Cool-Lea Campground

- NY-228, Odessa, NY 14869

Introduction / Overview

For New York families and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a welcoming, 'back-to-nature' escape with the comforts of modern camping amenities, Cool-Lea Campground in Odessa, NY, stands out as an exceptional destination. Nestled on the scenic shores of Cayuta Lake, this family-oriented retreat provides a refreshing blend of serene lakeside relaxation and engaging weekend activities, making it a perfect base for exploring the famous Finger Lakes region.

Cool-Lea Campground covers approximately 40 acres of land along the beautiful 388-acre lake, offering a variety of site types to suit every camper, from RV travelers needing full hookups to those seeking the rustic appeal of tent sites or the convenience of cabin rentals. The atmosphere is consistently praised by local New York visitors for its warm hospitality and strong sense of community, frequently highlighting the friendly and engaged management and staff. As one reviewer noted, the staff, including Manager Bob Grover and his German Shepherd, Elvis, go "above and beyond" to ensure a positive and inviting experience, even amidst unexpected travel delays and complications. This focus on customer care and a genuinely welcoming environment elevates Cool-Lea from a simple campground to a true vacation destination.

Location and Accessibility

Cool-Lea Campground’s address at NY-228, Odessa, NY 14869, places it in a highly desirable and accessible area of the state: the heart of the Finger Lakes region. This location is one of its most significant assets for local New York users, as it serves as an excellent launchpad for regional exploration.

Central Finger Lakes Access: The campground is situated just minutes from key regional attractions. It is only about a 22-minute drive from the vibrant city of Ithaca, home to Cornell University and Ithaca College, and less than 10 miles from the world-famous Watkins Glen International racetrack.

Natural Wonders at Your Doorstep: The area is celebrated for its breathtaking natural scenery and is surrounded by numerous New York State Parks known for their incredible waterfalls and gorges, including Watkins Glen State Park, Robert H. Treman State Park, and Buttermilk Falls State Park. This wealth of nearby hiking and sightseeing opportunities makes a stay at Cool-Lea ideal for adventure seekers.

Cayuta Lake Access: The campground sits directly on Cayuta Lake, a body of water known for its abundant game fish, including bass and walleye, making it a prime spot for fishing and boating. While a reviewer mentioned the lake being 'unswimable,' it is important for New York campers to know that the campground does designate a swimming area and provides safety guidelines. However, the true water draw is for boating, fishing, and kayaking, activities which thrive on the lake.

Services Offered

Cool-Lea Campground provides a comprehensive range of services and accommodation types designed to maximize guest comfort and convenience.

• Diverse Accommodations: The park offers Full Hook-Up RV sites (with 30 and 50 Amp service), Water/Electric RV sites, dedicated Tent Sites (some wooded and secluded), two comfortable Cabins, a Rental Camper, and a full Cottage rental with lake views.
• Clean Facilities: Campers consistently report that the restrooms and bathhouses are clean and well-stocked, a vital amenity for any extended stay.
• Boat Amenities: Free boat launching is provided for campers. The campground also offers boat, canoe, and kayak rentals, as well as boat docking facilities.
• Essential Utilities: Each site includes a picnic table and a fire ring. A sanitary dump station is available for RV users.
• Camp Store and Pavilion: An on-site Camp Store carries essential supplies, snacks, ice, firewood, and features games like a pool table. The covered lakeside Pavilion is available for rent and serves as a central hub for community events.

Features / Highlights

The true character of Cool-Lea Campground lies in its unique combination of personalized service, community focus, and recreational variety.

• Exceptional Hospitality and Management: The standout feature is the friendly and helpful staff, as evidenced by the willingness of the manager to personally guide lost campers late at night. The "nicest people anywhere" sentiment highlights the warm, community-driven atmosphere.
• Lakeside Fun and Fishing: Located directly on Cayuta Lake, the campground provides immediate access to excellent fishing for bass, walleye, and perch, along with abundant opportunities for boating and paddling.
• Live Weekend Entertainment: The campground distinguishes itself with scheduled weekend entertainment, including live bands, trivia, and karaoke nights, creating a lively social scene that many campers highly appreciate.
• On-Site Food Truck: The presence of a food truck (and seasonal BBQ) is a highly praised asset, offering convenient dining options so that guests don't have to cook every meal.
• Proximity to Major Events: The location is ideal for New Yorkers attending races at Watkins Glen International or visiting the various festivals and cultural events hosted in Ithaca and Montour Falls.

Contact Information

To plan your next family vacation or Finger Lakes exploration, New York residents can reach Cool-Lea Campground using the following information:

Address: NY-228, Odessa, NY 14869, USA

Phone: (607) 594-3500

Mobile Phone: +1 607-594-3500

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Cool-Lea Campground is perfectly suited for local New York users because it offers a centralized, value-packed, and authentically friendly Finger Lakes experience. For those residing downstate or in the western part of the state, it represents a readily accessible and complete getaway. Unlike more remote state parks, Cool-Lea provides the full spectrum of camping experiences—from tent to cottage—while ensuring that the amenities and service are top-notch. The ability to dock a boat, fish a rich lake, and then drive a few minutes to explore the world-class waterfalls and wineries of the Finger Lakes makes it an ideal home base.

Furthermore, the engaging community environment, fostered by weekend entertainment and the genuinely kind staff, addresses the desire many New Yorkers have for a vacation that is both relaxing and social. Cool-Lea offers more than just a place to park; it offers a high-quality, memorable family vacation where the staff ensures that every aspect of the stay, from late-night arrivals to daily upkeep, is handled with an extraordinary level of care. For an unforgettable, hassle-free Finger Lakes camping adventure, Cool-Lea Campground is highly recommended.

Cool-Lea Campground

NY-228, Odessa, NY 14869, USA