offers

While specific, ongoing promotions for Hillside Haven might be seasonal or communicated directly, the reviews and Hipcamp listings indicate that the owners are attentive and may offer special considerations. For the most accurate and current promotions, it is always best to contact them directly. However, based on available information, potential offers or considerations might include:

• Winter Camping Discounts: Site rates are discounted beginning November 1 for winter camping, though water is not available on-site during this period (electric and Wi-Fi remain).
• Personalized Gestures: As noted in reviews, the accommodating owners have been known to offer gestures like a free bundle of firewood, suggesting a customer-centric approach.
• Booking Platform Specifics: Check their listings on Hipcamp or Campspot, as these platforms may occasionally have their own promotions or bundles.

To inquire about any current deals, specific rates, or availability, contacting Hillside Haven directly via phone is recommended.

***

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries about specific site types (RV, tent, cabin), availability, pricing, or any other questions regarding your stay at Hillside Haven, please contact them directly:

• Address: 5287 Searsburg Rd, Trumansburg, NY 14886, USA
• Phone: (607) 387-5553
• Mobile Phone: +1 607-387-5553
• Online Booking: Hillside Haven typically uses online platforms like Hipcamp or Campspot for reservations. Searching for "Hillside Haven Trumansburg NY" on these platforms will guide you to their booking page.

***

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New York residents, Hillside Haven in Trumansburg stands out as an exceptionally suitable and appealing choice for a local camping adventure. Its unique combination of tranquility, modern amenities, and prime location makes it an ideal retreat in the heart of the Finger Lakes.

Firstly, its quiet and secluded atmosphere, despite being easily accessible, provides the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Locals looking for a genuine "get away for the weekend" experience will appreciate the lack of traffic noise and the opportunity to truly unwind in a natural setting. The relatively small size of the campground also fosters a more peaceful and personal experience.

Secondly, the brand-new utilities and roomy, level sites cater to both convenience and comfort, especially for RV owners. This ensures a hassle-free setup and a pleasant stay, allowing more time for relaxation and exploration. The ongoing improvements by the attentive and accommodating owners further enhance the guest experience, making it a place campers will want to return to season after season.

Finally, Hillside Haven’s strategic location is unbeatable for New Yorkers interested in the Finger Lakes region. Being nestled between Cayuga and Seneca Lakes, and within minutes of numerous wineries, breweries, and iconic state parks like Taughannock Falls and Watkins Glen, means a wealth of activities are right at your fingertips. The proximity to the Finger Lakes National Forest also offers endless opportunities for hiking and immersing oneself in nature. This campground truly allows locals to maximize their time enjoying the diverse offerings of their home state.

In essence, Hillside Haven is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a thoughtfully developed oasis that provides New York locals with a comfortable, quiet, and perfectly situated base for exploring the vibrant natural and cultural landscape of the Finger Lakes region. It's a true "haven" for your next local adventure.

Hillside Haven

5287 Searsburg Rd, Trumansburg, NY 14886, USA