Yellow Lantern Kamp Grounds

camping near cortland ny

For New Yorkers seeking a traditional, family-friendly camping experience that combines outdoor enjoyment with convenient amenities, Yellow Lantern Kamp Grounds in Cortland, NY, stands out as a beloved destination. Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Finger Lakes region, this campground offers a welcoming environment where families can create lasting memories, whether they're seasoned RVers or enjoying their first tent camping adventure.

Yellow Lantern Kamp Grounds has cultivated a reputation as a place where "my kids feel comfortable there." This sentiment is echoed by repeat visitors who have "camped there 2 summers now" and consistently enjoy their time. The appeal for families is clear: the campground offers a safe and engaging environment where "the kids have enjoyed riding their bikes, playing on the playgrounds and swimming." This focus on active, outdoor fun for children is a significant draw for many New York families looking for a stress-free getaway.

The "grounds" themselves are described as "nice," indicating a pleasant and well-maintained natural setting for camping. The campground is "very wooded and quiet," providing the peaceful atmosphere that many seek when escaping the city or suburbs. Despite one isolated review mentioning an "extremely unfriendly" staff encounter, the overwhelming majority of feedback from long-term and returning visitors highlights the positive impact of the owners, with families expressing gratitude "to the owners for making it a wonderful experience!" This suggests a strong commitment to hospitality and guest satisfaction, especially for those who embrace the campground's established community.

Yellow Lantern Kamp Grounds also boasts a diverse range of accommodations, from spacious RV sites to tent sites, all set with a fire ring and a picnic table. This variety ensures that different camping styles are welcome, making it a versatile option for locals exploring the Finger Lakes. Its strategic location also means easy access to the wider regional attractions, positioning it as an excellent "home base" for longer explorations. For New Yorkers looking for a campground that prioritizes family fun, a peaceful environment, and genuine hospitality, Yellow Lantern Kamp Grounds offers a reliable and enjoyable choice.

Yellow Lantern Kamp Grounds is conveniently located at 1770 NY-13, Cortland, NY 13045, USA. This address places it just outside the city of Cortland, a central hub in Upstate New York. Its position on NY-13, a main state route, ensures excellent accessibility for travelers coming from various parts of New York State.

Cortland sits in the heart of the scenic Finger Lakes region, making Yellow Lantern Kamp Grounds an ideal base for exploring this renowned area. The campground is specifically noted to be on the edge of the Tioughnioga River, offering potential river access and views, adding to its natural charm. Its strategic location means campers are close to a variety of attractions and amenities.

The campground is just "over two miles outside Historic Downtown Cortland," according to one source, meaning that guests can easily access local services, shops, restaurants, and cultural sites within minutes. This proximity allows for convenient re-stocking of supplies, enjoying a meal out, or experiencing the local culture without a long drive.

Furthermore, being in Cortland means easy access to the wider Finger Lakes region's most famous natural wonders and attractions. Campers can embark on day trips to iconic state parks featuring breathtaking waterfalls and gorges, such as Fillmore Glen State Park, Robert H. Treman State Park, and Taughannock Falls State Park. The region is also famous for its wineries and charming towns, all within a reasonable driving distance.

The direct access from a state highway (NY-13) makes arrival straightforward, whether you're pulling a large RV or arriving with a smaller vehicle for tent camping. This blend of rural tranquility and urban convenience, coupled with its central Finger Lakes location, truly makes Yellow Lantern Kamp Grounds a highly accessible and desirable destination for New Yorkers seeking an engaging outdoor experience.

Yellow Lantern Kamp Grounds is equipped with a range of services and facilities designed to make your camping trip comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable for all ages.

• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground offers a variety of sites, including "both RV and tent sites" spread across its 40 acres. They accommodate "the smallest and largest RVs," with options for "shaded or sun area with electric and water hookups," and also "full hookups." Sites are described as "flat and level," with choices of back-in and pull-through options, and some with 50 amp service. All sites include a fire ring and a picnic table.
• Clean Restrooms and Showers: Essential for any comfortable camping experience, the campground provides "restroom and shower facilities," which are often highlighted for their cleanliness.
• Laundry Facilities: For added convenience, especially for longer stays, "laundry facilities" are available to guests.
• Swimming Pool: A "swimming pool" is a major draw, providing a refreshing spot for campers to relax and play during warm summer months.
• Camp Store/Snack Bar: An on-site "camp store" or "snack bar" likely offers essential camping supplies, snacks, and perhaps other conveniences, making it easy for campers to get what they need without leaving the grounds.
• Recreation Hall: A "recreation hall" provides an indoor space for activities, games, or social gatherings, which can be particularly useful during inclement weather.
• Pet-Friendly Environment: The campground is "pet-friendly," allowing guests to bring their furry companions. Pets (cats & dogs) must be kept on a leash and quiet at all times, with designated dog walk areas and owners responsible for cleanup.
• LP Gas: The availability of "LP gas" indicates a propane filling service for RVs and other camping needs.
• RV Services: For RVers, the campground offers "on-site RV service," "secure RV storage," and both "self-service" and "staffed RV wash" options, providing comprehensive support for vehicle maintenance.

Yellow Lantern Kamp Grounds boasts several key features and highlights that contribute to its appeal as a popular camping destination, especially for families, in the Finger Lakes region.

• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: This is consistently highlighted in reviews, with emphasis on children feeling "comfortable there" and enjoying their time. The campground's design and amenities cater specifically to family fun.
• Dedicated Playgrounds: The presence of "playgrounds" provides safe and engaging spaces for kids to play, explore, and socialize, adding significant value for families.
• Swimming Pool: The "swimming pool" is a major attraction, offering a refreshing and enjoyable activity for all ages during warm weather, making it a central point for summer fun.
• Spacious, Wooded, and Quiet Sites: Campers appreciate the "very wooded and quiet" setting, providing a peaceful escape. Sites are described as "flat and level," offering ample space and options for shade or sun.
• Proximity to Tioughnioga River: Situated on the "edge of the Tioughnioga River," the campground offers potential river access and views, adding to the natural charm and recreational opportunities like fishing or quiet contemplation by the water.
• Seasonal Activities and Theme Weekends: The campground organizes "special events like Christmas in July and Halloween in August," often complete with "haunted hayrides and camper-to-camper trick-or-treating." These themed weekends add a unique element of fun and community engagement.
• Hospitable Owners/Staff: Despite one negative review, other feedback points to the "owners for making it a wonderful experience" and staff being "very nice and very helpful." This general sense of hospitality contributes significantly to a positive camping trip.
• Good Base for Exploring Finger Lakes: Its strategic location makes it an excellent "home base" for "explor most of the finger lake region," including nearby state parks with waterfalls, historical sites, and the city of Cortland.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: The welcoming policy for pets (with appropriate rules) allows families to bring their beloved animals along, enhancing the overall family experience.
• Community Atmosphere: The recurring visits from families over "2 summers now" suggests a loyal clientele and a developing sense of community among campers.

Yellow Lantern Kamp Grounds, while not explicitly detailing ongoing promotional discounts in the provided information, operates within typical campground rate structures that can offer value to New Yorkers planning a stay. Based on common practices and available information:

• Seasonal Opening/Closing Rates: The campground is "Open Mid April thru Mid October." During the shoulder seasons (e.g., late April/early May, late September/early October), rates might be more competitive or the atmosphere quieter, offering a different kind of value.
• Daily, Weekly, and Seasonal Rates: Like most campgrounds, Yellow Lantern Kamp Grounds likely offers tiered pricing for daily, weekly, and potentially monthly or seasonal stays. Opting for a longer stay, such as a week or an entire season, often results in a lower per-night cost. Their website confirms "Seasonal Site Memos and Contracts have been sent," indicating a strong seasonal program.
• Passport America Discounts: The campground participates in Passport America, offering discounts for members. However, these often come with restrictions, such as "valid Mon thru Thurs. for one night ONLY," not valid during holidays or special events, and being for "Drive-up accommodations only (no reservations permitted for PA-first come, first served)." It's typically "not valid for 50-amp service or full hookup" and may have an additional charge for amenities like "A/C or Electric heat." Guests should always call ahead to check availability when using Passport America.
• Themed Weekend Value: While not a discount on the site fee, the extensive "special events like Christmas in July and Halloween in August" (complete with "haunted hayrides and camper-to-camper trick-or-treating") offer significant added entertainment value for families staying during these times. These events enhance the overall experience without an extra charge for participation (beyond the regular camping fee).
• Utility Charges: It's noted that longer stays might incur additional utility charges, as one reviewer mentioned paying "$20 for electricity" for a 9-night stay. This transparency in billing helps campers manage their budget.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on rates, availability, and any specific promotions for your planned visit, it is always best for New Yorkers to directly contact Yellow Lantern Kamp Grounds via phone. Their staff can provide precise details on pricing, seasonal offers, and how to best plan your stay.

For reservations, inquiries about site availability, amenities, special events, or any other questions regarding your stay at Yellow Lantern Kamp Grounds, you can reach them through the following contact details:

Address: 1770 NY-13, Cortland, NY 13045, USA

Phone: (607) 756-2959

Mobile Phone: +1 607-756-2959

Given the range of services and varied reviews on initial interactions, direct communication via phone is highly recommended to confirm all details and ensure a smooth arrival and stay.

For New Yorkers, Yellow Lantern Kamp Grounds in Cortland stands out as an incredibly suitable and appealing option for a local camping getaway, particularly for families. Its core strengths lie in its family-centric atmosphere, comprehensive amenities, and its advantageous location within the beautiful Finger Lakes region.

Firstly, the campground's commitment to creating a "family friendly" environment is a major draw. For parents across the state, finding a place where "my kids feel comfortable there" and have ample opportunities for outdoor play—from riding bikes and using the playgrounds to swimming in the pool—is invaluable. The unique "carnival slide, bouncy house with slide, and a carnival ride for the littles" are features that truly differentiate Yellow Lantern, promising endless fun and memorable experiences for children. This focus on engaging activities for kids allows parents to relax and enjoy their vacation, knowing their children are entertained and safe.

Secondly, its location on NY-13 in Cortland offers a perfect blend of natural tranquility and convenient access. While providing a "very wooded and quiet" setting for a true outdoor escape, it remains just minutes from downtown Cortland for any essential supplies or local dining. More broadly, its position in the Finger Lakes makes it an ideal "home base" for exploring the region's famous waterfalls, picturesque gorges, charming towns, and renowned wine trails. This accessibility means less time spent on long drives and more time enjoying the destination, which is a significant advantage for busy New York families.

Finally, despite one isolated negative experience, the prevailing sentiment from returning campers highlights the positive impact of the owners and staff, who are credited with "making it a wonderful experience!" This emphasizes a core dedication to hospitality and a willingness to foster a welcoming community. With a variety of site types to accommodate both RVs and tents, clean facilities, and the added fun of themed weekends, Yellow Lantern Kamp Grounds provides a well-rounded and reliable camping destination. For New Yorkers seeking a fun-filled, accessible, and genuinely family-oriented camping adventure in a beautiful Upstate setting, Yellow Lantern Kamp Grounds is a highly recommended choice.

Yellow Lantern Kamp Grounds

1770 NY-13, Cortland, NY 13045, USA