Spruce Row Campground

Are you a New Yorker craving an escape to the great outdoors, seeking the tranquility of nature without venturing too far from the comforts and attractions of upstate life? Whether you're a seasoned RVer, a traditional tent camper, or looking for a cozy cabin experience, finding the right campground can make all the difference for your next family vacation or weekend retreat. Nestled high above Cayuga Lake in the picturesque heart of the Finger Lakes region, Spruce Row Campground offers a diverse range of accommodations and activities designed to create lasting memories for all ages.

For those of us living in New York, the Finger Lakes region is a gem, offering breathtaking natural beauty, a renowned wine trail, and vibrant college towns like Ithaca. A campground that provides a convenient base to explore this area, while also offering ample on-site amenities, is a true find. Spruce Row Campground aims to be that ideal destination, presenting a family-friendly atmosphere with a focus on relaxation and fun. While every campground has its unique characteristics, understanding what Spruce Row Campground truly offers is key to planning a successful and enjoyable camping trip.

This article is specifically crafted to provide New Yorkers with a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Spruce Row Campground. We will explore its prime location and how easily accessible it is from various parts of the state, highlighting its proximity to Ithaca's well-known attractions. We'll delve into the array of services and features available, from diverse camping options to recreational amenities and planned activities. Our goal is to present a comprehensive picture, helping you determine if Spruce Row Campground is the perfect spot for your next adventure in the beautiful New York landscape, inviting you to create your own cherished memories there.

Location and Accessibility

Spruce Row Campground is beautifully situated at 2271 Kraft Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA. This address places it squarely within the magnificent Finger Lakes region of New York State, an area celebrated for its stunning gorges, cascading waterfalls, and rolling hills dotted with vineyards. For New Yorkers, this location is exceptionally appealing, offering the perfect blend of natural serenity and convenient access to a bustling college town and a renowned wine region. Being "just north of downtown Ithaca," as the campground describes itself, means residents and visitors are only a short drive away from a vibrant cultural scene, diverse dining options, and unique local shops.

Accessibility to Spruce Row Campground from various parts of New York is straightforward, making it an excellent choice for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation. The campground provides clear directions: from the north junction of Highway 13 and Highway 96, you go 7 miles northwest on Highway 96, then half a mile north on Jacksonville Road, and finally 1 1/4 miles east on Kraft Road. This well-defined route ensures a smooth journey, whether you're pulling a large RV, driving a family car for tent camping, or simply looking to rent one of their on-site accommodations. Its proximity to major New York State attractions is also a significant highlight. Watkins Glen International (a NASCAR track) is about a 25-30 minute easy drive, while famous natural wonders like Taughannock Falls, Buttermilk Falls, and Ithaca Falls are all within a short distance. Additionally, Cornell University and Ithaca College are approximately 15 minutes away, depending on traffic, making it a convenient spot for visiting families or alumni. For New Yorkers, this strategic location offers the best of both worlds: a peaceful camping experience with easy access to adventure and culture.

Services Offered

• Diverse Campsite Options: Spruce Row Campground accommodates various camping preferences, offering tent sites, RV sites with 20/30/50 amp electric hookups, water hookups, and full hookups (water, electric, sewer). They have a total of about 200 sites, including pull-thru and back-in options, many of which are shaded.
• On-site Rentals: For those without their own camping equipment, the campground provides cozy cabin rentals and on-site RV rentals, offering a comfortable camping experience without the need to bring your own rig.
• Campground Store: A convenient on-site store is available for all your camping needs, including seasoned firewood, camping supplies, and possibly snacks or other essentials.
• Propane Gas Service: Propane is available for purchase by weight or meter, with a convenient drop-off service for tanks at the office.
• Honey Wagon Service: For RVs without full hookups, a holding tank dumping service (Honey Wagon) is available at your site for a fee, with free dump station access for registered campers.
• Garbage and Recycling Pickup: Garbage and recyclables are picked up directly at your site in the morning and evening, with specific guidelines for clear bags and separation.
• Restrooms and Showers: The campground provides facilities with restrooms and showers, with cleanliness generally rated highly.
• Laundry Facilities: Laundry services are available on-site for guest convenience.
• WiFi Access: While one review mentioned issues, the campground generally advertises WiFi availability, with details on free time and rates available at the office.

Features / Highlights

• Super-Sized Swimming Pool: A massive 70' x 103' swimming pool, tapered at all sides for easy access, is a major draw, providing a refreshing escape during warm weather (open Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, 10 AM-8 PM, no lifeguard on duty).
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere and Activities: Spruce Row is known for its welcoming family environment, offering numerous planned activities for kids and adults, including hayrides, themed weekends (e.g., Christmas in July, Halloween, Father's Day with specific events), and a "Fun Hut" for indoor activities.
• Large Fishing Pond: A popular feature where visitors can enjoy fishing, with reports of catching various fish, including large bass.
• Recreational Amenities: The campground boasts two playgrounds, a jump pad, mini-golf (for a small fee), and dog walk areas, ensuring there's always something to do.
• Proximity to Finger Lakes Attractions: Its location is ideal for exploring the best of the Finger Lakes, including Taughannock Falls State Park (1 mile), Buttermilk Falls, Robert H. Treman State Park, Watkins Glen State Park, Cornell University, Ithaca College, and the famous Cayuga Wine Trail.
• Hiking and Nature Access: Guests can enjoy hiking trails within the campground and wade along Willow Creek looking for crayfish, connecting with the natural beauty of the area.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome, with designated dog walk areas and specific rules regarding leashing and cleanup.
• Seasonal Sites: For those who love the area and want to make Spruce Row their regular getaway, seasonal sites are available, allowing campers to keep their RVs on-site for the duration of the season.

Promotions or Special Offers

Spruce Row Campground offers a few specific rate specials and participates in broader camping programs that can provide value for New York campers. For seasonal guests, the campground frequently has "Early Bird" and "Fall Wind Up" specials. These allow campers to reserve a site for five weekends (including a holiday weekend) early in the season (starting May) or late in the season (beginning after Labor Day), allowing them to leave their camper on-site unhooked during the weekdays, all for a set rate (e.g., $384 for water & electric sites). These offers are particularly appealing to New Yorkers who want to make Spruce Row their regular weekend getaway without moving their RV constantly.

The campground also highlights specific theme weekends with activities, some of which may include special offers. For instance, the Father's Day Weekend often includes activities like gift making for dads, a fishing derby, and even a "Dads eat free" breakfast. While not a direct discount on site rates, these themed events add significant value to the camping experience. Spruce Row Campground also actively participates in community and charitable events, such as the annual "Cops and Campers" wellness retreat for first responders and their families, and has historically engaged in fundraising efforts for organizations like Camp Good Days and Special Times, sometimes including special events or activities as part of these initiatives. For the most current and detailed information on any available promotions, special event packages, or seasonal rates, New Yorkers interested in Spruce Row Campground are encouraged to visit their official website or call them directly using the provided contact information, as offers can be seasonal and subject to change.

Contact Information

Address: 2271 Kraft Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA

Phone: (607) 387-9225

Mobile Phone: +1 607-387-9225

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New Yorkers seeking a memorable and convenient escape into nature, Spruce Row Campground in Ithaca stands out as a highly suitable destination. Its prime location in the heart of the Finger Lakes is a significant advantage for locals. We know that the beauty of this region, from its stunning waterfalls to its world-class wineries, is a major draw. Spruce Row provides an ideal base for exploring all of it, whether you’re planning a day trip to Taughannock Falls, a wine-tasting tour along Cayuga Lake, or a visit to Cornell University or Ithaca College. The short travel time from many parts of upstate New York, thanks to accessible roadways, means less time driving and more time enjoying your vacation.

Beyond its fantastic location, Spruce Row Campground offers a wealth of on-site amenities that cater to a diverse range of campers and families. The large swimming pool, active fishing pond, mini-golf, and multiple playgrounds ensure that there’s always something to keep everyone entertained, from the youngest campers to teenagers and adults. The structured weekend activities further enhance the family-friendly atmosphere, creating opportunities for shared experiences and community building within the campground. For New Yorkers looking for a retreat where they can relax by a campfire one moment and be engaged in a fun activity the next, Spruce Row delivers. The variety of site options, from tent sites to full-hookup RV spots and even on-site cabin rentals, means that even those new to camping can find a comfortable way to experience the outdoors.

While acknowledging that individual experiences can vary, the strong positive feedback regarding the friendly staff and the array of amenities highlights a commitment to guest satisfaction. For New Yorkers, choosing Spruce Row means opting for a vacation that balances convenience, natural beauty, and a host of recreational opportunities, all within the familiar and cherished landscape of our home state. It's an ideal choice for creating new family traditions or simply unwinding in a well-equipped and welcoming outdoor setting.

Spruce Row Campground

2271 Kraft Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA