Blueberry Patch Campground

- Picnic Area Rd, Burdett, NY 14818

For New York residents yearning for an authentic, rustic getaway far removed from the constant noise of modern life, the Blueberry Patch Campground in Burdett, NY, offers an unparalleled sanctuary. This small, semi-primitive campground is a designated gem within the Finger Lakes National Forest, the only National Forest in New York State.

The experience here is defined by peace and seclusion. Customer reviews consistently highlight the "eerily quiet" atmosphere, noting that the spacious, heavily wooded sites create an incredible sense of privacy. Campers praise the feeling of being truly remote—a welcome change for those accustomed to crowded state parks. This is a destination for nature lovers, hikers, and those who prioritize tranquility over full-service amenities.

True to its name, the campground is adjacent to a large, managed patch of high bush and low bush blueberries, which becomes a popular spot for gathering berries when they are in season—adding a unique and delightful foraging experience to your stay. For a budget-friendly rate, you get a secluded, expansive site that serves as the perfect base camp to explore the stunning gorges, lakes, and wineries of the greater Finger Lakes region.

Blueberry Patch Campground is beautifully situated along Picnic Area Rd, Burdett, NY 14818, USA, placing it in the central, elevated section of the Finger Lakes National Forest. The nearest notable towns, Watkins Glen and Ithaca, are both approximately 20 to 30 minutes away, providing the perfect balance between isolation and access to local attractions.

• The Only National Forest in NY: The campground’s location inside the Finger Lakes National Forest—nestled between Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake—makes it a truly special place. This forest spans over 16,000 acres, providing a diverse, multi-use landscape of gorges, ravines, woodlands, and open pastures.
• Access to Major Attractions: Despite its remote feel, the location is highly advantageous for exploring the best of the Finger Lakes. Campers are only a short drive from the spectacular waterfalls and gorges of Watkins Glen State Park and Taughannock Falls State Park.
• Wine Country Proximity: The site offers easy access to the famous Finger Lakes Wine Trails, particularly the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, which features numerous wineries, breweries, and farm markets.
• Semi-Primitive Access: The campground is accessed via local roads, and while the entrance is clearly marked along Picnic Area Road (County Route 2), visitors should expect a true forest setting. The road surfaces within the campground loop are gravel.

The Blueberry Patch Campground is designed for campers who appreciate simplicity and ruggedness. It is proudly a semi-primitive, first-come, first-served site managed by the USDA Forest Service, meaning it intentionally provides basic, essential facilities rather than full-service amenities.

• Campsite Availability: The campground features a total of nine well-spaced campsites, available on a first-come, first-served (FCFS) basis. It is advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.
• Affordable Camping: The fee structure is designed to be budget-friendly, with a low nightly rate collected via a self-pay kiosk at the entrance.
• Site Limitations: This campground is specifically best suited for tents or smaller campers, typically under 24 feet in length. Large RVs or fifth-wheel campers are not recommended due to the size of the sites and the road's rustic nature.
• Basic Sanitary Facilities: Two handicap-accessible vault toilets (pit toilets) are located at the beginning of the camping loop. Visitors should note that toilet paper is not always supplied, so bringing your own is a necessity.
• Waste Management: Bear-proof dumpsters and recycling bins are provided for trash disposal, which is a valuable service for a remote national forest site.
• Operating Season: The gate is generally open for use from mid-May through the end of November, perfectly covering the New York camping, hiking, and fall foliage seasons.

The greatest highlights of Blueberry Patch Campground are its natural setting and the level of privacy it affords, creating a profoundly peaceful outdoor experience for New Yorkers.

• Exceptional Privacy: The nine campsites are "distant from one another" and separated by ample foliage and woods, making it possible to experience an "eerie quiet" and truly escape the sound of neighboring campers.
• Dedicated Campsite Features: Each of the nine sites is expansive and includes essential provisions for a quality primitive experience:
• A fire pit and a cooking grill.
• A spacious tent pad.
• A picnic table (some are handicap accessible).
• Parking space for up to two vehicles.
• Water & Supplies Requirement: Critically, there is NO DRINKING WATER available on-site. Campers must come prepared to bring all the water they need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, reinforcing the semi-primitive nature of the experience.
• The Blueberry Patch: The famous blueberry patch itself is a massive highlight, offering the chance to gather high bush and low bush blueberries in season.
• Immediate Trail Access: The campground is a perfect hub for hikers, with over 30 miles of interconnecting trails—including the Burnt Hill Loop—running throughout the Finger Lakes National Forest, offering opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing.

As a semi-primitive, FCFS campground within a National Forest, direct reservations are not taken. For administrative inquiries, current conditions, or more detailed information about the Finger Lakes National Forest, please use the contacts below.

Address: Picnic Area Rd, Burdett, NY 14818, USA

Phone: (607) 546-4470

Mobile Phone: +1 607-546-4470

The Blueberry Patch Campground is exceptionally well-suited for New York State locals who are self-sufficient campers and desire a genuine escape into the wilderness. For those who find state parks too crowded, this National Forest site offers an attractive, inexpensive alternative where privacy is guaranteed. The spacious, secluded sites are a world away from the noise and light pollution of the cities, allowing campers to truly disconnect and enjoy the natural environment.

Its location serves as an excellent, rustic anchor for exploring the best the state has to offer: world-class hiking in the gorges of Watkins Glen, scenic drives along the Seneca Lake Scenic Byway, and tasting experiences along the wine, beer, and spirits trails. Furthermore, the chance to pick your own blueberries right at the campground adds a unique, seasonal charm that is a perfect, simple pleasure. For the experienced New York camper, the Blueberry Patch is the ideal, quiet sanctuary—a fantastic remote spot to recharge and reconnect with nature in the heart of the Finger Lakes.

Blueberry Patch Campground

Picnic Area Rd, Burdett, NY 14818, USA